The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has said journalists are operating in “one of the most difficult periods” globally, particularly in Nigeria, even as he called for greater sacrifice across sectors in the face of the country’s economic and governance challenges.

Adebutu made the remarks at a media engagement in Ogun State, where he also reflected on what he described as personal and business sacrifices made in his political journey, insisting that much of his fortune had been committed to what he called the pursuit of better governance and improved welfare for residents of the state.

According to him, his political engagement has significantly affected his business interests, but he maintained that the losses were justified by his commitment to providing platforms for citizens to be heard and for development to be driven from the grassroots.

“This is not a good time for journalists in the world, particularly in Nigeria,” he said, while also acknowledging what he described as the “critical role” of the media in shaping public accountability and democratic development.

He urged journalists to continue to uphold fairness in their reporting, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections, warning that political communication would become more intense and potentially divisive.

Veterant journalist and people’s democratic party (PDP) Lateefah Kolapo-Sowunmi, who also spoke at the event, called for continued fairness in reportage, stressing that balanced journalism would be essential in ensuring credibility and public trust ahead of the polls. She said fair reporting would help to stabilise the political environment and strengthen democratic participation.

Adebutu, who is positioning himself ahead of the 2027 governorship contest, also said insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, adding that it would form a key part of the PDP’s governance agenda if the party returns to power at the federal level.

He stated that insecurity is “one of the problems bedevilling Nigeria,” and indicated that it would feature prominently among what he described as the party’s 12-point agenda going into the 2027 general elections.

He also reiterated his support for local government autonomy, arguing that strengthening the third tier of government would significantly improve service delivery at the grassroots. According to him, effective local governance remains essential for development to reach rural communities and reduce pressure on state governments.

“We must ensure local government autonomy if we want credible performance at the grassroots,” he said, adding that decentralisation would improve accountability and development outcomes.

On economic development, Adebutu emphasised the importance of agriculture and rural enterprise, particularly for young people. He urged the younger generation to engage in agriculture and small-scale productive activities, arguing that Nigeria has sufficient opportunities within its domestic economy to reduce dependence on external migration in search of “greener pastures.”

“There is no need for any greener pasture for any Nigerian if only they engage in agriculture and handiwork for their survival and economic prosperity,” he said.

He further called for increased public-private partnerships, saying such collaborations would help bridge infrastructure gaps and accelerate development in Ogun State. He argued that sustainable progress requires coordinated investment between government and the private sector.

He also criticised what he described as complacency among political leaders in the state, insisting that more proactive governance was required to address rural-urban development disparities. According to him, Ogun State has significant untapped potential that requires more intentional leadership focus.

In her remarks, Iyabo Obasanjo commended journalists for their commitment to truth-telling and called for continued forthrightness in public reporting. She said the media must remain consistent in holding political actors accountable, especially as the country moves closer to another election cycle.

Iyabo Obasanjo also expressed confidence in the PDP, describing her association with the party as a reflection of her belief in its capacity to deliver electoral success.

She said her political alignment was based on conviction that the party represents a “winning team,” while also cautioning that public trust must be earned through consistency and credibility.

“If people cannot believe in their words, it is a problem,” she said, underscoring the importance of trust in political communication.

The Ogun State PDP chairman, Abayomi Tella, also used the occasion to declare that the party was revitalised and prepared for electoral competition in 2027.

He said the PDP was “back and better,” insisting that it remained a formidable force in the state’s political landscape.

Tella stated that the 2027 governorship contest would be keenly contested between the PDP and other political parties, but maintained that the opposition party was well positioned for a strong showing.

He also claimed that stakeholders across Ogun Central had endorsed Adebutu, describing it as a historic level of support. According to him, such backing reflects growing confidence in the PDP’s direction and leadership structure in the state.

Describing Adebutu as “a man of the people,” Tella said the governorship candidate would not disappoint the electorate if elected, adding that his political track record demonstrated commitment to public welfare and inclusive governance.

He further reinforced the party’s position on local government autonomy, arguing that it remains essential for strengthening governance at the grassroots level and ensuring equitable development across communities.

The event, which brought together party stakeholders, media practitioners and political actors, largely centred on governance priorities ahead of the 2027 elections, with emphasis on insecurity, economic empowerment, decentralisation of power, and youth engagement in productive sectors.

As political activities gradually intensify ahead of the next general elections, the PDP in Ogun State appears to be framing its campaign around institutional reforms, grassroots development, and economic inclusion, while also seeking to consolidate media engagement as part of its broader democratic outreach strategy.