NDC Concludes Oyo Primaries, Unveils Adebola as Governorship Candidate for 2027
…Party Boasts of Internal Democracy, Positions Itself for Major Electoral Battle
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has concluded its statewide primary elections in Oyo State, producing candidates for the governorship, Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly seats ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The exercise, held on Friday at the party’s temporary state secretariat on Adebajo Street, Aare Bodija, Ibadan, witnessed a large turnout of delegates, party officials and supporters from across the state, transforming the venue into a celebration of what party leaders described as a successful demonstration of internal democracy.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies monitored the exercise which ended peacefully.
At the centre of the exercise was the affirmation of Hon. Akim Yussuf Adebola (Omolúàbí) as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
However, beyond the emergence of the governorship candidate, the party also completed primaries for senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly positions, producing what leaders described as a “full team” ready to challenge for power across Oyo State.
Addressing delegates and party faithful, Oyo State NDC Chairman, Princess Oyeronke Bolajoko, praised party members for their discipline and commitment to the growth of the party.
She described NDC as a political movement founded on peace, development and people-oriented governance, insisting that Nigerians are yearning for an alternative capable of addressing the nation’s economic and security challenges.
Bolajoko also expressed concern over the continued captivity of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire Local Government Area, calling on the Federal and Oyo State Governments to intensify efforts towards securing their freedom.
The chairman stated that the security and welfare of citizens must remain a top priority for every responsible government.
Speaking shortly after receiving the party’s governorship mandate, Hon. Akim Adebola outlined his vision for Oyo State, placing emphasis on job creation, education, agriculture, industrial development and youth empowerment.
According to him, the future of Oyo State lies in its people, particularly its talented and innovative youths whose potentials remain largely untapped.
He stressed that human resources are more valuable than natural resources and pledged to create opportunities that would allow young people to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
Adebola also joined other party leaders in demanding urgent action to rescue the kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government.
He thanked party members for the confidence reposed in him and promised to justify the trust through dedicated service and transformational leadership.
The governorship candidate declared that the successful conduct of the primaries has further strengthened the party’s readiness for the political contest ahead.
The primary election also produced candidates for the Senate and House of Representatives across the state.
Pastor Mrs. Abigail Olanike Ojekunle emerged as the senatorial candidate for Oyo North, Dr. Paul Oche Adoyi secured the ticket for Oyo South, while Mr. Akeem Salawu emerged for Oyo Central Senatorial District.
For the House of Representatives, candidates emerged across the various federal constituencies, completing the party’s preparations for the National Assembly elections.
The party further conducted House of Assembly primaries in constituencies across Oyo State, with winners announced at the end of the exercise, thereby completing the process of selecting candidates for all major elective positions ahead of the 2027 polls.
Party leaders described the successful conduct of the governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries as a major milestone for the NDC, noting that the exercise reflected unity, maturity and a shared determination to expand the party’s political footprint in Oyo State.
With candidates now in place at all levels, attention is expected to shift from internal contests to grassroots mobilization as the party begins preparations for what promises to be an intense campaign season.