The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Sunday formally adopted former governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, as its consensus flag bearer for the 2027 governorship election on Ogun State, declaring readiness to wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC).
Adebutu emerged through a consensus arrangement at the party’s governorship primary held in Abeokuta, the State capital, amid widespread affirmation by party members across the 236 wards of the state.
Chairman of the PDP Governorship Primary Panel, Chief Afolabi Ariyo, who officially announced the result through a voice vote, declared Adebutu returned as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship contest.
“I, Afolabi Ariyo, Chairman of the Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party Governorship Primary Panel, hereby declare that Hon. Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu is the winner and is returned as the consensus candidate,” Ariyo announced.
The primary attracted several PDP leaders and stakeholders from across the country, including former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Ayo Fayose, who expressed confidence in the party’s chances of reclaiming Ogun State in 2027.
Fayose said the massive turnout of party supporters and members at the venue reflected growing public support for Adebutu and the PDP ahead of the next election cycle.
“I congratulate my brother, our candidate, because God has preserved his life and that of the good people of Ogun State to witness this day,” Fayose said.
“What we saw outside this hall portends hope; hope that reflects the readiness of the people to put Ladi Adebutu in the office of the Governor of Ogun State.”
The former governor further declared that Adebutu’s political ambition had become solely tied to the Ogun governorship seat.
“After today, Ladi Adebutu can only be Governor. He cannot be Deputy Governor. He cannot be Senator. He cannot be Councillor,” Fayose stated.
In his acceptance speech, Adebutu thanked party leaders, delegates and supporters for the confidence reposed in him, while assuring members that the party would approach the 2027 elections as a united force.
The PDP governorship candidate expressed optimism that votes would count in the next elections, unlike what he described as previous electoral disappointments.
“However, this time in 2027, I believe in God that your votes will count and will put me in office as your duly elected Governor,” he said.
Adebutu urged members of the party to sustain the peaceful atmosphere within the PDP, noting that unity remained critical to defeating the APC in Ogun State.
“Peaceful coexistence is the only assurance that can guarantee our reclaiming of Ogun State from the hands of the clueless APC government and its allies,” he declared.
He accused the APC administration in the state of failing to maximally utilize Ogun’s economic and human resources despite being in power for over 15 years under different political platforms.
“Our state has remained in dire need of competent leadership with ingenuity, purpose and direction despite our enormous natural and human resources,” Adebutu said.
He stressed that the collective responsibility of party members should now be focused on returning the PDP to power at Oke-Mosan in order to “rescue Ogun people from suffering and maladministration.”
The PDP candidate also extended appreciation to other aspirants who stepped down for the consensus arrangement, describing their sacrifices as a demonstration of commitment to party unity and victory.
“There is no loser among us; we have all won for the party and for the good people of Ogun State,” he stated.
“I appeal to everyone, including key stakeholders, to come together so we can win as one united party.”
Adebutu further assured residents that the PDP was prepared to provide purposeful governance and development if voted into office in 2027.
“The PDP in Ogun State is more than ready to provide good governance for the rescue and development of our dear state. Our policy direction will be unveiled in due course,” he added.
Earlier, Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, described the successful conduct of the primary as evidence that the party had overcome its internal crises and remained united ahead of the 2027 election.
Tella urged party members to continue working together in order to sustain stability within the PDP and secure victory at the polls.
“The successful conduct of this primary has shown clearly that the PDP in Ogun State remains strong, united and focused,” he said.
