The New Nigeria Peoples Party governorship candidate in Ogun State, Comrade Akinbola Hammed Rotham, has explained his decision to withdraw Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/135/2026 challenging the eligibility of the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
In a statement made available to Tropic Reporters on Friday, Rotham said the decision was taken in the interest of the Ogun West agenda and the future of Ogun State, stressing that the collective aspiration of the senatorial district to produce the next governor was more important than individual political ambitions.
He said, “Senator Yayi and I are both sons of Ogun West and contestants in the 2027 Ogun State governorship election. I strongly believe that the collective aspiration of Ogun West to produce a governor of Ogun State, after 50 years of waiting, is greater than any individual ambition.”
The NNPP candidate said he had come to the conclusion that continuing with the legal action would not serve the broader interest of Ogun West or contribute positively to the state’s democratic development.
Rotham added, “For me, the Ogun West agenda must come before personal political interests.”
He also called for a political culture that would place emphasis on competence, capacity, character, accountability and good governance rather than disputes over places of birth, parentage and indigene-ship.
According to him, “Developmental democracy should focus on competence, capacity, character, accountability and the ability to deliver good governance, rather than divisive sentiments.”
Rotham further described Yayi as his brother and fellow contestant from Ogun West, saying their political rivalry should remain constructive and should not undermine the unity required to advance the interests of the people of the senatorial district.
“My decision is also consistent with the philosophy of the New Nigeria Peoples Party. Other political parties are not our enemies; they are sister political parties,” he said.
The NNPP candidate said opposition parties should not oppose government or political actors merely for the sake of opposition, but should engage constructively where such cooperation could benefit the people.
He also stated that his decision had nothing to do with money, financial inducement, political settlement or any form of personal gratification.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that my withdrawal was not induced by money, financial gratification, political settlement or any personal inducement whatsoever,” Rotham said.
He explained that he and Yayi had never met personally before the legal matter, adding that his decision was based on personal reflection and his conviction that the collective interest of Ogun West and Ogun State should take precedence over personal ambition.
Rotham, who reaffirmed his commitment to the 2027 governorship election, extended an offer of brotherhood and constructive engagement to Yayi.
“Let us compete fairly. Let us respect one another. Let us put Ogun State first,” he said.
He added that the withdrawal should not be interpreted as an abandonment of his political ambition, stressing that he remained committed to contesting the 2027 governorship election and working towards what he described as a better Ogun State.
“This is not about one man. It is about our people. It is not about personal ambition. It is about collective destiny. It is not about division. It is about unity and progress,” Rotham stated.
He expressed optimism about meeting Yayi and engaging with him as a brother and fellow contestant, while also calling on stakeholders committed to the development of Ogun State to work together.
Rotham concluded by saying, “I believe that the time has come for Ogun West to get it right.”
