ABEOKUTA— The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Ladi Adebutu has been described as lacking managerial competence to govern a sophisticated state as Ogun state.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Commissioner representing Ogun State at the Federal Character Commission, Kayode Oladele, stated this whole responding to recent remarks allegedly made by an aide to Adebutu, who referred to Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi as a “stranger” in Ogun State.
According to Oladele, the attempt by the PDP camp to divert public attention through personal attacks and divisive rhetoric demonstrates a lack of substantive ideas and a practical vision for the development of Ogun State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He noted that, rather than engaging in propaganda and identity-based politics, the people of Ogun State deserve constructive discussions focused on governance, economic growth, infrastructure, education, youth empowerment, security, and sustainable development.
Oladele maintained that Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi has distinguished himself through impactful representation, visible constituency projects, scholarship programmes, empowerment initiatives, and direct interventions that have positively impacted numerous lives across Ogun State and beyond.
He further stated that leadership should be evaluated on the basis of competence, integrity, performance, and commitment to public service, rather than on political narratives intended to mislead the electorate.
“It is regrettable that individuals who ought to be presenting clear policy alternatives to the people have instead chosen the path of bitterness, personal attacks, and unnecessary controversy.
“The people of Ogun State are politically enlightened and capable of distinguishing between genuine leadership and political opportunism,” Oladele stated.
Oladele further alleged that Adebutu’s political history and public conduct have not demonstrated the managerial discipline, administrative coordination, or strategic leadership required to effectively manage the complex affairs of Ogun State.
He argued that governance requires practical experience in managing public institutions, responsibly administering resources, and building consensus across diverse interests, qualities he said remain absent in Adebutu’s political record.
The APC chieftain also argued that the internal crises, defections, and declining influence currently affecting the PDP at both the national and state levels have exposed the weaknesses of the opposition party and its inability to inspire public confidence.
He additionally referenced what he described as the PDP’s record of maladministration during its tenure at the national level, alleging that the party was associated with poor economic management, widespread corruption, infrastructural decline, insecurity, and weak institutional governance.
According to him, Nigerians continue to contend with the consequences of policies and leadership failures that characterised previous PDP administrations.
He maintained that Ogun State cannot afford to entrust its future to individuals whose political approach is rooted in division, propaganda, and persistent hostility toward perceived opponents.
“Ogun State deserves a leader with proven experience, capacity, maturity, and a genuine commitment to development. Governing a sophisticated and strategically important state such as Ogun requires far more than media attacks and empty political rhetoric,” he added.
Oladele urged political actors across party lines to adopt issue-based campaigns and conduct themselves responsibly in order to preserve the peace, unity, and democratic values of the state.
He expressed confidence that the people of Ogun State would ultimately support credible leadership founded on performance, vision, and a sincere commitment to the welfare of the people.
