By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

Thousands of supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday thronged the Ake Palace Pavilion, Abeokuta, for the official flag-off of the party’s campaign for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.

Party supporters, dressed in PDP colours, began arriving at the venue as early as 10am, singing solidarity songs and waving flags and banners bearing the images of the party’s governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and his running mate, ‘Yemi Showunmi-Kolapo.

The massive turnout was preceded by a procession from the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta, where supporters had gathered to welcome Adebutu, Showunmi-Kolapo, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo and other party leaders.

The campaign convoy, accompanied by a mammoth crowd, caused heavy human and vehicular traffic along the route to the venue, as supporters occupied portions of the roads.

Street traders and passersby waved at the procession, while security operatives struggled to control the crowds and regulate access to the venue.

Despite a heavy downpour, the candidates and their supporters continued with the procession, dancing to loud music and singing solidarity songs.

The flag-off marked the commencement of the PDP’s statewide campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the party vowing to mobilise its structures across the state for victory.

Addressing the gathering in a speech titled “A Call to Liberation,” Adebutu urged Ogun residents to vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress, promising to provide effective and people-oriented governance if elected.

He said the people of the state must end what he described as an era of non-performance, corruption and misgovernance and support the PDP for what he called “liberation.”

Adebutu urged residents and party supporters to come out in masse February 6, 2027, to vote for the PDP, protect their votes and resist intimidation.

He promised to formulate policies that would ensure that residents benefit from the dividends of democracy, with emphasis on economic development, security and a corruption-free working environment.

He listed seven key areas of his administration’s proposed agenda to include security; local government autonomy; regional development; physical planning and transportation; rural and urban development; agriculture and economic development; women, youth and sports development; as well as education, healthcare and social services.

The PDP candidate also promised that residents would not suffer discrimination on account of their political affiliations.

“Immediately we have been voted in, workers and pensioners will get their entitlements. We will stop the double taxation currently choking our market women and other traders. We will never surrender our heritage to those who will destroy it,” he said.

On her part, Showunmi-Kolapo assured the people of Ogun of quality leadership, thanking supporters for defying the rain to attend the campaign flag-off.

She said the people of the state would bid poverty and maladministration farewell if the PDP took over the government in 2027.

Showunmi-Kolapo declared that it was Adebutu’s turn to govern the state, urging Ogun residents to support the PDP candidate.

“I want to assure you all that in Ogun State, there is freedom; relief is here. Itura de. The last time we flagged off the National Assembly campaign, it rained, and we moved in the rain.

“Today as well, we are flagging off our governorship campaign; it rained, and we moved in it. Don’t let them deceive you; we will gather like this during the inauguration of Hon. Ladi Adebutu as governor.

“Egba people, stand by your own. Former governors Ibikunle Amosun, Gbenga Daniel and others have governed Ogun. The Adebutu family has been supporting and empowering the people of Ogun State. We want to tell the governor, Dapo Abiodun, that he should release the governorship seat. It is Adebutu’s turn,” she said.

The Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella, urged the electorate to vote for Adebutu, saying the party would reciprocate the support with basic social amenities and good governance.

Tella also urged supporters to protect their votes during the election.

“Ladi Adebutu stood by us. That is why we will not allow an Ekiti man to come and rule our state. We don’t know whether he is a Lagos man or Ekiti, but we won’t allow strangers to govern Ogun. Ogun people, let us use the Osun model. Stand by your votes,” he said.

Other party leaders used the occasion to unveil campaign messages and rally support for the party’s candidates across the state.

The supporters, in turn, pledged their loyalty to the PDP and promised to vote for the party in the election.

The crowd at the pavilion swelled despite the rain, with many describing the downpour as a “rain of blessings” and a sign of good tidings for the party.

One of the supporters, who identified himself simply as Bode, said the rain would not deter his support for the PDP candidate.

“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.