By Our Reporter
The media arm of the Ladi Adebutu Campaign Organisation has launched a fierce attack on Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, questioning his Ogun State roots and insisting that the 2027 governorship election should not be entrusted to “a stranger.”
Speaking during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, the campaign’s Director of Media, Afolabi Orekoya, accused the ruling APC government in Ogun State of failing residents after nearly 16 years in power.
Orekoya argued that Ogun State needs a governor with deep roots, proven commitment and long-standing ties to the people, insisting that PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, remains the most qualified contender ahead of the 2027 election.
The PDP spokesman repeatedly questioned Senator Adeola’s political history, noting that the lawmaker built most of his political career in Lagos State before emerging as senator representing Ogun West in 2023.
“You cannot compare the two,” Orekoya said. “One person has spent almost his entire political life in Lagos State, moving from the House of Assembly to the House of Representatives and then the Senate, while the other has built businesses, empowered people and invested in Ogun State with his own resources.”
He claimed Ogun residents should not “close their eyes” and hand over the state to someone allegedly lacking historical and social ties to the state.
“This is Ogun State. We are not saying Ogun West should not produce a governor, but Ogun West should present someone who is truly from Ogun State, not a stranger coming from another state to govern us,” he added.
Orekoya also referenced an ongoing court matter allegedly seeking clarification on documents submitted by Senator Adeola to INEC during previous elections, though he declined to make direct allegations, insisting the judicial process should be allowed to run its course.
According to him, the legal proceedings would eventually shed more light on questions surrounding the senator’s political identity and origin.
Beyond the attacks on Adeola, the PDP spokesman accused Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration of poor governance, alleging failures in infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and welfare.
“After 16 years of APC rule, insecurity, unemployment and hardship have worsened. The education system is suffering, roads are failing and people can barely afford basic living,” Orekoya said.
He also criticised some of the state government’s flagship projects, including road construction and housing schemes, claiming several projects lacked quality despite huge public spending.
On the Ogun airport project, Orekoya argued that the initiative originated under a previous PDP administration, claiming the current government merely completed what had already been started.
He further dismissed suggestions of division within the Ogun PDP, insisting the party remains united despite ongoing national tensions involving different PDP factions.
“Ogun PDP is one united family. There is no faction in Ogun State,” he declared.
Defending Adebutu’s candidacy amid zoning debates, Orekoya maintained that there is no constitutional provision mandating rotational governorship in Ogun State.
According to him, competence, vision and capacity should take precedence over regional considerations.
He added that an Adebutu administration would prioritise local government autonomy, power generation, agriculture and grassroots development.
Orekoya, however, expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge victorious in 2027, insisting the party had resolved internal issues that affected its performance in the 2023 election.
