Akinkunmi Akinyemi campaign flag-off — The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for the Ibadan South East/Ibadan North East Federal Constituency, Aare Akinkunmi Akinyemi, has officially flagged off his campaign. The event took place at Wesley College, Elekuro, Ibadan, and drew grassroots supporters from across the constituency.
Notably, the flag-off coincided with a personal milestone for Akinyemi. He also used the occasion to celebrate the remembrance of his late father, Pa Emmanuel Olugbade Akinyemi, giving the day added significance for him and his family.
The event opened with prayers from the faiths and traditions represented in the constituency. Pastor Sunday Okunola led the Christian prayers, Imam Kalimulahi of Jegede Mosque led the Islamic prayers, and Ojeleke Aiyelabola offered prayers in the traditional way. Together, the three prayer sessions set a tone of unity before the campaign proceedings began.
Akinyemi opened his address by paying respect to traditional and party leaders. “I give honour to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja,” he said. He also greeted national PDP leader Nyesom Wike, South-West leader Ayodele Fayose, and the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Hazeez Gbolarunmi.
He then turned to the crowd itself. “Looking at this great crowd, I am convinced that you are my people—the proud sons and daughters of Ibadan North East and Ibadan South East Federal Constituency,” he said. According to him, the turnout showed that residents had “come out in large numbers to support your own.”
Akinyemi framed his bid as an act of service rather than ambition. “I stand before you today not as someone seeking power, but as someone seeking the opportunity to serve,” he said. He added that “leadership is not about titles or personal glory; it is about responsibility, sacrifice, and commitment to the people.”
He then listed the challenges he said residents had raised with him directly. These included poor infrastructure, weak healthcare, falling educational standards, and unemployment. “They are tired of empty promises,” he said of the constituents he had consulted. “They want a representative who is present, accessible, and committed to delivering real results.”
Akinyemi went on to pledge personal accessibility if elected. “My phone lines will remain open,” he said. “Every ward coordinator has access to me, and through them, every member of this constituency can reach me.” He promised that residents’ concerns would continue to guide his decisions in office.
On policy, he committed to pursuing better roads, improved schools, quality healthcare, and youth empowerment. “I will ensure that our constituency receives the attention and resources it deserves,” he said. However, he cautioned against overpromising. “Fine words are meaningless without action,” he said. “I will not make unrealistic promises.”
Meanwhile, the PDP’s 2027 governorship nominee, Gbolarunmi, did not attend in person. Instead, his brother, Prince Taiwo Oshuntoyinbo, who also serves as the party’s leader in the federal constituency, represented him at the event.
Several other party figures joined the occasion as well. They included Engr Kunle Lawal, Mr Kayode Olugbode, and Hon Sunday Adesina, among other dignitaries. Their presence, according to organisers, signalled strong internal party backing for Akinyemi’s bid.
Notably, the campaign also spotlighted Akinyemi’s political alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Long known as a passionate admirer of Asiwaju’s political style, Akinyemi has often pointed to his own political strategy and manoeuvring as drawing inspiration from that pattern. As part of that alignment, he launched the Akinkunmi Akinyemi Campaign Organisation for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, tagged AACOBAT.
According to Akinyemi, his push for Tinubu’s second-term ambition also reflects backing from within his own party’s ranks, which he described as coming from national leadership and senior hierarchy figures. Therefore, the new group is expected to mobilise support for the president within the constituency, even as Akinyemi runs under the PDP banner.
That alignment stands out because the PDP remains Nigeria’s major opposition party at every level of government. As a result, Akinyemi’s open push for Tinubu’s second term marks a notable departure from the party’s traditional opposition posture, even as it appears aimed at broadening his local appeal ahead of the polls.
Akinyemi closed his address with a direct appeal to the crowd. “My dear people, I humbly ask for your support, your prayers, and your votes,” he said. “Let us walk this journey together.” He ended simply: “I am ready to serve.”
Overall, the flag-off marks the formal start of Akinyemi’s push for the federal seat. Both his AACOBAT initiative and his party’s grassroots network are now expected to shape the direction of the campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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