SDP Gubernatorial Candidate Vows to End Hardship in Oyo State, Rejects Vote-Buying

Ibadan- The newly elected gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2027 elections, Honourable Oloye Saheed Oladele, has declared that he is not in the race to negotiate but to win, insisting that he offers the only credible alternative to the people of Oyo State.

Speaking shortly after his emergence as the party’s consensus flag bearer at the primary election held on Tuesday at Orita-Challenge, Ibadan, Hon Oladele positioned himself as the candidate best equipped to end the hardship currently facing residents of the state.

"I am not here to negotiate with anybody," Hon Oladele told party members and stakeholders. "I came to SDP to contest and to win this election, because I know we can do it."

The gubernatorial hopeful revealed that he had previously defected from another political party, turning down what he described as “opportunities” presented to him there, because he believed the people of Oyo State deserved the best.

"If I wanted to negotiate, I would have remained at the party I defected from," he said. "But I said 'No'. The people of this state deserve the best and that is why I am here."

SDP Lacked Serious Candidates'

Hon Oladele offered a frank assessment of the Social Democratic Party, acknowledging its historical strengths while identifying a key weakness.

"SDP is a party with good instinct, has people with very good character and a party with great potential but lacked serious candidates in past elections," he said.

He argued that the party’s fortunes would now change. "SDP is a well-known party, and all it needs is a serious candidate and that candidate is here," he added.

The candidate framed the 2027 contest as the party’s best opportunity to return to government house since the era of Chief Kolapo Ishola in 1991, calling on members to seize the moment with unity and purpose.

Appeal for Unity

Striking a conciliatory tone, Hon Oladele urged party members to set aside internal differences and work collectively towards victory.

"We must never be discouraged by whatever may come our way. Let's keep working harder," he said. "I am for unity in SDP. I am not for disunity, because united we stand — divided we fall. Let's join hands together and draw ourselves closer, irrespective of our differences, so that we can achieve the ultimate result."

He reaffirmed that every party member and stakeholder had a significant role to play, concluding: "Let's make good use of this opportunity. Thank you very much."

Rejection of Vote-Buying

In a subsequent interview with Stonix News, Hon Oladele made clear that his campaign would not follow the pattern of money politics that he accused other parties of employing to “buy people’s conscience”.

"My expectation is that people should not sell their conscience because of money," he said. "I expect them to vote for quality representation."

He went further to assert his dominance in the upcoming race. "The truth is there's actually nobody that can match me in this governorship race. In 2027, there's no alternative to me. And whoever wants the hardship in Oyo State to stop should choose me as their next governor."

He added: "We won't be sharing money the same way other parties are buying people's conscience, but the quality representation we're going to give them, they will be so glad."

Candidate Profile: Oloye Saheed Oladele

Ahead of the 2027 governorship contest, SDP presents four compelling reasons why Oloye Saheed Oladele — the SDP flag bearer — is positioning himself as the governor Oyo State needs:

A Scholar and Educational Reformer

Oloye Saheed Oladele is a first-class graduate of the University of Ibadan and a prolific writer with several books to his credit. He is an educational consultant who has trained teachers in over 200 schools across Nigeria and is the founder of the renowned Erudite Group of Schools — a world record setter in Cambridge A-Level international examinations, achieving 100 per cent passes within the world's shortest preparatory time. This remarkable achievement earned him the prestigious title of the first-ever Baàm?`k?´ of Ibadanland, conferred by the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

A Youthful Achiever and Talent Developer

Oloye Saheed Oladele represents the vibrant and energetic youth population of Oyo State. Fourteen years ago, he started Erudite Millennium Ltd as a modest tutorial centre in Agbowo. Today, it has grown into a globally recognised educational institution located in Bodija, Ibadan. His leadership style is built on competence, excellence and merit. He believes in bringing the best minds together without sentiment. The party argues that Oyo State stands to benefit immensely from a young private-sector performer and exceptional talent hunter as governor.

A Man of Integrity and Outstanding Character

Alhaji Saheed Oladele has consistently demonstrated uncommon integrity, earning him widespread respect and admiration across Oyo State and beyond. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Gani Fawehinmi Outstanding Integrity Award, after publicly returning funds mistakenly reversed into his account to Mosuro Booksellers in Jericho. A US-based researcher and social critic recently described him as one of the most decorated Ibadan indigenes of all time, citing his diligence, honesty and unwavering commitment to excellence.

A True Progressive with SDP Ideals

As a young boy in 1993, Saheed Oladele participated in the struggle to reclaim the mandate of Chief MKO Abiola and was tear-gassed during the democratic protests. Today, he finds himself in the Social Democratic Party — the same party associated with Chief MKO Abiola, the hero of Nigeria's democracy. Just as Chief Kolapo Ishola emerged as governor under the SDP platform in 1991, Oloye Saheed Oladele is poised to make history again in 2027.

The candidate's backers contend that at a critical time when the people of Oyo State desire a credible alternative and fresh leadership, Oloye Saheed Oladele stands out with qualities Nigerians seek: scholarliness, boldness, ingenuity, omoluabi values, integrity and godliness.

Consensus Process Confirmed

The SDP's state chairman, Comrade Engr Michael Idowu Owokoya, confirmed that the gubernatorial candidate emerged through a consensus arrangement, as Hon Oladele was the sole aspirant who obtained the party's nomination form.

Speaking with journalists, Comrade Owokoya expressed satisfaction with the primary process, noting that all candidates had been selected by party members and stakeholders, not imposed from above.

"We want the people to know that we didn't just put someone that will contest for governorship or other positions," the chairman said. "All our candidates were selected by party members and stakeholders."

The primary elections for legislative positions were conducted by the state vice chairman under the watch of INEC officials, and the party confirmed in an official press release that the exercise had been carried out peacefully, transparently and in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.

As Oyo State looks towards 2027, Oloye Saheed Oladele has positioned himself as the candidate of quality representation and an end to hardship — promising a campaign built on substance rather than cash handouts. His supporters are calling on the electorate to join hands in support of "a man of unblemished character, proven competence and genuine passion for service", declaring that a new era of excellence is possible.

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