The African Democratic Congress governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Dr. Biodun Collins Ogundipe, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of reversing the state’s development, declaring that his 2027 governorship bid is aimed at “rescuing” Ogun from what he described as years of poor governance.
Ogundipe, a California-based artificial intelligence expert and security consultant, made the remarks on Thursday during a media parley in Abeokuta, where he unveiled a technology-driven vision for the state if elected governor.
The governorship hopeful said he decided to leave a high-profile public sector career in North America to contest the election because he could no longer watch what he described as the deterioration of governance in Ogun State.
“I couldn’t continue to sit comfortably in Canada while governance continues to fail the people back home. My ambition is not about politics; it is about rescuing Ogun State,” he said.
The ADC aspirant described himself as a data scientist, robotics expert and security consultant with years of experience developing intelligence solutions for leading security organisations in North America.
According to him, he previously established a mechanised mining company in Jos and later founded a recycling company in Abuja in partnership with the Bank of Industry before relocating abroad.
Launching a scathing attack on the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Ogundipe alleged that Ogun had regressed under the APC despite improved federal allocations following the removal of fuel subsidy.
“In the last seven years, the APC government has taken Ogun State backwards. With the level of allocation coming into the state today, there is no justification for pensioners waiting years to receive their gratuities,” he said.
He further claimed that the current administration had little to show in terms of infrastructure development, contrasting it with projects executed during the administration of former governor Ibikunle Amosun.
Ogundipe also questioned the economic viability of the state’s Agro Cargo International Airport, asking whether the project aligns with Ogun’s economic priorities or would generate significant employment opportunities.
On security, the ADC aspirant promised to deploy intelligence-led technology rather than conventional approaches to combat crime.
He pledged to substantially improve security across the state within his first year in office.
“Security is no longer about acquiring armoured vehicles and military hardware. It is about intelligence gathering, technology and data. I have deployed such solutions internationally and I know they can work here,” he said.
Ogundipe said his administration would be guided by a comprehensive development blueprint, which he plans to unveil in August, focusing on corridor-based economic development across the state.
He also promised to introduce artificial intelligence training for teachers, strengthen rural development and ensure visible grassroots impact within the first year of his administration.
According to him, his team had spent the last 19 months conducting extensive research to identify the developmental needs of various communities across Ogun.
On the zoning debate ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Ogundipe argued that power should return to either the Egba or Yewa axis after Governor Abiodun’s tenure.
He maintained that equity demanded that the next governor should emerge from either of the two zones.
The governorship hopeful also challenged Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Ladi Adebutu, to a public debate, saying leadership should be based on competence and accountability.
Expressing confidence in his electoral chances, Ogundipe said young voters, who constitute a significant percentage of registered voters in the state, would drive his campaign.
