Lekan Yusuf, Ibadan
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State has concluded its governorship primary election ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial poll, with former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Azeem Gbolarumi, emerging as the party’s governorship candidate after recording a landslide victory.
The result was officially announced on Sunday, May 24, 2026, by the Chairman of the PDP Governorship Primary Election Committee, Hon. Awoniyi Tolulope.
According to the committee, a total of 3,694 members were registered for the exercise, while 3,640 delegates were accredited to vote during the primary election.
At the end of the exercise, Barrister Azeem Gbolarumi polled 3,615 votes to defeat Amofin Beulla, who scored 22 votes.
Declaring the result, Hon. Awoniyi Tolulope stated that Barrister Azeem Gbolarumi, having satisfied the provisions of the PDP guidelines and the Electoral Act, was duly returned elected as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.
Hon. Awoniyi Tolulope also commended party members and delegates for their orderly conduct throughout the exercise, describing the process as peaceful, transparent, and credible.
He explained that the committee maintained neutrality and ensured fairness by engaging all stakeholders, including the aspirants and party leadership, while providing a level playing ground for all participants.
According to him, the absence of objections after the announcement of the results reflected the credibility of the exercise and the acceptance of the outcome by party members.
Speaking after the exercise, the Secretary of the PDP Planning and Strategy Committee in Oyo State, Rotimi Ajumobi, described the primary as peaceful and rancour-free from the ward level to the state level.
He dismissed insinuations of crisis within the party, insisting that the PDP in Oyo State remains united and indivisible.
Ajumobi further clarified that there is currently no alliance between the PDP and any other political party, stressing that the PDP remains committed to contesting and winning elective positions across all levels.
The PDP primary election was conducted across the 33 local governments and over 300 wards in Oyo State.
