ABEOKUTA – A Town Planning expert, Rotimi Matthew Babajide has declared his intention to run for Governorship in Ogun State on the platform of Allied Peoples Movement (APM), pledging to create no fewer than 150,000 jobs for residents within four years if elected in the 2027 elections.
Babajide made this known on Wednesday during his official declaration at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta, where he unveiled a comprehensive, people-centered manifesto anchored on economic growth, infrastructure development, education reform, healthcare delivery, agriculture, security, and transparent governance.
Addressing party leaders, supporters, and stakeholders, the town planner declared his readiness to lead the state into a new era of prosperity and justice, stressing that Ogun State must reclaim its legacy from political invaders.
Babajide noted that his administration would prioritise job creation through industrialization and private-sector partnerships, noting that his target of 150,000 jobs is achievable through deliberate policies and investments.
Babajide stated “I stand before you today, in the name of the Most High, to declare my sincere intention to serve the good people of Ogun State as governor from May 29, 2027. I am prepared for the number one job, and I am ready to serve with the fear of God, ensuring an all-inclusive government that truly reflects the aspirations of our people.
“Ogun State, the land of our forefathers like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and Prof. Wole Soyinka, must not be surrendered to political invaders. We have history, we have identity, and this is the time to be resolute and reclaim our future.
“My administration will establish industrial growth clusters in key economic zones such as Abeokuta, Sagamu, and Ota, while also providing grants and low-interest loans to small and medium-scale enterprises, artisans, and young entrepreneurs.
“We will create youth enterprise hubs to support startups and digital innovation, and partner with private investors to expand manufacturing and agro-processing. Our target is clear and achievable — to create 150,000 new jobs within four years. This is not just a promise; it is a commitment backed by a strategic plan,” he stated.
On infrastructure, Babajide pledged to open up rural communities and boost economic activities through massive road rehabilitation and improved transport systems.
“We will rehabilitate major roads linking rural areas to markets, expand public transport systems to ensure safe and affordable mobility, and improve electricity supply through independent power projects. In addition, we will launch a Clean Ogun Initiative to address waste management and sanitation challenges across the state. Our goal is to construct or rehabilitate at least 500 kilometres of roads statewide,” he added.
Babajide also underscored his commitment to youth and women’s empowerment, as well as transparency in governance.
“We will launch comprehensive skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes, provide funding for women-led businesses, and promote inclusiveness in governance. Transparency will be the cornerstone of our administration — we will publish state budgets and expenditures openly, introduce digital governance to curb corruption, and hold quarterly town hall meetings to remain accountable to the people,” he said.
Reiterating his campaign theme, Babajide described his agenda as a “People-First Manifesto,” aimed at building a prosperous, secure, and inclusive Ogun State where every citizen is respected, protected, and connected.
Speaking earlier, the Ogun State Chairman of the party, Abayomi Sanyaolu called on the residents of the state to use their PVCs to vote put the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying that the freedom of the state matters.
Sanyaolu described the party as the only credible and formidable platform that is capable of taking power from the current administration.
He stressed that the party’s door is still open for interested aspirants to contest for any political positions.
“We will upgrade public schools with modern facilities and digital tools, recruit and train qualified teachers, and introduce vocational and technical education to prepare our youth for the future. We will also provide scholarships for indigent students and ensure at least 90 percent student retention in public schools. In healthcare, we will upgrade primary healthcare centres in every ward, provide free maternal and child healthcare, deploy mobile clinics to rural areas, and strengthen health insurance coverage to guarantee access for all,” Babajide said.
He further highlighted plans to boost agriculture and enhance food security, while also tackling insecurity through a community-based approach.
“Our administration will support farmers with subsidies, mechanisation, and training, while developing farm settlements and agro-processing zones to increase food production by at least 50 percent within four years. We will also strengthen community policing, deploy modern technology such as CCTV and emergency response systems, and improve collaboration with security agencies to significantly reduce crime within the first two years,” he noted.
