Oyo 2027: PDP Candidates Receive Certificates of Return as Akinoso, Gbolarumi, Fatola Sue for Unity

By Seyifunmi Odunuga 

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the next electoral dispensation, standard-bearers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State have officially received their Certificates of Return, marking a major milestone in the party's preparation for the polls. The event was not merely a ceremonial validation of mandates, but a strategic platform for party leadership and candidates to project a formidable, united front.

The glamorous ceremony, which was characterized by widespread jubilation, attracted top political gladiators and key stakeholders across the state. The mood was one of collective resolve, as the party transitioned from internal processes to a full-scale campaign phase aimed at reinforcing its grassroots dominance.

In a move to solidify the party's ranks, the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Abdulrahman Akinoso, attributed the party's recent strides to divine favor and outlined a robust framework for reconciliation. Akinoso disclosed that the party leadership has initiated both private and public dialogues to pacify aggrieved factions, emphasizing that politics is a game of numbers and that internal conflicts are detrimental to their collective goals. He charged candidates to actively engage the electorate, present their manifestos clearly, and remain accountable to the grassroots.

"What we have achieved is not by our own power, it is by the mercy of God. As things stand, we are drawing all political stakeholders closer," Akinoso stated. "We are appealing to every aggrieved faction to come forward for negotiation, because politics is about give-and-take. We know the work has just begun, and we will promise our people what they need and ensure we do not disappoint them."

The highlight of the occasion was the formal presentation to the Oyo State PDP gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi. His reception of the certificate was met with thunderous applause, underscoring the strong support he enjoys among party loyalists and state leadership. Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Gbolarumi emphasized the critical need for cohesion, likening the political process to a team sport where individual successes must contribute to the collective victory.

"What brings us together is this: in a football match, some go up, some go down. But regardless, we must unite because we are of the same family and the same party," Gbolarumi noted. "My advice is that our people should go home and do the grassroots work. No one should act superior; they must work together and reach out to the right people to secure votes and win."

Echoing the call for dedicated service and unity, the PDP candidate for the Ibadan Southwest-Northwest Federal Constituency, Opeyemi Fatola, declared his readiness to serve as a true representative of the people rather than a political boss. Fatola stressed that his aspiration was the product of long-term commitment and grassroots engagement. He expressed confidence that through joint efforts and genuine appeals, any existing post-primary grievances across party lines would be fully resolved to ensure a seamless electoral success.

On his part, the candidate for Ibadan Southwest Constituency 2 State House of Assembly, Hon. Taiwo Jimoh, lauded the political pedigree of the gubernatorial flagbearer, projecting a landslide victory for the PDP in 2027. Jimoh reminded the gathering of Gbolarumi’s extensive track record, noting that he is a prominent figure who has historically been instrumental in the political success of several lawmakers and governors in the state.

Also speaking, the Senatorial Chairman for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Hon. Adewusi Adegbola, praised the historic resilience of the PDP, noting that it remains the most steadfast political platform in Nigeria's democratic dispensation. He urged the youth constituency to actively participate in the electoral process, assuring them that the PDP remains the only party genuinely committed to the state's development.