2027: Oyo PDP moves to reclaim dominance, presents certificates of return to candidates

In a clear demonstration of its strategic intent to reclaim political dominance in Oyo State, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officially activated its machinery for the 2027 electoral cycle by presenting Certificates of Return to its successful candidates on Sunday.

The high-profile ceremony, which witnessed a massive turnout of party stakeholders, was dominated by a unified message of reconciliation and renewed political vigor. Key figures, including the party’s gubernatorial hopeful, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, the State Chairman, Prof. Abdulrahman Akinoso, and the candidate for the Ibadan Southwest-Northwest Federal Constituency, Opeyemi Fatola, collectively projected a “team-first” agenda aimed at bridging historical divides to ensure total victory at the polls.

Underscoring the party’s readiness, Alhaji Gbolarumi personally presented the certificates to the National Assembly candidates, while the State Chairman, Prof. Akinoso, officiated the presentation to the Oyo State House of Assembly flagbearers.

Affirming its lineup for the upper legislative chamber, the party handed certificates to its senatorial candidates: Bolanle Sarumi-Aliyu (Oyo South), Akinyode Olunloyo (Oyo Central), and Iyabode Abdullahi (Oyo North).

For the House of Representatives, the party unveiled Victoria Omolara Akinyemi (Akinyele/Lagelu), Idris Olanrewaju Afolabi (Atiba/Oyo East), Rahmota Titilope Azeez (Atisbo/Saki East/Saki West), and Abisola Salome Odeyemi (Egbeda/Ona-Ara). The federal constituency tickets were also secured by Olusegun Alade Olusoji (Ibadan North), Akinseye Adejoke Adekanbi (Ibadan South-East/Ibadan North-East), Opeyemi Samson Fatola (Ibadan South-West/Ibadan North-West), Aruna Abiola Rasaki (Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North), Elizabeth Folashade Alao (Ido/Ibarapa East), and AbdulLateef Adediran Suleimana (Irepo/Orelope/Olorunsogo). The lower chamber slate is completed by Rotimi David Ajumobi (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola), Ajoke Kudirat Okanlawon (Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Oriire), Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi (Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere), and Moboluji Adedotun Adebayo (Oluyole).

Similarly, the party showcased a robust lineup for the Oyo State House of Assembly, with certificates presented to Olutoyin Olalekan Akande (Akinyele I), Fatai Akintunde Lasisi (Akinyele II), Rafiu Tunde Salami (Afijio), Afeez Bashorun Olanrewaju (Atiba), Oyejide Adetoyese Adeniyi (Egbeda), Olaide Shakiru Roheem (Ibadan North I), Kazeem Abiodun Balogun (Ibadan North II), and Babatunde Bello Abdullahi (Ibadan North-East I).

Also securing the state legislature tickets are Taoreed Ademola Hammed (Ibadan North-East II), Akeem Olaleye Obadara (Ibadan North-West), Adekunle Olatubosun (Ibadan South-East I), Tomiwa Oladejo (Ibadan South-East II), Usman Adedibu (Ibadan South-West I), Saheed Taiwo Jimoh (Ibadan South-West II), Kamprudeen Tunde Dauda (Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North), Waheed Adenrele Adekunle (Ibarapa East), and Surajudeen Olapade Okunola (Ido).

The exhaustive list of state assembly hopefuls was rounded out by Babatunde Ishola Moruf (Irepo/Olorunsogo), Adebisi Toyosi Yekini (Iseyin/Itesiwaju), Kolawole Adedoyin Ogunleye (Iwajowa), Adewale Liasu Taiwo (Kajola), Shukurat Aduke Amusat (Lagelu), Grace Ajoke Abisoye (Ogbomoso North), Adeola Adebayo (Ogbomoso South), Victor Micheal Durojaye (Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere), Olanrewaju Tosin Daniel (Oluyole), Sunday Felix Adedapo (Ona-Ara), Saliu Toye Odewo (Orelope), Kehinde Olayemi Olajire (Oriire), Olalekan Akeem Jimoh (Oyo East/Oyo West), Victoria Olagbenro (Saki East/Atisbo), and Comfort Bola Odugbemi (Saki West).

Speaking with journalists after the presentation, Alhaji Gbolarumi characterized the path to 2027 as requiring unwavering collective effort, warning that the ultimate goal of reclaiming dominance cannot be achieved in a divided house. “In a football match, some move up while others stay back, but it remains one team playing for one goal,” Gbolarumi stated. “We are all members of the same family. My charge to our people is to return to the grassroots, mobilize without arrogance, and ensure we leave no one behind. Our victory depends on our unity.”

Reinforcing the strategy for reclaiming power, State Chairman Prof. Akinoso attributed the party’s ongoing resilience to divine favor and stressed that current efforts are heavily focused on intense reconciliation. He confirmed that the leadership is actively engaging aggrieved members, noting that “give-and-take” is crucial for political success.

“We are drawing all stakeholders closer. Politics is a game of numbers, and infighting is a luxury we cannot afford if we are to reclaim the state,” Akinoso remarked. He argued that while other platforms have fragmented, the PDP has maintained its distinct identity and national reach, positioning it as the most viable vehicle for the 2027 elections.

Opeyemi Fatola echoed the resolve for a unified front, declaring his candidacy a commitment to grassroots service rather than personal ambition. “The agreement between me and the people of my constituency is for me to be their voice, not their boss. We have been in the trenches together, and this journey is about ensuring their concerns are heard at the highest levels,” he said, expressing firm optimism about a dominant electoral performance.

The event, which also featured addresses by stalwarts like Hon. Taiwo Jimoh and the Senatorial Chairman for Oyo Central, Hon. Adewusi Adegbola, effectively transitioned the Oyo PDP from internal consolidation into an aggressive campaign focused on taking back power in 2027.