By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has unveiled a seven-point development agenda ahead of the 2027 governorship election, with strong emphasis on urban and rural development, agriculture, youth empowerment, healthcare and education.
Adebutu, who spoke during a media parley held in Abeokuta on Monday, said insecurity remained one of Nigeria’s most pressing national challenges and would feature prominently in the PDP’s broader 12-point national agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Describing insecurity as “one of the problems bedevilling Nigeria,” the PDP chieftain said the party would prioritise safety, grassroots governance and economic inclusion if returned to power in the state ans at the federal level.
He also voiced his support for local government autonomy, insisting that strengthening the third tier of government was critical to improving service delivery and development at the grassroots.
“A critical issue is local government autonomy. During my time as a commissioner, I gained firsthand insight into the workings of local government administration. Nigeria’s local government structure was designed to bring governance closer to the people. The framework was sound, but its implementation has often been flawed.
“The decline began when local government elections became heavily controlled at the state level. As local governments lost their independence and accountability to the people, their effectiveness diminished. Resources intended for grassroots development were diverted, and communities suffered as a result.
“The consequences have been severe: weakened local institutions, poor service delivery, inadequate infrastructure, and limited grassroots development.
“If Nigeria is to make meaningful progress, local governments must be empowered to function independently, transparently, and responsibly. Communities deserve leaders who are accountable to the people and resources that are used for development rather than private gain.
“Security, local government autonomy, and accountability are interconnected pillars of good governance. By addressing them decisively, we can lay the foundation for a safer, more prosperous, and more equitable society, ” he said.
Adebutu noted that decentralisation would improve accountability and accelerate development in rural communities, even as the PDP governorship hopeful stressed the need to empower young people through agriculture and vocational enterprise, arguing that Nigeria possesses enough economic opportunities to discourage irregular migration in search of greener pastures.
“There is no need for any greener pasture for any Nigerian if only they engage in agriculture and handiwork for their survival and economic prosperity,” he said.
He further advocated stronger public-private partnerships to bridge infrastructure deficits and drive sustainable development across Ogun State.
He criticised what he described as complacency in governance, saying the state’s vast potential remained largely untapped due to lack of intentional leadership.
The PDP candidate also reflected on the sacrifices he had made in his political journey, saying his involvement in politics had negatively impacted his business interests but remained worthwhile in the pursuit of better governance and improved welfare for citizens.
“This is not a good time for journalists in the world, particularly in Nigeria,” he said, while commending the media for its role in promoting accountability and democratic values.
In her remarks, PDP senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo explained her decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) and return to the PDP.
“I left APC because of disrespect. They are not people that will respect the state. They are not people of honour,” she said.
Senator Obasanjo described the PDP as “the winning side,” adding that her support for the party was based on conviction that it remained better positioned to improve the lives of Ogun residents.
“It is not the money we make for ourselves that matters but how we impact the people,” she added.
She also stressed that industrialisation must directly translate into jobs and improved living standards, arguing that Ogun State residents had not sufficiently benefited from the state’s industrial growth.
The Ogun State PDP Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella, declared that the party was revitalised and fully prepared for the 2027 elections.
“The PDP is back and better,” Tella declared, adding that stakeholders across Ogun Central had endorsed Adebutu’s candidacy.
He described Adebutu as “a man of the people” who would not disappoint residents if elected governor, while also reaffirming the party’s commitment to local government autonomy and inclusive governance.
Veteran journalist and Adebutu’s running mate, Lateefah Kolapo-Sowunmi, urged media practitioners to remain fair and balanced in their reportage as political activities intensify ahead of the next general elections
