PDP will restore LG autonomy, return allocations to grassroots, Ogun president vows

Fawaz Adebisi

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Dr. Abayomi Tella, has promised that a PDP-led administration would restore local government autonomy and ensure that statutory allocations are channeled directly to councils to promote grassroots development.

Tella said the party was committed to reviving local governance, arguing that the existing arrangement had weakened the third level of government and deprived communities of much-needed development.

The PDP Chairman spoke during a civic reception organized by the Ijemo Development Association in Abeokuta on Tuesday to honor the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu; Ogun Central Senatorial Candidate of PDP, Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo; the party’s deputy governor candidate, Alhaja Lateefah Kolapo-Sowunmi; and other illustrious sons and daughters of Ijemo.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event, Tella accused the current administration of weakening local government by centralizing municipal funds.

“Today, local government allocations go to Ogun State Government, but when we return to power, we will revitalize the local government system,” he said.

He explained that the PDP will restore municipalities as engines of grassroots development, insisting that local governments belong to the people and should serve the interests of their communities.

Tella revealed that he communicated the party’s position to traditional rulers during a recent visit to Ake Palace.

“I told the Obas that local governments belong to them because they own the communities. They suffer more than politicians when development is lacking, and we are determined to restore that system,” he added.

The event featured special prayers by community development associations, traditional rulers, traditional believers, Christian clerics and Muslim leaders for the success of the PDP and its candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Addressing supporters, the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Kolapo-Sowunmi, described the large turnout as a vote of confidence in the PDP, saying the people are ready for a change of leadership.

He said Ijemo has a rich history of courageous leaders and stressed that competence, rather than personal or family interests, should determine who governs the state.

“We have capable hands, not people looking for family members. No one can intimidate us. This is our moment,” he said.

Kolapo-Sowunmi urged eligible residents to obtain their permanent voter ID before the 2027 elections, describing voting as the most powerful tool for democratic change.

He also advised voters not to allow monetary incentives to influence their choice at the polls.

“Some people might offer you money. Collect it because it’s your sweat, but vote your conscience,” he said.

Also speaking, Ogun Central senatorial candidate of the PDP, Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo, called on residents of the senatorial district to unite behind the party, lamenting what he described as the decline of political influence of Ogun Central under the current administration.

“We are people of Ogun Central, yet today we are not number one, two, three or four; we are number five,” he said.

Obasanjo also commended Kolapo-Sowunmi for maintaining cordial relationship with people across Ogun Central.

The ceremony was attended by several PDP leaders, including Abeokuta South PDP Chairman, Abiodun Ogunremi; the party’s state secretary, Semiu Shodipo; Member of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Fasiu Baakene; state women leader, Titilola; members of the National and State Assemblies, community leaders and other dignitaries.

Famous Fuji musician, Shefiu Alao, an indigenous person from Ijemo, entertained guests at the event.

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