…as youth stakeholders pledge to mobilize grassroots support across Oyo State
In a resounding show of solidarity ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election, youth leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across Oyo State have unanimously pledged their support for the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin.
The endorsement, which cuts across all 33 local government areas, 351 wards, and the three senatorial districts, affirmed the growing momentum behind the Speaker’s governorship ambition.
The declaration was made during a statewide youth consultation convened by the Speaker, in Ibadan on Friday, where party youth stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to mobilizing support at the grassroots.
The youth leaders described the initiative as unprecedented, noting that Ogundoyin is the first political figure in the state to organize such an extensive consultation exclusively with young people.
They pledged to leverage their numerical strength to galvanize support across the state, assuring that victory at the polls was within reach.
Speaking on behalf of the youth stakeholders, the chairman of Oyo state Youth Development Agency, Prince Adebowale Falana commended Ogundoyin’s leadership and influence within the party at both state and national levels.
Falana maintained that Ogundoyin remains the first and only governorship aspirants who has travelled across the geopolitical zones of the state meeting with party stakeholders, particularly the youths and soliciting their support.
He noted that such move goes beyond mere politics as it reflects the humility, preparedness and dedication of Speakers to recognizing key stakeholders and party structure.
“You have captured the party structure in the state as our worthy and trusted ambassador. We are the political tools at the grassroots that will deliver this mandate, and we can assure you that all we’re waiting for is the governor’s decision.
“We have the numbers and everything required for electoral victory, and we can assure you that once we get the go-ahead from the governor,and we’re good to go.”
He further emphasized that despite uncertainties surrounding the governor’s future political direction, PDP youths in Oyo State were already firmly aligned with Ogundoyin’s governorship ambition.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Alhaja Olagoke Wasilat, reinforced the youths’ position, stating that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has consistently demonstrated a commitment to youth inclusion and preparation for governance.
According to her, the governor has created opportunities that have prepared young leaders for greater responsibilities.
“This is our time and the era of young leaders,” she said. She added that youths in Oyo State are already well groomed and fully ready to assume the front seat of leadership.
Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto, in his brief remarks on behalf of the lawmakers present, said Ogundoyin represents the best opportunity the youths of Oyo state has at taking front seat of governance.
He rallied support for the speaker and urged the PDP youths leaders to keep faith with the mandate and ensure they take the message to every stakeholders engagement at all levels of the party.
Addressing the stakeholders, Ogundoyin reflected on his political journey, attributing his rise to the opportunity given him by governor Seyi Makinde, steadfast loyalty, dedication, and service to the party.
He assured party faithful that his promises to both the PDP and the people of Oyo State would remain sacrosanct if given the party ticket as the governorship flag bearer in 2027.
Emphasizing the importance of youth participation in governance, he described young people as the most critical constituency for nation-building.
“I know I am the best aspirant, considering the opportunities Governor Makinde has afforded me at both state and national levels, and how I have discharged my duties in representing the party and government,” he stated.
“The youths are central to the future of our state and nation and they’re going to be fully part of my government at all levels.”
Declaring his intention, the Speaker said, “Anywhere the governor goes is where we are all going. I hereby officially declare my ambition to run for the governorship of Oyo State in 2027.”
Highlight of the event was the official presentation of copies of Ogundoyin’s IGBEGA OYO roadmap for Omituntun 3.0 blueprints and the subsequent adoption by the youth leaders.
The event also attracted prominent political figures, including members of the Oyo State House of Assembly and key youth stakeholders such as Hon. Kazeem Arogunde; former Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Seun Fakorede (represented); Hon. Olusola Owolabi; Rahman Olorunpoto; Hon. Kehinde Taofeeq, Abiodun Babalola, and Hon. Kunle Akinshete.
Others key youth stakeholders present were the State PDP Youth Leader, Hon. Kazeem Olalekan Bello; the Senatorial Youth Leader for Oyo South, Hon. Taofeek Oladejo; his Oyo North counterpart, Hon. Folawiyo Moshood; and Hon. Agbebi Olusola Peter, representing Oyo Central.