Why I’m contesting under PDP despite party’s crisis — Ajadi

Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi is a gubernatorial aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State. In this interview with Rukiyat Ogunwade, he speaks about why he is contesting under the platform of PDP despite the crisis in the party, his journey into the governorship race and his agenda for the state. Excerpts:

You are running as a governorship aspirant of the PDP despite internal challenges, don’t you think this can affect your ambition?

The PDP remains one of the most structured and grassroots-oriented political parties in Nigeria. While it is true that political parties occasionally experience internal disagreements, I see such moments not as setbacks but as opportunities for reconciliation, growth, and strengthening democratic values. My decision to run under the PDP is deliberate. I believe strongly in the party’s ideology and its legacy in Oyo State, particularly under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, who has demonstrated what purposeful governance can achieve. My focus is on unity, inclusiveness, and consolidation. I have been actively engaging stakeholders across all levels, party leaders, youths, and grassroots mobilizers to ensure cohesion. Rather than weakening my ambition, these engagements are strengthening it, because they are building trust and a shared vision for the future of Oyo State.

You once contested for governorship in Ogun State, what informed your switch to Oyo State?

My political journey actually began in Ogun State, which is my maternal home. In 2023, I initially aspired to contest for the presidency under the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party. However, during the party’s internal processes, the national leadership informed me that only one presidential ticket had been issued, and I was persuaded to step aside for Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Following that development, I was offered the gubernatorial ticket to contest in Ogun State as a form of compensation. Although I had reservations—because my original ambition was to run for president, I accepted the decision in the interest of party unity. I eventually emerged as the party’s governorship candidate in Ogun State, particularly at a time when there were internal conflicts among aspirants in the state. However, my movement to Oyo State was not a sudden or politically convenient decision; it was both strategic and deeply personal. Oyo State is my paternal home, and over time, I began receiving encouragement from respected political leaders and stakeholders there, urging me to return and contribute to the development of my fatherland through my political aspiration and philanthropic engagements, from which many people in my maternal home, Ogun State, have benefited. I had already been making consultations and building relationships with political stakeholders in the state before making my final decision.

Beyond the political considerations, there was also a spiritual dimension to my decision. I strongly believe that my journey into politics has been guided by divine direction. Just as I felt a divine call when I initially aspired to the presidency in 2023, I experienced another defining moment before relocating my political base to Oyo State in 2025.

So, my decision to move to Oyo State was influenced by a combination of political encouragement, a sense of identity and responsibility to my paternal roots, and what I strongly believe to be divine guidance. It was not just a switch, it was a purposeful transition toward fulfilling a larger vision of service.

ALSO READ: Supreme Court nullifies PDP Ibadan convention

What is your economic agenda for Oyo State and how do you plan to execute it?

My economic agenda is anchored on sustainable development, job creation, and private sector collaboration. Having built businesses from the ground up, I understand the challenges entrepreneurs face—access to capital, infrastructure deficits, and policy inconsistency. My administration will focus on, Industrialisation and SME Development, Establishment of industrial hubs and provision of incentives for small and medium enterprises to thrive. Agricultural value chain expansion, by moving beyond subsistence farming to agro-processing and export-driven agriculture, youth empowerment and skills  development ,creation of vocational and digital training centres to equip our youths for global competitiveness, Infrastructure development to be achieved through the Improvement of roads, power supply partnerships, and digital infrastructure to attract investors. While execution will be driven through public-private partnerships (PPP), transparent governance, and leveraging both local and international investment networks that I have cultivated over the years.

What is your take on the push for power shift in the state, and how can the contention be resolved?

The conversation around power shift is a legitimate one in a democratic setting. It reflects the desire for fairness, inclusion, and balanced representation.

However, while zoning and power rotation are important, competence, capacity, and vision should remain the primary criteria for leadership. Oyo State needs a leader who can unify the state and deliver results, regardless of regional considerations.

I believe the best way to resolve this contention is through dialogue, consultation, and party consensus-building mechanisms. The PDP has strong internal structures that can manage such discussions effectively, ensuring that all interests are fairly represented without jeopardising the party’s chances at the polls.

One of the issues generating discussions in our polity is that of local government autonomy, what is your take on this?

Local government autonomy is essential for grassroots development. It means allowing local governments to function independently, manage their resources effectively, and respond directly to the needs of their communities. If I emerge as the next governor of the state, my administration will promote financial independence and accountability at the local level,ensure  transparent allocation and utilisation of funds, strengthen capacity building for local government officials. However, autonomy must go hand-in-hand with accountability. We will establish monitoring frameworks to ensure that resources are used for the benefit of the people.

What agenda will you adopt if elected? A five-point, seven-point, or more?

My agenda is not limited to a five-point or seven-point framework. Given the complexity and potential of Oyo State, I have developed a comprehensive 17-point agenda—a well-structured blueprint designed to deliver continuity, deepen development, and introduce innovation across all critical sectors of the state.

At the heart of this vision is what I describe as “continuity, consolidation, and innovation” under the Omituntun 3.0 initiative. Governance is a relay race; my responsibility is to sustain the progress already made while accelerating growth with fresh, practical ideas.

Broadly, my 17-point agenda is structured around the following key pillars,  Good Governance and Continuity of Progress, through the sustenance of existing developmental strides, ensure policy stability, and strengthen institutions to guarantee long-term growth rather than policy reversals, industrialisation and Economic Expansion through public-private partnerships, we will revive industries, create jobs, attract investors, and reduce dependence on federal allocations, Agriculture and Food Security Agriculture will be repositioned as a major economic driver through mechanisation, funding, and agro-processing to ensure food sufficiency and export capacity; Rural Development and Local Government Autonomy, to be achieved by bringing development closer to the grassroots through improved roads, access to electricity, enhanced healthcare, and increased economic opportunities in rural areas; infrastructure and modern transportation from  our “No Single Pothole” policy to smart, inclusive transport systems, we will modernise mobility and improve connectivity across the state; security and safety of lives and property; we will deploy technology, strengthen community policing, and improve coordination among security agencies to ensure a safer Oyo State. Access to funding, entrepreneurship support, and skill acquisition programmes will reduce unemployment and drive inclusive growth; healthcare reform universal health coverage, upgraded hospitals, and partnerships with private investors will make healthcare accessible, affordable, and efficient;  Housing and Urban Development Affordable housing, smart city planning, and urban renewal will transform Oyo into a modern and livable state.