The Deputy Governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State for the 2023 election, Adekunle Akinlade, has made it clear that the party is not in support of Ladi Adebutu’s rumored bid for the 2027 governorship race.
Despite their joint campaign in the March 18, 2023 election, Akinlade and Adebutu have since parted ways politically after losing to the incumbent, Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Though Adebutu has not formally declared his intention to run again in 2027, Akinlade confirmed that there is already growing opposition within the party against any such bid.
Speaking with journalists after the state congress held on Saturday, Akinlade, popularly known as “Triple A,” disclosed that a parallel congress was conducted as part of a calculated effort to thwart Adebutu’s 2027 ambitions.
“This was not an accident. What happened today is a conscious and deliberate line of action by all of us to stop Hon. Ladi Adebutu’s 2027 ambition,” Akinlade said, pointing to the consensus reached by key stakeholders in Ogun PDP.
Akinlade went further to explain that Adebutu, who hails from Ikenne Local Government Area, the same constituency as Governor Abiodun, should not contest in the 2027 election after Abiodun’s second term ends.
Akinlade stated that he, alongside other prominent PDP leaders in the state—including the newly elected PDP State Chairman, Hon. Sikirulahi Ogundele, Otunba Jimi Lawal, and Hon. Dimeji Fabiyi—have collectively decided to prioritize the state’s interests over Adebutu’s personal ambitions.
“We are well aware that Hon. Ladi Adebutu is deploying billions to push his aspiration at all levels, but as stakeholders in Ogun PDP, myself, Hon. Sikirulahi Ogundele, Otunba Jimi Lawal, and many of our party leaders across the state have resolved to put Ogun State first,” Akinlade emphasized.
He argued that it would be unjust for another candidate from Ikenne, particularly from the same town as Governor Abiodun, to take the governorship mantle immediately after Abiodun’s eight-year term.
“There is no way the incumbent governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who is from Iperu in Ikenne Local Government, will complete his two terms in 2027, and then another Iperu man will want to be governor in 2027. It’s not fair, and we won’t allow it,” he asserted.
Adebutu Can Wait
Akinlade suggested that Adebutu should consider running in future elections, but not in 2027. “He can run in 2031, 2035, or even 2029, but definitely not 2027,” he stated firmly, leaving no room for ambiguity about the party’s position on the matter.
Parallel Congresses and Legal Actions
Akinlade also referenced the party’s recent internal struggles, including parallel ward and local government congresses that had taken place weeks prior. He disclosed that legal action had already been initiated, with the matter being brought before the Federal High Court in Abeokuta.
“We’ve had parallel ward and local government congresses, and we’re already in court over that. Today, on September 28, 2024, we held a very successful state congress,” Akinlade explained, reaffirming the party’s commitment to the internal processes that aim to shape the future of Ogun PDP.
With tensions building within the party, it remains to be seen how the leadership and members will navigate the growing divide between those backing Adebutu and those opposed to his future candidacy.
However, Akinlade and his allies have made it clear that, for now, their focus is on stopping any plans for a 2027 run by Adebutu.
