ABEOKUTA – A former Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Kayode Oladele, has criticised the Peoples Democratic Party over its decision to field another indigene of Iperu Remo as its governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.
Oladele said the PDP’s choice of Hon. Ladi Adebutu was politically insensitive, arguing that it would be difficult to persuade Ogun voters to replace Governor Dapo Abiodun, who is from Iperu with another candidate from the same town.
In a statement made available to journalists on over the weekend, the APC chieftain described the PDP’s decision as a serious political error.
He said, “Another Iperu man cannot succeed an Iperu man. Ogun people believe in fairness, equity and justice. After eight years of Governor Dapo Abiodun, who is from Iperu, no serious political party that truly understands the mood of the people would present another indigene of the same town as its governorship candidate.”
Oladele argued that beyond the issue of geographical balance, the PDP had ignored what he described as the long standing aspiration of the people of Ogun West Senatorial District to produce the governor of the state.
According to him, Ogun West remains the only senatorial district that has not produced a democratically elected governor since Ogun State was created five decades ago, making the emergence of the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, a significant opportunity to address what he described as years of political marginalisation and inequitable distribution of political power.
He said, “though Senator Adeola’s candidature is essentially about competence and popularity, it also represents an opportunity for Ogun State to correct a long standing political imbalance. Ogun West has remained the only senatorial district that has not produced a governor in the history of the state. Supporting his aspiration is therefore consistent with the principles of fairness, equity and inclusive governance.”
Oladele maintained that Adeola’s widespread acceptance across Ogun West, Ogun Central and Ogun East was further evidence that his aspiration transcended sectional interests.
He added, “Apart from being the most qualified and unarguably the most popular candidate in the race, Senator Adeola Yayi enjoys massive support across the three senatorial districts because of his impressive record of performance, people oriented projects and unprecedented empowerment programmes. His nomination reflects both merit and the legitimate yearning of Ogun West for equitable participation in the leadership of the state.”
The former lawmaker further alleged that the PDP had become disconnected from the political realities in Ogun State, insisting that the party had continued to lose public confidence.
“The PDP has once again demonstrated that it is out of touch with the political aspirations of Ogun people. Rather than presenting a fresh and inclusive alternative, it has chosen a path that ignores the principles of fairness and broad representation,” he said.
Oladele expressed confidence that the APC would retain power in the state, urging party members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the governorship election.
He also appealed to Ogun residents to support the second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying continuity at both the federal and state levels would accelerate development and strengthen the partnership between Ogun State and the Federal Government.
