Confusion In Oyo PDP As Factions Produce Two Governorship Candidates

Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been plunged into further confusion as two factions of the party have produced two separate governorship candidates for the 2027 general elections in the state.

The two factions backed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, and Tanimu Turaki, conducted their primaries during the week and nominated two different candidates for the upcoming elections.

The Wike group which conducted its primary on Tuesday, nominated former Deputy Governor of Oyo state, Hazeem Gbolarumi, as its candidate while the Turaki faction conducted its own primary and nominated another former Deputy Governor of the state, Taofeeq Arapaja, as its candidate.

The nomination of the two aspirants by the two factions of the same party has however, thrown party members into confusion and has raised the question as to which candidate will be recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the election.

The emergence of two governorship candidates from rival PDP factions has once again highlighted the lingering internal crisis within the party in the state, raising questions about reconciliation and legitimacy as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.