Social Democratic Party Leadership Courts APC Gubernatorial Aspirant Saheed Oladele for Oyo State Governor

SDP leaders from 26 local government areas visit APC aspirant Saheed Oladele, endorsing him as a qualified candidate for the Oyo State governorship.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 7:53 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Guardian Newspapers

Strategic Cross Party Outreach by Social Democratic Party Leadership

In a development that signals shifting alliances within the Oyo State political landscape, the Social Democratic Party has formally initiated contact with Oloye Saheed Oladele, a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress. The Baàmèkó of Ibadanland received a delegation of SDP leaders who appear to be evaluating external candidates for the upcoming gubernatorial contest. This visit suggests that the SDP is actively seeking a formidable contender who can consolidate support across traditional party lines, targeting Oladele as a potential focal point for a broader political coalition.

Broad Delegation Represents Extensive Regional Support

The scale of the meeting underscored the seriousness of the SDP’s interest in the APC aspirant. Attendees included the state executive committee and chairmen from 26 of the state’s local government areas. Notably, the delegation featured significant representation from the Oke Ogun region, led by 86 year old Alhaji Ibrahim Durojaiye, who oversees 10 local government areas in that zone. The presence of such a diverse group of elder statesmen and party executives highlights an organized effort to present Oladele as a candidate with wide ranging geographical appeal within the state.

Endorsement of Leadership Credentials and Executive Capacity

During the gathering, the Chairman of the Oyo State SDP, Michael Okunlola, offered a strong endorsement of Oladele’s personal and professional qualifications. Okunlola stated that the aspirant possesses all the essential attributes required to occupy the office of the Governor. This public validation by an opposition party leader indicates that Oladele’s reputation for leadership has extended beyond the internal structures of the APC, making him a subject of interest for parties looking to challenge the status quo in Oyo State.