By Peace Udugba — The Daily Torch Media
Ogun State indigenes resident in Kano have pledged their support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, and his running mate, Hajia Yemi Kolapo, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The indigenes made the pledge on Thursday when they received Kolapo, the PDP deputy governorship candidate, during a meeting in Kano, declaring their commitment to mobilising support for the party’s ticket in their home state.
The gathering, which featured expressions of solidarity and prayers for the candidates’ success, was held under the slogan, “Ogun for Ogun Project.”
The indigenes said they were encouraged by Kolapo’s decision to adjust her flight schedule to accommodate their meeting, describing the gesture as evidence of her willingness to engage with the people.
Speaking on behalf of the association, its president, Alhaji Lateef Faisu Alamu, expressed delight at the opportunity to interact with the PDP deputy governorship candidate.
Alamu, an indigene of Ipokia Local Government Area, said the prompt adjustment of Kolapo’s schedule demonstrated her commitment to inclusiveness and her willingness to listen to Ogun indigenes living outside the state.
He urged Kolapo to convey the group’s message of support to Adebutu, insisting that Ogun indigenes resident in Kano remained connected to the political affairs of their home state.
“Please tell Hon. Ladi Adebutu that it is ‘Ogun for Ogun’. We go home frequently, and we have our strong structures there. Because of the love we have for our state, we quickly gathered ourselves together to welcome you,” Alamu said.
He added that members of the association had maintained relationships with successive political administrations in Ogun State and remained active in the state’s political process.
Alamu, who served as president of the Yoruba community in Kano for eight years, also urged the PDP candidates to prioritise youth empowerment and employment opportunities if elected.
According to him, many qualified Ogun graduates continue to struggle to secure meaningful employment despite possessing the necessary education and skills.
He said the association had accomplished professionals, including medical doctors, lawyers and businesspeople, who could contribute to the development of Ogun State.
“We are behind you. You will see us during the elections. But one thing is that we are praying for you in Kano now, and money cannot buy that,” he said, while urging the candidates to fulfil their promises to Ogun indigenes living in Kano.
Ogun Indigenes Pray for PDP Victory
The association’s General Secretary, H.O. Salami, also expressed support for the PDP ticket, praying for the candidates’ success in the 2027 election.
“We welcome you to Kano. I know that very soon, we will vote for you. We have seen you, we want you to be there. May God make it happen,” Salami, an indigene of Ogun East Senatorial District, said.
Similarly, the association’s former legal adviser, Imam Abdulyaqeen Olugbenga Abduljaleel, commended Kolapo for adjusting her travel plans to meet members who had contacted her at short notice.
He assured her of their support, adding that Ogun indigenes wanted to see their state become more prosperous and better governed.
Other speakers, including youth and women leaders, also expressed solidarity with the deputy governorship candidate, repeatedly chanting the slogan, “Ogun for Ogun.”
Kolapo Promises Job Creation, Inclusive Development
Responding, Kolapo assured the Kano-based indigenes that the PDP was committed to job creation, youth empowerment and inclusive development.
She said the party’s campaign slogan, “ITURA DE,” which translates to the arrival of relief or comfort, reflected its commitment to competent leadership, compassion and effective governance.
Kolapo described Adebutu as a compassionate leader who had demonstrated concern for the welfare and development of Ogun residents across the state’s 20 local government areas, despite not having held elective office.
She also called for greater participation by Ogun indigenes in determining the political future of their state.
According to her, the people must reject political arrangements that could undermine Ogun State’s autonomy or subordinate its interests to those of external political forces.
Citing developments in neighbouring Osun State, she argued that voters could influence their political future through active participation in the electoral process.
“‘Ogun for Ogun’ is our reality for building a solid foundation for the future of our children and grandchildren. We won’t become second-class citizens in our own homeland,” Kolapo said.
She urged Ogun indigenes living in Kano and other parts of Northern Nigeria to remain engaged in political developments at home and mobilise their relatives, friends and communities ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The meeting ended with prayers for Kolapo’s safe return as the PDP continues its political mobilisation ahead of the election.
Tags: Ogun State 2027 Election, Ladi Adebutu, Yemi Kolapo, Ogun PDP, Ogun Indigenes in Kano, Peoples Democratic Party, Ogun for Ogun Project, Nigeria Politics
