PDP Governorship Candidates Begin 2027 Campaigns in Ogun, Abia
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commenced its governorship campaigns in Ogun and Abia States ahead of the 2027 general elections, with its candidates, Oladipupo Adebutu and Dr. Kelechi Anosike, unveiling their political programmes and mobilising supporters.
In Ogun State, the campaign flag-off took place at the Ake Palace Pavilion in Abeokuta, where a large crowd of PDP supporters gathered despite heavy rainfall.
Supporters, many dressed in the party’s colours, arrived early at the venue singing, dancing and displaying flags and campaign banners bearing the images of Adebutu and his running mate, ‘Yemi Showunmi-Kolapo.
The massive turnout also caused significant traffic congestion along routes linking the PDP secretariat and the campaign venue. Security personnel were deployed to manage the crowd and regulate movement around the area.
During the procession, Adebutu and other party supporters continued with the campaign activities despite the downpour.
Speaking at the event under the theme, “A Call to Liberation,” Adebutu called on Ogun residents to end what he described as years of poor governance, corruption and underperformance by voting for the PDP.
He urged voters to support the party during the February 6, 2027 governorship election, while also encouraging them to protect their votes and reject intimidation.
Adebutu said his administration, if elected, would pursue policies aimed at improving living standards and expanding the benefits of democracy to residents, with emphasis on economic growth and a corruption-free public service.
He outlined seven broad areas of focus, including security, local government autonomy, regional development, transportation and physical planning, rural and urban development, agriculture and economic growth, as well as programmes targeting women, youths and sports.
Other priorities, according to him, would include education, healthcare and social services.
The PDP candidate further assured Ogun residents that their access to government opportunities and services would not be determined by their political affiliations.
His running mate, Showunmi-Kolapo, expressed appreciation to supporters for turning out despite the adverse weather conditions, describing their presence as a demonstration of commitment to the campaign.
Anosike Unveils 10-Point Agenda in Abia
Meanwhile, the PDP governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, formally launched his campaign with the presentation of a 10-point manifesto built around a welfarist governance model.
Anosike unveiled the programme during a live broadcast from FLO FM in Umuahia, which was simultaneously transmitted across 12 radio stations in the state.
The manifesto is anchored on the slogan “People First, Abia Always,” with the candidate promising to place the welfare and economic wellbeing of residents at the centre of his administration.
One of the major components of his programme is agricultural development, which he described as “Operation Feed Abia (OFA).” He said the initiative would target food security while positioning the state to produce agricultural goods for export.
Anosike promised to modernise farm settlements through the introduction of ICT, sports and gaming facilities, restore agricultural extension services and mechanise farming. He also said local governments would be required to support farmers with tractors.
On economic development, the candidate proposed a cooperative-based economic model alongside industrialisation initiatives.
He said a Traders Microfinance Bank would be established in Aba to provide registered traders and artisans with interest-free revolving loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦2 million through cooperative organisations.
He also pledged to establish three industries annually and provide grants to entrepreneurs.
In the healthcare sector, Anosike proposed a state-backed health insurance arrangement designed to make medical treatment more affordable. Under the proposed model, government would cover 60 per cent of medical expenses, while beneficiaries would contribute the remaining 40 per cent.
Both campaign launches mark the beginning of the PDP's wider mobilisation efforts in Ogun and Abia as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections.