The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagged off its campaign in Oyo State on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, with its governorship hopeful, Azeem Gbolarumi, promising to expand skills training for young people, improve health care and education, and support farmers if elected in 2027.
The event, held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, began at about 3 p.m. with prayers led by Muslim and Christian representatives.
Addressing supporters, Gbolarumi apologised for arriving late and thanked party members for turning out. He said those in attendance had come voluntarily and had received no payment to attend.
Gbolarumi said Oyo residents deserved good governance and should be able to judge political leaders by how well they deliver on their promises. He pointed to the PDP’s history in Oyo State politics and acknowledged the role of traditional institutions, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Outlining his priorities, Gbolarumi said he would introduce skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes for young people, strengthen health care and education, and improve farmers’ welfare to support agricultural development.
Speaking to reporters, he said the flag-off brought party leaders together to mobilise support across Oyo State. He added that visiting party leaders were expected to pay a courtesy visit to the Olubadan.
Asked how his proposed administration would differ from that of Governor Seyi Makinde, Gbolarumi said the PDP had a clear ideology and manifesto that would guide his approach to governance.
The PDP national secretary, who represented the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, said he was in Ibadan for the campaign flag-off and the launch of the Rainbow Coalition in Oyo State. He said the coalition was working to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Responding to concerns about the PDP’s standing within the coalition, the national secretary maintained that the party remained strong and politically relevant. He named APGA, NDP, NRM and Accord among the parties he said had joined the coalition.
He argued that Tinubu, who is from southern Nigeria, should have the opportunity to seek a second term. He urged Oyo residents to support Tinubu for president, Gbolarumi for governor and other PDP candidates in the forthcoming elections.
