Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, on Sunday emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party ahead of the 2027 general election, following a sweeping victory in the party’s primary election conducted across the state
The primary election, which took place across the 33 local government areas and more than 300 wards in Oyo State, was held under tight security with the presence of party stakeholders and officials from the national leadership of the PDP.
Delegates reportedly voted peacefully during the exercise, which party officials described as transparent, orderly and largely hitch free.
The collation of results took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Secretariat in Ibadan and was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, led by the Head of Department of Election and Party Monitoring in Oyo State, Engr. Olugbenga Keshinro, alongside security personnel and party members.
Announcing the results on Sunday evening, Chairman of the PDP Governorship Primary Election Committee in Oyo State, Tolulope Awoniyi, disclosed that a total of 3,640 delegates were accredited for the exercise.
According to him, Gbolarumi secured 3,615 votes to defeat his only challenger, Barrister Beulah Adeoye, who polled 22 votes.
Awoniyi subsequently declared Gbolarumi winner of the primary and the PDP’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Oyo State.
“The total number of registered members is 3,694, while the total number of accredited voters is 3,640,” he stated.
“Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi scored 3,615 votes, while Amofin Beulah Adeoye polled 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 secured the highest number of valid votes cast.”
Awoniyi noted that the committee engaged aspirants, party leaders and stakeholders before voting commenced, stressing the importance of unity, fairness and internal cohesion within the party.
“When the committee arrived, we met with the aspirants, party leaders and stakeholders to emphasise the need for unity,” he said. “The PDP remains one family, and we ensured a level playing field for all contestants.”
He further disclosed that no formal petition or complaint was received throughout the exercise.
The primary was also witnessed by the Oyo State PDP Chairman, Abdulrahman Akinoso, who commended members for the peaceful conduct of the election, 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 the 2027 governorship election.
“I want to sincerely thank our delegates, leaders and supporters across the 33 local government areas for believing in our vision for Oyo State,” he said.
“This victory belongs to every genuine member of the PDP who desires fairness, progress and inclusive governance.
“I am confident that, by the grace of God, our party will emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election. The PDP remains a strong and widely accepted party in Oyo State, and we are ready to provide purposeful leadership for the people.”
He also appealed to aggrieved party members and supporters to embrace reconciliation and work together in the collective interest of the party ahead of the general election.
