The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of betraying a growing sense of unease regarding the rising political appeal of its governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
According to the party, residents of Ogun are eagerly anticipating a fresh direction, and no amount of political spin can halt the transformative wave sweeping across the state. The PDP Youth Leader, Comrade Lukman Ejalonibu, made this known in a statement released on Sunday.
Ejalonibu pointed out that recent remarks by Olamide Lawal, the Special Assistant on Youth Development to the Ogun State Governor, about Adebutu inadvertently exposed the contradictions within the ruling party. Lawal had previously claimed on a television program that Adebutu poses no real threat to the APC, lacking the political stamina and track record needed to unseat the incumbent.
He also argued that current zoning arrangements in the state significantly reduce any chance of Adebutu succeeding Governor Dapo Abiodun. In response, Ejalonibu argued that the APC’s persistent focus on Adebutu is a clear testament to his expanding popularity, acceptance, and deep connection with the people of Ogun State.
“It is both ironic and laughable that the APC, which insists Adebutu is no threat, continues to waste precious airtime discussing him. No political party invests so much energy attacking someone they consider irrelevant,” Ejalonibu said.
He further challenged attempts to dismiss Adebutu’s achievements as a former House of Representatives member, highlighting his constituency projects, educational scholarships, youth empowerment initiatives, and community development efforts. Ejalonibu described Adebutu as “a true son of Ogun State, whose heritage, dedication, and contributions to the state are undeniable.” He emphasized that Adebutu’s bond with the people predates his political ambitions.
The PDP youth leader stressed that the party’s primary mission is to offer credible alternatives and rally citizens around accountable, inclusive, and people-focused governance. He also criticized the APC for using zoning as a smokescreen to avoid substantive debates on pressing issues like unemployment, infrastructure decay, and economic hardship.
“Democracy thrives on ideas, competence, and public trust, not on fear-driven excuses. If Oladipupo Adebutu truly posed no threat, there would be no reason for the ruling party and its spokespersons to keep making him the focus of their political discussions,” Ejalonibu concluded.