By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State staged a consultation walkout on Tuesday in support of the governorship aspiration of Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, reaffirming their confidence in his candidacy ahead of the party’s primaries.
The peaceful political procession, held across major communities within the council area, attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, market vendors, and supporters who described Ajadi as a loyal party member with strong grassroots appeal.
The consultation walkout, which commenced at Osengere in Ward 8—Ajadi’s political base—moved through Gbagi Market, Iwo Road, Monatan, Olodo and Erunmu, drawing enthusiastic reactions from residents and traders who came out to welcome the PDP gubernatorial aspirant and his supporters.
Speaking during the walkout, Ambassador Ajadi expressed appreciation to party members and residents for their show of solidarity, describing the exercise as a demonstration of unity within the PDP in Egbeda.
“This show of love from my people in Egbeda Local Government means a lot to me. I am a committed member of the PDP and I remain dedicated to the growth and progress of our great party,” Ajadi said.
He added that his governorship ambition is driven by his desire to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde and further deepen good governance in Oyo State.
“Our goal is to build on the good governance already established by His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde. We want to expand opportunities for our youths, strengthen the local economy and ensure that development gets to every community,” he stated.
At Gbagi International Market, one of the major commercial hubs visited during the walkout, Ajadi addressed traders and artisans, assuring them of inclusive governance if given the mandate.
“I am coming with a clear vision to serve the people of Oyo State. Our administration, by God’s grace, will prioritise traders, artisans and small business owners because they are the backbone of our economy,” he told the cheering crowd.
The walkout was attended by notable PDP leaders including the Chairman of Egbeda Local Government and Oyo State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Sikiru Oyedele Sanda; the Political Head/Administrator of Ajorosun LCDA, Hon. Ibrahim Oladebo, popularly known as Simple; the Chief of Staff to the Egbeda Local Government Chairman, Hon. Kabiru Siyanbola; and the PDP Chairman in Egbeda Local Government, Chief Alawe Olawale Ebenezer, among others.
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Speaking on the significance of the exercise, Hon. Sanda described Ajadi as a dedicated party man whose aspiration deserves consideration.
“Ambassador Ajadi has demonstrated commitment to the PDP over the years. What we are witnessing today is a reflection of the acceptance he enjoys at the grassroots. Leaders will always consider candidates who have the support of the people,” he said.
Additionally, Chief Alawe noted that the consultation walkout was intended to reaffirm Ajadi’s loyalty to the PDP and to demonstrate his electability.
“Ajadi is not a stranger at our party. He is from Ward 8 here in Egbeda and he has remained consistent. We believe he is marketable and capable of flying the PDP flag if given the opportunity,” he said.
The event also featured entertainment performances by popular juju and gospel musician Otunba Femi Fadipe, popularly known as Femo Lancaster, alongside Bullion Records fast-rising hip-hop artiste Harcher (Abdul Rahman Yusuf), whose musical performances added colour to the political outing and attracted more young supporters.
Party faithful who spoke with journalists during the event said the turnout of supporters and the convoy of vehicles and motorcycles that accompanied the walkout showed the growing acceptance of Ajadi’s aspiration within the local government.
Observers noted that the consultation tour forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing grassroots engagement strategy aimed at strengthening his support base across Oyo State ahead of the PDP governorship race.
The walkout ended with a renewed call by supporters for party leaders to consider Ajadi’s popularity and loyalty to the PDP when the process of selecting the party’s governorship candidate begins.
