2027: Be alert, don’t allow impostors to govern you, Ogun PDP chairman warns residents

The Ogun State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Abayomi Tella, has urged residents to reject what he called the imposition of governorship candidates from outside the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Wednesday during Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, Tella defended the party’s “Ogun for Ogun” campaign slogan.

He said the state should be governed by leaders who understand its people, culture and development needs.

Explaining the slogan, Tella said effective leadership requires familiarity with the state’s history and challenges.

“I’ll just give you a typical example. Dr. Abayomi Tella was born in Agbara, Ogun State and he lives in this state. He has participated in everything that is done in this state. He knows this state like the back of his hand. Given the opportunity to rule this state, he knows exactly what to do,” he said.

He argued that leaders without strong roots in Ogun could lack commitment to the state’s development and might fill appointments with associates from outside.

“If he’s giving positions, he’s not giving positions to somebody because he’s his friend from Lagos or from Kano. Ogun State has a lot of potential there and because he knows Ogun State in and out, if you elect him as your governor, he’s going to do justice to everything that Ogun State people need. Unlike when you import candidates to come and govern your state,” he added.

Although he did not mention names, his comments come amid debate over the eligibility of the All Progressives Congress consensus candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for the 2027 governorship race.

Critics have questioned Adeola’s long political career in Lagos and his connection to Ogun.

Adeola and his supporters have insisted he is a bona fide indigene of the state.

Former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has also questioned Adeola’s political eligibility.

Speaking on the same station, Eagle 102.5 FM, she described his move into Ogun politics after years in Lagos as opportunistic, and said homegrown leaders who have stayed in Yewa should not be sidelined.

Tella warned residents to remain vigilant.

“I’m only telling you that the people of Ogun State must be alert. They should not allow impostors in their states.”

He expressed confidence that Ogun voters are politically sophisticated enough to make informed choices in 2027 and should reject attempts to impose candidates.

On party matters, Tella addressed concerns about Senator Iyabo Obasanjo’s membership of the PDP and compliance with INEC requirements.

He said due process was followed.

“Everything that is done are perfectly done and are in line with the electoral act. Senator Iyabo Obasanjo was a member of this party before the deadline and she actually resigned from the other party. So there’s no question about that,” he clarified.

Speaking on possible alliances ahead of 2027, Tella said the PDP remains open to strategic collaborations at the state level, while decisions on national coalitions will be taken by the party’s national leadership.

“Whether you like it or not, in this country today, every party will weigh its options. When we get to that bridge, we will cross it. As Nigerians, we must look forward to see who our leader will be and as opposition, we must be able to say the truth to the power on what is not right. That does not change the fact that there could be collaborations in some cases, if necessary,” he said.