Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State for the 2027 governorship election, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has declared that the PDP is the only credible platform capable of rescuing Ogun State from its socio-economic and developmental challenges.

She spoke on Tuesday during a visit to her Ijemo community in Abeokuta South Local Government Area.

The event drew a large crowd of party supporters, community leaders and residents, with the PDP deputy governorship candidate receiving a rousing welcome alongside the party’s Ogun Central Senatorial candidate, Iyabo Obasanjo, and other party stalwarts.

Addressing the gathering, Sowunmi-Kolapo said the people of Ogun, particularly those from Egba land, must resist intimidation and vote massively for the PDP, insisting that the “party’s governorship ticket reflects the aspirations of the indigenous people of the state.”

She said, “The people must rally behind the opposition party that truly represents their interests and identity.

“The PDP is the most credible and formidable political party to reshape the fortunes of Ogun State. The PDP’s record of governance and developmental achievements remains unmatched.”

Sowunmi-Kolapo expressed confidence that the party would reclaim power in the state, boasting of the support of the electorate.

“Neither the party nor its members would be intimidated by political opponents ahead of the 2027 polls,” she added.

Sowunmi-Kolapo cautioned against what she described as allowing “a stranger” to emerge as governor, stressing that while the Egba people are hospitable and welcoming to all, leadership of the state should remain in the hands of those who truly belong to and understand the people.

“We will not allow anyone to intimidate us. We are not like those looking for their family lineage. We are warriors. We must show them that we own the votes.

“Let us come out en masse to vote and do not be intimidated. Do not believe anyone telling you that your votes will not count because your votes will count.

“In Egba, we are very accommodating. If anyone wants to be part of us, such a person is welcome, and we can even give the person a certificate of indigene, but we will not allow that person to become our king. Go and get your Permanent Voter Cards and vote for the PDP,” she said.

In his remarks, the Ogun State chairman of the PDP, Abayomi Tella, said the party remained the only political platform with a proven record of delivering democratic dividends to the people of Ogun State.

Tella noted that despite being out of power in the state, the achievements recorded by previous PDP administrations are still visible across different sectors, urging voters to compare the party’s legacy with the performance of subsequent governments.

The party chairman called on members and supporters to remain united, intensify grassroots mobilisation and encourage eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, expressing confidence that the PDP is well-positioned to reclaim Ogun State in the 2027 governorship election.

Also speaking, Iyabo Obasanjo appealed to the people of Ogun Central, particularly the Egba, to unite behind the PDP, arguing that the zone deserved to produce the next governor through a party that has an Egba indigene on its governorship ticket.

She maintained that the PDP remained the only political party capable of taking Ogun State to greater heights and urged residents to vote massively for the party during the 2027 general election.

“Our fathers fought for Abeokuta to become the capital of Ogun State. We must consider Ogun Central and the Egba people in making sure that a party that has an Egba person on its ticket wins the governorship race in Ogun State.

“We must all come together as Egba people to vote for PDP. And you know that our deputy governor is from Egba; she is from Ogun Central, so we must understand this and then vote for PDP.

“I want to tell you today that PDP is the only party that can take Ogun State to the next level. PDP is the only party that can rescue Ogun State. So don’t forget, let us come together and vote for PDP.”