By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial Chairman for Ogun Central, Chief Sunday Sowunmi, has declared that his commitment to the ruling party remains unshaken despite the recent defection of his son to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the nomination of his niece, Dr. Lateefat Oyeyemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, as the PDP deputy governorship running mate for the 2027 election.
The political development unfolded following the resignation of Chief Sowunmi’s son, Hon. Olarenwaju Ebenezer Sowunmi (LASEM), who is the Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Agriculture as a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Hon. Ebenezer reportedly exited the APC on Monday to join his cousin, Dr. Sowunmi-Kolapo, who was recently unveiled as the running mate to the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu.
Addressing newsmen on Tuesday during a press conference at his residence, the APC chieftain distanced himself from the actions of both his son and his niece, stating firmly that his son acted independently as an adult who is free to choose his political path.
Chief Sowunmi also revealed that neither the PDP deputy governorship candidate nor her father, who is his elder brother, consulted or informed him about the nomination.
“Yes, one of my biological sons made his own decision. My ward chairman came to my house this morning to show me his APC registration documents after he withdrew from his former political affiliation. That is his personal decision, and it does not constitute any barrier or change in my own political position,” Chief Sowunmi said.
“As an adult, my son has the right to make his own political decisions, and I cannot dictate to him what to do. However, I want everyone to know that he does not have my support in that decision. I made it clear to him that if he chooses to join the PDP, he would be on his own. I told him plainly that I am not with him in that decision, and I will never be with the PDP. My position remains unchanged. I stand firmly with the APC, and no one can dictate otherwise or suggest that I have abandoned my political convictions.”
Clarifying the situation regarding his niece’s emergence as the opposition’s running mate, the veteran politician noted that despite his close relationship with his elder brother, the family was kept in the dark about the political arrangement.
“I want to be sincere with everyone. The endorsement or nomination of the deputy governorship candidate was never discussed with me. As I speak to you now, neither she nor her father has ever mentioned anything about it to me. Her father is my elder brother, we are very close and yet he never discussed it with me.”
“The lady herself visited me about two weeks ago after the festive period to pay visit to me as she normally do.
