The electorate in Ogun State have renewed their resolve to ensure emergence of the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ladi Adebutu, in the 2027 governorship election.
They made the pledge in their remarks at the ward-to-ward tours embarked on by Adebutu and his running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, declaring their support for the candidates ahead of the poll.
Adebutu and Sowunmi-Kolapo have in the past weeks been touring wards across the local governments in Ogun, mobilising indigenes and informing them of their seven-point agenda tagged: ‘ITURA DE’.
Grassroots dwellers, who were meeting Adebutu and Kolapo for the first time, were excited to receive the candidates to their communities, as they welcomed them with fanfare.
Indigenes also had the opportunity of having town hall discussions with the PDP candidates, where they enumerated the challenges they are facing in their communities.
They urged Adebutu to fix their deplorable roads and assist farmers with seedlings and modern agricultural equipment, to enable them produce foodstuff in large quantities for the state.
Speaking in turns at ward engagements, stakeholders resolved to mobilise support for Adebutu and his running mate.
At Alagada Ward, Obafemi Owode Local Government, Mrs. Folasade Ogunye, a market leader, said she was backing the ‘Ogun for Ogun Movement’ because indigenes understand the pains of the grassroots.
‘We, the women of Obafemi Owode, have suffered neglect. Our roads to the markets are bad and our children need jobs. We want someone who grew up here, who knows our language and our struggles.
‘Apart from that, it will be a disservice to the memory of our heroes for an outsider to dictate the fortune of our people. This is why we have pledged to go from house to house to secure this mandate. It is about our pride as Ogun indigenes.’
At Alapakooni community in Obafemi Owode Local Government, some members of All Progressives Congress (APC) said they decided to dump the party because they could not continue to support a candidate, who had not been able to state his true identity.
Tunde Akinola, a community youth coordinator at Alapakooni Ward, said: ‘We decided to join this ward meeting today with our incoming governor, Adebutu, because we love our state and can’t trade it on the altar of politics. We want to follow the person we know and that will deliver.’
A stakeholder and farmer at Onidunu Ward, identified as Deji Bamidele, said: ‘In this community, farming is our life, but we have been left with cutlasses while other states use tractors. When Adebutu explained ITURA DE and how agriculture would be mechanised, we saw hope.
‘We are committing our farmers’ cooperative of over 300 members to this ‘Ogun for Ogun’ cause to ensure our land is governed by our own.’
At Owode Ward 3, Obafemi Owode Local Government, Alhaja Sariyu Bankole, a retired teacher, said her commitment was driven by the need to protect Ogun’s political legacy.
‘We cannot mortgage our heritage. Ogun State is the home of great leaders. Allowing non-indigenes to take over will erase our history. I have told all my former students and their parents in this ward that we must vote for our own. This is our covenant,’ she said.
Similarly, in Ward 10, Sagamu Local Government, Comrade Bayo Oduwole, a youth leader, said the youth were tired of being spectators.
‘Courageous indigenes of this state have said we should not allow strangers to rule over us and we agree completely. The ‘Ogun for Ogun’ mandate is not about tribalism, it is about competence and belonging. We know Adebutu’s family history here. We know all that they have done. We know how compassionate Iya Sunnah has been. We will mobilise our youths with voter education and door-to-door campaigns to ensure victory,’ he said.
Responding, Adebutu thanked the indigenes for their warm reception and reaffirmed his commitment to the ‘Ogun for Ogun’ mandate.
‘This tour has shown me that our people are yearning for true home-grown leadership. The ITURA DE agenda is not just a slogan, it is a social contract to restore dignity, fix our roads, empower our farmers, create jobs for our youths and return Ogun State to true glory. We are not just campaigning, we are also listening, and we will deliver,’ he said.
Also speaking, Ogun PDP deputy governorship candidate, Yemi Kolapo, assured residents that their administration would be inclusive and grassroots-driven.
She said: ‘What we have seen in all the wards we have visited is genuine love for Ogun State. As a mother and a daughter of this soil, I assure you that our government will prioritise women, children, education and primary healthcare. We will not disappoint you. This ‘Ogun for Ogun mandate is a mandate for all of us to save our state from dangerous intrusion.’