.unveils security, economic agenda

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State, Dr. Biodun Collins Ogundipe, has dismissed claims of a parallel governorship primary within the party, insisting that he remains the only duly recognised candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

Addressing journalists during a media chat, Ogundipe said there was only one governorship primary conducted by the party in Ogun State and described reports suggesting otherwise as political propaganda aimed at causing confusion.

“There is only one governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ogun State, and that is Dr. Biodun Collins Ogundipe. I repeat, there is only one ADC governorship candidate in Ogun State,” he declared.

According to him, the primary election was conducted across the state with journalists, party officials and security operatives present, adding that the only issue that arose involved results from two local government areas, which were subsequently resolved through a rerun agreed upon by all parties.

“There was only one governorship primary. There was no parallel primary,” he said.

Ogundipe explained that after votes from the participating local governments were collated, objections were raised over results from two councils.

“His agents were present throughout the process. They raised objections regarding the results from two local governments, and it was agreed that the remaining results would stand while a rerun would be conducted in the disputed areas,” he stated.

The ADC governorship candidate maintained that the party’s national leadership had already submitted his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that any aggrieved aspirant should seek redress through the party’s internal mechanism or the courts.

“The national leadership of the ADC has submitted my name to INEC as the party’s governorship candidate. Anyone who is dissatisfied has been advised to follow the party’s appeal process or seek redress in court,” he said.

“The ADC in Ogun State will not be divided. As far as our National Chairman, David Mark, and our National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, are concerned, I remain the duly recognised governorship candidate of the party.”

Speaking on his ambition, the technology entrepreneur and artificial intelligence consultant said his decision to seek the state’s highest office was driven by a desire to address what he described as worsening socio-economic conditions in Ogun State.

“I believe Ogun State can perform far better than it is today. If I believed everything was working well, I would not be in this race,” he said.

Ogundipe disclosed that he had put several lucrative international technology contracts on hold to pursue his governorship ambition.

“My AI consulting firm works with major technology companies in California and beyond. I have turned down several contracts this year because I simply do not have the time. This is a genuine sacrifice,” he stated.

He said high unemployment rate, poor healthcare, insecurity and declining living standards in the State convinced him to join politics.

“It saddens me to see children out of school, unemployed graduates unable to find work, artisans without opportunities and primary healthcare centres that have become ineffective. These are problems with practical solutions,” he said.

The governorship hopeful announced that his administration, if elected, would unveil an economic development plan known as the Ogun One Economic Blueprint, describing it as a 19-month research-based strategy tailored to the peculiar strengths of each local government area.

“We have developed what we call the Ogun One Economic Blueprint. It is evidence-based and designed around the realities of each local government because the economic strategy for Ipokia cannot be the same as that of Sagamu,” he explained.

According to him, future projects would be evaluated based on their impact on employment, economic growth and citizens’ welfare.

“Every project must answer fundamental questions: How does it create jobs? How does it fit into the state’s long-term economic plan? Will ordinary citizens feel its impact? Government must prioritise people,” he said.

Ogundipe criticised the current administration, arguing that despite increased federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy, residents had not experienced commensurate improvements in infrastructure and public services.

“In my view, Ogun State has regressed over the past seven years under the APC administration. The level of development has not matched the resources available,” he said.

He further promised that pension liabilities, healthcare, education and rural development would receive immediate attention if elected.

“There should be no reason pensioners wait for years for gratuities or contributory pensions to be remitted. Government must establish clear priorities,” he added.

On the 2027 election, Ogundipe said the ADC would deploy technology-driven systems to monitor the electoral process and protect votes.

“As someone with extensive experience in artificial intelligence and technology, we are deploying technology-driven systems to monitor the electoral process. We will use lawful technological tools to safeguard the integrity of the election,” he said.

He identified security as the foremost priority of his proposed administration, promising to leverage artificial intelligence and intelligence-led policing to combat crime.

“Security will be my first priority. Within my first twelve months in office, I intend to make Ogun State significantly safer,” he said.

Drawing from his professional background, Ogundipe said he had worked on intelligence and security technologies deployed internationally and had collaborated with agencies, including the FBI and Interpol.

“Modern security is intelligence-driven. It is not simply about buying more armoured vehicles. My objective is to prevent crime before it occurs through intelligence gathering, artificial intelligence and lawful technological tools,” he stated.

He added that if state policing becomes operational, his administration would integrate advanced intelligence systems to improve public safety across Ogun State.