By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
A leading governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday intensified his grassroots consultations as he met with party stakeholders and community leaders in the Ibarapa zone, assuring them of inclusive governance and continuity if elected.
Addressing party faithful at the Community Hall in Igbo-Ora, Ajadi said his visit was part of a deliberate effort to engage critical stakeholders across the state ahead of the party’s gubernatorial primaries.
He reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, describing it as a party with deep democratic roots in Nigeria.
Accordiing to him: “The PDP remains a party to be reckoned with. It laid the foundation of this democratic era, having produced Nigeria’s first president after military rule. I am committed to strengthening the party and building on its legacy,” he added.
“I have come to Ibarapa to formally inform our leaders, members of the PDP, and the general electorate of my aspiration. I seek your support to secure the party’s ticket and, by God’s grace, lead Oyo State to greater heights,” Ajadi said.
Ajadi also pledged to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde, particularly in infrastructure and governance.
“If given the mandate, I will work on the enduring legacy of Governor Makinde and ensure that development reaches every part of Oyo State, including Ibarapa,” he said.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Sola Adeleke, threw his weight behind Ajadi, describing him as a qualified and accessible aspirant with a track record of party loyalty.
“When we talk about capacity and qualification, Ambassador Ajadi stands tall among the aspirants. He is not only qualified, he is also accessible to party members at all levels,” Adeleke said.
He recalled Ajadi’s role during internal party challenges, noting that his interventions helped stabilise the PDP in Oyo State.
“It was at a critical time, when the party was facing internal crises, that Ajadi engaged with critical stakeholders—Chiefs of Staff, councillors, council chairmen, and party leaders. That effort contributed significantly to sustaining the unity we enjoy today in our party,” he stated.
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Adeleke further highlighted the developmental strides of the Makinde administration, citing the Iddo–Eruwa road project as a benchmark for quality governance.
“The road from Iddo to Eruwa constructed by Governor Makinde has remained durable and beneficial to our people. That is the kind of standard we expect continuity in,” he added.
Also speaking, the PDP Senatorial Chairman in the zone, Alhaji Kamorudeen Adeyemi, described Ajadi as a committed party man whose political style mirrors that of Governor Makinde.
“Ambassador Ajadi is worth emulating politically. He shares similar traits with Governor Makinde in terms of dedication to party structure and grassroots engagement,” Adeyemi said.
He commended Ajadi for standing firm with the PDP during turbulent periods.
“Despite distractions and crises within the party at the national level, Ajadi remained steadfast. At a time when many aspirants were silent, he openly declared his ambition and stood by the party,” he noted.
Other stakeholders at the meeting echoed similar sentiments, pledging support while urging inclusiveness and fairness in the party’s primary election process.
Hon. Lukmon Akinpelu, a political leader from Egbeda Local Government who accompanied Ambassador Ajadi to Ibarapa, said the visit demonstrated respect for the people of the zone and a genuine desire to earn their support.
Similarly, the PDP Chairman in Egbeda Local Government, Hon. Ebenezer Olawale Alawe, said Ajadi’s popularity extended beyond media visibility.
“Many contesters are only visible on billboards and social media, but Ajadi is known both on the streets and within the party. His humanitarian gestures and financial support have strengthened the PDP across Oyo State,” he said.
In his remarks, Chief Hon. Wole Opadeye acknowledged the presence of other aspirants from Ibarapa, urging mutual respect and unity regardless of the party’s eventual choice.
“If Ajadi secures the ticket, we will support him in the general election. And if the ticket goes to our son, we expect the same spirit of unity from him,” Opadeye said.
Speaking on behalf of women in the party, Mrs. Adebisi Yetunde called for greater inclusion of women in governance.
“Your administration should reflect inclusiveness. Women must not be left out in leadership and decision-making,” she appealed.
The meeting, which drew stakeholders from Ibarapa North, Ibarapa Central, and Ibarapa East, ended with a resounding show of support from party leaders and councillors, signaling growing momentum for Ajadi’s ambition ahead of the PDP primaries.
