The Peoples Democratic Party’s deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State for the 2027 election, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, has said financial inducements will not determine the outcome of the election, insisting that voters cannot be bought with money. Sowunmi-Kolapo, who is also the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland, said her experience during the party’s ward-to-ward campaign tour showed that residents were prepared to make independent choices at the polls.
She made the remarks on Thursday while addressing supporters during a condolence visit to a bereaved party member, Alhaja Kuburat Sowunmi, in Ijemo, Abeokuta. The PDP candidate also dismissed claims surrounding the exclusion of some names by the Independent National Electoral Commission, accusing the ruling party of spreading propaganda. She maintained that the PDP continued to attract defectors from the All Progressives Congress despite the controversy.
She expressed confidence that the party would win the 2027 elections in Ogun State, predicting victory for its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and other candidates, including Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, Omo Owo, Toyin Amuzu and Dele Olaleye. Speaking with journalists after the visit, Sowunmi-Kolapo urged residents who had yet to join the PDP not to exchange their heritage for temporary financial benefits. She described the party’s ticket as an “Ogun for Ogun” agenda, which she said was designed to ensure that the state’s resources benefit its people.
Some residents at the gathering also expressed support for the PDP candidates, citing empowerment programmes and community interventions they attributed to Adebutu and his foundation. A pastor from Oke-Ijemo, Caleb Alao, criticized the APC administration, alleging that several programmes established under previous PDP governments had been abandoned. He also complained about unemployment and said Adebutu had supported market women and paid school fees for less privileged students.
Similarly, a community women’s leader, Folake Adeyemi, said Adebutu’s foundation had supported widows and farmers. She also praised Sowunmi-Kolapo for organizing empowerment programmes in the community over the past seven years. An elder in Ward 5, Semiu Bankole, described the “Ogun for Ogun” agenda as a call for residents to protect their political interests and reject attempts to influence their votes with money.
Youth leader Ahmed Ogunsola also criticized the APC administration, citing concerns about unemployment and inadequate support for small businesses. He said some young people in Abeokuta South supported the PDP because of its empowerment initiatives. The gathering ended with residents pledging to spread the party’s campaign message across polling units in Abeokuta South and protect their votes during the 2027 election.
PDP deputy governorship candidate Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo says voters will not allow financial inducements to determine their choices in the 2027 election. She expressed confidence in the PDP’s chances, while residents at the gathering voiced support for the party and its candidates.
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