Lateefat Sowunmi‑Kolapo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate for Ogun State, addressed a gathering of community stakeholders in Obantoko, Odeda Local Government Area on Friday, urging residents to take any cash offered by the rival All Progressives Congress (APC) but still cast their votes for the PDP in the 2027 general elections. She framed the appeal as a response to the “economic hardship” affecting the state as the election cycle approaches.
Speaking at the meeting, Sowunmi‑Kolapo said relief has begun to arrive but warned that allowing “strangers” to rule Ogun would invite calamity. She highlighted the state’s experience during the COVID‑19 pandemic, noting that only Ladi Adebutu, the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate, had remembered the people without accessing public funds.
“Can you mention someone who remembered us during COVID‑19 and was not in government and had no access to public funds? It is only Adebutu. If we allow strangers to rule over us, then we have allowed calamity. We want to protect our heritage,” she said.
“Let your votes be massive and protect your votes. Stand by your votes. There will be security provisions. They may want to offer you money, the money is yours, take their money and vote for Ladi. This suffering is enough,” Sowunmi‑Kolapo added.
Other PDP officials echoed the call. Deputy State Chairman Abiodun Ogunremi urged the crowd to resist any plot to impose outsiders, urging voters to “ask them of their ancestry” and reject those without roots in Ogun. PDP Board of Trustees member Fasiu Bakenne appealed for massive voter turnout, while House of Representatives candidate for Abeokuta North/Obafemi‑Owode/Odeda, Dele Olaleye, said only an Adebutu administration could restore genuine local‑government autonomy.
Local PDP chairman Ezekiel Adeleye, speaking on behalf of the Obantoko Ward, said the community views Sowunmi‑Kolapo as a neighbour rather than a distant politician. “You are one of us and we will vote for you. This is our collective struggle. We will rally people to vote for Hon. Ladi Adebutu and all other PDP candidates in the 2027 general elections,” he affirmed.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
