I'm Not Dettered By My Fortune Losses Over Political Pursuits - Adebutu Insists

 

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has revealed that he had recorded personal and business losses in his political journey since he joined the fray in 1992.

According to him, the loss of his fortune was as a result of his commitment towards the pursuit of better governance and improved welfare for residents of the state.

Adebutu, who made the revelation at a media parley in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, however, said he never regretted making such huge sacrifices for the political journey.

The PDP Chieftain explained that his pursuit in the political arena was as a result of his firm belief that it is his calling.

He added that despite that his political engagement has significantly affected his business interests the losses were justified by his commitment to providing platforms for citizens to be heard and for development to be driven from the grassroots.

Adebutu, while rolling out the party’s 12-point agenda going into the 2027 general polls, said insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges.

According to him, tackling the security challenges would form a key part of the PDP’s governance agenda if the party returns to power at the federal level.

The PDP governorship candidate stated that the menace is one of the problems facing Nigeria and indicated that it would feature prominently among what he described as the.

He also reiterated his support for local government autonomy, arguing that strengthening the third tier of government would significantly improve service delivery at the grassroots.

According to him, effective local governance remains essential for development to reach rural communities and reduce pressure on state governments.

“We must ensure local government autonomy if we want credible performance at the grassroots,” he said, adding that decentralisation would improve accountability and development outcomes.

On economic development, Adebutu emphasised the importance of agriculture and rural enterprise, particularly for young people.

He urged the younger generation to engage in agriculture and small-scale productive activities, arguing that Nigeria has sufficient opportunities within its domestic economy to reduce dependence on external migration in search of “greener pastures.”

“There is no need for any greener pasture for any Nigerian if only they engage in agriculture and handiwork for their survival and economic prosperity,” he said.

He further called for increased public-private partnerships, saying such collaborations would help bridge infrastructure gaps and accelerate development in Ogun State.

Adebutu, however, expressed concerns over the alleged complacency among political leaders in the state, especially at a time when proactive governance was required to address rural-urban development disparities.

According to him, Ogun State has significant untapped potential that requires more intentional leadership focus.\

Also, speaking the PDP deputy governor candidate and Veteran journalist, Alhaja Lateefah Kolapo-Sowunmi, appealed to the journalist to ensure fairness in reportage and balanced journalism towards achieving credibility and public trust ahead of the polls.

Kolapo-Sowunmi emphasized that a fair reporting would help to stabilise the political environment and strengthen democratic participation.

In her remarks, the Ogun Central Senatorial candidate, Professor Iyabo Obasanjo, said she is confident that the main opposition party in the state will dislodge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the polls.

Obasanjo explained that her decision to rejoined PDP having worked with APC was as result of her belief in the capacity of the party which had ruled the state for eight uninterrupted years to deliver electoral success.

She added her political alignment was based on conviction that the party represents a “winning team,” while also cautioning that public trust must be earned through consistency and credibility.

“If people cannot believe in their words, it is a problem,” she said, underscoring the importance of trust in political communication.

The Ogun State PDP chairman, Abayomi Tella, also used the occasion to declare that the party was revitalised and prepared for electoral competition in 2027.

The party chairman said the PDP was “back and better,” insisting that it remained a formidable force in the state’s political landscape.

Tella stated that the 2027 governorship contest would be keenly contested between the PDP and other political parties, but maintained that the opposition party was well positioned for a strong showing.

He also claimed that stakeholders across Ogun Central had endorsed Adebutu, describing it as a historic level of support. According to him, such backing reflects growing confidence in the PDP’s direction and leadership structure in the state.

Describing Adebutu as “a man of the people,” Tella said the governorship candidate would not disappoint the electorate if elected, adding that his political track record demonstrated commitment to public welfare and inclusive governance.