By Adedamola Adeniji Ogun Correspondent
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has mandated an advisory council to interface with governorship aspirants under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as part of preparations for the 2027 election.
Findings revealed that the council, chaired by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Bolaji Ayorinde, has been tasked with engaging all aspirants in a bid to assess their ideas and programmes, and subsequently advise the governor on a suitable candidate to sustain the administration’s “Omituntun 3.0” agenda.
The move is aimed at ensuring inclusiveness and providing a level playing field for all aspirants to present their visions for the state.
Invitation letters have been sent out, with several aspirants already participating in the exercise. Among those who have appeared before the council are Adedeji Olajide, Nureni Adeniran, Bimbo Adekanmbi, Debo Akande, and Adebo Ogundoyin, among others.
Speaking in Ibadan on Sunday, Ayorinde clarified that the exercise was not a screening process but an interactive session designed to understand the aspirations and policy directions of the contestants.
“It is not a screening exercise. It is an interaction between the advisory council and the aspirants. We do not want any form of imposition from any quarter,” he said.
He disclosed that as of Saturday, nine aspirants had engaged with the council, describing them as credible and capable.
Ayorinde added that the council would submit its report to the governor at the end of the exercise, noting that its role is strictly advisory.
He expressed confidence that Governor Makinde would further consult widely with stakeholders, including party leaders and traditional rulers, before a final candidate emerges, to ensure broad acceptability.
“The governor is a listening leader committed to a free and fair process. Our duty is to advise, not to disqualify or discredit any aspirant,” Ayorinde stated.
He noted that the initiative was conceived by the council and approved by the governor as part of efforts to strengthen democratic processes in the state.
According to him, the engagement has been rigorous and insightful, adding that more aspirants were expected to appear before the council as the exercise continues.
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