•Oladipupo Adebutu
The National President of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth League and Convener of the ‘Yayi Youth Vanguard’, Comrade Olamide Lawal, has dismissed suggestions that former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, poses any political threat to the ruling APC in Ogun State, ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
Speaking on a television programme, Lawal said, Adebutu lacks the political strength and performance record required to challenge the APC in the state.
According to him, “Ladi Adebutu is not a threat. He only represented his constituency in the House of Representatives. There is nothing remarkable to point to in terms of impact or achievements.”
Lawal, who also serves as Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, argued that the state’s prevailing zoning considerations further diminish any prospect of Adebutu succeeding Governor Dapo Abiodun.
He noted that both Governor Abiodun and Adebutu are from Iperu in Ikenne Local Government Area, making it politically unrealistic for another indigene of the same town to immediately assume the governorship seat.
“With an Iperu man currently occupying the governorship seat, it is not politically feasible for another Iperu man to emerge as governor immediately after him,” he stated.
The APC youth leader maintained that the party remains firmly rooted in the state due to what he described as its strong leadership and track record of governance.
Lawal particularly praised Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, saying his representation has been marked by impactful projects, effective legislative performance, and people-oriented interventions.
“Senator Adeola has consistently demonstrated leadership through large-scale youth and women empowerment initiatives. Thousands of beneficiaries have received vocational training, working tools and financial support under his programmes,” he said.
Highlighting Adeola’s achievements, Lawal added: “his commitment to education through scholarships, provision of learning materials and renovation of public schools is evident.
He has also facilitated critical infrastructure projects, including rural and urban roads, primary healthcare centres and access to clean water across various communities in Ogun State.”
He expressed confidence that the APC would retain its dominance in the state, citing both the party’s performance and the prevailing political realities.
“With leaders like Senator Adeola delivering tangible results and the existing zoning dynamics in the state, the APC remains united, focused and well-positioned to continue delivering dividends of democracy to the people,” he said.
Lawal further argued that Ogun voters have become increasingly performance-driven and are no longer swayed by political rhetoric.
“Ogun politics has moved beyond propaganda. The people now assess leaders based on their performance and visible contributions, not mere promises,” he added.
He concluded by expressing confidence that Senator Adeola, if elected governor, would build on the achievements of the Abiodun administration and introduce initiatives aimed at further improving the welfare and living standards of Ogun residents.
