…donates campaign vehicles to ensure Ogun West produces governor

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

A Senior Agricultural Economist with the World Bank and one of the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship aspirants for the 2027 election in Ogun State, Dr. Adetunji Oredipe, has declared his support for the governorship ambition of Senator Olamilekan Adeola, describing him as the best candidate to lead the state in 2027.

Oredipe, who said he had resolved to back Adeola’s aspiration, made the declaration while receiving Adeola at a political gathering in Arigo, Ijebu North East local government area of Ogun State, where he also unveiled branded campaign vehicles and other support materials to boost the lawmaker’s grassroots mobilisation across the state.

According to him, the endorsement reflects his conviction that Adeola possesses the leadership qualities required to govern Ogun State.

Oredipe said, “this is part of a process. As you are aware, our son, our family man; the man everyone is looking forward to becoming the next governor of Ogun State, Senator Olamilekan Adeola is here today. We are using this opportunity to receive him, show our support for his mission and agenda, and declare that we are fully behind him”.

He maintained that genuine political support must go beyond verbal endorsement.

“If you believe in a mission, you must invest in it. We are saying that we believe in what he is doing, and our support cannot be limited to words alone. We have to demonstrate it through action. In our own humble way, we are contributing to advance his cause and support his mission to govern our dear state. We believe in him, and by the grace of God, he will be sworn in on May 29, 2027.”

Explaining why he decided to support Adeola despite being a governorship aspirant, Oredipe said politics should be driven by the collective interest of the people.

“What God has ordained is what truly matters. Politics gives everyone the opportunity to present themselves, and ultimately the voters will decide. At this moment, we believe it is in everyone’s best interest to support Yayi. That is the decision we have made. Others will have their time, but I believe that, at this point, Yayi is the answer.”

He reiterated his support for the agitation that Ogun West Senatorial District should produce the next governor of the state.

“The people of Ogun State have resolved to give the governorship to Ogun West, and today Yayi represents Ogun West. We are not going back on that decision,” he said.

Oredipe added that support for the Ogun West governorship project had continued to gain momentum across the state, including in communities previously regarded as opposition strongholds.

“In the past, we had strong opposition and people aligned with other political parties. But today, by the grace of God, many of them have joined us. Even in villages that were traditionally dominated by the PDP, many people now agree that it is time to give Ogun West a chance. That is the resolve, and confidence has grown alongside that sentiment.”

He also commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying available economic indicators suggest that the country is gradually witnessing positive changes.

“We thank God for giving us President Tinubu at this time. For those who understand the economy and follow the statistics, the indicators are beginning to look positive, and we cannot afford to lose that momentum. Go to the South, the West, the North and the far North, people can see and feel that something positive is happening in Nigeria in terms of infrastructure, policy direction and economic decisions.

“We thank God for giving us a father figure to lead the country at this time. Our prayer is that God continues to strengthen and sustain him so that he can continue to lead us well beyond 2027.”

Expressing confidence in Adeola’s electoral chances, Oredipe said the senator enjoys widespread acceptance across the state and projected a convincing victory at the polls.

“If you look at the population of Ogun State and the current voter registration figures, the numbers are encouraging. Those registrations will translate into votes for our dear son, our dear brother and a respected leader in Ogun State who is also well recognised at the national level and has done so much for the people. We expect to secure at least 50 per cent of the votes from registered voters across Ogun State.”

As part of his contribution to the campaign, Oredipe announced the donation of more than four vehicles and other campaign materials to enhance Adeola’s visibility across Ogun State.

“In our modest way, we are donating more than four vehicles. In addition to the ones we have already branded, there are several others that have not yet been branded. Beyond my own contribution, many of my associates are also prepared to add more.

“Through these vehicles, we want to increase his visibility across the state. As you travel through Ogun East, Ogun West and Ogun Central, you will see ‘Auto for Yayi’ everywhere. This is only the first phase. We will continue until we deliver Yayi as our governor.

“We will also produce branded T-shirts, branded caps and other campaign materials, as you can already see around you. We will do everything possible to take this message to every corner of Ogun State so that it translates into votes and, by the grace of God, brings Yayi to office on May 29, 2027.”