2027: Ogun voters won't be swayed by money, says PDP deputy governorship candidate

The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State for the 2027 election, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, said that throwing money around in politics will only finish the spender’s money. It will not change the minds of Ogun’s people.

Sowunmi-Kolapo, the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland, shared her views during a ward-to-ward tour by the PDP. She noted that no amount of cash could buy the conscience of Ogun voters.

She spoke on Thursday while meeting supporters who came to welcome her during a condolence visit to a grieving party member, Alhaja Kuburat Sowunmi, in Ijemo, Abeokuta.

The deputy governorship candidate said that despite claims by the ruling party about names being left out by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which she said had turned into an opposition group, the PDP is still gaining many defectors from the All Progressives Congress.

"This shows nothing other than the fact that indigenes of the state will speak loudly with their votes in the coming polls."

"Ladi Adebutu is the next governor of Ogun State. They can keep spending. Senator Iyabo Obasanjo will also return to the Senate. Omo Owo, Toyin Amuzu, Dele Olaleye and all our candidates will win," she declared.

She added, "I am sure, with time, true sons and daughters of Ogun State who are with the other side for their own gain will return to us for the sake of future generations. They understand the danger of messing with the freedom that our ancestors fought for. In their homes, they know the difference between a true son of the soil and a ‘Temu’ version."

After her visit, Sowunmi-Kolapo told journalists that Ogun State cannot be bought with Nigeria’s money. She urged indigenes who have not joined the PDP to not trade their heritage for small money that won’t last.

According to her, the PDP ticket of Adebutu and Kolapo stands for an 'Ogun for Ogun' agenda that will ensure the state’s resources benefit its people.

Some indigenes who spoke during the gathering explained why they support the PDP ticket. They mentioned various basic needs and empowerment programs that Adebutu has provided for residents across the state, even without holding a political office.

A pastor from Oke-Ijemo, Mr Caleb Alao, said that the APC has ruined the good times of PDP rule in the state.

"We are tired of APC government. Many of the programs set up by the PDP have been left to die and there is joblessness in the state. Ladi Adebutu has been helping our market women and paying school fees for poor students long before election season. That is the kind of leader we want," he said.

A community women’s leader, Mrs Folake Adeyemi, stated that Adebutu is known in the community for his work with widows and farmers.

"Adebutu is not a stranger. We know his foundation and what he has done for widows and farmers. APC has brought hardship. The costs of rice and school fees are high. We want a government that understands our pain. Iya Sunnah has been running empowerment programs in our community, twice a year, for about seven years. Her compassion is not just about politics. We will vote for them and protect our votes," she said.

An elder in Ward 5, Semiu Bankole, also supported the 'Ogun for Ogun' agenda, saying it shows what residents have been waiting for.

"This Ogun for Ogun agenda is what we have been waiting for. Some people want to buy our birthright with their money. We are Egbas, we are proud people. We will not let political traders take over our land. They only remember Ogun during elections," he said.

A youth leader, Ahmed Ogunsola, mentioned that the APC government has not given residents enough reasons to vote for another APC candidate in 2027.

"The APC government hasn’t impressed us to consider another APC in 2027. No jobs, no support for small businesses. Adebutu’s empowerment programs have helped many of us in Abeokuta South. That is why we, the youth, are saying PDP is the way forward. We will defend our votes," he said.

The meeting wrapped up with residents promising to spread the 'Ogun for Ogun' message to all polling units in Abeokuta South.