The Social Democratic Party (SDP), under the INEC-recognized national leadership of Shehu Musa Gabam, has officially affirmed Oloye Saheed Oladele, the Baameko of Ibadanland, as its consensus governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections in Oyo State. The affirmation event took place in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where party delegates and members unanimously adopted Chief Oladele through an overwhelming 'Yes' vote, with no dissenting voice recorded.
Party Chairman's Remarks
During the exercise, the Oyo State Chairman of the SDP, Mr. Micheal Idowu Owokoya, stated that Oloye Saheed Oladele was the only duly registered party member from Oyo State who purchased the SDP Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the governorship race before the INEC deadline. He emphasized that Oladele's credibility, leadership qualities, and widespread acceptance among the people of Oyo State and beyond were key factors that informed the decision to adopt him as the party's consensus candidate.
Acceptance Speech
In his acceptance speech, Chief Oladele expressed gratitude to party leaders, stakeholders, and members for the confidence placed in him. He noted that unlike individuals allegedly seeking to use the SDP platform for personal negotiations and political bargaining at the expense of party loyalists and the aspirations of the good people of Oyo State, his mission remains to contest and win the governorship election on the platform of the SDP.
The Baameko of Ibadanland further urged members of the party to remain united and committed to the collective growth of the SDP, irrespective of differing tendencies within the party structure. 'I joined the SDP for the progress of the party and not for factional interests,' he stated.
