By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ogun State has endorsed a United States-based medical doctor and philanthropist, Dr. Bolaji Marie Odusina, as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

The endorsement was announced by the State Chairman of the party, Hon. Femi Alao, during a meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

Odusina received a unanimous endorsement from the party’s 20 local government area chairmen, who backed her candidacy amid a rousing ovation from party leaders, members and supporters at the meeting.

Declaring the party’s support for Odusina, Alao described her as a woman of capacity, competence and integrity, saying she possessed the qualities required to lead the party into the 2027 election and make a difference in the governance of the state.

He said the decision to endorse her was based on her commitment, preparedness and determination to provide purposeful leadership, inclusive governance and people-oriented development if elected governor.

Alao said: “Dr. Bolaji Marie Odusina is the right person to fly the flag of the NDC in the 2027 governorship election.

“She is a woman of capacity, competence and integrity. We believe in her ability to take the party to greater heights and, more importantly, provide the kind of leadership that the people of Ogun State deserve.

“Our decision to endorse her is based on her commitment, readiness and unwavering determination to provide purposeful leadership, inclusive governance and people-centred development across the state.”

The meeting was attended by party leaders, the 20 LGA chairmen, members and supporters, who expressed confidence in Odusina’s capacity to lead the party into the 2027 elections.

Speaking after her endorsement, Odusina thanked the party leadership and members for the confidence reposed in her, pledging to justify their support.

She called on Nigerians, particularly residents of Ogun State, to support the NDC, arguing that the party represented an alternative capable of addressing insecurity, economic hardship and other challenges confronting citizens.

“I sincerely appreciate the leadership and members of the NDC for believing in me and endorsing me as the party’s governorship candidate. I do not take this confidence for granted,” she said.

Odusina said her ambition was driven by a desire to introduce development-oriented leadership and alleviate the impact of economic hardship on residents of the state.

She added: “I am in this race to bring development-driven leadership to Ogun State and to ease the effects of the economic hardship being experienced by our people.

“We need leadership that listens to the people, understands their challenges and is prepared to provide practical solutions. I believe the NDC can provide that platform, and I urge the people to support us in 2027.”

Odusina has, according to the party, already completed a visitation tour of the three senatorial districts of Ogun State as part of efforts to build support and engage stakeholders ahead of the election.

The party said her emergence also marked a significant development in Ogun State politics, describing her as the first female governorship candidate to emerge from a major political party in the state.

The NDC leadership expressed optimism that Odusina’s professional background, philanthropic activities and grassroots engagements would strengthen the party’s chances in the 2027 governorship election.