The Ibadan North West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party on Friday, February 6, 2026, held its New Year celebration amid a display of unity, political solidarity, and renewed commitment to party ideals, with the event culminating in the formal declaration of Dr. Olayinka Gbolahan Ibikunle to contest in the 2027 general elections.
The gathering, held at Ebenezer Primary School, Ekotedo, in Ibadan, was convened alongside the chapter’s weekly meeting due to a busy political schedule. The New Year event has evolved into a prominent political tradition within PDP structures across Oyo State since the emergence of Seyi Makinde as governor.
In his opening remarks, the Ibadan North West PDP Chairman and Chief of Staff to the Local Government Chairman, Hon. Kazeem Fantola, praised party leaders and members for their steadfast loyalty and contributions to strengthening the party’s grassroots structure.
The event attracted several party stalwarts and government functionaries, including the Oyo State PDP Vice Chairman, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke; Executive Chairman of Ibadan North West Local Government, Alhaji Rahman Adepoju; Vice Chairman, Alhaji Ganiy Omotosho; Oyo PDP Ex-Officio, Alhaji Lukman Adesina; and Special Adviser for Ibadan NorthWest/SouthWest Federal Constituency, Alhaji Labule Ishola.
Also present were the Local Government Secretary, Hon. Sarah Sobowale; Assistant Secretary, Alhaja Bolanle Oladeji; and the Leader of the Legislative House representing Ward 9, Hon. Oluwagbemileke Gbadamosi Nelson O’leke, alongside councillors, political appointees, ward executives, and women and youth representatives from the 11 wards.
Other notable stakeholders in attendance included former House of Assembly member and ex-Community Relations aide to the governor, Hon. Josiah Olufemi; former lawmaker Hon. Akeem Obadara (2019–2023); as well as Alhaji Badmus, Alhaji Kunle Onifila, Baale Alaamu, Alhaji Asukuna, Hon. Olawiyola, Alhaji Jimoh, Hon. Akeem Ege, among others.
The highlight of the gathering was the formal announcement by Ibikunle, popularly known as “Kiniun Onibudo 2027”, declaring his intention to contest for a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly in the 2027 elections. His declaration drew enthusiastic applause from party faithful.
Addressing members, Ibikunle expressed appreciation to party leaders and stakeholders for their continued support, pledging loyalty to party unity and stability. He also lauded Governor Makinde’s leadership, describing him as the PDP leader in Oyo State and the South-West, while urging sustained backing for the administration.
He appealed to members to support his aspiration to represent Ibadan North West at the state legislature.
In their goodwill messages, party leaders including Alhaji Lukman Adesina, Alhaji Labule Ishola, Hon. Josiah Olufemi, Hon. Akeem Olatunji, Alhaji Ganiy Omotosho, Alhaji Rahman Adepoju, and Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke commended Ibikunle’s dedication and long-standing service to the party. They offered prayers for his success and encouraged broader grassroots mobilization ahead of the polls.
The event reached its peak with a unanimous public endorsement by party leaders and stakeholders, signalling consolidated support for Ibikunle’s candidacy as preparations gradually build toward the 2027 general elections.