Akinlade On Ogun PDP Dispute: Adebutu Should Prepare For 2035 Governorship Bid

Akinlade On Ogun PDP Dispute: Adebutu Should Prepare For 2035 Governorship Bid

The ongoing crisis within the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified as former governorship candidate Ladi Adebutu and former deputy governorship candidate Adekunle Akinlade exchanged sharp words. Akinlade recently urged Adebutu to postpone his governorship ambitions until 2035……CONTINUE READING 

The remarks came as both PDP leaders convened separate congresses in Abeokuta on Saturday. Akinlade pointed out that both Governor Dapo Abiodun and Adebutu hail from the same region, suggesting it would be inappropriate for Adebutu to pursue the governorship in 2027. He emphasized that another part of the state deserves an opportunity to lead.

In his statement, Akinlade expressed, “We are aware that Hon. Ladi Adebutu is deploying billions to influence his aspirations at all levels. However, as stakeholders in Ogun PDP, including Hon. Sikirula Ogundele, who emerged as the State Chairman at today’s congress, and several other party leaders, we have resolved to prioritize Ogun State.”

He further asserted, “There’s no way the incumbent governor, H.E. Prince Dapo Abiodun, from Iperu in Ikenne LG, will be completing his eight-year term in 2027, and a self-entitled Iperu man will then seek to become governor.”

Akinlade highlighted that his parallel congress was a deliberate action to oppose Adebutu’s ambition. “This fight will continue until we prevent the party from being hijacked,” he said.

“What transpired today was a conscious decision by us to reject Hon. Ladi Adebutu’s 2027 aspirations. He can run in 2031 or 2035, but definitely not in 2027.”

He noted the recent parallel Ward and LG congresses and mentioned that they had a successful State Congress on September 28, 2024. Akinlade reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the party, stating, “PDP belongs to all of us. With the election of our party executives across the state, we will soon begin the work of running the party effectively.”

He expressed confidence that the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP would eventually intervene. “I hope the PDP recognizes the sacrifices and commitment of thousands of our members over the years. We remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure a positive outcome. We say NO to Hon. Ladi Adebutu’s control over Ogun PDP and his ambitions for 2027,” Akinlade concluded.