By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kayode Oladele, has dismissed claims by former Senator representing Ogun Central, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, was allegedly denied victory in the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections in Ogun State.

Oladele described the claims as “unfortunate, misleading and a disservice to the democratic choices freely made by the people of Ogun State,” insisting that the electorate overwhelmingly voted for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates in both elections.

The former lawmaker was reacting to comments reportedly made by Senator Obasanjo during the unveiling of the PDP deputy governorship candidate in Abeokuta on Monday, where she alleged that Adebutu had been robbed of victory in previous governorship contests.

According to Oladele, it was surprising that a politician with a long democratic background would seek to cast doubt on electoral outcomes that had not only been decided at the polls, but also subjected to judicial scrutiny.

“The people of Ogun State freely exercised their constitutional right in both the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections. To suggest that Hon. Ladi Adebutu was robbed of victory is to unfairly diminish the collective votes of Ogun voters who overwhelmingly chose the APC and its candidate at the polls,” he stated.

Oladele further questioned the consistency of Senator Obasanjo’s position, recalling that she had at one time joined the APC and even expressed interest in contesting the party’s governorship ticket.

“It is surprising that Senator Iyabo Obasanjo would now claim that the era of election manipulation is over when the very candidate she is supporting, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, challenged the outcome of the 2023 Ogun State governorship election from the tribunal all the way to the Supreme Court and lost at every stage,” he said.

He noted that the courts thoroughly examined the evidence presented before affirming the election of Governor Dapo Abiodun, adding that the legal outcomes contradicted claims that the election was stolen.

“If she truly believed that the election was stolen, why did she later join the APC, purchase its Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms and indicated her readiness to contest the party’s governorship primary? Her actions clearly contradict her recent comments,” Oladele argued.

The APC chieftain maintained that Adebutu’s inability to overturn the election results through the courts further weakened allegations of electoral manipulation.

“The fact that Adebutu exhausted all legal avenues and failed up to the Supreme Court raises serious questions about the credibility of claims that the election was stolen,” he added.

Oladele stressed that elections in Nigeria are conducted under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with the participation of political parties, security agencies and election observers.

According to him, allegations of widespread vote theft have remained political rhetoric unsupported by verifiable evidence.

“It is becoming a recurring tradition for the PDP to blame everyone except itself whenever it loses elections. Democracy is about the choice of the people. If the people of Ogun State had wanted Hon. Adebutu as governor, they would have elected him. Elections are won through popular support, not through endless complaints after defeat,” he said.

Looking ahead to the 2027 governorship election, Oladele said the opposition’s continued references to past elections reflected concerns over the growing popularity of the APC’s governorship hopeful, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

He described Adeola as the most experienced and widely accepted contender in the race, citing his legislative record, grassroots support and development-oriented agenda.

“The people of Ogun State are already familiar with Senator Adeola’s capacity, competence and achievements. Across Ogun East, Ogun Central and Ogun West, there is a growing consensus that Yayi represents the future of Ogun State,” he said.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi will defeat his opponents in a free, fair and credible election.”

Oladele also dismissed suggestions that Senator Obasanjo’s defection to the PDP would significantly alter the political equation in Ogun State, insisting that the state’s politics had evolved beyond the influence of individual endorsements and political godfathers.

He argued that voters were increasingly focused on performance, competence and the ability of leaders to deliver meaningful development.

“Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has every right to join any political party of her choice. However, her defection does not alter the political reality in Ogun State. The APC remains firmly rooted across the state because of its track record of governance and commitment to the welfare of the people,” he stated.

The former lawmaker expressed confidence that the APC would secure victory whenever the next governorship election is conducted.

“The electorate will once again make their choice based on performance, credibility, competence and proven leadership. With Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi as our candidate, we are confident of a decisive victory because he remains the candidate with the broadest appeal, the deepest connection with the grassroots and the clearest vision for the future of Ogun State,” Oladele said.