In a significant political development that has captured the attention of Oyo State's political landscape, prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state.
Grand Declaration at Party Secretariat
The formal announcement took place on Tuesday, November 25, at the Oyo State PDP secretariat located in Molete, Ibadan. The event transformed into a remarkable display of party unity and organizational strength, drawing an impressive gathering of political heavyweights and grassroots supporters alike.
What made the declaration particularly noteworthy was the unprecedented attendance of the entire 39-member Oyo State PDP Executive Committee alongside all 33 Local Government Party Chairmen. Political analysts immediately interpreted this collective presence as a strong early endorsement of Ajadi's gubernatorial ambition, signaling substantial internal party support for his candidacy.
Ancestral Calling and Humanitarian Mission
Following an extensive high-level meeting with the party leadership, Ajadi articulated that his decision to enter the 2027 race was motivated by both ancestral duty and the compelling need to expand his humanitarian impact across the state. The governorship hopeful emotionally stated, "My father's land has called me home", revealing the deep personal connection driving his political journey.
Ajadi, who traces his paternal lineage to Osegere in Egbeda Local Government Area, explained that his community had specifically urged him to bring his well-documented philanthropic interventions formally into Oyo State through public leadership. "My people told me that Oyo State needs more of my humanitarian touch than ever before", he shared. "I have touched lives across the nation, but they said the good work must now be brought home."
Track Record of Community Development
Over the years, Ajadi has cultivated a substantial reputation through the Ajadi Movement, an initiative that has consistently focused on youth empowerment, community development, transparent governance, and support for vulnerable groups. His extensive interventions span multiple sectors and include business grants for entrepreneurs, medical outreach programs for underserved communities, rural development schemes, skills acquisition training programs, and direct welfare support for those in need.
Most recently, in Ibafo, Ogun State, Ajadi funded the comprehensive rehabilitation of more than twelve major link roads, a project that brought significant relief to thousands of residents and daily commuters. He emphasized that his governorship aspiration is fundamentally intended to expand these successful programs to benefit the entire Oyo State population.
In a gesture of political maturity and respect for the current administration, Ajadi commended Governor Seyi Makinde, describing him as a visionary leader whose achievements must be sustained and built upon. He articulated his commitment to continuity, stating: "Part of my manifesto is to continue where he stops because continuity is sacrosanct. Governance must be consistent if we want positive legacies to endure."
The aspiring governor outlined that his administration would prioritize economic expansion, security enhancement, youth engagement, rural development, and people-centred policies as core components of his governance agenda.
Political Journey and Party Transition
Ajadi's appearance at the PDP convention in Ibadan marks a significant chapter in his political evolution, coming shortly after his resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and subsequent defection to the PDP. Previously, he had contested as the Ogun State governorship candidate during the 2023 general elections under the NNPP platform.
Reflecting on the convention, Ajadi characterized the event as a defining moment for the PDP as the party positions itself for the 2027 general elections. His transition to the PDP and immediate declaration of gubernatorial ambition signals a strategic realignment that could potentially reshape the political dynamics in Oyo State as the next election cycle approaches.
The early declaration provides Ajadi with a substantial time advantage to consolidate his support base, articulate his vision to the electorate, and navigate the complex internal party processes that will ultimately determine the PDP's standard bearer for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.
