Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abayomi Tella, has urged residents to reject what he described as the imposition of governorship candidates from outside the state ahead of the 2027 elections.
Tella insisted that the state should be governed by leaders who understand its people, culture and developmental needs.
He spoke on Wednesday during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM, monitored by DAILY POST in Abeokuta.
Explaining the rationale behind the PDP’s “Ogun for Ogun” slogan, Tella said the campaign was rooted in the belief that the state should be governed by individuals who have lived among the people and understand their needs.
He argued that familiarity with the state’s history, culture and developmental challenges was essential for effective leadership.
“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 explained.
Tella argued that leaders without strong roots in Ogun State could lack full commitment to the state’s development and might surround themselves with associates from outside the state.
“If he’s giving positions, he’s not giving positions to somebody who he’s just giving positions to because he’s his friend from Lagos or from Kano. Ogun State has a lot of potential there 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 added.
The PDP chairman also warned against what he described as the practice of presenting candidates without deep-rooted connections to Ogun State, saying residents must protect their right to choose leaders who truly understand the state.
“I’m only telling you that the people of Ogun State must be alert. They should not allow impostors in their states.”
He maintained that the people of Ogun State were politically sophisticated enough to make informed choices at the polls, adding that voters should reject any attempt to impose candidates on them during the 2027 governorship election.
Responding to concerns about Iyabo Obasanjo’s membership of the PDP and compliance with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s registration requirements, Tella maintained that the party followed due process and acted within the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“Everything that is done are perfectly done and are in line with the Electoral Act, perfectly in line with 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 clarified.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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