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The Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State on Wednesday slammed the governorship ambitions of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, saying residents should not entrust the leadership of the state to “a foreigner” allegedly without deep ties to Ogun.
The party, through the media director of the Ladi Adebutu Campaign Organisation, Afolabi Orekoya, also launched a scathing attack on the ruling All Progressives Congress, accusing it of failing the state after nearly 16 years in power.
Orekoya spoke during a radio program in Ilese-Ijebu, where he questioned Adeola’s origin and political history, arguing that Ogun required a leader with long-standing familiarity with his people and socio-political landscape.
He said: “This is Ogun State. We should not turn a blind eye and allow a stranger to govern us. Leadership must come from people we know, who have lived with the people and understand their challenges.”
Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District, has built much of his political career in Lagos State, serving in the Lagos State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate before moving his political base to Ogun ahead of the 2023 elections.
But Orekoya argued that the senator’s political trajectory has raised doubts about his identity and his connection to Ogun, adding that the ongoing legal processes would further clarify questions relating to his past.
“There are already matters before the court seeking details of documents submitted to INEC in previous elections. We should let the judicial process take its course,” he said.
He, however, avoided making direct accusations, insisting that the courts would establish the facts.
Defending the PDP candidate, Orekoya described Ladi Adebutu as a grassroots politician with a proven commitment to the Ogun people, citing his philanthropy and contributions in the private sector.
Adebutu had emerged as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 elections following the consensus primaries held in Abeokuta.
The PDP spokesperson also dismissed comparisons between Adebutu and Adeola, insisting they were not “at the same level” in terms of connection to the state and experience outside government.
Orekoya also accused the APC-led administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun of poor governance, citing failures in infrastructure, education, health and security.
According to him, many projects implemented by the government do not reflect value for money, especially road construction and housing projects.
He said: “After over 16 years in power, the APC has brought Ogun back. Residents are grappling with insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship. The education and health sectors are in decline.”
He also criticized the state government’s flagship airport project, alleging that it was initiated by a previous PDP administration and completed only by the current government.
On internal party issues, Orekoya downplayed factional divisions within the PDP, insisting that the Ogun chapter remained united despite disagreements at the national level.
He said the party in the state was operating under one leadership and was focused on regaining power in 2027.
“We have a PDP in Ogun State. There is no faction here. Our focus is to strengthen our base and prepare for victory,” he said.
He also rejected the zoning arguments, arguing that there was no constitutional provision mandating rotation of governorships in the state.
Orekoya added that an Adebutu administration would prioritize local government self-government, energy production and agriculture to stimulate economic growth.
He expressed confidence that the PDP will win the 2027 governorship elections, citing what he described as growing dissatisfaction with the APC government among residents.
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