The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarunmi, has stated that the party has overcome its internal divisions and is now united. He made this declaration while speaking with journalists and party stakeholders, outlining his vision for the state ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Gbolarunmi emphasized that there is no longer any "Wike faction" or "Makinde faction" in the state chapter, stressing that it is now one PDP.
Gbolarunmi, a self-described grassroots politician, highlighted his long-standing relationship with the people, which he believes will influence his approach to governance if elected. He mentioned that his administration would focus on education, infrastructure, healthcare, justice, and equity. The candidate stressed that his ambition is being pursued through the platform and established structure of the PDP, and that elected representatives must remain accountable to the party and its objectives.
On the relationship between elected office holders and the political party, Gbolarunmi rejected the notion that becoming governor automatically makes an individual the leader of the party. He emphasized the need to respect party leaders and structure, and that the party would work towards the success of its candidates across different levels of government. Gbolarunmi also mentioned that the party would seek to deliver its presidential candidate in the 2027 election.
Regarding former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike's relationship with the PDP, Gbolarunmi stated that Wike's decision to support President Bola Tinubu did not amount to anti-party activity. He explained that the party had given Wike a nod before he went to support Tinubu, and that Wike's willingness to retain his support is a personal matter. Gbolarunmi's comments come amid previous political disagreements that divided prominent PDP members into camps associated with Wike and Governor Seyi Makinde.
Turning to the economy, unemployment, and youth development, Gbolarunmi criticized the inadequate economic empowerment opportunities for young people in the state. He stated that thousands of youths have graduated from tertiary institutions or acquired vocational skills but are still without jobs or resources to establish businesses. Gbolarunmi emphasized the need for strategic support for small businesses to create a chain of employment and an industrial development policy to attract companies and create sustainable employment.
Gbolarunmi also spoke on the practice of politicians distributing money and food during election periods, describing it as an inadequate approach to addressing the needs of the people. He ruled out using this strategy for his campaign, instead emphasizing the need for publicity, branding, and mobilization. The candidate criticized the practice of politicians returning to communities during election periods with food items and cash after allegedly failing to deliver meaningful development while in office.
Meanwhile, PDP candidate for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Hon. Ayobami Olunloyo, identified legislation, constituency projects, and investment attraction as key areas to tackle the state's economic challenges. He emphasized the need for effective legislation to provide a framework for attracting new industries and protecting businesses already operating in the state. Olunloyo also called for greater attention to agriculture, particularly the provision of communal storage facilities to enable farmers to preserve their produce and reduce losses.
Key points
- Oyo PDP governorship candidate Barrister Hazeem Gbolarunmi declares party unity, dismissing Wike and Makinde factions ahead of 2027 elections.
- Gbolarunmi outlines focus areas for his administration, including education, infrastructure, healthcare, justice, and equity.
- The candidate criticizes inadequate economic empowerment opportunities for young people in the state and emphasizes the need for strategic support for small businesses and industrial development policy.
