Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Ogun State in the 2027 election, on Wednesday officially launched his campaign, promising a significant economic and social transformation for the state’s residents. Unveiling his seven-point development agenda dubbed “ITURA DE,” Adebutu vowed to address the widespread economic hardship, infrastructure deficits, and what he termed “poor governance” under the current administration.
Adebutu emphasized his commitment to restoring local government autonomy, noting that granting financial and administrative independence to local councils would foster grassroots development. He drew a contrast between the current state of affairs and the period between 2003 and 2011, a time he described as a “golden epoch” when local governments functioned effectively and workers’ welfare was prioritized.
The welfare of workers and pensioners forms a central pillar of the “ITURA DE” agenda. The PDP candidate pledged to clear outstanding pensions and gratuities, particularly highlighting the plight of those who retired from July 2025 onwards and have allegedly been denied their entitlements. He promised an immediate review of the Contributory Pension Scheme to ensure workers can approach retirement with confidence.
Security is another critical focus of Adebutu’s plan. He outlined strategies to protect communities, highways, and farms from criminal activities, ensuring that citizens can live and work without fear. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of a political climate free from intimidation, allowing residents to support the party of their choice freely.
Adebutu’s economic revival strategy includes leveraging Public-Private Partnerships to fund major infrastructure projects. This approach, he argued, would free up government resources to invest heavily in essential social services like healthcare and education. He also promised to address “predatory structures of double taxation” that disproportionately affect small business owners, market women, and traders, aiming to improve the ease of doing business in Ogun State.
The agricultural sector is set for a boost under the “ITURA DE” agenda, with Adebutu promising expanded vocational training and access to zero-interest loans for farmers. He also plans to facilitate single-digit interest interventions through institutions like the Bank of Industry. By investing in rural infrastructure, he aims to make agriculture a more profitable and attractive avenue for employment, particularly for the youth.
In his address, Adebutu raised concerns regarding the state’s current debt profile, alleging that it has significantly increased under the present administration. He also mentioned uncovering potential irregularities in budget implementation and government contracts, promising to make “remarkable revelations” once he has thoroughly verified the information.
Adebutu, who also contested the 2023 gubernatorial election, appealed to the people of Ogun State to choose “liberation” from continued hardship by voting for the PDP in 2027. He highlighted his long-standing business interests and investments in the state as proof of his commitment to its progress. “The hour of our liberation has finally come,” he declared, urging residents to embrace the “ITURA DE” agenda for a prosperous future.
