The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ibadan NorthWest Local Government, on Friday, 6th February 2026, hosted its New Year Party in a colourful atmosphere marked by unity, political engagement, and renewed commitment to party ideals, as Dr. Olayinka Gbolahan Ibikunle formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 general elections.
The New Year Party, a tradition that gained prominence following the emergence of Engr. Seyi Makinde as the Executive Governor of Oyo State, has become a routine event across PDP local government structures in the state. Owing to a busy political calendar in the year, the Ibadan NorthWest chapter scheduled its celebration alongside its special edition weekly meeting at Ebenezer Primary School, Ekotedo, Ibadan.
Welcoming party leaders, stakeholders, and members, the Ibadan NorthWest PDP Chairman and Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, Hon. Kazeem Fantola, expressed appreciation for the sustained loyalty and commitment of the party faithful to the growth and stability of the PDP in the local government.
The event recorded the presence of top party leaders and government functionaries, including the Vice Chairman of PDP, Oyo State, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke; the Executive Chairman of Ibadan NorthWest Local Government, Alhaji Rahman Adepoju; the Vice Chairman of the Local Government, Alhaji Ganiy Omotosho; PDP Oyo State Ex-officio, Alhaji Lukman Adesina; and the Special Adviser for Ibadan NorthWest/SouthWest Federal Constituency, Alhaji Labule Ishola.
Others in attendance were the Secretary of Ibadan NorthWest Local Government, Hon. Sarah Sobowale; the Assistant Secretary, Alhaja Bolanle Oladeji; and the Leader of the Ibadan NorthWest Legislative House and Councillor representing Ward 9, Hon. Oluwagbemileke Gbadamosi Nelson O’leke.
Prominent stakeholders also graced the occasion, including Hon. Josiah Olufemi, former House of Assembly member and ex-aide to Governor Makinde on Community Relations; Hon. Akeem Obadara, former Assembly member (2019–2023); Alhaji Badmus; Alhaji Kunle Onifila; Baale Alaamu; Alhaji Asukuna; Hon. Olawiyola; Alhaji Jimoh; Hon. Akeem Ege, among others. Councillors, political appointees, local government and ward executive officers, as well as women and youth representatives from the 11 wards of the local government, were also in attendance.
A major highlight of the event was the formal declaration by Dr. Olayinka Gbolahan Ibikunle, tagged Kiniun Onibudo 2027, to vie for elective office in the 2027 general elections, amid cheers and massive support from his supporters.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ibikunle paid homage to the leadership and stakeholders of the PDP in Ibadan NorthWest, assuring party members of his commitment to the unity and stability of the party. He also commended Engr. Seyi Makinde, describing him as the leader of the PDP in Oyo State and the South West, and called on party faithful to continue supporting his administration.
“I plead with you all to give me the opportunity to serve the good people of Ibadan NorthWest Local Government at the Oyo State House of Assembly,” he said.
Responding to his declaration, 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 acknowledged Dr. Ibikunle’s long-standing goodwill, family contributions, and loyalty to the party. They offered prayers and words of encouragement, noting that ultimate success lies in the hands of God, while also urging more grassroots participation.
The meeting concluded on a joyful note with music, merriment, and a funfair atmosphere, as the Assembly hopeful, Dr. Gbolahan Ibikunle, hosted and catered for attendees, further reinforcing the spirit of unity and celebration within the party.
