By Jimoh Babatunde

Tens of thousands of indigenes and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday thronged the streets of the three federal constituencies in Ogun Central Senatorial District as the party officially flagged off its campaigns for the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.

The campaign train commenced in Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency, where residents lined the streets and balconies of adjoining buildings to welcome the PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu; his running mate, Hajiya Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo; senatorial candidate, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo; and other party leaders.

The flag-off took place at Agbado Station, with supporters chanting solidarity songs and waving at the campaign team.

In Abeokuta North Federal Constituency, where Arch. Dele Olaleye is the party’s House of Representatives candidate, the campaign train was also received by a large crowd at NTA Junction, Totoro.

Residents and supporters had reportedly gathered from as early as 10am to welcome the candidates, as the senatorial and governorship candidates promised purposeful representation at the National Assembly and federal constituency levels.

The campaign train later moved to Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, where Hon. Toyin Amuzu is the PDP House of Representatives candidate.

Thousands of supporters followed the convoy to Ake Pavilion, venue of the Ogun Central campaign flag-off rally.

Addressing supporters at the rally, Adebutu urged residents to support Obasanjo, describing her as a tested and trusted candidate whose record in office, he said, remained unmatched.

He said Ogun Central must “bid farewell to non-performance” and vote for what he described as liberation.

Adebutu also urged residents and party supporters to turn out in large numbers on January 16, 2027, to vote for the PDP, protect their votes and resist intimidation.

Obasanjo, in her remarks, said she was encouraged by the reception she received across the district.

She said residents had continued to identify projects and interventions she facilitated during her previous representation of the district, particularly those aimed at reducing poverty.

She pledged to do more if elected, promising to work towards ensuring that residents benefited from the dividends of democracy.

Some residents and supporters who spoke at the event pledged their support for the PDP candidates and assured them of their votes in January. “We will vote and stand by our votes for PDP,” they said.