A prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Oyo State, AgbaโAkin Benedict Akika, has intensified grassroots mobilisation for the party with a renewed call for unity, voter participation and unwavering support for Governor Seyi Makinde ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akika, popularly known as โBeneโ, made the appeal on Sunday during the 2026 New Year Get-Together of the Omituntun Benedict Forum (OBF), held at his Olorunda residence in Ibadan.
Addressing the crowd, the PDP stalwart reaffirmed his loyalty to Governor Makinde, describing him as the pillar and driving force of the party in Oyo State.
He said the governorโs leadership and performance in office had continued to strengthen the PDPโs structure and popularity across the state.
Akika, as part of efforts to deepen democratic participation, announced that he would personally sponsor daily transportation for 20 members of the Omituntun Benedict Forum to participate in the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that party members and eligible citizens are adequately prepared to exercise their civic responsibilities, stressing that voter registration remains the foundation of electoral success.
โOur focus is on preparation, mobilisation and unity. Politics is not only about elections; it is about consistent engagement with the people,โ Akika said.
He urged OBF members and PDP faithful to remain active at the ward level by attending meetings and participating fully in party activities, noting that sustained grassroots involvement would position the party strongly ahead of 2027.
Akika also dismissed speculations about internal crisis or disunity within the PDP in Oyo State, describing such claims as distractions sponsored by political opponents.
He maintained that the party remains united, stable and focused on consolidating its achievements.
โThe PDP in Oyo State is intact as there is no crisis. Our strength lies in our unity and the confidence the people have in the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde,โ he stated.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Agency for Youth Development, Falana Adebowale Adebayo, praised Governor Makindeโs youth-focused policies in employment, infrastructure and empowerment, describing the governor as โa father of the youth.โ
He assured that young people in the state remain solidly behind the administration.
Equally speaking, Hon. Kamorudeen commended Akika for his consistency in grassroots engagement and philanthropy, describing the Omituntun Benedict Forum as a model of people-oriented political organisation.
The New Year Get-Together featured goodwill messages, music, dance and entertainment, as thousands of OBF members gathered in a festive atmosphere marked by unity, optimism and renewed commitment to the PDPโs vision for Oyo State.
