Adebutu’s Supporters Defy Rain As PDP Launches Ogun 2027 Gov’ship Campaign

Thousands of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) supporters yesterday defied a heavy downpour to flood Abeokuta as the party launched its campaign for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.

The supporters of the PDP governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, converged on the Ake Palace Pavilion in Abeokuta, where they officially commenced their statewide campaign.

The PDP faithful dressed in the party’s colours trooped into the venue, singing solidarity songs and waving flags and banners bearing the images of Adebutu and his running mate, ‘Yemi Showunmi-Kolapo.
The mobilisation began several hours earlier at the PDP Secretariat in the Ogun State capital, where they gathered to receive Adebutu, Showunmi-Kolapo, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo and other party leaders ahead of the campaign flag-off.

The campaign convoy later moved through major streets of Abeokuta towards the Ake Palace Pavilion, attracting large crowds and causing traffic disruption in parts of the route.

Residents, grassroots party members and loyalists lined the streets, waving and cheering as the convoy made its way to the venue.

The procession continued despite the heavy rainfall, with supporters and party leaders dancing to music and chanting solidarity songs.

Security operatives struggled to manage the large crowd as supporters continued to converge on the campaign venue.

By the time the campaign train arrived at the pavilion, the venue was filled beyond capacity, with more supporters gathering outside.

The campaign flag-off marks the beginning of the PDP’s effort to mobilise voters across Ogun State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Adebutu again seeking to lead the party back to power in the state.

In his address, titled “A Call to Liberation,” Adebutu urged Ogun residents to vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of failing to provide the quality of governance expected by the people.

He said Ogun residents must reject what he described as an era of poor performance, corruption and misgovernance and embrace the PDP as an alternative.

The statement drew loud cheers from the crowd, as Adebutu called on his supporters to turn out in large numbers for the election, protect their votes and resist intimidation.

He promised that a PDP administration would introduce policies to improve living standards and ensure that residents benefited more directly from the dividends of democracy.

Adebutu said his proposed administration would focus on strengthening the economy, improving security and creating a corruption-free working environment.

He listed seven major areas of focus, including security, local government autonomy, regional development, physical planning and transportation, rural and urban development, agriculture and economic growth, as well as programmes for women, youths and sports.

Education, healthcare and social services would also receive priority attention, he said.

The PDP candidate further promised that no resident would be discriminated against or denied opportunities because of political affiliation.

“Immediately we are voted in, workers and pensioners will get their entitlements. We will end the double taxation that is currently choking our market women and other traders. We will never surrender our heritage to those who will destroy it,” Adebutu said.

His running mate, Showunmi-Kolapo, described the turnout, despite the rainfall, as evidence of Ogun residents’ determination to embrace political change.

She assured supporters that the PDP would provide what she described as quality leadership and better governance if elected.

According to her, the people of Ogun State would bid goodbye to poverty and maladministration under an Adebutu-led administration.

She also argued that the 2027 governorship election represented an opportunity for Adebutu to lead the state.

“I want to assure you all that in Ogun State, there is freedom; relief is here. Itura de,” she said.

“The last time we flagged off the National Assembly campaign, it rained, and we moved in the rain. Today, as we are flagging off our governorship campaign, it has also rained, and we have moved in it.

“Do not let anyone deceive you. We will gather like this again during the inauguration of Hon. Ladi Adebutu as governor.”

Showunmi-Kolapo urged residents, particularly the Egba people, to rally behind Adebutu, arguing that the Adebutu family had contributed significantly to the empowerment and development of people across the state.

The Ogun PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, also urged voters to support Adebutu, promising that the party would reciprocate their confidence through improved social amenities and good governance.

He said the overwhelming turnout at the campaign flag-off reflected PDP supporters’ commitment to the party’s return to power.

Other party leaders used the occasion to rally supporters and unveil campaign messages aimed at mobilising voters across the state.

Several residents who spoke at the event pledged their loyalty to the PDP, with many insisting that they would not only vote for the party but would also protect their votes.

“We will vote and stand by our votes for the PDP,” supporters repeatedly chanted.

Many described the rainfall during the campaign procession as a “rain of blessings”, saying they believed it symbolised good fortunes for the party ahead of the election.

One supporter, identified simply as Bode, said the weather would not weaken his commitment to the PDP and its candidates.

“Even if it rains fire, we will stand with the PDP, Adebutu and Iya Sunnah. Our votes must count this time around, and we will rejoice in the end,” he said.

With the campaign now formally underway, the PDP’s massive mobilisation in Abeokuta has set the tone for an intense political battle in Ogun State, where Adebutu and his supporters are seeking to convert their show of grassroots strength into electoral victory in 2027.