2027: PDP Aspirant Agboluaje Condemns ‘Imposition’ of Incumbent, Rejects Third-Term Endorsement in Ibadan North II

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former aspirant for Ibadan North State Constituency II, Mr. Abiodun Agboluaje, has openly expressed strong dissatisfaction and anger over the recent endorsement of the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Babajide Gabriel, for a third term.

Agboluaje, who was a prominent contender during the last general election, described the decision of party leaders as unjust, undemocratic, and a clear disregard for loyalty and sacrifice within the party.

In a statement made available to journalists, the aggrieved aspirant recounted his longstanding commitment to the PDP in Ibadan North Local Government, noting that he had invested significant time, resources, and energy in strengthening the party’s grassroots structure, both before and during the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.

He further revealed that during the last electoral process, he was among nine aspirants vying for the Ibadan North State Constituency II seat but voluntarily stepped down for the incumbent lawmaker, in deference to the directive of the party leadership. According to him, the decision came at a personal cost and was taken in good faith, with the expectation that fairness and integrity would guide subsequent party actions.

Agboluaje also alleged that he was promised a lecturing appointment at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, as part of the understanding reached at the time, a commitment he claimed remains unfulfilled.

Expressing disappointment over recent developments ahead of the 2027 elections, he condemned what he described as the “sudden imposition” of the incumbent as a consensus candidate for a third term, warning that such actions could erode trust and weaken internal democracy within the party.

While clarifying that his position was not driven by personal grievances against the lawmaker, Agboluaje insisted that the continued recycling of the same individuals at the expense of other loyal members raises serious concerns about equity and transparency in the party’s internal processes.

He questioned the reward system within the PDP, asking whether loyalty and sacrifice still hold value, and cautioned that the trend could demoralize committed members at the grassroots level.

The party stalwart, therefore, called on the leadership of the PDP to urgently reassess its approach and ensure that fairness, equity, and due process are upheld in its decision-making.

He warned that failure to address the concerns could deepen frustration among party faithful, declaring emphatically that “enough is enough”.