The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Dr. Abayomi Tella, has urged residents to reject what he described as attempts to impose governorship candidates from outside the state ahead of the 2027 election, insisting that only leaders with deep roots in Ogun can effectively govern the state.
Speaking on Wednesday during Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, Tella defended the party’s “Ogun for Ogun” campaign, saying the slogan reflects the need for leaders who understand the state’s history, culture and developmental challenges.
Explaining the campaign, Tella said, “I’ll just give you a typical example. Dr. Abayomi Tella was born in Agbara, Ogun State and he lives in this state. He has participated in everything that is done in this state. He knows this state like the back of his hand. Given the opportunity to rule this state, he knows exactly what to do. He knows the people in this state in and out.”
He argued that leaders with strong ties to the state would be better positioned to prioritise the interests of Ogun people.
“If he’s giving positions, he’s not giving positions to somebody because he’s his friend from Lagos or from Kano. Ogun State has a lot of potential and because he knows Ogun State in and out, if you elect him as your governor, he’s going to do justice to everything that Ogun State people need. Unlike when you import candidates to come and govern your state,” he said.
The PDP chairman warned residents against electing what he termed “impostors”, urging voters to remain vigilant as political activities gather momentum ahead of the governorship election.
“I’m only telling you that the people of Ogun State must be alert. They should not allow impostors in their state,” Tella said.
Although he did not mention any individual or political party, his comments come amid growing debate over the eligibility and indigeneity of the All Progressives Congress’ consensus governorship aspirant, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
Critics have questioned Adeola’s long political career in Lagos before his emergence in Ogun politics, while the senator and his supporters have consistently maintained that he is a bona fide indigene of Ogun State.
Former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo is among prominent voices who have challenged Adeola’s governorship ambition. Before defecting from the APC to the PDP, she described his transition from Lagos politics to Ogun as opportunistic, arguing that homegrown politicians who had remained committed to the state deserved priority.
Tella also dismissed concerns over Iyabo Obasanjo’s membership of the PDP, insisting that the party complied with the Electoral Act before admitting her.
“Everything that is done is perfectly done and is in line with the Electoral Act. Senator Iyabo Obasanjo was a member of this party before the deadline and she actually resigned from the other party. So there’s no question about that,” he said.
On possible political alliances ahead of the 2027 general election, the PDP chairman said the party remained open to strategic collaborations where necessary but noted that any decision on a national coalition would rest with the party’s leadership.
“Whether you like it or not, in this country today, every party will weigh its options. When we get to that bridge, we will cross it. As Nigerians, we must look forward to see who our leader will be and as opposition, we must be able to say the truth to power on what is not right. That does not change the fact that there could be collaborations in some cases, if necessary,” Tella said.
