By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Commissioner representing Ogun State at the Federal Character Commission, Mr. Kayode Oladele, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, lacks the credibility, consistency, managerial competence and leadership capacity required to govern the state.

Oladele made the remarks while reacting to comments reportedly made by an aide to Adebutu, who described Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi as a “stranger” in Ogun State.

The APC stalwart accused the PDP camp of resorting to personal attacks and divisive rhetoric instead of presenting practical ideas and a clear vision for the development of Ogun State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

According to him, the people of the State deserve issue-based political engagements focused on governance, economic growth, infrastructure development, education, youth empowerment, security and sustainable development rather than propaganda and identity politics.

He said Senator Adeola had distinguished himself through impactful representation, constituency projects, scholarship schemes, empowerment programmes and direct interventions that have positively affected residents across the state and beyond.

Oladele stressed that leadership should be assessed on the basis of competence, integrity, performance and commitment to public service rather than political narratives aimed at misleading the electorate.

“It is regrettable that individuals who ought to be presenting clear policy alternatives to the people have instead chosen the path of bitterness, personal attacks and unnecessary controversy. The people of Ogun State are politically enlightened and capable of distinguishing between genuine leadership and political opportunism,” he said.

The APC chieftain further alleged that Adebutu’s political trajectory and public conduct had not demonstrated the administrative discipline, managerial competence and strategic leadership needed to effectively manage the affairs of Ogun State.

According to him, governance requires practical experience in administering public institutions, managing resources responsibly and building consensus across diverse interests, qualities he claimed were lacking in Adebutu’s political record.

Oladele also pointed to the internal challenges confronting the PDP, including recurring crises, defections and what he described as the party’s declining influence at both the national and state levels.

He argued that the development reflected the opposition party’s inability to inspire public confidence and provide a viable alternative.

The APC leader further criticised the PDP’s record during its years in power at the national level, alleging that the party presided over poor economic management, corruption, infrastructural decay, insecurity and weak institutional governance.

“Nigerians are still grappling with the consequences of policies and leadership failures associated with previous PDP administrations. Ogun State cannot afford to entrust its future to individuals whose political approach is rooted in division, propaganda and persistent hostility towards perceived opponents,” he stated.

Oladele maintained that governing Ogun State requires proven experience, maturity and a genuine commitment to development.

“Ogun State deserves a leader with proven experience, capacity, maturity and a genuine commitment to development. Governing a sophisticated and strategically important state such as Ogun requires far more than media attacks and empty political rhetoric,” he added.

He urged politicians across party lines to embrace issue-based campaigns and conduct themselves responsibly in order to preserve the peace, unity and democratic values of the state.

Oladele expressed confidence that the people of Ogun State would ultimately support credible leadership driven by performance, vision and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people.