In a significant move to consolidate grassroots support, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, stormed the party's stronghold in Ibadan on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Ajadi Takes 2027 Ambition to the Grassroots
The aspirant attended a crucial stakeholders' meeting at the Ibadan North East PDP Secretariat, engaging with party leaders, Local Government Executives, and Ward Chairmen. He later proceeded to a General Meeting, where he was welcomed by thousands of party faithful. Ajadi stated that his visit was part of an ongoing statewide consultation tour, emphasizing that his ambition is built on continuing and expanding the developmental legacy of Governor Seyi Makinde.
"I have come to formally introduce myself to our leaders and members here in Ibadan North East," Ajadi told the gathering. He positioned his bid as one of succession and consolidation, saying, "My governorship ambition is to succeed His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, and to consolidate on his record of good governance."
Omituntun 3.0: Positioning as Makinde's Successor
In a powerful declaration that directly linked his vision to the current administration, Ajadi branded himself as the next phase of the state's progress. "Governor Seyi Makinde delivered Omituntun 1.0 and is successfully implementing Omituntun 2.0. I stand before you today as Omituntun 3.0," he announced, asking for support to move Oyo State forward.
He made a personal appeal to key demographics within the party, urging women to support him wholeheartedly and calling on men to remain politically agile. Ajadi also highlighted his commitment to accessibility, noting that he promised himself to always be present with party leaders and members even before holding public office.
Addressing Concerns and Making Promises
During the interactive session, the PDP Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Fatokun Abuye, raised questions about an ongoing empowerment registration drive by the Ajadi Movement. The aspirant confirmed the initiative was genuine, explaining it was designed to accurately identify beneficiaries for future programs.
Ajadi further unveiled concrete plans to support education and party infrastructure. He pledged to commence scholarship awards for secondary school students from January and promised to provide a solar power system for the Ibadan North East PDP Secretariat to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Party Leaders Rally Behind Ajadi's Ground Game
In his response, Chairman Abuye expressed initial concerns about the registration process but said he was satisfied after engaging directly with Ajadi. He made a notable comparison, stating, "Some aspirants are governors on Facebook, but Ambassador Ajadi is on the ground, moving from one local government to another, meeting leaders and members face to face."
Abuye acknowledged that Ajadi was the first governorship aspirant to personally visit party leaders in Ibadan North East, setting him apart from others who only announce ambitions online. While noting the experience of party leaders, he concluded that ultimate success rests with divine intervention, adding, "With God's intervention, I believe Ajadi will secure the ticket."
Other ward leaders echoed this support. Alausa Dauda, Chairman of Ward 4, described Ibadan North East as the strongest PDP stronghold in Oyo State and expressed confidence in Ajadi's capacity and charisma to succeed Governor Makinde.
Wasiu Tijani, Chairman of Ward 12, emphasized voter participation, urging Ajadi to assist elderly party members in obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) when INEC reopens its portal. Former Woman Leader, Alhaja Nike, offered prayers for the aspirant, describing his consultation style as evidence of readiness for leadership.
Hon. Mumin Yekin, Treasurer of the Ibadan North East PDP, advised Ajadi to deepen engagement with party executives at all levels to strengthen internal cohesion. This visit marks a pivotal milestone in Ajadi's statewide consultations as he builds a formidable grassroots network ahead of the 2027 Oyo State governorship race.
