Deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, Hajia Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, don talk say the omission of her principal, Ladi Adebutu, from the list wey the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) publish no be deliberate, and she believe say dem go address am soon.
Sowunmi-Kolapo also express confidence say Adebutu go emerge as the next governor of Ogun State for the 2027 election. She describe recent political developments for the state as signs say the ticket prospects dey grow.
She yarn with journalists and Muslim faithful shortly after Jumat prayers at the headquarters of the Nawair-ud-Deen Society in Abeokuta on Friday. The gathering include prayers for the PDP governorship ticket, and leaders of the Muslim society show support for Sowunmi-Kolapo and Adebutu ahead of the election.
Chief Imam of the Nawair-ud-Deen Society’s Abeokuta headquarters and Ogun State, Sheikh Tiamiyu Olamigoke, lead other Islamic leaders for prayers for the candidates’ success and the continued peace and development of Ogun State. The clerics acknowledge Sowunmi-Kolapo’s contributions to the Muslim community and her record of service before she enter partisan politics. Dem express confidence say she go show compassion and commitment to public service if dem elect her alongside Adebutu.
The clerics also cite Adebutu’s contributions to the development of Ogun State, including his support for the Muslim community, as reasons he deserve the electorate backing.
On the controversy around the INEC list, Sowunmi-Kolapo dismiss suggestions say Adebutu’s omission, alongside celebrations reportedly witnessed among members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), mean advantage for the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election. She maintain say the omission no be deliberate and the electoral commission go resolve am.
She also describe the appointment of Professor Joash Amupitan as INEC chairman as one of the appointments she believe President Bola Tinubu get right. She call Amupitan a globally recognised professional and express confidence say he go protect im reputation by upholding the integrity of the electoral process. Although she acknowledge the pressures wey dey with the position, she say she still get hope say the INEC chairman go discharge im responsibilities professionally.
Sowunmi-Kolapo also express confidence for Tinubu’s commitment to ensure free, fair and credible elections, no matter the political interests involved.
Reacting to the excitement wey APC members reportedly show after the publication of the INEC list, she describe am as premature, insisting say e no go determine the outcome of the 2027 governorship election. “They are ‘soon-to-be IDPs (Internally Displaced Politicians),’ exhibiting the symptoms of ‘IDPA (Impending Defeat Panic Attack),’” she talk with laughter.
