The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has presented Certificates of Return to its candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The presentation ceremony, held in Ibadan, brought together party leaders, including its governorship candidate, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, 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.

While Gbolarumi presented the certificates to the National Assembly candidates, the state party Chairman, Prof. Rahman Akinoso, made presentation to the Oyo State House of Assembly candidates.

The party’s senatorial candidates are 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) and Abisola Salome Odeyemi (Egbeda/Ona-Ara).

They also include Olusegun Alade Olusoji (Ibadan North); Akinseye Adejoke Adekanbi (Ibadan South-East/Ibadan North-East); Opeyemi Samson Fatola (Ibadan South-West/Ibadan North-West); Aruna Abiola Rasaki (Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North); Elizabeth Folashade Alao (Ido/Ibarapa East) and AbdulLateef Adediran Suleimana (Irepo/Orelope/Olorunsogo).

Others are 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).

For the Oyo State House of Assembly, the candidates: 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) and Babatunde Bello Abdullahi (Ibadan North-East I).

They also include Taoreed Ademola Hammed (Ibadan North-East II); 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).

Addressing the party faithful, the state governorship candidate, Barrister 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 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.

Speaking earlier, the Secretary of the Planning Committee, Hon. Akeem Adeleke, 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.