The Peoples’ Democratic Party’s (PDP) bid to reclaim political dominance in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections gathered momentum on Saturday as former Deputy Governor of the state, Hazeem Gbolarumi, formally submitted his governorship nomination form at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata House, Abuja.
Gbolarumi arrived at the secretariat with a large delegation of party supporters and stakeholders from Oyo State, in what observers described as an early demonstration of political strength ahead of the PDP governorship primaries.
He was received by senior national and zonal officials of the party, including the National Women Leader, Prof. Adenike Ogunshe; the PDP National Treasurer, Hon. Diran Odeyemi; National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Mohammed Jungudo; Deputy National Organising Secretary; South West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Comrade Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi; and Oyo South Senatorial aspirant, Hon. Bolanle Sarumi, the Oyo State Chairman of the party, Prof. Rahman Akinoso, and others.
Party faithful from the 33 local government areas of the state were also present at the event.
Speaking shortly after submitting the form, Gbolarumi expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the party for their support and confidence in his aspiration.
He said his ambition was anchored on strengthening the PDP’s structure in Oyo State, fostering unity within the party and presenting what he described as a credible leadership alternative ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to him, the PDP remains well positioned to reclaim the state through collective commitment, internal cohesion and grassroots mobilisation.
The submission of the nomination form is being viewed by party stakeholders as a major step in the build-up to the PDP governorship contest in the state, amid growing political activities ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Insiders within the party said the presence of national and zonal leaders at the event reflected increasing coordination within the PDP as consultations and alignments intensify across the South West.
Oyo State is considered one of the key battlegrounds in the region ahead of the 2027 elections, with political parties already intensifying strategic mobilisation and succession calculations.
For Gbolarumi’s camp, Saturday’s event marked both a formal entry into the governorship race and a public show of political influence within the PDP structure in Oyo State.
