A former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Adebisi Olopoeyan, has criticised former Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarunmi, accusing him of acting a spoiler within the party and lacking the political structure to command relevance.
Olopoeyan also alleged that Gbolarunmi’s alignment with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is part of a wider attempt to destabilise the PDP in Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 22, and obtained by Western Mirror, Olopoeyan described Gbolarunmi as politically inconsequential and incapable of advancing the party’s interests.
He argued that the former deputy governor lacks the grassroots appeal and organisational strength required to sustain any meaningful faction within the PDP in the state.
He further dismissed efforts by Wike’s camp to position Gbolarunmi as a rallying figure in Oyo, describing such moves as a miscalculation and a waste of political resources targeted at fueling division in the party.
“Gbolarunmi has made no significant contribution to the growth or electoral successes of the PDP over the years,” Olopoeyan said, adding that attempts to associate him with the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde were unfounded.
The PDP chieftain maintained that Gbolarunmi holds little or no political relevance within Oyo State, contrary to impressions held in some external political circles.
He insisted that Governor Makinde retains firm control of the party’s structure, noting that no serious aspirant or contender for elective office would align with Gbolarunmi’s camp.
Olopoeyan urged members of Wike’s faction to reassess their strategy, stressing that the current political realities in Oyo do not favour their alignment.
Drawing a comparison, he likened Gbolarunmi’s political standing to that of Nafiu Bala of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing what he described as the latter’s inability to mobilise significant support for a planned national convention, which reportedly suffered poor turnout.
He said the development reflects a broader pattern of leadership claims unsupported by grassroots backing.
Olopoeyan added that Gbolarunmi’s association with Wike’s camp has failed to attract key stakeholders, elected officials, or grassroots politicians within Oyo State.
According to him, most party members have either remained loyal to Governor Makinde or chosen to stay neutral, distancing themselves from what he characterised as a faction lacking cohesion and clear direction.