AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Oyo State has declared its readiness to dislodge the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that the party would emerge victorious across the state.
Speaking on Friday during the presentation and ratification of the party’s candidates for elective positions, the Oyo State Chairman of the NDC, Mrs. Oyeronke Akinlolu, charged members to remain united and committed to the party’s vision of enthroning “true democracy” in the state and the country at large.
The event held about 24 hours after the National Leader of NDC, Seriake Dickson, warned against what he described as “transactional defections” in Nigerian politics.
Akinlolu, who lauded Dickson and the party leadership for their commitment, urged party loyalists to remain steadfast to the party and intensify grassroots mobilisation, and ensure they obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that the voter card remained the only guarantee for citizens to exercise their franchise during the elections.
Representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the exercise, which saw the emergence of candidates for governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and State Assembly positions.
Among those ratified were Mr. Akeem Ademola Yusuf as governorship candidate; Pastor Abigail Olanike Ojekunle for Oyo North Senatorial District; Dr. Paul Oche Adoyi for Oyo South Senatorial District; and Akeem Salam for Oyo Central Senatorial District.
For the House of Representatives, Mununi Ayinde Bakare emerged candidate for Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, while Dr. Adekunle Samson Adegbite clinched the ticket for Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Oriire Federal Constituency.
Candidates for the State House of Assembly include Mosuru Omotosho for Ibadan North, Gbenga Olanrewaju for Oluyole, Olawale Adesina for Ibadan North East/South East, Ayoola Biodun for Ibarapa East/Ido, Ayo Akinyemi for Iseyin/Iwajowa, Gbemileke Adebola for Ogbomoso North, Nureni Ishola for Oyo East/Oyo West, Fatoki Oyewale for Afijio and Oladokun Alao for Orelope, among others.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, a party leader in the state, Alhaji Ayoade Rahimi Baale, described the party’s emergence as a strong political force capable of redefining governance in Oyo State.
Baale, a former PDP Chairman in Ibadan North East Local Government and former Senatorial Secretary of the PDP in Oyo South, said the NDC had continued to attract notable political figures across the state due to its leadership structure and vision.
“We have an able chairman in Mrs. Oyeronke Akinlolu. Immediately the appointments of the executives were ratified, we swung into action even before we were called for the national convention of the party,” he said.
The governorship candidate, Akeem Ademola Yusuf, said his ambition was driven by the desire of Oyo residents for focused and people-oriented leadership.
“We are very hopeful and confident. The people are looking for real positive development and a new way of doing things, and the NDC is ready to provide that,” Yusuf said.
He pledged to prioritise security, youth employment, infrastructure and social services if elected governor.
According to him, special attention would be paid to agrarian and suburban communities facing insecurity challenges, citing the recent abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area as evidence of the need for improved security architecture.
“We have to improve the security situation in the state, especially in rural communities that are at the receiving end of attacks. We are also going to amplify job creation through the private sector and improve social infrastructure, education and healthcare,” he added.
Also speaking, Dr. Adekunle Samson Adegbite, the party’s House of Representatives candidate for Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Oriire Federal Constituency, said his decision to contest was informed by the need to provide purposeful and compassionate representation for the people.
Adegbite, Chief Executive Officer of Twindad Foundation, identified youth unemployment, poor road networks, inadequate healthcare, insecurity and economic hardship as major challenges confronting the constituency.
He highlighted his humanitarian and empowerment initiatives across communities, including youth empowerment programmes, support for vulnerable persons and sports development projects, pledging to champion policies that would enhance infrastructure, security and economic opportunities if elected.
Party members at the event pledged loyalty and support to the leadership and candidates of the NDC, while commending the party’s National Leader, Seriak Dickson, for his commitment to deepening democracy in Nigeria.
