The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Allied People’s Movement (APM) coalition has formally unveiled Engineer Muftau Open-Salawu as deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election.
Declaring the Adekanmbi-Open-Salawu ticket as the team to sustain and expand Governor Seyi Makinde’s development agenda, the coalition launched its campaign on Wednesday at the party secretariat, Oke Ado, Ibadan.
The campaign is centred on continuity, experience, and preservation of the gains of the Makinde administration.
Before addressing supporters, governorship candidate Mr. Bimbo Adekanmbi observed a minute’s silence for a teacher reportedly killed in the recent Oriire incident and for schoolchildren and teachers still in captivity.
“We lost a teacher in the Oriire incident and there are children and teachers who have been abducted and who are still not enjoying their freedom today,” he said.
Linking the incident to governance, Adekanmbi stressed that any serious government must prioritise citizens’ welfare and safety. “A serious government provides welfare for its citizens, security of lives and property, and general well-being across the state,” he said.
Adekanmbi argued that Governor Makinde had fulfilled those obligations through infrastructure development, salary payments, agricultural reforms and security initiatives. He said the state therefore deserved a capable team to succeed him.
“As we transition towards the 2027 general elections, it behoves any serious administration to hand over to a capable government. That is the message of Governor Seyi Makinde. He has delivered infrastructure, improved quality of life through regular payment of salaries, promoted agribusiness and culture, and performed excellently in every sector, including security,” he stated.
Announcing his running mate, Adekanmbi said the choice was based on competence and experience. “Today we are unveiling the Deputy Governor, Engineer Muftau Open-Salawu. He is a qualified engineer with professional experience and currently heads the State Project Monitoring Team. All the projects that citizens appreciate have been monitored by him to ensure they meet required standards,” he added.
The former Commissioner for Finance described the ticket as “ready for governance from day one”. “I am an accountant and former Commissioner for Finance. We have moved from Accelerated Development 2.0 to Sustainable Development, and now we are advancing towards Continuous Development. Continuous development includes maintaining security of lives and property,” Adekanmbi said.
Adekanmbi formally announced the political alliance backing the ticket as a strategic coalition designed to overcome future challenges and secure continuity. “It is a coalition between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied People’s Movement. We have challenges ahead, and these can only be overcome by a strong and capable team,” he said.
He appealed to all Oyo residents beyond party lines: “This is not only about party members, because they are not the only people who will vote. We want the good life to continue. We want to continue guaranteeing infrastructure, regular salaries, and security of lives and property.”
In his acceptance speech, Open-Salawu thanked both parties and pledged loyalty to the coalition’s vision. He urged aggrieved members to set aside differences. “Our focus must be on winning the next election and ensuring that the progress achieved in Oyo State is sustained. I appeal to all party members to put aside grievances and unite behind this ticket,” he said.
Coalition leaders and elder statesmen present called on party faithful to close ranks, saying continuity of good governance remained critical to the state’s future development.
