By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Convener of The Alternative Movement, Otunba Segun Sowunmi, has urged aspirants eyeing the 2027 Ogun State governorship race to anchor their campaigns on ideas and concrete development plans rather than identity politics and sentiments.

Sowunmi, who made the call in Abeokuta when the leadership of the Ogun State chapter of the Action Alliance (AA) paid him an endorsement visit, lamented that political campaigns in recent times have been dominated by tribal rhetoric and personality attacks instead of clear-cut policy alternatives.

“We hear little about development plans. Ask about insecurity, there are no clear answers. Ask about education reform, there is no roadmap. Instead, campaigns revolve around sentiment and tribal rhetoric,” he said.

The PDP chieftain warned aspirants against reducing Ogun governorship contest to ethnic considerations, insisting that candidates must clearly articulate their programmes and implementation strategies to earn the people’s mandate.

On complaints by some opposition parties over the new Electoral Act signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sowunmi dismissed the criticisms, saying the law was not designed to favour any particular aspirant.

“The Electoral Act signed by President Bola Tinubu provides for manual accreditation, counting and documentation. If agents are properly deployed, results are verifiable. We cannot keep rewriting electoral laws every cycle. Laws do not implement themselves — attitude does,” he stated.

He described as embarrassing what he called endless complaints by opposition figures, urging them instead to strengthen grassroots structures.

“Elections are not won on social media or television. They are won in homes, at polling units and through proper party organisation,” he said.

Speaking on his governance philosophy, Sowunmi declared that he would not tolerate insecurity or non-performing public institutions if elected governor.

“I am not interested in government as usual. I will not tolerate insecurity. I will not accept non-functioning primary healthcare centres. I will not tolerate local governments unable to maintain basic rural roads. Housing must not serve only the rich. Justice must not favour the wealthy over the poor,” he said.

He further pledged strict accountability in public service.

“Public office holders must be audited. Anti-corruption must have consequences. We cannot allow empty luxury houses while citizens sleep without shelter. If necessary, policies like a redundancy tax on abandoned housing will be explored. Land acquired for overriding public interest must serve the public — not become private commercial ventures,” he added.

Sowunmi also called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to ensure a rancour-free transition in 2027.

“Ogun has suffered from hostile political transitions since 1999. Governors from different political camps undermined one another, and development suffered as a result. We must stop this cycle,” he said.

Describing Ogun as a cosmopolitan state, he stressed that residency and contribution to development, not ethnic origin, should define belonging.

“Ogun is for all who reside, build, raise families and contribute here. My Ogun is for all who live and thrive peacefully within it,” he said.

In his remarks, the Deputy National Chairman (South-West) of the Labour Party, Abayomi Arabambi, said opposition parties were yet to demonstrate adequate preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

“Some opposition figures are not preparing seriously for 2027. They demanded amendments to the Electoral Act, including electronic transmission, yet now complain about implementation. If you are truly democratic, allow party members to choose candidates freely,” Arabambi said.

“Elections are open to all. If you are not prepared, step aside. Do not manufacture excuses or attempt to delegitimise the process in advance. Democracy requires responsibility,” he added.

Earlier, the Ogun State Chairman of the Action Alliance, Prof. Tunde Adebola, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to working closely with Sowunmi to actualise his governorship ambition in 2027.