Auomide Awe
Ogun State indigenes resident in Kano State have pledged support for the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, and his running mate, Hajia Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The indigenes, who rallied around Sowunmi-Kolapo during a meeting in Kano on Thursday, also called for increased youth empowerment, job creation and inclusive governance in Ogun State.
They declared their support under the slogan, “Ogun for Ogun,” insisting that their interest in the political future of their home state remained strong despite living outside its borders.
The meeting was organised after the indigenes learnt that Sowunmi-Kolapo was in Kano for a programme. They reportedly contacted her at short notice, prompting her to adjust her travel schedule to accommodate their request for an engagement.
Speaking at the gathering, the President of the Ogun State Indigenes Association in Kano, Alhaji Lateef Faisu Alamu, described the meeting as an opportunity for indigenes living outside Ogun to interact directly with the PDP deputy governorship candidate.
Alamu, who hails from Ipokia Local Government Area, said Sowunmi-Kolapo’s decision to rearrange her schedule demonstrated her willingness to listen to the concerns of the people.
He urged her to convey the association’s support to Adebutu, adding that members maintained strong political and social connections with their communities in Ogun 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, Ogun State, we quickly gathered ourselves together to welcome you,” Alamu said.
He added, “Please tell Hon. Adebutu that 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.”
The association president, a former president of the Yoruba community in Kano for eight years, said youth unemployment should be a priority for the next administration in Ogun State.
According to him, many qualified graduates from the state continue to struggle to secure meaningful employment despite possessing the necessary educational qualifications and professional skills.
He said the association had members who were medical doctors, lawyers and businesspeople, arguing that the state could benefit from policies that harnessed the skills and expertise of its indigenes.
Alamu also urged the PDP candidates to fulfil their promises to residents of Ogun origin living in Kano, particularly in the areas of youth development and economic empowerment.
The General Secretary of the association, H.O. Salami, also expressed optimism about the party’s chances in the 2027 election, praying for the success of the PDP ticket.
“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, commended Sowunmi-Kolapo for adjusting her travel plans to meet with the indigenes despite the short notice.
Abduljaleel assured her of the association’s support, saying its members wanted Ogun State to become a model of good governance and prosperity.
Other speakers, including representatives of the youth and women, also expressed support for the PDP ticket, repeatedly chanting “Ogun for Ogun”.
Responding, Sowunmi-Kolapo said the PDP was committed to job creation, inclusive development and policies aimed at improving the welfare of residents of Ogun State.
