Following the decision of the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo state, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, to adopt a consensus arrangement in picking its governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election, the media office of Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide has described the federal lawmaker as the aspirant to beat.
It will be recalled that Oyo state, Governor, Engr. Makinde, had, at a recent stakeholders’ meeting, indicated that the party would adopt consensus in selecting its governorship flag bearer.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Olajide Odidiomo, Tolu Mustapha, speaking in a telephone interview with Nigerian Tribune newspaper said the PDP lawmaker, possesses the most compelling credentials among all aspirants jostling for the party’s ticket.
According to the spokesperson, Olajide’s political experience, electoral record and grassroots connection place him in a strong position to emerge as the consensus candidate of the party.
He stated further that with a blend of his political and legislative experience, performance and broad based support, Olajide remains best positioned to emerge as the PDP consensus candidate to lead the party to victory in the forthcoming governorship election.
“Hon. Olajide stands out clearly among all the aspirants. He is the most senior elected political office holder in the race, a serving two term member of the House of Representatives who has won elections back to back,” Mustapha said.
He added that Olajide’s consistent electoral victories demonstrate not only popularity but also the confidence reposed in him by the electorate over time.
The aide further noted that beyond his electoral strength, the lawmaker has remained a dedicated and loyal member of the PDP, contributing to the growth and stability of the party in Oyo state.
According to him, the issue of acceptability across religious lines also places Olajide in a unique position, describing him as a bridge builder capable of fostering unity in a diverse state like Oyo.
“Religious balance is a critical factor in our political environment and Hon. Olajide represents that balance. He is widely accepted across different segments of society,” he stated.
He has a very good relationship with fathers of faith across all religious divides. He does not discriminate between any religion and despite being a Muslim, he has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the christian faith across Oyo state.
Mustapha also highlighted the lawmaker’s achievements both at the legislative level and within his constituency, citing interventions in infrastructure, digital inclusion, empowerment programmes and social welfare initiatives.
He pointed out that Olajide’s role as Chairman, House of Representatives committee on Digital, Information Communication Technology and Cybersecurity, has further enhanced his profile as a forward looking leader with a clear understanding of modern governance.
On financial capacity, the spokesperson maintained that the lawmaker possesses the resources required to prosecute a credible governorship campaign, while also sustaining governance initiatives if elected.
“Elections require not just popularity but also capacity. Hon. Olajide has demonstrated that he has what it takes,” he said.
Mustapha equally emphasized the lawmaker’s strong grassroots appeal, noting that his consistent engagement with constituents and stakeholders across the state has earned him widespread support.
“From Ibadan to Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa to Oyo, Hon. Olajide has built relationships that translate into real political strength. His grassroots connection is unmatched,” he added.
He stressed that in the context of a consensus arrangement, the party would naturally gravitate towards a candidate with proven electoral strength,
experience, acceptability and capacity to defeat opposition parties.
“Out of all the aspirants, Hon. Olajide is the only one who has contested elections twice and won consecutively. That alone speaks volumes about his electoral track record, ”Mustapha said.
He expressed confidence that the PDP would make the right decision by rallying around a candidate who can sustain the developmental strides of the Makinde administration while positioning the pa
rty strongly for the 2027 election.
