A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Hon. Adejumobi Samuel, popularly known as Agbarapo, has expressed confidence that the party will continue to govern the state beyond 2027.
He attributed his optimism to Governor Seyi Makinde’s remarkable performance and people-centered governance. He added that the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state would face worse crisis than the PDP in managing what he called ‘fragmented house’.
The governor’s aide maintained that a greater part of the crisis the PDP currently battles were sponsored by the ruling APC. He alleged the party of attempting to run Nigeria as a one party state similar to Lagos by infiltrating opposition parties to cause crisis and disaffection.
He said those PDP leaders who have made themselves willing tools in the hands of the ruling party to destabilize the PDP were merely being used for the meantime, noting that “such friendship of convenience doesn’t last for too long.”
In a separate development, the people of Ofiki Community in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State expressed deep appreciation to Hon. Adejumobi Samson, popularly known as ‘Agara Jesupo’, for his consistent support and generosity toward the development of the town.
In an appreciation letter jointly signed by the Community Chairman, Mr. Amzat A. Ogunkunle, and the Secretary, Mr. Ebenezer K. Ojebisi, the community commended Hon. Adejumobi for honouring their invitation and contributing immensely to the success of their Annual General Meeting held recently.
The letter described his gesture as a reflection of genuine love and commitment to the growth of grassroots communities, praying that God would reward his labour of love.
Hon. Adejumobi, who currently serves as the Special Adviser on Legislative Matters to Governor Seyi Makinde and also a former Leader of the Majority at the Oyo State House of Assembly, spoke in Ibadan on Monday, while acknowledging the appreciation letters presented to him by the Ofiki community.
He said the governor’s record in security of lives and properties, infrastructure, education, health, socio-economic development, and workers’ welfare have created a strong political base that “goes beyond partisan lines and national political alignments.”
He noted that while some political actors often measure success by alliances formed at the federal level, Makinde’s approach has been to earn the trust of the people through visible development and inclusive governance where no part of the state is left behind.
“Governor Makinde has built a legacy that transcends political boundaries. The people of Oyo are not blind to the progress they’ve seen in the last six years vis a viz roads connecting all other geopolitical zones to Ibadan, the state capital and communities, qualitative education in public schools, prompt payments of salaries,pension and gratuity, and a stable economy despite national economic turbulence. These are the reasons PDP will continue to win here,” Agbarapo said.
He dismissed speculations that the internal wrangling within the national PDP could affect the governor’s stronghold in the state, insisting that the state’s politics is shaped more by performance and trust than by factional disputes in Abuja.
“Oyo politics has its own rhythm. The people know who is working for them and who is not. Makinde’s connection with the grassroots remains intact, and that’s what counts. Even if the national stage looks complicated, Oyo PDP is solid and the people can see it,” he added.
Agbarapo also cautioned opposition parties in the state against relying on what he called “crisis of unity” within their own ranks, saying the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo remains “too fragmented to pose a real challenge” if elections were held today.
He explained that the Oyo PDP has gone past conducting ward, local government, state, and regional congresses without any hiccups or internal turmoil. He challenged the APC to go ahead and do the same without the different factions holding each other at the jugular.
He emphasized that continuity of the PDP government would ensure that the gains made in infrastructure and governance are not lost to what he described as “political experiments and recycled ambitions.”
“What Oyo people want now is stability and growth, not political noise. Makinde has given them both direction and results. That’s why the PDP’s hold on Oyo will only get stronger after 2027,” he said.
The statement comes amid renewed political calculations across the state as various blocs within the ruling party begin early mobilization ahead of the next general elections.