Ogun 2027: Ladi Adebutu Should Step Down For Segun Showunmi, Or Egba Will Back Yewa Agenda – Arabambi

ABEOKUTA — The Labour Party (LP) South-West Zonal Vice Chairman, Comrade Abayomi Arabambi, has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, to shelve his 2027 governorship ambition and support Segun Showunmi, in the interest of the Egba political agenda.

Arabambi made the call on Monday during a radio programme in Abeokuta, where he also spoke on the 2027 governorship race, the Egba Agenda, President Bola Tinubu’s administration and political developments in Ogun State.

He argued that if the Egba Agenda could not produce the governorship candidate, Adebutu should consider yielding his ambition to Segun Showunmi, whom he described as another prominent Egba son, or alternatively the Egbas will support the Yewa agenda with a commitment that the position of Secretary to the State Government (SSG) should be ceded to an Egba candidate.

According to him, “If the Egba Agenda is not realizable, we are of the opinion that the Egba Agenda must support the Yewa Agenda with a caveat that Egba must produce the SSG.”

Arabambi maintained that the political calculations in Ogun State should accommodate the interests of the different senatorial districts, stressing that no zone should expect to permanently dominate the governorship.

He said the Egba people constitute a significant voting bloc in Ogun State and should therefore remain within the state’s power structure, regardless of who eventually emerges as governor in 2027.

“If Adebutu refuses to relax for Segun Sowunmi, is it going to be a win for Yayi; Egba cannot be outside of the power circle,” he said.
Arabambi also urged Adebutu to reconsider his claim to an exclusive political lineage in Odeda, arguing that the political history of his family did not give him an automatic monopoly over the area.

He further linked his argument to the broader political permutations surrounding the 2027 election, noting that political accommodation and strategic alliances remained essential to winning elections.

Speaking on the emerging political alignment in Ogun State, Arabambi said the Egba bloc had already aligned with the ambition of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, following what he described as an agreement around the Egba Agenda.

He, however, maintained that the Remo people would also have their opportunity in the political equation, insisting that no group could permanently monopolise the governorship.

Arabambi said Governor Dapo Abiodun’s ability to work with different political interests was partly responsible for the current alignment, describing him as a “good person” who had demonstrated humility and an accommodating disposition.

The LP chieftain also recalled his previous opposition to Abiodun during the governor’s first term, saying the governor’s humility and approach to political disagreements eventually changed his perception.

He disclosed that despite taking the governor and the Commissioner for Housing to court, Abiodun did not resort to intimidation or unleash political thugs against him.

According to him, the governor’s conduct after the legal dispute made me reconsider my position and eventually develop a friendship with Abiodun.

Arabambi emphasised that Abiodun’s kindness was “pastoral,” adding that the governor’s willingness to explain issues and engage his critics contributed to his decision to support and commend the administration.

On the 2027 presidential election, Arabambi declared his support for President Bola Tinubu, saying continuity was important for the country.

He commended Tinubu’s administration, particularly over the Benin-Ogun Expressway project, and argued that the President should be allowed to complete eight years in office.

Arabambi also disclosed that the Labour Party could adopt Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, similar to what he said the Accord Party had done.

While discussing the Labour Party’s presidential ticket, he said the party had adopted a position in support of Tinubu, while making critical remarks about the political viability of former LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

He also praised the Tinubu administration over fuel availability, arguing that the situation had improved compared with previous periods.

Arabambi urged Nigerians to place the interest of the country above partisan considerations, saying voters should carefully assess the performance of political leaders before making decisions in 2027.

On the Ogun governorship contest, he stressed that anyone seeking to become governor must have the financial capacity and political structure required to prosecute a serious election.

He therefore reiterated his appeal to Adebutu to consider stepping aside for Sowunmi, saying such a move could preserve the interests of the Egba people while creating room for broader political negotiations.

Arabambi said where the Egba Agenda could not be achieved, the alternative should be a strategic alliance with the Yewa Agenda, with the assurance that an Egba person would occupy the SSG position.

He maintained that the ultimate objective should be to ensure that the Egba people remain relevant in the political power structure of Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections.