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…As Nawair-ud-deen leaders offer prayers, they pledge to support the PDP ticket
Daud Olatunji
The Peoples Democratic Party’s deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hajia Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has expressed confidence that her principal, Ladi Adebutu, will win the 2027 governorship election, describing recent political developments, including controversy surrounding a list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, as signs of the ruling party’s impending defeat.
Sowunmi-Kolapo spoke on Friday shortly after the Juma’at prayer at the Nawair-ud-deen Society headquarters in Abeokuta, where Muslim leaders offered prayers for the success of the PDP candidate in the upcoming elections.
The PDP deputy governorship candidate also received prayers and expressions of support from leaders of the Islamic organisation, led by Chief Imam of the society Nawair-ud-deen, Abeokuta Headquarters and Ogun State, Sheikh Tiamiyu Olamigoke.
The Muslim leaders described Sowunmi-Kolapo, who is the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Ameerah of Ogun State Muslims, as a woman whose philanthropic activities and commitment to the welfare of the people had demonstrated her capacity for compassionate leadership.
They further argued that Adebutu had contributed significantly to the development of Ogun State, including the well-being of the Muslim community, and deserved the support of the electorate.
Speaking on the controversy surrounding the INEC list and the jubilation expressed by members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Sowunmi-Kolapo said she believes the disputed development is an inadvertent omission by the electoral commission.
She, however, expressed confidence in the integrity of INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, describing his appointment as one of the decisions that she felt President Bola Tinubu had got right.
According to her, Amupitan is a globally recognized professional who would not be willing to compromise his integrity, although she recognizes that occupying such a sensitive position could involve political pressure.
The PDP chief also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections, regardless of political consequences.
Reacting specifically to APC members’ enthusiasm for the INEC list, Sowunmi-Kolapo dismissed their optimism, describing it as an indication of fear of electoral defeat.
He said: “They are ‘next IDPs (internally displaced politicians)’ showing symptoms of ‘IDPA (imminent defeat panic attack)’.”
The PDP candidate made the remark amid laughter, insisting that political developments in the state would not derail what she described as a genuine movement to protect the interests and heritage of Ogun indigenous people.
He added: “We will soon separate the wheat from the chaff. There is a difference between people fighting for their own pockets or fighting to maintain their juicy positions and those fighting to protect our heritage, in the interest of generations of true Ogun indigenous people, who must not be relegated to second class citizens by imported leaders.”
Sowunmi-Kolapo further argued that Ogun State’s resources should be deployed to improve the welfare of its residents, stressing that the PDP’s proposed administration will prioritize grassroots development and accountability.
“Ogun’s resources must work for its people. This is the foundation of our ITURA DE mandate.
“The PDP administration of Honorable Oladipupo Adebutu will prioritize the well-being of citizens and ensure real financial autonomy for local governments, in a bid to ensure accountability and grassroots service delivery,” he said.
Earlier, the Otun Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and the Iya Sunnah of Nawair-ud-deen Society, Alhaja Risikat Ogunfemi, had called on members of the organisation, the Egba Muslim community and the larger Muslim community in Ogun State to support Sowunmi-Kolapo and his principal.
Ogunfemi described the deputy governorship candidate as a source of pride for the Muslim community, expressing confidence that if elected alongside Adebutu, she would remain committed to serving the people.
The meeting also saw prayers from Imams and Islamic scholars for the protection of both PDP candidates, their success in the 2027 elections and the continued progress of Ogun State.
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