By Peace Udugba
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Dr. Abayomi Tella, has criticised the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, describing discussions about the government’s performance as “a waste of time” and urging residents to vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Wednesday, Tella maintained that the PDP remains the only credible alternative for the people of Ogun State.
“It would be a mere waste of time talking about the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun. Every individual in Ogun State tells you he did not do well. It’s as simple as that. The alternative is the PDP, and we are coming on board,” he said.
The PDP chairman argued that the success of any government should be measured by the effectiveness of its local government administration, insisting that grassroots governance is critical to sustainable development.
According to him, successive administrations after the PDP failed to empower local governments, resulting in poor service delivery across the state.
“Any government that does not make the local government administration work can never be a good government because every policy is local.
The only government that did that in this state is the PDP. Every other one that has come thereafter has not got it right,” he stated.
Tella pledged that a PDP-led government would restore local government autonomy, arguing that stronger grassroots governance would significantly improve the welfare of residents.
He also criticised the Abiodun administration’s performance in education, healthcare and infrastructure, alleging that development efforts had been concentrated in Abeokuta while rural communities were neglected.
“In infrastructural development, I will score this government less than 20 per cent. In education, to me, this government scores zero. They paint schools in Abeokuta and showcase them, whereas Ogun State has more rural areas than urban centres. The government has failed to address the needs of rural dwellers,” he said.
Despite his criticism, Tella acknowledged Governor Abiodun’s completion of the Gateway International Airport at Iperu, which he noted was initiated by former Governor Gbenga Daniel.
“I give credit to Otunba Gbenga Daniel for initiating the airport, and I also give credit to Prince Dapo Abiodun for completing it. That is the only area where I would score this government about 40 per cent. Every other area is below 20 per cent,” he added.
On pensioners’ welfare, the PDP chairman accused the current administration of neglecting retired civil servants and promised that a PDP government would prioritise the prompt payment of pensions and gratuities while clearing outstanding arrears.
“Our retirees, who have given their best to the state, should not suffer to collect their entitlements. Under a PDP government, pensioners will be paid as and when due, and we will clear the backlog because they deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labour,” he said.
Tella further expressed optimism about the PDP’s chances in the 2027 governorship election, insisting that the party had resolved its internal challenges and remained united.
He also claimed that several prominent political figures in Ogun State, including Governor Dapo Abiodun, former Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Senator Gbenga Daniel, all began their political careers in the PDP, suggesting that many politicians would eventually return to the party.
“Many of them are only where they are today because of the positions they hold. Once those positions are gone, they will come back,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the party’s electoral prospects, Tella predicted that the 2027 election would produce “a major surprise,” insisting that the Ogun PDP is united and fully prepared for the contest.
