The Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State is preparing for its governorship primary scheduled for Sunday, as three aspirants intensify their campaigns to secure the party's ticket for the 2027 general elections. This contest is expected to shape the political direction of the opposition party in the state.
Aspirants in the Race
The three aspirants vying for the PDP governorship ticket are former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, Mogaji Oluwakayode Ogunsola, and Amofin Beulah Adeoye. Each candidate brings unique strengths and support bases to the primary.
Primary Details Announced
In a statement made available to journalists on Saturday in Ibadan, the Chairman of the PDP in Oyo State, Prof. Rahman Akinoso, disclosed that the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre at Iyaganku, Ibadan, has been designated as the state collation centre for the exercise. The party chairman explained that the governorship primary will be conducted through the direct primary system, in line with the provisions of the amended Electoral Act. This system allows registered party members across all wards in the state to participate directly in the voting process.
Commitment to Transparency
Akinoso assured aspirants and party members that the process would be transparent, free, and credible. He emphasized that the party leadership would provide a level playing field for all contenders. He urged party members to vote for a candidate capable of leading the PDP to victory in the 2027 governorship election. "We are committed to conducting a free, fair, transparent and credible primary. Our members should support a candidate with the capacity, acceptability and political strength to return the PDP to power in Oyo State," he stated.
Candidate Profiles
Gbolarumi is widely regarded as an experienced figure in Oyo politics with deep roots in the PDP structure. Meanwhile, Ogunsola and Adeoye are said to command growing support among party loyalists and grassroots mobilisers. The primary is expected to be a keenly contested race, with each aspirant leveraging their networks and campaign strategies to secure the party's nomination.
