Ogun APC Leader Joins PDP, Supports Adebutu for Governor

A leader of the All Progressives Congress from Abeokuta South and Chairman of the Egba Agenda Forum, Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem, has switched to the Peoples Democratic Party. He made this move on Thursday with his supporters, claiming that the Egba people have been left out by Governor Dapo Abiodun's government.

Abdulhakeem shared this news in Abeokuta during an event to support the PDP governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, and his running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo.

He pointed out that for over seven years, the Egba people have been mostly ignored in the state's affairs, while their land is being taken for private estates under the guise of redevelopment.

"Worse still, there seems to be a plan to keep Egbaland out of leadership for another sixteen years. That idea is unacceptable, and I completely reject it.

"The Egba people are not second-class citizens in Ogun State. We are the largest ethnic group in Ogun State and one of the founding groups of this great state. Our contributions to its growth are clear in history.

"We deserve fairness, equity, and inclusion. Look around, does Abeokuta look like other state capitals? No. What have we done as Egba people to face this kind of treatment? We say enough is enough," he said.

Abdulhakeem praised Adebutu for giving Egbaland a chance by choosing Sowunmi-Kolapo, an Egba daughter, as his running mate. He called this a sign of courage, fairness, and inclusive governance.

He stated that the PDP deputy governorship candidate is not just a respected daughter of Egbaland but also the Iya Suna of Egbaland, a woman known for her strong character and leadership.

Abdulhakeem also mentioned that Adebutu promised that an Egba son or daughter would hold the position of Secretary to the State Government. He insisted that the future of Ogun State would be bright under a PDP government.

"Our message is clear: Ogun must be for Ogun people. We say no to political hijackers. Ogun State belongs to its people, and its future must be in their hands," he said.

He formally backed Adebutu and his running mate on behalf of the MAO Movement for Change and the Egba Agenda Forum, calling them symbols of hope, fairness, inclusion, and a brighter future for the state.

In his speech, Adebutu promised that his government would focus on transparency and local government autonomy to strengthen governance at the grassroots level.

He said his administration would work on electricity infrastructure, which is vital for both small and large businesses. He added that he has helped distribute several transformers across the 20 local government areas to tackle power issues.

Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, the PDP senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, also spoke. She said the Egba people are known for their unity and strength, urging them to unite and reject political marginalization.

"Let us stand together and reject disrespect with our votes. Let them know that Ogun is for its people, not outsiders. This is our time.

"The PDP is a party ready to give power to the people; we must work together for the betterment of our state," she said.