Jubilation as PDP Oyo Gubernatorial Candidate Gbolarumi Receives Certificate of Return

​The political atmosphere in Oyo State erupted in celebration on Wednesday following the formal presentation of the Certificate of Return to Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi by the Peoples Democratic Party.

​The presentation, which took place during the party’s 109th National Executive Committee meeting at the Wadata Plaza in Abuja, has effectively ended speculations regarding the party’s candidate structure for the 2026–2030 term.

​For supporters in Oyo State, the development triggered widespread jubilation, with party faithful describing the issuance of the certificate as a major boost to the party’s prospects in the state.

​The event, which brought together national leaders and delegates from the 36 states, saw Alhaji Gbolarumi officially solidified as the party’s flagbearer. His formal endorsement is being viewed by political analysts as a strategic move by the PDP to present a united front and consolidate its influence in the Southwest.

​The atmosphere at the Wadata Plaza was one of triumph, with party stakeholders witnessing the transition. High-profile figures, including a former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, were in attendance to witness the event. Also present at the ceremony were the PDP Ogun State Governorship Candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, and the PDP National Treasurer, Diran Odeyemi, who joined the Oyo State PDP candidate to mark the occasion.

​As news of the presentation filtered back to Ibadan, party members took to the streets and social media platforms to express their support. Local PDP chapters have begun rallying, signaling a move to transition from internal processes to a full-scale campaign mode.

​Party officials stated that the formalization of Alhaji Gbolarumi’s candidacy is a tactical maneuver to streamline the operations of the opposition. The move is expected to bolster the party’s organizational capacity as it prepares to navigate the electoral demands of the coming years in Oyo State.