By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Sunday formally adopted former governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, as its consensus flag bearer for the 2027 governorship election on Ogun State, declaring readiness to wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC).

Adebutu emerged through a consensus arrangement at the party’s governorship primary held in Abeokuta, the State capital, amid widespread affirmation by party members across the 236 wards of the state.

Chairman of the PDP Governorship Primary Panel, Chief Afolabi Ariyo, who officially announced the result through a voice vote, declared Adebutu returned as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship contest.

“I, Afolabi Ariyo, Chairman of the Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party Governorship Primary Panel, hereby declare that Hon. Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu is the winner and is returned as the consensus candidate,” Ariyo announced.

The primary attracted several PDP leaders and stakeholders from across the country, including former Ekiti State Governor, Chief Ayo Fayose, who expressed confidence in the party’s chances of reclaiming Ogun State in 2027.

Fayose said the massive turnout of party supporters and members at the venue reflected growing public support for Adebutu and the PDP ahead of the next election cycle.

“I congratulate my brother, our candidate, because God has preserved his life and that of the good people of Ogun State to witness this day,” Fayose said.

“What we saw outside this hall portends hope; hope that reflects the readiness of the people to put Ladi Adebutu in the office of the Governor of Ogun State.”

The former governor further declared that Adebutu’s political ambition had become solely tied to the Ogun governorship seat.

“After today, Ladi Adebutu can only be Governor. He cannot be Deputy Governor. He cannot be Senator. He cannot be Councillor,” Fayose stated.

In his acceptance speech, Adebutu thanked party leaders, delegates and supporters for the confidence reposed in him, while assuring members that the party would approach the 2027 elections as a united force.

The PDP governorship candidate expressed optimism that votes would count in the next elections, unlike what he described as previous electoral disappointments.

“However, this time in 2027, I believe in God that your votes will count and will put me in office as your duly elected Governor,” he said.

Adebutu urged members of the party to sustain the peaceful atmosphere within the PDP, noting that unity remained critical to defeating the APC in Ogun State.

“Peaceful coexistence is the only assurance that can guarantee our reclaiming of Ogun State from the hands of the clueless APC government and its allies,” he declared.

He accused the APC administration in the state of failing to maximally utilize Ogun’s economic and human resources despite being in power for over 15 years under different political platforms.

“Our state has remained in dire need of competent leadership with ingenuity, purpose and direction despite our enormous natural and human resources,” Adebutu said.

He stressed that the collective responsibility of party members should now be focused on returning the PDP to power at Oke-Mosan in order to “rescue Ogun people from suffering and maladministration.”

The PDP candidate also extended appreciation to other aspirants who stepped down for the consensus arrangement, describing their sacrifices as a demonstration of commitment to party unity and victory.

“There is no loser among us; we have all won for the party and for the good people of Ogun State,” he stated.

“I appeal to everyone, including key stakeholders, to come together so we can win as one united party.”

Adebutu further assured residents that the PDP was prepared to provide purposeful governance and development if voted into office in 2027.

“The PDP in Ogun State is more than ready to provide good governance for the rescue and development of our dear state. Our policy direction will be unveiled in due course,” he added.

Earlier, Ogun State PDP Chairman, Mr. Abayomi Tella, described the successful conduct of the primary as evidence that the party had overcome its internal crises and remained united ahead of the 2027 election.

Tella urged party members to continue working together in order to sustain stability within the PDP and secure victory at the polls.

“The successful conduct of this primary has shown clearly that the PDP in Ogun State remains strong, united and focused,” he said.

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ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, ON HIS NOMINATION AS APC PRESIDENTIAL FLAGBEARER FOR THE 2027 ELECTION DELIVERED ON SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2026, AT THE BOLA AHMED TINUBU INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABUJA

Protocol:

Today, we celebrate another proud moment in our democratic journey—a history not defined by any individual, but by our collective resolve to build a stable, prosperous, and just nation.

Four years ago, I stood before you as an aspirant to the highest office in our country, seeking your mandate alongside many distinguished compatriots and fellow aspirants, driven by conviction and patriotism. I recall with gratitude how I sat that night at Eagle Square, beside my friend, ally, and predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, of blessed memory. With your support, I emerged as our party’s candidate and, months later, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Today, I return as your incumbent President—humbled by your enduring support, encouraged by your continued confidence, and imbued with renewed passion for the tasks ahead.

In 2022, our task was to chart a new direction for our party and nation. Today, our task is to affirm that continuity is essential—to consolidate reform, secure progress, and strengthen the foundation of a modern Nigeria.

I accept, with humility and profound gratitude, the nomination of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, to stand again as its Presidential candidate in the 2027 election.

