Hazeem Gbolarumi, a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 general elections after securing a landslide victory in the party’s primary election conducted across the State.
- +Gbolarumi, ex-deputy governor, clinches Oyo PDP ticket for 2027
The primary, held across the 33 Local Government Areas and over 300 Electoral Wards, was conducted under tight security and in the presence of party stakeholders and officials from the national leadership of the PDP.
The primary, held across the 33 Local Government Areas and over 300 Electoral Wards, was conducted under tight security and in the presence of party stakeholders and officials from the national leadership of the PDP.
Delegates were reported to have voted peacefully during the exercise, which party officials described as orderly, transparent and largely hitch-free.
The collation of results was held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Ibadan, and witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by the Head of Department of Election and Party Monitoring in Oyo State, Olugbenga Keshinro, alongside security operatives and party members.
Announcing the result on Sunday evening, Tolulope Awoniyi, the Chairman of the PDP Governorship Primary Election Committee in Oyo State, said a total of 3,640 delegates were accredited for the exercise.
According to him, Gbolarumi polled 3,615 votes to defeat his only opponent, Barrister Beulah Adeoye, who secured 22 votes.
Awoniyi subsequently declared Gbolarumi the winner and the party’s Governorship candidate for the 2027 general election in Oyo State.
“The total number of registered members is 3,694, while the total number of accredited voters is 3,640.
“Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi scored 3,615 votes, while Amofin Beulah Adeoye scored 22 votes.
“Going by the results and by the powers conferred on me as Chairman of the PDP Governorship Primary Election in Oyo State, I hereby declare Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi as the winner, having scored the highest number of votes”, he said.
Awoniyi said the committee engaged both aspirants and stakeholders before the commencement of voting, stressing the need for unity and fairness.
“When the committee arrived, we met with the aspirants, party leaders and stakeholders to emphasise the need for unity,” he said. “The PDP remains one family, and we ensured a level playing field for all contestants.”
He added that no formal petition or objection was received throughout the exercise.
The exercise was also witnessed by Abdulrahman Akinoso, professor and the State PDP Chairman who commended the peaceful conduct of members and described the process as a reflection of the party’s commitment to internal democracy.
In his acceptance speech, Gbolarumi expressed appreciation to delegates, party leaders and supporters for the mandate, pledging to consolidate support and lead the PDP to victory in 2027.
“I want to thank all our delegates, leaders and supporters across the 33 local government areas for standing by democracy and believing in our vision for Oyo State.
“This victory is not for me alone but for every genuine member of the PDP who desires progress, fairness and inclusiveness in governance.
“I am confident that by the grace of God, our party will emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election. The PDP remains the most accepted party in Oyo State, and we are prepared to provide purposeful leadership for the people”, he noted.
He also called for reconciliation among party members, urging aggrieved aspirants and supporters to close ranks in the interest of the party ahead of the general election.
