By Our Reporter
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State and House of Assembly candidate for Abeokuta South Constituency II, Hon. Adeoye Adewale Adeniran, has fired back at criticisms from the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the governorship aspiration of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
Adeniran, popularly known as A3, was reacting to comments credited to former federal lawmaker and APC stalwart, Mr. Kayode Oladele, who reportedly questioned Adebutu’s managerial competence to govern Ogun State.
In a strongly worded statement, Adeniran described the criticism as politically motivated and lacking factual basis, insisting that Adebutu possesses the experience, business background, public service record and grassroots connection required to lead Ogun State.
According to him, critics who cannot challenge Adebutu’s integrity, educational qualifications, business achievements or commitment to Ogun people have resorted to what he described as “vague arguments about competence.”
“The people of Ogun State should ask a simple question: what exactly is managerial competence?” Adeniran queried.
“Is it the ability to build and sustain successful businesses? Is it managing organisations, stakeholders and investments? Is it effective public service and maintaining strong community relationships? If these are accepted standards, then Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu’s credentials speak clearly for themselves.”
The PDP candidate argued that the 2027 election should not be reduced to propaganda or personality attacks but should focus on the future development of Ogun State.
He maintained that while empowerment programmes may offer temporary relief, genuine leadership should create long-term economic opportunities capable of reducing poverty and unemployment.
“The real question is who can build an economy where citizens no longer depend on empowerment to survive,” he said.
Adeniran also drew a distinction between politicians who, according to him, “discovered Ogun State as a governorship destination” and those who have consistently lived, invested and identified with the state throughout their lives.
Without directly naming individuals, he stated that Adebutu has remained deeply rooted in Ogun State, invested in local communities and maintained close relationships with residents long before seeking elective office.
“He is not an emergency politician. He did not suddenly remember Ogun State because elections are approaching,” Adeniran stated.
“He was born into the fabric of the state, has lived among the people, invested in the state and remained actively involved in community welfare over the years.”
The PDP candidate further highlighted Adebutu’s public service record as a former member of the Local Government Service Commission and later as a member of the House of Representatives, insisting that such experience demonstrates leadership capacity and administrative competence.
Adeniran also challenged the APC to account for what he described as persistent socio-economic challenges in Ogun State despite years of APC leadership.
“If the APC’s performance is truly impressive, why are many Ogun youths still searching for opportunities elsewhere? Why are communities still demanding better roads, healthcare, education and economic opportunities?” he asked.
He noted that Adebutu’s appeal among many residents stems from what he described as a combination of “capacity and compassion,” adding that the PDP aspirant understands the struggles of ordinary citizens, including farmers, traders, artisans and young entrepreneurs.
“As the campaign season gradually unfolds, Ogun people must look beyond political noise and examine records carefully. The Ogun of our dreams will not be built on propaganda, but on integrity, competence, vision and genuine commitment to the people,” Adeniran added.
