APC Chieftain Defects To PDP In Ogun

A former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Egba Agenda Forum, High Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem Owolabi, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Naija News reports that Owolabi said his decision was informed by what he described as the continued political marginalisation of Egbaland in Ogun State.

The former House of Assembly aspirant and coordinator of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s 2023 re-election campaign also endorsed the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, and his running mate, Alhaja Dr Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Addressing delegates, supporters and political stakeholders, Owolabi alleged that Egba people had been sidelined in the affairs of Ogun State for more than seven years.

He warned against what he called attempts to deny Egbaland access to the leadership of the state for another 16 years.

According to him, the convention represented a major step in the push for political inclusion and equitable representation for the Egba people.

“Today marks a turning point in our collective struggle to secure a rightful seat at the table whenever the future of Ogun State is being discussed and decided,” he said.

Owolabi argued that the Egba people, as one of the founding blocs of Ogun State, deserved fairness, equity and inclusion in governance.

“The Egba people are not second-class citizens in Ogun State. We are one of the founding pillars of this state and our contributions to its development are boldly written in the pages of history. We deserve fairness, equity and inclusion,” he stated.

He also expressed concern over what he described as the slow pace of development in Abeokuta compared to other state capitals across the country.

Owolabi commended Adebutu’s choice of Sowunmi-Kolapo as running mate, describing her as a respected daughter of Egbaland.

He said her selection reflected a commitment to inclusive governance and balanced representation.

The former APC chieftain also disclosed that the PDP had assured the group that the position of Secretary to the State Government would be occupied by an Egba indigene if the party wins the election.

Announcing the group’s endorsement, Owolabi said the MAO Movement for Change and the Egba Agenda Forum had adopted Adebutu and Sowunmi-Kolapo as their preferred candidates for the 2027 governorship election.

Adebutu Promises Accountable Govt

Speaking at the event, Adebutu pledged to run a transparent and accountable administration if elected governor of Ogun State.

He said his administration would prioritise local government autonomy, grassroots development and economic growth.

Adebutu maintained that genuine local government autonomy was critical to bringing governance closer to the people and accelerating development across the state.

He also challenged the APC governorship ticket to a public debate, saying Ogun residents deserved to hear directly from those seeking elective office.

Adebutu said he remained committed to infrastructure development, especially in the power sector.

He disclosed that he had donated transformers to communities across the state using resources from his private businesses.

The PDP candidate also criticised what he described as the celebration of projects relocated from other states to Ogun, insisting that such actions should not be presented as extraordinary achievements.

Obasanjo Urges Egba Unity

Also speaking, the PDP candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Iyabo Obasanjo, urged Egba people to unite politically.

She asked them to reject what she described as attempts to reduce their influence in the state.

Obasanjo expressed confidence that a PDP administration would provide inclusive governance and accelerate development across Ogun State.

“Let us stand together and reject disrespect with our votes. Ogun belongs to its people, and this is the time to reject political exclusion and marginalisation,” she said.