.claims are baseless, reckless, mischievous – Ogun APC

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The media team of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has declared that the state needs a leader with deep roots, enduring connections and genuine commitment to the people ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Director of Media for the Ladi Adebutu Campaign Organisation, Mr. Afolabi Orekoya, warned against what he described as attempts by “political strangers” to take over the leadership of Ogun State.

Speaking during a radio programme in Ilese-Ijebu, Orekoya argued that the next governor of the state must be someone with longstanding social, political and economic ties to Ogun people.

According to him, leadership should not be handed to individuals who built their political careers elsewhere before seeking relevance in Ogun State.

“This is Ogun State. We are not saying Ogun West should not produce the governor, but whoever emerges must be someone truly rooted in Ogun and not a stranger coming from another state to govern us,” he said.

Orekoya’s comments came days after the PDP formally affirmed Adebutu as winner of its governorship primary conducted in Abeokuta on May 24, 2026.

The PDP spokesman described Adebutu as the most qualified aspirant ahead of the 2027 governorship contest, citing his family background, philanthropy and years of investment in the welfare of Ogun residents.

“They are not even comparable,” Orekoya said while drawing a distinction between Adebutu and Senator Solomon Adeola.

“You are talking about someone who spent virtually his entire political career in Lagos State — from the House of Assembly to the House of Representatives and the Senate — before suddenly relocating politically to Ogun State.

“Then you compare him with someone who has consistently invested his personal resources in improving the lives of Ogun people over the years,” he added.

Questioning Senator Adeola’s historical presence in Ogun politics, Orekoya asked: “Where was Solomon Adeola 15 or 18 years ago in Ogun State? Who knew him here? These are questions the people deserve answers to.”

He also referred to an ongoing court matter allegedly seeking clarification on documents submitted by the senator to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in previous elections, though he declined further comments on the issue.

“We believe the court should be allowed to determine the facts,” he stated.

Beyond the debate over political identity and origin, Orekoya launched a scathing attack on the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, administration in Ogun State, accusing it of failing residents after nearly 16 years in power.

“If you ask about the biggest failure, where do we begin?” he queried.

“Look at the roads, education, healthcare, insecurity, unemployment and hunger. The APC administration has taken Ogun State backwards.”

He alleged that several infrastructure projects executed by the state government did not justify the huge public funds committed to them.

Orekoya also dismissed claims that the APC administration conceived the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport project, insisting that the initiative originated under a previous PDP administration.

“The airport project was conceived under a PDP government. Most of the approvals and certifications had already been secured before the present administration came into office,” he claimed.

On the internal crisis rocking the PDP at the national level, Orekoya maintained that the Ogun State chapter remained united and focused.

“We have only one PDP in Ogun State under the leadership of Dr. Abayomi Tela. There is no faction in Ogun PDP. We are united and determined to win the 2027 governorship election,” he said.

He also defended Adebutu’s eligibility to contest from Ogun East despite ongoing zoning arguments, insisting that competence and vision should take precedence over regional considerations.

“There is no constitutional provision for rotational governorship in Ogun State. What matters is competence, capacity and vision,” he said.

According to him, an Adebutu administration would focus on local government autonomy, electricity generation, agriculture and grassroots development.

“He believes that restoring financial independence to local governments will strengthen governance at the grassroots. He also believes stable electricity supply will boost businesses and improve living conditions across the state,” Orekoya added.

…claims are baseless, reckless, mischievous – Ogun APC

Reacting to the allegations, the Ogun State chapter of the APC described the claims against Senator Adeola as “baseless, reckless and mischievous.”

In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Nuberu Adesanya Olufemi, the APC accused the PDP and the Ladi Adebutu Democratic Organisation, LADO, of engaging in propaganda ahead of the 2027 election.

The ruling party maintained that Senator Adeola possesses both maternal and paternal roots in Ogun State and is constitutionally qualified to contest elections in the state.

“It is ridiculous for anyone to describe Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as a stranger in Ogun State when he currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly,” the statement read.

The APC further accused the PDP of attempting to divert attention from its internal challenges and recent defections.

The party also referenced the Federal Government’s pending case against Adebutu over alleged vote-buying and money laundering linked to the 2023 governorship election.

“Nigerians are aware that Hon. Ladi Adebutu is facing serious allegations arising from the 2023 election,” the APC stated.

Defending the performance of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, the APC cited ongoing road projects, industrial expansion initiatives and the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport as evidence of progress recorded under the current government.

The party also described Senator Adeola as “the candidate to beat” ahead of the 2027 governorship election, citing his legislative experience, constituency projects and grassroots mobilisation across Ogun State.

According to the APC, Ogun residents would reject “politics of deception” and embrace continuity and development in the next election cycle.