PDP introduces Ogun deputy governorship candidate

The Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State has introduced Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo as its deputy governorship candidate. This is an important step as the party gets ready for the 2027 governorship election.

Sowunmi-Kolapo, who was once the Group Business Editor of The Punch newspapers, was presented as the running mate to the PDP's 2027 governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu. The event took place on Monday at the party secretariat in Abeokuta.

Many party leaders, stakeholders, youth groups, women organizations, and supporters attended the event. Among them was Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. She recently left the APC, suggesting she might have returned to the PDP.

At the ceremony, the deputy governorship candidate expressed gratitude to the party leaders and members. She said her selection is a call for greater service and sacrifice for Ogun State.

Sowunmi-Kolapo promised to remain loyal to the party and its governorship candidate. She assured supporters that her experience and dedication to public service would help in rebuilding the state.

She stated that the “PDP deputy governorship ticket represents a fresh opportunity to deliver people-oriented governance that prioritizes economic growth, youth empowerment, quality education, healthcare delivery and infrastructural development.”

“Our mission is to restore hope to the people of Ogun State. We are committed to building a government that listens to the people, responds to their needs and ensures that no community is left behind in the development process,” she added.

She urged party members to stay united and focus on winning the election. She emphasized that grassroots mobilization and voter engagement are vital for the party's success.

Adebutu praised his running mate as a capable and experienced politician. He believes her selection will boost the party's chances in the upcoming election.

He explained that choosing Sowunmi-Kolapo came after many discussions with party stakeholders. This choice shows the PDP's commitment to competence, inclusiveness, and effective leadership.

According to him, the mix of experience, vision, and grassroots appeal from this ticket offers Ogun residents a strong alternative to tackle the state’s challenges.

Adebutu promised that a PDP government would focus on job creation, industrial growth, better infrastructure, and policies that directly improve citizens' lives.

He explained, “We have been doing this now for nearly ten years. This is the third time, if I count correctly. At the first attempt, we were stopped by the courts when the electoral laws were not so clear and people imposed themselves against the will of the party. If those laws had existed then as they do today, we would already have been candidates and would likely have won.

“Most recently, we contested again, and we sincerely believe we won. We sincerely believe we won. But to God be the glory: when the time is not right, everything does not fall into place. Today, however, I see that the time is right for us and it is the PDP that will form the next government of our dear state.

“We have forty candidates on this stage today, and for the first time, I can tell you that we do not have any weakness in the chain. All forty are steadfast and strong. It is a message to those who wish to study what we are doing: God’s time is the best. I have also searched to find someone with skill, that is dedicated, competent, transparent and compassionate and in that search, I found Iya Sunna of Egba land, an accomplished journalist and entrepreneur.

“One important thing in this journey that we are in is that our deputy governorship candidate is very compassionate. These are the types of people we need, the ones that care for the masses and their welfare. Ogun State as a whole has chosen her to be my running mate and together we shall deliver the people of Ogun State from the poor government of the APC in 2027.”

Earlier, the State Chairman of the PDP, Dr Abayomi Tella, stated that Sowunmi-Kolapo’s selection shows the party’s resolve to present its best for governing Ogun State.

Tella called on members to work together and step up efforts across the state’s 20 local government areas. He believes that the PDP will win through unity, hard work, and ongoing engagement with the people.

Party supporters at the event saw Kolapo’s selection as a big boost for the PDP’s campaign. They highlighted her experience, leadership skills, and long-standing contributions to grassroots development.

The deputy governorship candidate is a seasoned media leader, successful businesswoman, author, and public affairs strategist. She has over 26 years of experience in training, writing, editing, and shaping narratives in Nigeria and beyond.

Her career includes editorial leadership, corporate communications, government advisory roles, entrepreneurship, and political service. As the Founder and CEO of Right-Dev Limited, a respected communications firm, Sowunmi-Kolapo has made a name for delivering impactful solutions for various clients.

She is also the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of The Point Newspaper, which has been running for over 11 years. Her media work includes Growth Trackers Initiative, a television production company active in 12 states, and she is President of the Media Transformation and Empowerment Initiative.

Sowunmi-Kolapo worked as Special Adviser on Corporate Communications and Strategy to Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Olusegun Aganga, under former President Goodluck Jonathan. In that role, she led the rebranding of the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry into the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

She made history as the first female Group Business Editor of The Punch Newspapers. During her time there, she wrote over 5,000 articles and mentored many award-winning business journalists.

Her economic analyses from 2007 to 2011 became essential reading for policymakers and earned her several nominations for awards.

In June 2018, she joined the African Democratic Congress through former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Coalition for Nigerian Movement. She became the party's first female Deputy National Publicity Secretary and later its National Publicity Secretary, a position she held until October 2020.