2027: Ogun PDP deputy gov candidate promises inclusive governance

The Deputy Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has assured residents that a PDP administration, if elected in 2027, will prioritise inclusive governance, grassroots development and improved access to essential social services.

Sowunmi-Kolapo gave the assurance, according to a statement issued on Tuesday, during ward-to-ward engagements across the state alongside the PDP governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, as part of efforts to interact with residents and familiarise them with the party’s seven-point development agenda, tagged ‘ITURA DE’.

She said the proposed PDP administration would pay particular attention to women, children, education and primary healthcare, adding that the concerns of ordinary residents would form an important part of its governance priorities.

The PDP deputy governorship candidate further emphasised the need to strengthen primary healthcare, particularly in rural communities where residents often face difficulties accessing medical services.

She stated, “Healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for people living in major towns and cities. Every community in Ogun State deserves functional primary healthcare facilities, qualified personnel and access to essential medical services.

“We must pay attention to mothers, children, elderly people and vulnerable members of our society. A government that places the welfare of its people at the centre of its policies must ensure that healthcare is accessible and affordable, irrespective of where people live.

“Education and healthcare are fundamental to the development of any society. We will therefore work towards strengthening these sectors and ensuring that our communities benefit from policies that directly improve their quality of life.”

She added that the ‘Ogun for Ogun’ campaign should be seen as a collective call for the protection and development of the state rather than a divisive political slogan.

Sowunmi-Kolapo said, “We have listened to the concerns raised by residents, and we understand their expectations. We will not take their confidence for granted.

“Our commitment is to an inclusive government that recognises the importance of every community and gives every segment of society an opportunity to contribute to the development of Ogun State.”

Also speaking, Adebutu thanked residents for the reception accorded to the PDP delegation, saying the party’s ITURA DE agenda was designed to address infrastructure deficits, agricultural challenges, unemployment and other developmental concerns.

He said, “Our ITURA DE agenda is a social contract with the people of Ogun State. It is about restoring dignity to our communities, fixing our roads, empowering farmers, creating jobs for our youths and returning the state to a path of development.

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“We are not just campaigning; we are listening to the people. The issues raised during these engagements will guide our priorities because governance must begin with understanding the needs of the people.”

Residents who received the PDP candidates during the visits expressed concerns about the state of rural infrastructure and called for practical interventions to improve their living conditions.

At different ward meetings, community stakeholders also declared support for the ‘Ogun for Ogun’ movement, insisting that the state’s political heritage and interests should be protected.

At Alagada Ward in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, a market leader, Mrs Folasade Ogunye, said women in the community were looking forward to a government that would address their economic difficulties and improve access to basic infrastructure.

She said, “We, the women of Obafemi Owode, have suffered neglect for too long. Our roads leading to the markets are in terrible condition, our businesses are struggling, and our children need employment opportunities. We want a government that understands these challenges and will not abandon us after securing our votes.

“We need leadership that understands the daily struggles of women, traders and ordinary families. When our roads are bad, it affects our businesses; when our children cannot find jobs, it affects the entire household. These are the issues we want the government to address.”

At Onidunu Ward, a farmer and community stakeholder, Deji Bamidele, called for greater government investment in agriculture, particularly the provision of modern equipment and improved seedlings.

He said, “Farming is the mainstay of our community, but our farmers have continued to depend largely on traditional implements. We cannot increase food production significantly if farmers are left without tractors, improved seedlings and other modern agricultural facilities.

“When Adebutu explained the ITURA DE agenda and its proposed agricultural interventions, we saw the need for a different approach to farming. We are committing our farmers’ cooperative, which has more than 300 members, to the campaign because we want agriculture to receive the attention it deserves.”

Similarly, at Owode Ward 3, a retired teacher, Alhaja Sariyu Bankole, urged the PDP candidates to prioritise education and preserve the political heritage of Ogun State.

In Sagamu Local Government Area, a youth leader, Comrade Bayo Oduwole, said young people were prepared to participate actively in the political process, adding that they wanted policies that would address unemployment and create opportunities for their generation.

Some members of the All Progressives Congress also announced their defection to the PDP at Alapakooni community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, where they expressed dissatisfaction with their former political platform.