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Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 general election after recording a landslide victory in the party’s primary election held across the state on Sunday.
The primary election, conducted across the 33 local government areas and over 300 wards in the state, was held under tight security and monitored by party stakeholders as well as officials from the national leadership of the PDP.
Delegates reportedly voted peacefully during the exercise, which party officials described as orderly, transparent, and largely hitch-free.
Collation of results took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Ibadan in the presence of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by the Head of Department of Election and Party Monitoring in Oyo State, Engr. Olugbenga Keshinro, alongside security operatives and party members.
Announcing the results on Sunday evening, Chairman of the PDP Governorship Primary Election Committee in Oyo State, Hon. Tolulope Awoniyi, disclosed that 3,640 delegates were accredited for the exercise.
According to him, Gbolarumi polled 3,615 votes to defeat his only challenger, Barrister Beulah Adeoye, who secured 22 votes.
Awoniyi thereafter declared Gbolarumi winner of the primary and the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
“The total number of registered delegates is 3,694, while the total number of accredited voters is 3,640,” Awoniyi said.
“Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi scored 3,615 votes, while Amofin Beulah Adeoye scored 22 votes.
“By the powers conferred on me as Chairman of the PDP Governorship Primary Election Committee in Oyo State, I hereby declare Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi as the winner, having scored the highest number of votes cast.”
Awoniyi noted that the committee met with aspirants, party leaders, and stakeholders before the commencement of voting to emphasise unity and fairness.
“When the committee arrived, we met with the aspirants, party leaders, and stakeholders to stress the need for unity,” he stated. “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.
Also speaking, the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Prof. Abdulrahman Akinoso, commended party members for the peaceful conduct of the primary, describing 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 confidence reposed in him, pledging to unite the party and lead it 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,” he said.
“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.”
The PDP governorship candidate also called for reconciliation within the party, urging aggrieved members and supporters to close ranks in the overall interest of the party ahead of the general election.
