By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Ogun State APC Presidential and Governorship Campaign Council, Hon. Kayode Oladele, has dismissed recent attacks by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, on the APC candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

Oladele, a former member of the House of Representatives, said Adeola would remain focused on issues, policies and his vision for the development of Ogun State rather than be distracted by what he described as personal attacks from political opponents.

He said the governorship contest should be centred on competing ideas, records and development plans, rather than allegations against individual candidates.

“While Yayi discusses the issues and pursues his vision for the progress of the State, they discuss Yayi. Great minds discuss ideas; lesser minds discuss people. That is the difference,” Oladele said.

He added: “No amount of political attacks, blackmail or negative campaign can diminish Yayi’s growing popularity across the State, stressing that the people will decide.”

Oladele’s comments came amid renewed exchanges between the APC and PDP camps ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Adebutu had recently challenged Adeola’s claim to Ogun indigeneship and dared the senator to institute legal proceedings over the allegation. Adeola, however, has rejected the claim as false and libellous.

Reacting to the development, Oladele said Adeola would not allow what he described as personal attacks and political distractions to determine the direction of his campaign.

“Adebutu can continue attacking Yayi and making whatever claims he considers politically convenient. However, attacking your opponent cannot become a substitute for telling Ogun people what you intend to do for them.

“If you want to govern Ogun State, tell the people what you have done, what you intend to do and how you intend to do it. Let the people examine the records, compare the ideas and make their own judgment,” he said.

According to him, Adeola would continue to engage the electorate on issues including infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment and economic opportunities.

“Yayi will continue to discuss ideas and the future of the State. He will continue to tell the people what he has done and what he intends to do.

“If his opponents choose to spend their campaign discussing him, that is entirely their choice. Yayi will remain focused on his manifesto and blueprint,” Oladele said.

He added: “Anyhow, Senator Adeola cannot simultaneously be your opponent, your manifesto and the principal subject of your campaign. Ogun people deserve a serious conversation about their future.”

Oladele maintained that the attention being paid to Adeola by his political opponents would not distract the APC candidate from his campaign across the state’s three senatorial districts.

He said the APC campaign would continue its grassroots mobilisation across Ogun Central, Ogun East and Ogun West, as well as the various constituencies, local government areas, wards and polling units.

Oladele said the 2027 election would ultimately provide the electorate with an opportunity to assess the competing claims, records and programmes of the candidates.

“Political strength is not determined by allegations or by who shouts the loudest. Ultimately, every candidate must face the electorate.