By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has pledged to establish a Border Development Commission to address what he described as years of neglect and underdevelopment in communities along the state’s borders.

Adebutu made the pledge at the flag-off of the PDP’s Ogun West governorship campaign in Ipokia, where party supporters and residents gathered for the campaign programme.

The PDP candidate expressed concern over the condition of roads and other infrastructure in Ipokia local government area, saying the poor state of the roads was evident as he travelled to the venue of the rally.

He promised that, if elected governor in 2027, his administration would give greater attention to Ogun West, particularly rural and border communities, which he said had suffered prolonged infrastructural neglect.

Adebutu said his administration would pursue full local government autonomy and ensure that resources meant for grassroots development reached local governments directly.

He also pledged to restore what he described as local government development payments, with the aim of improving infrastructure and social services in rural communities.

Speaking on the proposed Border Development Commission, Adebutu said: “I stand here in Ipokia today to make a promise to establish a Border Development Commission. Enough of abandonment.”

He added: “For too long, our people who trade across the border and even grassroots residents have been left behind. No access roads, no potable water, no health centres and other social amenities. That ends when we take over government. We shall give dedicated attention to the development of border communities.”

The former federal lawmaker also stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in governance, saying government policies and spending should translate into tangible benefits for residents.

On workers’ and pensioners’ welfare, Adebutu assured public servants and retirees that their contributions to the state would be recognised, promising regular payment of pensions and the settlement of outstanding obligations to workers.

He also condemned what he described as fraudulent practices involving cooperative deductions from workers’ salaries, promising to investigate and end such practices if elected.

Adebutu further expressed concern over what he described as the growing burden of hunger, unemployment and infrastructural decay in parts of Ogun State.

He said residents he met during his campaign engagements had appealed to him to provide relief if given the mandate to govern the state.

The PDP candidate also made allegations concerning the management of empowerment funds. He claimed that while N5 billion was allocated for empowerment in 2023 and N10 billion in 2024, a total of N1.8 trillion earmarked for grassroots empowerment over four years had been misappropriated.

He urged voters to scrutinise candidates and their records ahead of the 2027 elections, cautioning against allowing financial inducements to determine their choices.

“This is election season. Those who failed to improve your condition will come out again to make empty promises. They would even offer you money. Do not listen to them. Do not let greed decide your future. Come out and vote, because every vote counts,” he said.

Adebutu said the pledges made in Ipokia formed part of his broader campaign agenda, ‘ITURA DE’, which, according to him, focuses on local government autonomy, workers’ welfare and the development of rural and border communities.

He was accompanied by his running mate, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo; the Ogun State PDP Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella; the party’s Ogun West senatorial candidate, Hon. Babatunde Ogunola, and other leaders and supporters of the party.