As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, voters in Ogun State have been urged to look beyond campaign rhetoric and scrutinize the track records, achievements and capacity of politicians before giving them their votes.
Chief Kayode Odunaro, Chief of Staff to Senator Solomon Adeola, made the call while featuring on a live programme on Radio Nigeria Paramount FM 94.5, Abeokuta, where he spoke on the 2027 Ogun State governorship election and the need for informed electoral choices.
Odunaro argued that past performance remains one of the strongest indicators of what voters should expect from a politician.
“Campaign promises should not merely sound attractive. They must be backed by realistic plans, available resources and demonstrable capacity to deliver,” he said.
He noted that voters can begin assessing elected officials as early as six months into their tenure, depending on the nature of their responsibilities.
While acknowledging that major physical projects may take longer to yield visible results, he said early actions reveal a leader’s priorities and seriousness.
On legislators, Odunaro said performance can be measured through bills, motions and resolutions sponsored.
“A legislator who shows little or no legislative activity within the early months of a tenure may have given constituents enough evidence to judge his commitment and effectiveness,” he stated.
Speaking on voter apathy, Odunaro expressed optimism that Nigerians, particularly young people, will show greater interest in the 2027 electoral process.
He linked the expectation to policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration, including the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, which he said is providing financial support to students from less privileged backgrounds.
He also cited reduced disruptions to academic activities in public universities as a factor that could shape young people’s perception of government and increase their willingness to participate in elections.
On the emergence of Senator Solomon Adeola as the APC consensus governorship candidate in Ogun State, Odunaro said the decision followed extensive consultations among major stakeholders within the party.
He emphasized that the argument for Ogun West producing the next governor is anchored on equity, justice and fairness, noting that the senatorial district has yet to produce a governor in the state’s 50-year history.
Odunaro described Adeola as the most viable option from Ogun West, citing his experience at the federal level and his contributions to constituency development.
He highlighted road construction and rehabilitation projects, alongside more than 50 solar lighting projects across communities and markets in Ogun West, as examples of interventions attributed to the senator.
Odunaro challenged both political parties and candidates to raise the bar ahead of 2027.
“Politicians should make promises they can realistically fulfill, while voters must demand evidence, scrutinize records and hold elected officials accountable,” he said.
He urged the electorate to use the period leading to the elections to interrogate aspirants on their antecedents, competence and plans for Ogun State.
“As we approach 2027, the conversation should not be about slogans. It should be about capacity, credibility and the ability to deliver results for the people,” Odunaro concluded.
