By Peace Udugba
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Dr. Abayomi Tella, has called on residents to remain vigilant ahead of the 2027 governorship election, urging them to reject what he described as the imposition of governorship candidates from outside the state.
Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Tella defended the PDP’s “Ogun for Ogun” campaign slogan, saying the state should be governed by leaders who understand its people, culture and development needs.
According to him, the campaign is based on the belief that only individuals who have lived among the people and are familiar with the state’s history, culture and developmental challenges can provide effective leadership.
Using himself as an example, Tella said his lifelong connection to Ogun State gives him a clear understanding of the state’s needs.
“I was born in Agbara, Ogun State, and I have lived in this state. I have participated in everything that concerns Ogun State and I know the state like the back of my hand. Given the opportunity to govern, I know exactly what to do because I understand the people and their needs,” he said.
He argued that leaders with deep roots in Ogun State would be more committed to developing the state and would prioritise competent indigenes in appointments rather than associates from outside the state.
“If someone understands Ogun State in and out, he will do justice to the needs of the people. Unlike when you import candidates to govern your state, such a person may not have the same level of commitment,” he added.
The PDP chairman warned residents against what he described as attempts to present candidates without strong ties to Ogun State, insisting that voters must safeguard their right to elect leaders who genuinely understand the state’s aspirations.
Although Tella did not mention any individual or political party, his remarks come amid growing debates over the eligibility and indigeneity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus governorship aspirant, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
Adeola’s critics have questioned his long political career in Lagos State and his connection to Ogun State, while the senator and his supporters have consistently maintained that he is a bona fide indigene of Ogun.
Former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has also publicly criticised Adeola’s governorship ambition, arguing that politicians who built their careers in other states should not displace homegrown leaders in Ogun State.
The controversy has become one of the dominant issues in the build-up to the 2027 governorship race, with supporters and opponents continuing to debate issues of identity, ancestry and political belonging.
Tella urged residents to remain vigilant throughout the electioneering process.
“The people of Ogun State must be alert. They should not allow impostors to govern the state,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Ogun voters are politically enlightened enough to resist any attempt to impose candidates on them during the 2027 governorship election.
Responding to questions on the defection of former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo to the PDP and whether she complied with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, Tella said the party acted strictly in line with the Electoral Act.
“Everything that was done complied fully with the Electoral Act. Senator Iyabo Obasanjo joined our party before the stipulated deadline after resigning from her former party. There is no issue regarding her membership,” he stated.
On possible political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, Tella said the PDP remained open to strategic collaborations where necessary but noted that any decision on a national coalition would be taken by the party’s national leadership.
“Every political party will assess its options. If collaboration becomes necessary, it can happen, especially at the state level. However, decisions on national alliances will be made by the national leadership of the party,” he said.
