A frontline governorship aspirant in the 2027 Oyo State gubernatorial election and member representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West federal constituency, Hon. Adedeji Olajide, has urged political actors in the state to embrace issue-based engagement and desist from what he described as the growing trend of distraction and mudslinging.

The lawmaker made this remark following the postponement of the Oyo South senatorial district stakeholders’ meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The meeting, earlier scheduled to be held on Monday, was postponed to a later date, a development that has since sparked a wave of unverified narratives across sections of the social media space.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Tolu Mustapha, the lawmaker cautioned against the spread of unsubstantiated claims, noting that such tendencies do little to advance democratic values or the developmental aspirations of the state.

Refraining from joining issues with any individual or group, Hon. Olajide Odidiomo stressed that moments such as this demand maturity, restraint and a deliberate shift from personality-driven politics to a focus on governance, performance and the future of Oyo state.

“Experience has shown that periods of political transition often come with heightened speculation and orchestrated narratives. However, as responsible stakeholders, we must rise above distractions and channel our energy towards constructive engagement that benefits our people,” the statement read.

He emphasised that the real conversation before the people of Oyo state is not one of controversy, but of continuity, consolidation and expansion of the gains already recorded under the present administration.

Olajide Odidiomo called on party faithful and the general public to align with the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde, whose administration, he noted, has redefined governance through deliberate policies in infrastructure, human capital development and institutional reforms.

“The task before us is clear, which is to sustain the progress already made. This requires unity, disciplined engagement and a commitment to developmental politics, not a descent into needless distractions,” he stated.