All seven aspirants on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oluyole local government have stepped down on their aspirations for a consensus candidate agreed upon by leaders of the party.
This was as the aspirants unanimously adopted the current lawmaker representing Oluyole state constituency at the 10th Oyo Assembly, Hon. Waheed Akintayo ‘Ilumoka’, as the party’s consensus candidate in Oluyole.
The adoption of Akintayo as the consensus candidate ahead of the forthcoming 2027 general election followed the resolution of party leaders.
The first meeting, held on Tuesday under the leadership of former commissioner, Dr Gbola Olatunji, brought together all the seven aspirants and key party leaders. Although deliberations were initially inconclusive, party leaders and stakeholders however, reconvened on Thursday for further deliberations.
The resolution was further ratified and adopted by all the seven aspirants at a second stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday at the residence of Dr Olatunji.
The Oluyole Local Government Council chairman, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, and other party leaders, officially unveiled Hon. Akintayo at the Council Secretariat, Idi-Ayunre, on Thursday, as the consensus candidate for the state House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general polls.
Speaking, Engr. Olatunji urged the aspirants to align with the party’s consensus arrangement in the interest of unity, stability, and electoral victory. His appeal was received with overwhelming support as the aspirants collectively agreed to step down.
The session ended peacefully, with party leaders and stakeholders affirming their commitment to a united front in support of Ilumoka’s second-term ambition.
The development, which has been widely described as a triumph of party unity and internal democracy has since been finalized and concluded after series of high-level stakeholder engagements aimed at promoting consensus ahead of the forthcoming electoral cycle.
Speaking at the meeting, stakeholders praised party leaders timely intervention, noting that the intervention has helped prevent a potentially divisive contest.
They described the resolution as a demonstration of political maturity and loyalty to the PDP’s collective vision in Oyo State.
In their separate remarks, party leaders emphasized that consensus-building remains a vital tool for strengthening internal cohesion and ensuring electoral success.
They urged members to remain committed to the ideals of unity, discipline, and loyalty as the party prepares for future political engagements.
Among those present at the decisive meeting were Mogbonjubola Abdulmojeed, Balogun Ayuba, Popoola Olaide, Nasiru Hamzat, Babalola Afobaje, Kehinde Abore, and Olumide Akinlade.
Party leaders and representatives from all ten wards in the local government area were also in attendance.
The aspirants who voluntarily stepped down in support of the consensus candidate include Toheeb Yusuf, Alimi Abiola, Akeula Kolawole, Safiu Adekunle, Olukunle Ogunranti, Temitope Aishat, and Rahamɔn Ajibola.
