By Sunday Ameh
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Dr. Abayomi Tella, has called on residents to reject what he described as the imposition of governorship candidates from outside the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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 slogan, saying the state deserves leaders who understand its people, history, culture and development priorities.
According to him, the campaign is anchored on the belief that only individuals with deep roots in Ogun State possess the local knowledge and commitment required to drive meaningful development.
Using himself as an example, Tella said he was born and raised in Ogun State and has actively participated in the state’s affairs over the years.
“I was born in Agbara, Ogun State, and I have lived here all my life. I know this state like the back of my hand. Given the opportunity to govern, I know exactly what the people need because I understand the state and its challenges,” he said.
He argued that leaders without strong ties to Ogun State could lack the commitment needed to prioritise the interests of residents, adding that such individuals might favour associates from outside the state in key appointments.
“Ogun State has enormous potential. Someone who truly knows the state will ensure that appointments and development are driven by merit and the needs of the people, not by outside interests,” he added.
Tella urged residents to remain vigilant and resist any attempt to impose candidates who, in his view, do not have genuine connections with the state.
Although he did not mention any individual or political party, his remarks come amid growing debates over the governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, ahead of the 2027 Ogun governorship election.
Critics have questioned Adeola’s long political career in Lagos State and whether he has sufficient political roots in Ogun, while the senator and his supporters insist he is a bona fide indigene of Ogun State and fully qualified to contest.
Former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo has also been among those who have publicly criticised Adeola’s governorship ambition, arguing that politicians who built their careers elsewhere should not displace homegrown leaders in Ogun State.
The issue has emerged as one of the defining debates ahead of the 2027 governorship race, with supporters and opponents exchanging arguments over identity, ancestry and political belonging.
“The people of Ogun State must remain alert. They should not allow impostors to govern the state,” Tella said.
He expressed confidence that Ogun voters would make informed decisions and reject any attempt to impose candidates on them.
Addressing questions about Senator Iyabo Obasanjo’s membership of the PDP and compliance with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, Tella maintained that the party acted in full compliance with the Electoral Act.
He said Obasanjo joined the PDP before the stipulated deadline after resigning from her former party, insisting that there was no legal issue surrounding her membership.
On possible political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections, Tella said the Ogun PDP remains open to strategic collaborations where necessary but noted that any decision on national coalitions would ultimately be taken by the party’s national leadership.
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