Olufemi Ajadi, a leading governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, has intensified his grassroots consultations ahead of the party's primaries. On Wednesday, he met with party stakeholders and community leaders in the Ibarapa zone, pledging inclusive governance and continuity if elected.
Ajadi Meets Ibarapa Leaders
Addressing party faithful at the Community Hall in Igbo-Ora, Ajadi said his visit was part of a deliberate effort to engage critical stakeholders across the state. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, describing it as a party with deep democratic roots in Nigeria.
According to Ajadi: “The PDP remains a party to be reckoned with. It laid the foundation of this democratic era, having produced Nigeria’s first president after military rule. I am committed to strengthening the party and building on its legacy.”
He added: “I have come to Ibarapa to formally inform our leaders, members of the PDP, and the general electorate of my aspiration. I seek your support to secure the party’s ticket and, by God’s grace, lead Oyo State to greater heights.”
Ajadi Pledges to Build on Makinde’s Achievements
Ajadi also pledged to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde, particularly in infrastructure and governance. He said: “If given the mandate, I will work on the enduring legacy of Governor Makinde and ensure that development reaches every part of Oyo State, including Ibarapa.”
Local Leaders Endorse Ajadi
The Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Sola Adeleke, threw his weight behind Ajadi, describing him as a qualified and accessible aspirant with a track record of party loyalty. Adeleke said: “When we talk about capacity and qualification, Ambassador Ajadi stands tall among the aspirants. He is not only qualified, he is also accessible to party members at all levels.”
He recalled Ajadi’s role during internal party challenges, noting that his interventions helped stabilise the PDP in Oyo State. “It was at a critical time, when the party was facing internal crises, that Ajadi engaged with critical stakeholders, Chiefs of Staff, councillors, council chairmen, and party leaders. That effort contributed significantly to sustaining the unity we enjoy today in our party.”
Adeleke further highlighted the developmental strides of the Makinde administration, citing the Iddo–Eruwa road project as a benchmark for quality governance. “The road from Iddo to Eruwa, constructed by Governor Makinde, has remained durable and beneficial to our people. That is the kind of standard we expect continuity in.”
PDP Chieftain Hails Ajadi’s Commitment
Also speaking, the PDP Senatorial Chairman in the zone, Alhaji Kamorudeen Adeyemi, described Ajadi as a committed party man whose political style mirrors that of Governor Makinde. He said: “Ambassador Ajadi is worth emulating politically. He shares similar traits with Governor Makinde in terms of dedication to party structure and grassroots engagement.”
He commended Ajadi for standing firm with the PDP during turbulent periods. “Despite distractions and crises within the party at the national level, Ajadi remained steadfast. At a time when many aspirants were silent, he openly declared his ambition and stood by the party.”
Ajadi’s Wider Consultations
Earlier, Ajadi had engaged with the G-22 bloc and Mogajis in Ibadan, emphasising the role of traditional institutions in Oyo State’s political future. He pledged grassroots development and promised to uphold integrity in leadership.
