The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has presented Certificates of Return to its governorship candidate, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, and other candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The presentation ceremony, held in Ibadan, brought together party leaders, stakeholders and candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives and the Oyo State House of Assembly in what leaders described as a demonstration of unity ahead of the elections.

Secretary of the Planning Committee, Hon. Akeem Adeleke, described Gbolarumi as an experienced politician capable of leading the party to victory despite the financial strength of rival political parties.

He urged the candidates to remain close to the grassroots and engage directly with voters.

“Let’s thank Barrister Gbolarumi for his experience. He is a well-trained political tactician. We are contesting against billionaires, but your attitude in the communities will win the election for you. I pray you will win and make us proud,” Adeleke said.

Also speaking, party leader, Prince Adediran Adewale, charged the candidates to begin immediate mobilisation across their constituencies.

“Work has started. Let us work together diligently. There is no fear anymore. Let us return to the grassroots, mobilise for the party, do our homework and mount visible campaigns. By the grace of God, we shall emerge victorious,” he said.

Receiving his Certificate of Return, Gbolarumi assured all the party’s candidates of financial and logistical support for their campaigns.

“When we started, many people thought we were joking. We will support all our candidates financially for their campaigns. Go to your wards, communities and streets to mobilise for the PDP.

“There is only one PDP. This is the authentic PDP recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). God is with us. Members of other political parties will approach you; do not be distracted. You are the real alternative. However, you must work diligently to secure convincing victories. We shall rejoice at the end,” he said.

Earlier, the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Prof. Rahman Akinoso, presented Certificates of Return to all the party’s candidates.

The party’s senatorial candidates are Barrister Gbolarumi (governorship), Bolanle Sarumi-Aliyu (Oyo South), Akinyode Olunloyo (Oyo Central) and Iyabode Abdullahi (Oyo North).

For the House of Representatives, the party unveiled Victoria Omolara Akinyemi (Akinyele/Lagelu); Idris Olanrewaju Afolabi (Atiba/Oyo East); Rahmota Titilope Azeez (Atisbo/Saki East/Saki West); Abisola Salome Odeyemi (Egbeda/Ona-Ara); Olusegun Alade Olusoji (Ibadan North); Akinseye Adejoke Adekanbi (Ibadan South-East/Ibadan North-East); and Opeyemi Samson Fatola (Ibadan South-West/Ibadan North-West).

Others are Aruna Abiola Rasaki (Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North); Elizabeth Folashade Alao (Ido/Ibarapa East); AbdulLateef Adediran Suleimana (Irepo/Orelope/Olorunsogo); Rotimi David Ajumobi (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola); Ajoke Kudirat Okanlawon (Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Oriire); Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi (Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere); and Moboluji Adedotun Adebayo (Oluyole).

The party also presented Certificates of Return to its House of Assembly candidates, namely: Olutoyin Olalekan Akande (Akinyele I); Fatai Akintunde Lasisi (Akinyele II); Rafiu Tunde Salami (Afijio); Afeez Bashorun Olanrewaju (Atiba); Oyejide Adetoyese Adeniyi (Egbeda); Olaide Shakiru Roheem (Ibadan North I); Kazeem Abiodun Balogun (Ibadan North II); Babatunde Bello Abdullahi (Ibadan North-East I) and Taoreed Ademola Hammed (Ibadan North-East II).

They also include Akeem Olaleye Obadara (Ibadan North-West); Adekunle Olatubosun (Ibadan South-East I); Tomiwa Oladejo (Ibadan South-East II); Usman Adedibu (Ibadan South-West I); Saheed Taiwo Jimoh (Ibadan South-West II); Kamprudeen Tunde Dauda (Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North); Waheed Adenrele Adekunle (Ibarapa East); Surajudeen Olapade Okunola (Ido); Babatunde Ishola Moruf (Irepo/Olorunsogo); Adebisi Toyosi Yekini (Iseyin/Itesiwaju); Kolawole Adedoyin Ogunleye (Iwajowa); Adewale Liasu Taiwo (Kajola) and Shukurat Aduke Amusat (Lagelu).

Others are Grace Ajoke Abisoye (Ogbomoso North); Adeola Adebayo (Ogbomoso South); Victor Micheal Durojaye (Ogo-Oluwa/Surulere); Olanrewaju Tosin Daniel (Oluyole); Sunday Felix Adedapo (Ona-Ara); Saliu Toye Odewo (Orelope); Kehinde Olayemi Olajire (Oriire); Olalekan Akeem Jimoh (Oyo East/Oyo West); Victoria Olagbenro (Saki East/Atisbo); and Comfort Bola Odugbemi (Saki West).