2027: Oyo SDP replaces gov candidate

The Social Democratic Party has changed its Oyo State governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election, replacing Michael Okunlade with Mogaji Agboola at a substitution plenary in Ibadan on Tuesday.

The party said its ticket was not open to political negotiation. It tasked Agboola with uniting members, strengthening the party’s structures and taking its message to all 33 local government areas. The move marks a new phase in the SDP’s preparations, with party leaders saying they want more than participation and intend to build the strength needed to win power.

“

The SDP is not in the race for political bargaining. It is determined to win the governorship election and to introduce a new approach to governance in the state.

Agboola told journalists that the SDP was determined to win and introduce a new approach to governance. He said the party wanted to replace what he called “pedestrian thinking” with system-based thinking and end business as usual.

“

The last time we declared our intent, we said pedestrian thinking has to stop and system-based thinking should now be the case. We should stop business as usual and bring new ideas to the table.

“The SDP is not in the race for political bargaining. It is determined to win the governorship election and to introduce a new approach to governance in the state,” Agboola said.

He said his administration, if elected, would prioritize developing people and establish systems that could turn Oyo State’s human and material resources into sustainable economic opportunities. He argued that the state should no longer remain mainly a resource centre for others, and said residents needed policies that would help them gain relevant skills and contribute to economic development.

“

My administration, if elected, will prioritise the development of the people and establish systems capable of transforming the state’s human and material resources into sustainable economic opportunities.