Oyo 2027: Makinde’s advisory council engages PDP aspirants ahead of primaries
From Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan As political activities intensify ahead of party primaries in Oyo State, the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has invited all aspirants seeking to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde
From Yinka Adeniran, Ibadan
As political activities intensify ahead of party primaries in Oyo State, the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) has invited all aspirants seeking to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to appear before it for consultations.
The exercise, described as an “interaction,” is designed to provide a platform for aspirants to present and discuss their plans and programmes for the state as they position themselves for the 2027 governorship race.
The sessions, led by the Chairman of the Council, Bolaji Ayorinde, are aimed at ensuring a level playing field, allowing each aspirant to articulate their vision ahead of the party’s primary election.
Among those who have appeared before the Council are Hon. Adedeji Olajide (Odidiomo), Dr. Nureni Adeniran, Bimbo Adekanmbi, Debo Akande, and Debo Ogundoyin, among others.
Sources indicated that the process is intended to assess the credentials, experience, and public acceptability of the aspirants, while also fostering internal consensus within the PDP as it prepares to field a strong candidate.
Speaking on the development, Ayorinde clarified that the exercise is not a screening process but an engagement aimed at understanding the aspirations and policy direction of the contestants.
“It is not a screening exercise. It is an interaction between the Governor’s Advisory Council and the aspirants. We do not want a situation where there will be any form of imposition from any quarter,” he said.
He disclosed that nine aspirants had interacted with the Council as of the close of proceedings on Saturday, adding that more engagements were scheduled to continue.
Ayorinde noted that the initiative, which received the approval of the governor, reflects the administration’s commitment to transparency and fairness in the political process.
He expressed confidence that Governor Makinde would further consult party stakeholders, including chieftains and traditional rulers, before a consensus candidate emerges, in order to ensure broad acceptance.
The senior advocate reiterated that the Council has no constitutional role to screen or disqualify aspirants, stressing that its mandate is purely advisory in support of a credible and inclusive democratic process in the state.
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"When we are done, I know the Governor will still engage all other stakeholders, including party chieftains and traditional leaders, so that whosoever emerges will be acceptable by all.
"We don't want a situation where anyone who emerges later will not be acceptable to all the stakeholders.
"We are not screening or interrogating them. We are having interaction, like discussions with them, to be familiar with their ideas, visions, and programmes for the state after Governor Makinde.
"When we are done, we will write and send our report to the governor as a Council. It is our job to offer advice to the governor and the governor, as a listening leader is interested in a free and fair process as well as a level playing ground for all the party aspirants."
Asked if the idea was approved by the governor, Chief Ayorinde said, "If he didn't like it, he would not allow it", adding that the governor also wants a situation whereby all the aspirants will be allowed equal chance to present and sell themselves openly.
"At the moment, nine aspirants have appeared before the Council. There may be a few more that will be coming tomorrow (Monday).
"The process has been rigorous, and the engagement has been intense. "This is our contribution to the democratic development of our state," Ayorinde added.
