The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State officially kicked off its journey toward the 2027 general elections on Thursday, affirming Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja as its consensus gubernatorial candidate.
Arapaja, a veteran politician and the party’s choice for the Agodi Government House, emerged unopposed following a unanimous affirmation by party delegates drawn from all 33 local government areas of the state.
The event, which took place at an event hall in the Sanyo area of Ibadan, the state capital, was attended by a massive crowd of party faithful, stakeholders, and national officers, signaling an early show of force and internal cohesion by the ruling party in the state.
Declaring the outcome of the exercise, the Chairman of the Consensus Primaries Committee, Barrister Oliver Okeke, stated that the adoption of Arapaja was born out of a collective agreement among the delegates.
He noted that because the delegates from every local government area unanimously adopted his candidacy, Arapaja stands officially elected as the PDP flag bearer for the 2027 gubernatorial election in Oyo State.
In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Arapaja who began on a somber note, requested the audience to observe a minute of silence for the teachers who recently lost their lives to kidnappers in Oriire local government, while praying for the safe return of other pupils and teachers currently held in captivity by kidnappers.
Arapaja who described his candidacy as a “mandate of unity,” dismissing the notion that effective governance requires political gimmickry. Instead, he argued that successful administration relies entirely on proven capability and deep-seated political experience.
“There is no magic anybody performs in governance; what is needed is experience and the capacity to do the right thing,” Arapaja declared. “I am not a newcomer who doesn’t know where to start. I have more than 30 years of experience. We have done it before, and we will do it again.”
He promised to build directly upon the achievements of the current administration, while ensuring that dedicated party members are not left behind.
“Those that work for the party will reap the fruit of their labor. We need your support and prayers to make this mandate a reality. Let us close ranks and work in unity. We will govern with the fear of God and attend to the well-being of the people,” he added.
The PDP delegates also used the occasion to ratify and affirm candidates for all the 14 federal and 32 state legislative seats in Oyo State.
Hon. Peter Olapoju Olusina was officially affirmed as the candidate for the Oyo South Senatorial District. Former Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Michael Lana, secured the ticket for Oyo Central, while Senator Gbenga Babalola was ratified to contest the Oyo North Senatorial District seat.
Additionally, the party ratified its flag bearers for the 14 federal House of Representatives seats and the 32 state House of Assembly constituencies across Oyo State.
The consensus primaries were heavily monitored by a team of national PDP officers and official observers, ensuring compliance with internal party regulations. Among the key dignitaries and observers present on the ground were Engr. Adeyemi Durojaiye, Mrs. Adedeji Bolatito, Engr. Awoyemi Olufemi, Mr. Kehinde Omotayo Stephen, Mr. Olusegun Onigbinde, and Mr. Oluwafemi John Williams.
With all its major tickets settled via consensus well ahead of the general elections, the Oyo State PDP has set a clear precedent of internal alignment as it prepares to face rivals in the 2027 general elections.
