The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has lamented the deplorable condition of communities in the state bordering Lagos State, promising to set up a commission to develop the border areas if elected as governor of the state in 2027.
He made the pledge on Wednesday at the Ogun West Governorship Campaign Flag-Off in Ipokia, where thousands of PDP members and supporters trooped out to receive him.
The PDP standard bearer expressed dismay over the poor state of roads and infrastructure in Ipokia Local Government, which he said he observed on his way to the campaign ground.
Adebutu, who vowed to tackle the neglect and underdevelopment in Ogun West senatorial district, said his administration would implement full local government autonomy and ensure direct allocation of funds to the grassroots.
According to him, local government development payments would be restored to improve the lot of residents at the rural communities.
He said, “I stand here in Ipokia today to make a promise to establish a border development commission. Enough of abandonment.
“For too long, our people who trade across the border and, even grassroots residents, have been left behind. No access roads, no portable water, no health centre and other social amenities. That ends when we take over government. We shall give dedicated attention and development to border communities.”
Adebutu also spoke about the need for transparent governance, stressing the importance of ensuring that government works in a way that directly benefits the people.
On the welfare of workers and pensioners, the PDP candidate assured that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
He promised to ensure regular payment of pensions and settle outstanding obligations owed to workers.
Adebutu condemned what he described as fraud in cooperative deductions, vowing to stamp out the practice and restore accountability.
Decrying the level of hunger and infrastructural decay, the PDP governorship candidate said residents had pleaded with him to bring succour when elected.
He also alleged the misappropriation of empowerment funds, claiming that while N5 billion was allocated in 2023 and N10 billion in 2024, a total of N1.8 trillion meant for empowerment at the grassroots was misappropriated over a period of four years.
Adebutu urged the electorate not to let greed influence their choice at the polls, appealing to residents to come out en masse to vote in the next elections.
“This is election season. Those who failed to improve your condition will come out again to make empty promises. They would even offer you money. Do not listen to them. Do not let greed decide your future. Come out and vote, because every vote counts,” he said.
The issues raised by Adebutu in Ipokia align with his broader campaign agenda, ITURA DE, which prioritises local government autonomy, workers’ welfare and the development of rural and border communities.
The PDP candidate was accompanied by his running mate, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo; state PDP Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella; and PDP senatorial candidate for Ogun West, Hon. Babatunde Ogunola, popularly known as Tomo, among other notable leaders of the party.
