…Warns against mills and misinformation
A major political development is unfolding within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State as consultations intensify ahead of the party’s crucial April 8th deadline as announced by Governor Seyi Makinde. Earlier reports suggested that a comprehensive zoning arrangement had been concluded, redistributing key positions across major zones. However, fresh insights from within the meeting indicate that the process is still ongoing, with only one major decision firmly agreed.
A senior party figure present at the high level discussions, who is not authorised to speak publicly, revealed that the only consensus reached so far is that the governorship ticket will go outside Ibadan, with Oke Ogun strongly positioned to produce the candidate. According to the source, other positions earlier reported to have been shared across zones remained unresolved, as party leaders had deliberately chosen to widen consultations to ensure fairness, equity, and justice. Further, concerns were raised about the recent failure of PDP negotiations leading to an Appeal to the Supreme Court on Friday.
The source further disclosed that the leadership is being cautious to avoid internal divisions, stressing that no additional roles had been formally zoned at this stage. “The focus is on getting it right, not rushing decisions,” the insider noted, adding that broader engagement with stakeholders across all zones is ongoing. Oke- Ogun reportedly held its own stakeholders meeting yesterday, where stakeholders were excited at the possibility of producing the Number 1 citizen and agreed to widen the net for the senate seat. Other zones are billed to follow with their own consultations and report back, the source noted.
Meanwhile, discussions around possible contenders for the position of Deputy Governor, if the ticket is to leave Ibadan are beginning to take shape, particularly within Ibadan political circles. Names being mentioned among Ibadan Muslim stakeholders include Hon. Stanley Odidiomo, Dr. Nureni Adeniran, Compol Fatai Owoseni, and Mr. Saheed Fijabi, although no official endorsement has been made. Whilst a leader raised the names of Mr. Elias Adeojo and Prof Daud Sangodoyin, the sentiments did not support them at the time, indicating that candidates with capacity to win elections were rather favoured.
Party leaders are expected to reconvene on April 6th upon the arrival of the Governor to continue deliberations, with the aim of reaching a final resolution before the April 8th timeline. Observers believe the outcome of these meetings will play a critical role in shaping the PDP’s internal stability and electoral strategy heading into the 2027 governorship race.
