ABEOKUTA – Oyejide Sunkanmi, former Ogun State Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has explained his decision to support Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, citing his track record of performance and commitment to development.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Wednesday, Sunkanmi said his alignment with Yayi was not a sudden decision, but the outcome of reflection, conviction, and assessment of leadership.
He recounted his meeting with Yayi, saying he was impressed by his clarity, direction, and sincerity.
Sunkanmi highlighted Yayi’s achievements, including improved road infrastructure, provision of water and electricity, and empowerment programs for artisans, traders, and young entrepreneurs. He emphasized that leadership is about impact and measurable results that improve daily life.
“I come from Onisasa in Oke-Ogun community, Abeokuta North Local Government Area. I have seen firsthand what meaningful representation looks like,” Sunkanmi said, citing the transformation of the Rounder to Olorunda road as an example.
“When I had the opportunity to sit with Senator Adeola, I was not looking for political promises. I was looking for clarity, direction, and sincerity. What I encountered was a leader who understands the weight of responsibility that comes with public office. His vision for Ogun State is not built on slogans; it is grounded in structure, practicality, and achievable goals. There was no grandstanding — just a calm, focused commitment to service. For me, this decision is more than politics. It is personal.
“I have seen firsthand what meaningful representation looks like. The road from Rounder to Olorunda, once a daily struggle for residents and traders, now offers improved access and solar lighting. That transformation may look simple on paper, but to the people who use that road every day, it means safety, opportunity, and dignity. Businesses are picking up. Movement is easier. Hope feels tangible again.
“And this is not limited to one community. Across the state, the evidence speaks. Communities now have motorised boreholes where water was once a luxury. Transformers have restored electricity to areas long forgotten. Strategic road interventions are opening up economic pathways. Empowerment programmes are reaching real people — artisans, traders, young entrepreneurs — in ways that create sustainability rather than temporary applause.
“Leadership, to me, is about impact. It is about measurable results that improve daily life. By that standard, Yayi has demonstrated capacity and commitment. He has shown that representation can extend beyond political strongholds and sectional interests. Ogun State, in his approach, is one entity with a shared destiny.
“As an Egba man, I see no contradiction in supporting a leader whose work benefits our people and strengthens our collective future. Development should never be partisan. Progress should never be selective.
“Stepping away from my former position as Ogun PDP Youth Leader was not an easy decision. Twelve years of political association and relationships are not walked away from lightly. But leadership also requires courage — the courage to choose conviction over comfort and progress over familiarity.
“The West2State project represents more than a campaign platform. It represents continuity of development, inclusive governance, and a forward-looking vision for our state. It is about building on visible foundations and expanding opportunities for every local government, every ward, and every community.
He said his decision to support Yayi was not taken lightly, having spent 12 years in the PDP, but emphasized that leadership requires courage and conviction.
Sunkanmi expressed confidence that Yayi’s West2State project represents continuity of development and inclusive governance.
Sunkanmi’s decision has been seen as a significant boost to Yayi’s campaign, with many expecting his support to sway voters in Ogun State.