I thank the party leadership, our governors, the National Working Committee, members of the National Assembly, and loyal party members and stakeholders who have contributed to the unity and strength of this party. I also acknowledge the steadfast support and sacrifices of Nigerians across all walks of life who continue to believe in the difficult but necessary path of reform we have chosen to rebuild our nation.

Since that night in June 2022, a lot has changed. The political landscape has evolved. Electoral reforms have strengthened the credibility of our democratic process. Voting patterns and expectations are shifting. Our economy has undergone significant structural reform, supported by new tax laws and fiscal policies that have boosted revenue collection for the federation.

We promised to remove the financial barriers to higher education for our youth. Today, we have established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, with over N282 billion disbursed and over 1.5 million beneficiaries.

We promised an improved power supply and an end to estimated billing. In the past three years, we have closed the metering gap by supplying 2.5 million meters via the Presidential Metering Initiative. We have established a N4 trillion bond programme to settle verified legacy debts owed to GENCOs and GASCOs. Under our administration, power generation sometimes peaked at 6000MW, 50 per cent higher than we had inherited. Our strategy is focused on redesigning the power sector into a bankable, investable, and capable sector that delivers power to homes and industries.

We moved away from wasteful fuel subsidies, unstable exchange rates, and weak infrastructure. Today, we are witnessing a turnaround: the naira is strengthening, foreign reserves are rising, and our economic outlook is positive despite the inflationary disruption caused by the war in Iran and the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East. We have strengthened macroeconomic stability through improved revenue performance, financial management, and better fiscal coordination.

We have prioritised infrastructure across transportation, power, digital connectivity, housing, and irrigation as engines for inclusive growth. We are building concrete, durable roads and superhighways along the coast and on the Sokoto-Badagry route that will last for over 100 years. We are improving our airports and seaports after decades of neglect. We have reformed the oil and gas sector and are attracting billions of dollars in fresh investment in a sector that was almost comatose.

Our social investment and human capital programmes target vulnerable households, youth, women, and small businesses. In addition, we are reclaiming our national values and ethos anchored on unity and the unbroken bond of togetherness. While our founding and now revived national anthem recognises our diversity, it reminds us of the work we need to do to forge a stronger and more perfect union. “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand”: As Nigerians, we must continue to stand together for our country against all forces that seek to divide us.

Yet, challenges remain. Many Nigerians still struggle with rising costs and economic adjustment. We do not dismiss these concerns; we understand them and govern not in comfort, but in reality—with honesty and action.

I also acknowledge the security challenges still confronting parts of our beloved nation. I assure you that I take seriously the responsibility to safeguard the lives and property of every Nigerian. Our government has intensified efforts to strengthen our security architecture, support our brave armed forces and the police, and forge stronger partnerships with local communities. We have invested in intelligence, surveillance, and modern equipment, and we are addressing the root causes of insecurity. We also expect the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to allow the creation of State police as a matter of national emergency.

We will not rest until we restore peace and stability to every corner of our country. Our resolve is unwavering, and our goal is clear: a Nigeria where every citizen can live, work, and aspire without fear. As leaders and members of this great party, we should all be proud of what we have achieved for our country since our party took over governance in 2015, and of the outstanding economic progress we have recorded in the last three years of my administration. However, the work we began is unfinished.

In accepting this nomination, I renew my commitment to serve our nation with even greater determination.

With another four years of disciplined focus and national cooperation, we will firmly place Nigeria on an irreversible path of economic expansion, industrialisation, energy security, infrastructure development, food sufficiency, and democratic consolidation.

Our mission remains clear: To build a Nigeria where every life, including property, is secure, where enterprise thrives, where workers earn with dignity, where young people find opportunity, and where farmers prosper. And where every Nigerian, regardless of background, can dream big and succeed.

To those who may disagree with us politically, we extend a hand of partnership in nation-building. To those who differ with our philosophy, we offer dialogue and engagement, confident that the sincerity of our purpose and the results of our work will speak for themselves.

Democracy is sustained not by uniformity, but by diversity, by a shared belief in the nation and the blending of ideas.

Let us come together as Nigerians, from north to south, east to west, to consolidate our gains, tackle our challenges, and seize the promise of a greater tomorrow. The task ahead requires patriotism and collective effort.

This next election must not merely be a contest of parties or ideas, but a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s democratic maturity. As a government, we have taken giant steps forward. Let’s not give in to complacency by allowing politicians with no clear alternative vision to take our country backwards.

With faith in God, confidence in our people, and hope in our future, I accept this nomination with a renewed resolve to serve our people. I thank all our party members for bestowing on me the honour of being our torchbearer and candidate in the January 2027 election.

Together, and with the help of God Almighty, we shall build a more secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria for generations to come. I pledge to build an even more inclusive government, one that listens, learns, and leads with the best interests of all Nigerians at heart.

May our democracy continue to flourish. May God bless the All Progressives Congress. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you.

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