Oyo State’s political landscape is already heating up as nine aspirants within the Peoples Democratic Party jostle for the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 election.

Governor Seyi Makinde has mandated the state’s advisory council, chaired by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Bolaji Ayorinde, to interface with all interested aspirants and submit recommendations that will shape the emergence of his potential successor under the Omituntun 3.0 agenda.

The council’s assignment, according to party insiders, is designed to prevent accusations of imposition and to give every hopeful a platform to present their vision for Oyo State. Invitation letters have been dispatched to aspirants, and sessions with the council have begun in Ibadan.

Those who have already appeared before the council include a member of the House of Representatives for Ibadan South-West/North-East, Adedeji Olajide, popularly known as Odidiomo; the state Universal Basic Education Board chairman, Nureni Adeniran; former Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Bimbo Adekanmbi; the chairman of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, Debo Akande; and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, among others.

Ayorinde stressed that the exercise is not a formal screening or vetting process but a structured interaction aimed at understanding each aspirant’s programmes, priorities and governance style.

He explained that the council has no powers to disqualify or endorse any individual, but will compile its observations and submit a report to Makinde, who is said to be keen on a transparent and broadly acceptable succession process.

The advisory council chair added that the governor is expected to widen consultations beyond the council’s work by engaging party leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders before a final decision is made on the PDP flag bearer.

Party sources say the process is being closely watched within and outside the PDP, as it could determine whether the ruling party maintains its current cohesion or faces internal fractures ahead of 2027. For now, the nine aspirants who have faced the council are seen as the first wave in what may become one of the most competitive governorship primaries in Oyo’s recent history.