Former Oyo State Deputy Governor Hazeem Gbolarumi announced on Saturday that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is positioned to retain control of the state in the 2027 gubernatorial election, despite internal challenges.
Gbolarumi submitted his nomination form for the PDP’s 2027 governorship ticket at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata House, in Abuja. He arrived accompanied by a sizable delegation of Oyo State PDP loyalists and was welcomed by senior party officials, including National Treasurer Diran Odeyemi, National Publicity Secretary Mohammed Jungudo, and South‑West Zonal Publicity Secretary Comrade Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi. Also present were National Women Leader Professor Adenike Ogunshe, State Chairman Professor Rahman Akinoso, Oyo South senatorial aspirant Bolanle Sarumi, and other chieftains representing the state’s 33 local government areas.
Speaking after the filing, Gbolarumi emphasized the party’s confidence in securing a victory in 2027. He urged members to maintain unity and said efforts were underway to address the “current challenges” confronting the PDP. “As of today, PDP remains a party to beat. We are resolute in retaining power in Oyo State in 2027,” he stated.
Gbolarumi acknowledged the party’s difficulties, noting that “each political party has its own peculiarities,” but asserted that the PDP would overcome them before the election. He added that no other party in Oyo possesses the capacity to defeat the PDP, and thanked the leadership and grassroots supporters for their backing. “My aspiration is anchored on party unity, strengthening the PDP’s base in Oyo, and presenting a credible alternative to voters in 2027,” he concluded.
The declaration comes as the PDP prepares for its internal primaries and seeks to rebuild cohesion after recent internal disputes. Observers note that the upcoming nomination process will shape the party’s electoral strategy ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial race, a contest that will test the PDP’s ability to translate internal consolidation into statewide support.
