A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Hazeem Gbolarumi, has declared that Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will retain power in the state in 2027, despite current challenges in the party.

Gbolarumi made this assertion on Saturday shortly after he submitted his nomination form ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election at the party’s National Secretariat, Wadata House, in Abuja.

Our correspondent reports that Gbolarumi arrived at the PDP secretariat with a large entourage of Oyo State party faithful, where he was received by senior PDP officials and zonal leaders.

Among those who were on hand to receive him were PDP National Treasurer, Diran Odeyemi, National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Jungudo and South West Zonal Publicity Secretary, Comrade Akinloye Olusegun Oyeniyi.

Others are National Women Leader, Professor Adenike Ogunshe, State Chairman, Professor Rahman Akinoso, Oyo South Senatorial aspirant, Bolanle Sarumi and other party chieftains from the 33 local government areas of the state.

Gbolarumi, speaking after submitting the form, insisted that the party is poised to retain power in Oyo in 2027.

The former deputy governor urged all members of the party to embrace unity, noting that efforts are being made to address the current challenges in the party.

Gbolarumi said, “Today is another epoch making day in the history of our great party and our dear state. I am here to submit my nomination forms.

“As at Today, PDP remains a party to beat. We remain resolute in retaining power in Oyo State in 2027.

“We are not unmindful of some challenges, we are making efforts to overcome all our challenges in the party. Each political party has its own peculiarities. But, we will overcome all our challenges before the election.

“None of the political parties in Oyo State has the capacity to beat us in the election. We are going to retain the power in Oyo State. I want to thank the party leadership and grassroots members for their support. My aspiration was anchored on party unity, strengthening the PDP’s base in Oyo, and presenting a credible alternative to voters in 2027.”