Fawaz Adebisi
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Dr. Abayomi Tella, has pledged that a PDP-led administration would restore local government autonomy and ensure that statutory allocations are channelled directly to councils to drive grassroots development.
Tella said the party was committed to reviving local governance, arguing that the existing arrangement had weakened the third tier of government and deprived communities of much-needed development.
The PDP chairman spoke on Tuesday during a civic reception organised by the Ijemo Development Association in Abeokuta to honour the party’s 2027 governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu; the PDP’s Ogun Central Senatorial candidate, Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo; the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Alhaja Lateefah Kolapo-Sowunmi; and other distinguished sons and daughters of Ijemo.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, Tella accused the present administration of undermining local government administration by centralising council funds.
“Today, local government allocation is going to the Ogun State Government, but when we return to power, we will revitalise the local government system,” he said.
He explained that the PDP would restore councils as engines of grassroots development, insisting that local governments belong to the people and should serve the interests of their communities.
Tella disclosed that he had conveyed the party’s position to traditional rulers during a recent visit to the Ake Palace.
“I told the Obas that local governments belong to them because they own the communities. They suffer more than politicians whenever development is lacking, and we are determined to restore that system,” he added.
The event featured special prayers by community development associations, traditional rulers, traditional worshippers, Christian clerics and Muslim leaders for the success of the PDP and its candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Addressing supporters, the party’s deputy governorship candidate, Kolapo-Sowunmi, described the large turnout as a vote of confidence in the PDP, saying the people were ready for a change in leadership.
She said Ijemo had a rich history of producing courageous leaders and stressed that competence, rather than personal or family interests, should determine who governs the state.
“We have capable hands, not people who are looking for family members. Nobody can intimidate us. This is our time,” she said.
Kolapo-Sowunmi urged eligible residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 elections, describing the ballot as the most potent instrument for democratic change.
She also advised voters not to allow monetary inducements to influence their choice at the polls.
“Some people may offer you money. Collect it because it is your sweat, but vote according to your conscience,” she said.
Also speaking, the PDP’s Ogun Central Senatorial candidate, Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo, called on residents of the senatorial district to unite behind the party, lamenting what she described as the declining political influence of Ogun Central under the current administration.
“We are Ogun Central people, yet today we are not number one, two, three or four; we are number five,” she said.
Obasanjo also commended Kolapo-Sowunmi for sustaining a cordial relationship with people across Ogun Central.
The ceremony was attended by several PDP leaders, including the Abeokuta South PDP Chairman, Abiodun Ogunremi; the party’s State Secretary, Semiu Shodipo; Board of Trustees member, Hon. Fasiu Baakene; the State Women Leader, Titilola; members of the National and State Assemblies, community leaders and other dignitaries.
