…Urges stakeholders to maintain peaceful coexistence

Former House of Representatives member representing Remo/Ikenne/Sagamu Federal Constituency, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State for the 2027 election.

Adebutu was declared winner following an affirmation exercise conducted across 236 wards in the state’s 20 local government areas.

The formal declaration took place on Sunday at the Abeokuta Sports Club, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, where party members reaffirmed his candidacy as the flag bearer.

The Chairman of the Ogun PDP Governorship Primary Committee, Chief Ariyo Afolabi, said voting was conducted earlier in the day across all 236 wards in the 20 LGAs. He explained that the gathering at the venue was convened to collate results and officially announce the winner.

“According to the Electoral Act and the PDP Constitution, Hon. Ladi Adebutu was the sole aspirant screened by the party,” Afolabi stated. “He emerged as the candidate by consensus and is hereby declared the PDP governorship candidate.”

The Ogun State PDP Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella, described the development as a defining moment for the party, saying it reflected renewed strength and unity in the state chapter.

“This is not a time for talk but for action. There is a reason God has stabilized this PDP,” Tella said. “In our past contests, we often had disagreements, but this time, to God be the glory.”

Party officials said the consensus arrangement was designed to present a united front ahead of the 2027 governorship election. They added that the exercise was peaceful and conducted in line with party guidelines.

With the affirmation, Adebutu is set to lead the PDP’s bid to reclaim Ogun State after previously contesting the governorship in 2019 and 2023.

In his acceptance speech, Adebutu thanked party leaders, stakeholders, and members for endorsing him, describing the outcome as a reflection of unity and commitment within the party.

“History has once again been made today with my emergence as the consensus governorship candidate of our great party. I extend my deep appreciation to our leaders, executive members at all levels, stakeholders, and members for their unequivocal support,” he said.

Adebutu urged PDP members in Ogun State to maintain peaceful coexistence, stressing that unity remained essential for the party’s progress.

He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of governing Ogun State for over 15 years without delivering meaningful development, despite the state’s abundant human and natural resources.

“The APC has been in government in Ogun State for over a decade and a half, holding our dear state under siege while our people groan under hardship,” he said.

Adebutu also alleged that the PDP won the 2023 governorship election but was denied victory due to alleged manipulation, expressing confidence that the 2027 election would be different.

“This time in 2027, I believe that your votes will count and will put me in office as your duly elected governor,” he added, urging party members to focus on reclaiming the state from the APC.

Also speaking, former House of Representatives member for Ijebu-North/Ijebu-East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, Hon. Adekoya Adesegun Abdel-Majid, said the PDP had demonstrated it remained a formidable political force.

He dismissed claims that the party had lost relevance, insisting that the PDP would spring surprises in 2027.

Meanwhile, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who was also present, congratulated Adebutu and urged party members to remain committed, insisting that Adebutu deserved to be supported for the governorship position.