Saheed Oladele, a former governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) who recently pitched his tent with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has lost out in his bid to secure the party’s gubernatorial ticket for the 2027 election in Oyo State.
The development follows the emergence of the Oyo State Chairman of the SDP, Hon. Michael Okunlade, as the party’s consensus governorship candidate.
Okunlade, a former Majority Leader in the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Oorelope State Constituency, was unanimously endorsed by party members during a congress monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
His emergence effectively shut the door on other aspirants within the party, including Oladele, who had hoped to clinch the ticket after his defection from the APC.
At the same congress, the party also produced its senatorial candidates, with Alhaji Adesokan Saheed Adebayo emerging for Oyo North, Alhaji Alade Ismail Olatunji for Oyo Central, and Adeleke Kehinde Saheed for Oyo South, all by consensus.
In his acceptance speech, Okunlade expressed gratitude to party members for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to prioritize good governance and people-oriented policies.
He stated that the SDP stands for social justice, economic fairness, and accountability, stressing his resolve to run an issue-based campaign.
“For too long, politics has been about who shouts loudest and who benefits most. Our job is to change that equation.
“My promise to you is simple: I will run on substance, not slogans. On service, not self-interest. Every policy we push, every decision I make will be tested against one question – does it make life better for the ordinary person in this state?” he said.
Okunlade also highlighted key areas such as job creation, security, education, and efficient governance as priorities, calling on youths, elders, and party faithful to support his ambition.
Chairman of the SDP primary election committee, Hon. Fantola Damola Ismail, described the exercise as credible and in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act as amended.
Okunlade’s political résumé includes serving as Senior Special Assistant on Legislative Matters to former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, as well as a stint as councillor in Ibadan North Local Government.
