Indigenes of Ogun State residing in Kano have expressed support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu and his running mate, Hajia Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The indigenes, who received Sowunmi-Kolapo during her visit to Kano, pledged to mobilise support for the PDP candidates, declaring that the political future of Ogun State should be determined by its people.
The gathering, which took place after the indigenes learnt that the deputy governorship candidate was in Kano for a programme, saw members of the Ogun State Indigenes Association visit her at short notice.
They commended her for adjusting her flight schedule to accommodate their request for a meeting, describing the gesture as a demonstration of inclusiveness and concern for her people.
Speaking on behalf of the association, its President, Alhaji Lateef Faisu Alamu, said the meeting provided an opportunity for Ogun indigenes living in Kano to interact with the PDP candidate and express their political position ahead of the election.
Alamu, an indigene of Ipokia Local Government Area, said members of the association maintained strong links with their home state and remained actively involved in its political affairs.
He urged Sowunmi-Kolapo to convey their support to Adebutu, insisting that the association was prepared to contribute to the party’s electoral campaign.
“Please tell Hon. Ladi Adebutu that it is ‘Ogun for Ogun’. We go home frequently, and we have our strong structures there,” Alamu said.
He added that the indigenes had maintained relationships with previous and serving political leaders in the state, including former governors Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Dapo Abiodun.
Alamu, who served as President of the Yoruba community in Kano for eight years, said the association expected the incoming administration to prioritise youth empowerment and employment.
He noted that many qualified graduates from Ogun State continued to struggle to secure meaningful jobs despite possessing the necessary education and skills.
According to him, the association has accomplished professionals, including medical doctors, lawyers and businesspeople, who could contribute to the development of their home state.
The General Secretary of the association, H.O. Salami, also prayed for the success of the PDP governorship ticket, expressing hope that Adebutu and Sowunmi-Kolapo would emerge victorious in 2027.
Similarly, the association’s former Legal Adviser, Imam Abdulyaqeen Olugbenga Abduljaleel, thanked Sowunmi-Kolapo for adjusting her travel plans to meet the indigenes despite the short notice.
He assured her of their support, adding that Ogun indigenes wanted the state to become prosperous and serve as a model of good governance.
Other speakers, including youth and women leaders, repeatedly chanted “Ogun for Ogun” and pledged their support for the PDP ticket.
Responding, Sowunmi-Kolapo assured the gathering that the PDP was committed to job creation, youth empowerment and inclusive development.
She said the party’s campaign slogan, “ITURA DE”, which means relief or comfort has come, was anchored on competence, compassion and effective governance.
The deputy governorship candidate described Adebutu as a compassionate leader who had demonstrated concern for the welfare and development of Ogun residents despite not holding elective office.
She also urged Ogun indigenes to take greater ownership of the state’s political future, warning against political arrangements that could undermine its autonomy or make it subordinate to external interests.
Citing developments in neighbouring Osun State, Sowunmi-Kolapo said voters had the power to determine their political destiny through their choices at the ballot box.
“‘Ogun for Ogun’ is our reality for building a solid foundation for the future of our children and grandchildren. We won’t become second-class citizens in our own homeland,” she said.
She called on Ogun indigenes living in Kano and other parts of Northern Nigeria to remain engaged in political developments at home and mobilise their relatives, friends and communities ahead of the 2027 election.
The meeting ended with prayers for Sowunmi-Kolapo’s safe return as the PDP continues its mobilisation activities ahead of the governorship poll.
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