By Ado Oyeyemi
Ogun State indigenes residing in Kano State have pledged to support the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and his running mate, Hajia Yemi Kolapo, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The indigenes gave the assurance on Thursday when they received Kolapo, the PDP deputy governorship candidate, during a meeting in Kano, where they declared their readiness to mobilise voters in their home state for the party.
The gathering, which was organised at short notice after the indigenes learnt of Kolapo’s visit to Kano, featured expressions of solidarity and calls for improved governance, youth empowerment and economic opportunities in Ogun State.
The President of the Ogun State Indigenes Association in Kano, Alhaji Lateef Faisu Alamu, said the group was determined to contribute to the political future of their home state despite living outside it.
Alamu, who hails from Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, commended Kolapo for adjusting her travel schedule to meet with them, describing the gesture as a demonstration of her commitment to inclusiveness.
He urged her to convey the association’s position to Adebutu, declaring that the group was prepared to support the PDP ticket in the next election.
“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,” he said.
Alamu added that members of the association remained connected to political developments in Ogun and had participated in the state’s political process under successive administrations.
He also stressed the need for the incoming administration to prioritise youth employment, noting that many qualified graduates from Ogun continued to struggle to secure meaningful jobs despite their educational qualifications and skills.
According to him, the association comprises professionals and entrepreneurs, including medical doctors, lawyers and business owners, whose contributions could support the development of the state.
Alamu, a former president of the Yoruba community in Kano, said the group expected the PDP leadership to address the concerns of indigenes living outside Ogun, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment and economic inclusion.
The association’s General Secretary, H.O. Salami, also expressed confidence in the PDP ticket, offering prayers for the party’s 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. We have seen you, we want to see you on the seat of power. May God make it happen,” Salami said.
Similarly, the association’s former legal adviser, Imam Abdulyaqeen Olugbenga Abduljaleel, thanked Kolapo for making time to meet the group despite the short notice.
He assured her of the indigenes’ support, adding that they wanted Ogun State to become a model of prosperity and good governance for other states in the country.
Other speakers, including representatives of the association’s youth and women groups, echoed the slogan, “Ogun for Ogun,” while pledging to support the PDP candidates.
In her response, Kolapo said the party was committed to creating jobs, promoting inclusive development and improving the welfare of residents if elected into office.
She explained that the campaign slogan, “Itura De,” which translates to the arrival of relief or comfort, reflected the party’s promise of competent leadership, compassion and effective governance.
Kolapo described Adebutu as a compassionate leader who had demonstrated concern for the welfare of Ogun residents despite not having held elective office.
She said his commitment to the state extended across its local government areas, adding that the PDP intended to provide leadership that would address the needs of the people.
The deputy governorship candidate also urged Ogun indigenes to protect the state’s political interests and resist arrangements that could undermine its autonomy or subject its affairs to external political influence.
Using developments in neighbouring Osun State as an example, she argued that voters had the power to determine their political future through their choices at the ballot box.
“‘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,” she said.
Kolapo further called on Ogun indigenes living in Kano and other parts of Northern Nigeria to remain involved in political activities in their home state and mobilise their relatives, friends and communities ahead of the 2027 poll.
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The meeting ended with prayers for her safe return, as the PDP continues efforts to strengthen its support base ahead of the governorship election.
