2027: OBF Leads Grassroots Mobilization for Makinde

…As Akika unveils voter registration drive, reaffirms loyalty to governor

…As PDP members pass vote of confidence, dismiss crisis rumours in Oyo

One of the prominent political groups within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Omituntun Benedict Forum has intensified grassroots mobilization for Governor Seyi Makinde ahead of the 2027 general elections, as party members passed a vote of confidence on his administration and reaffirmed their loyalty to his leadership.

The endorsement was made at the PDP Oyo State New Year and Get-Together celebration held in Olohunda, Akobo, Ibadan, which brought together party leaders, members, and the Omituntun Benedict Forum (OBF) to strengthen party unity and rally support for Governor Makinde.

Speaking at the event, the Convener of the Omituntun Benedict Forum, Agba’Akin Benedict Akika, popularly known as Benee, described Governor Makinde as the backbone and driving force of the PDP in Oyo State, noting that his performance in office has continued to boost the party’s popularity across the state.

Akika reaffirmed his unwavering support for the governor and announced fresh steps aimed at strengthening voter participation and party readiness ahead of 2027.

He disclosed that he would personally sponsor daily transportation for 20 members of the OBF to participate in the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

According to him, voter registration remains a critical foundation for electoral success and effective democratic participation.

“Our focus is preparation, mobilization and unity.
Politics goes beyond elections; it requires consistent engagement with the people,” Akika said.

He urged PDP members and OBF supporters to remain active at the ward level by attending meetings and participating in party activities, stressing that sustained grassroots involvement would position the party strongly for future elections.

Akika also dismissed speculations about internal crisis within the PDP in Oyo State, describing such reports as unfounded and sponsored by political opponents.

“The PDP in Oyo State is united, stable and focused.

There is no crisis. Our strength lies in our unity and the confidence the people have in the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde,” he added.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Falana Adebowale, commended Governor Makinde’s youth-oriented policies, particularly in employment generation, infrastructure development and youth empowerment.

He described the governor as “a father of the youth,” assuring that young people in the state remain firmly behind his leadership.

Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Kamorudeen Mudashiru, praised Akika for his consistency in grassroots engagement and philanthropy, describing the Omituntun Benedict Forum as a people-focused political movement.

Members of the OBF, including representatives of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners and the Nigerian Union of Teachers, also commended Akika for sustaining the forum for over seven years in support of Governor Makinde’s political journey. They pledged their continued support for the governor and the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

They further assured that they would support whoever emerges as the PDP’s flag bearer in the state.

The event attracted several top party figures, including the member representing Ibadan North II Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel.

The gathering ended with party faithful renewing their commitment to Governor Seyi Makinde as the PDP stepped up early grassroots mobilization ahead of the 2027 general elections.