Ogun State indigenes resident in Kano State have pledged to mobilise support for the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, ahead of the 2027 election, declaring their commitment to the political slogan, “Ogun for Ogun”.
The indigenes made the pledge on Thursday when they hosted the PDP deputy governorship candidate, Hajia Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, who was in Kano for an official engagement.
The association members, who learnt of her visit at short notice, gathered to welcome her, expressing appreciation for her decision to adjust her flight schedule to accommodate their meeting.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the President of the Ogun State Indigenes Association in Kano, Alhaji Lateef Faisu Alamu, said the gathering provided an opportunity for members to express their solidarity with the PDP candidates ahead of the election.
Alamu, an indigene of Ipokia Local Government Area, said members of the association maintained strong ties with their home state and remained actively involved in its political affairs despite living in Kano.
He said the group was prepared to support Adebutu’s ambition, adding that its members would participate in the electoral process and mobilise voters in their respective communities.
“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, we quickly gathered ourselves together to welcome you,” Alamu said.
He, however, urged the prospective administration to prioritise youth empowerment and employment, noting that many qualified graduates from Ogun State continued to struggle to secure meaningful jobs despite their educational qualifications.
Alamu, a former President of the Yoruba community in Kano, said the association comprised accomplished professionals, including medical doctors, lawyers and businesspeople, whose expertise could contribute to the development of their home state.
The General Secretary of the association, H.O. Salami, also expressed optimism about the PDP’s chances in the election, praying for the success of the party’s governorship ticket.
Similarly, the association’s former Legal Adviser, Imam Abdulyaqeen Olugbenga Abduljaleel, commended Sowunmi-Kolapo for adjusting her travel plans to meet the indigenes and assured her of their support.
Other speakers, including youth and women leaders, reiterated their commitment to the “Ogun for Ogun” campaign, expressing hope that the state would experience improved governance and development.
Responding, Sowunmi-Kolapo assured the indigenes that the PDP was committed to job creation, youth empowerment and inclusive development if elected into office.
She said the party’s campaign slogan, “Itura De”, meaning relief or comfort has come, reflected its commitment to competent leadership, compassion and effective governance.
The deputy governorship candidate described Adebutu as a compassionate politician who had demonstrated concern for the welfare of Ogun residents despite not holding elective office.
She also urged the indigenes to take greater responsibility for the political future of their state, warning against arrangements that could undermine Ogun’s autonomy or subject its interests to external political influence.
“‘Ogun for Ogun’ is our reality for building a solid foundation for the future of our children and grandchildren. We won’t become second-class citizens in our own homeland,” she said.
Sowunmi-Kolapo called on Ogun indigenes living in Kano and other parts of Northern Nigeria to remain engaged in political developments at home and mobilise their relatives, friends and communities ahead of the 2027 poll.
The meeting ended with prayers for her safe return as the PDP intensified its mobilisation efforts ahead of the governorship election.
