The Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State on Wednesday took a swipe at the governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, saying residents should not entrust the state’s leadership to “a stranger” allegedly lacking deep-rooted ties to Ogun.
The party, through the Director of Media 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 programme in Ilese-Ijebu, where he questioned Adeola’s origin and political history, arguing that Ogun required a leader with long-standing familiarity with its people and socio-political landscape.
He said, “This is Ogun State. We should not close our eyes and allow a stranger to govern us. Leadership must come from people who are known, who have lived with the people and understand their challenges.”
Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District, built most of his political career in Lagos State, serving in the Lagos State House of Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate before relocating his political base to Ogun ahead of the 2023 elections.
But Orekoya argued that the senator’s political trajectory raised questions about his identity and connection to Ogun, adding that ongoing legal processes would further clarify issues surrounding his background.
“There are matters already before the court seeking details of documents submitted to INEC in previous elections. We should allow the judicial process to take its course,” he said.
He, however, stopped short of making direct allegations, insisting that the courts would determine the facts.
Defending the PDP candidate, Orekoya described Ladi Adebutu as a grassroots politician with proven commitment to Ogun people, citing his philanthropy and private sector contributions.
Adebutu had emerged as the PDP governorship candidate for the 2027 election following a consensus primary held in Abeokuta.
The PDP spokesman also dismissed comparisons between Adebutu and Adeola, insisting they were “not on the same level” in terms of connection to the state and track record outside government.
Orekoya further accused the APC-led administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun of poor governance, alleging failures in infrastructure, education, healthcare and security.
According to him, many projects executed by the government do not reflect value for money, particularly road constructions and housing schemes.
He said, “After over 16 years in power, the APC has taken Ogun backwards. Residents are grappling with insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship. The education and health sectors are in decline.”
He also faulted the state government’s flagship airport project, claiming it was initiated by a previous PDP administration and only completed by the current government.
On internal party issues, Orekoya downplayed factional divisions within the PDP, insisting that the Ogun chapter remained united despite national-level disagreements.
He said the party in the state operated under a single leadership and was focused on reclaiming power in 2027.
“We have one PDP in Ogun State. There is no faction here. Our focus is to strengthen our grassroots and prepare for victory,” he said.
He also dismissed arguments about zoning, maintaining that there was no constitutional provision mandating rotational governorship in the state.
Orekoya added that an Adebutu administration would prioritise local government autonomy, power generation and agriculture to drive economic growth.
