Kehinde Ayanboade,
Ibadan.
Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo state, Hon. Michael Okunlade has emerged the consensus candidate of the party in the forthcoming 2027 governorship election in the state.
Okunlade, a former Majority Leader in the Oyo State House of Assembly, where he represented the Oorelope State Constituency was unanimously chosen by the party members in a congress observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Alh. Adesokan Saheed Adebayo, Alh. Alade Ismail Olatunji, and Adeleke Kehinde Saheed also emerged the consensus senatorial candidates of the party for Oyo North, Oyo Central and Oyo South Senatorial districts elections respectively.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Okunlade expressed deep appreciation in the party members for placing their trust in him to represent them at the Oyo state governorship poll.
He maintained that the Social Democratic Party, SDP represents social justice, economic fairness, and real accountability.
“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?
“We have work to do on jobs, on security, on education, and on making government work without excuses. I can’t do it alone. I need the energy of our youth, the wisdom of our elders, and the commitment of every member who believes this state deserves better.
“Let’s go to the people with a clear message and a clean record. Let’s prove that politics can still be about public good.” He said.
Chairman of the Oyo SDP primary election committee, Hon. Fantola Damola Ismail speaking on the conduct of the election described the exercise as a process that follows the Nigeria electoral act as amended.
Apart from serving at the Oyo State Assembly, Hon. Okunlade served as Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Legislative Matters and a one time councillor in Ibadan North Local Government.
