APC took a step back with Ogun, says Ogundipe, ADC candidate Guber, unveils 2027 technology agenda

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Ogun State, Dr. Biodun Collins Ogundipe, has accused the All Progressives Congress of reversing the development of the state.

He said his bid for governor in 2027 aims to “save” Ogun from what he described as years of bad governance.

Ogundipe, a California-based artificial intelligence expert and security consultant, made the remarks on Monday, during a media briefing in Abeokuta, where he unveiled a technology-driven vision for the state if elected governor.

The gubernatorial candidate said he decided to leave a high-profile career in the public sector in North America to contest the election because he could no longer witness what he described as the deterioration of governance in Ogun State.

“I could not continue to sit comfortably in Canada while the government continues to fail the people at home. My ambition is not about politics; it is about saving Ogun State,” he said.

The ADC candidate described himself as a data scientist, robotics expert and security consultant with years of experience developing intelligence solutions for leading security organizations in North America.

According to him, he had earlier established a mechanized mining company in Jos and later established a recycling company in Abuja in collaboration with the Bank of Industry before moving abroad.

Launching a scathing attack on the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ogundipe said Ogun had regressed under the APC despite improvement in federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidies.

“For the last seven years, the APC government has gone backwards in Ogun State. With the level of allocation reaching the state today, there is no justification for pensioners waiting years to receive their gratuity,” he said.

He further said the current administration has little to show in terms of infrastructure development, comparing it to projects executed during the administration of former governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Ogundipe also questioned the economic viability of the state’s Agro Cargo International Airport, asking whether the project aligns with Ogun’s economic priorities or would generate significant employment opportunities.

On security, the ADC candidate promised to employ intelligence-based technologies rather than conventional approaches to fight crime.

He pledged to substantially improve safety statewide within his first year in office.

“Security is no longer about acquiring armored vehicles and military hardware. It is about intelligence, technology and data collection. I have implemented such solutions internationally and know they can work here,” he said.

Ogundipe said his administration will be guided by a comprehensive development plan, which he plans to unveil in August, focusing on corridor-based economic development across the state.

He also promised to introduce artificial intelligence training for teachers, strengthen rural development and ensure a visible impact on the territory within the first year of his administration.

According to him, his team has spent the last 19 months conducting extensive research to identify the development needs of various communities in Ogun.

On the zoning debate ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Ogundipe argued that power should revert to the Egba or Yewa axis after the tenure of Governor Abiodun.

He argued that fairness requires that the next governor emerge from one of the two zones.

The governorship candidate also challenged Peoples Democratic Party leader Ladi Adebutu to a public debate, saying leadership should be based on competence and responsibility.

Expressing confidence in his electoral chances, Ogundipe said young voters, who make up a significant percentage of registered voters in the state, will drive his campaign.

He added that his campaign will leverage technology to safeguard votes and minimize election manipulation.

“I am not desperate for power. I left opportunities abroad because I am worried about the future of Ogun State, especially the growing number of unemployed youths, children unable to go to school and the poor state of our primary health centres,” he said.

Ogundipe revealed that his running mate will be nominated before the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission, adding that he supports gender inclusion in governance.

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