Seun Shotunde, Abeokuta
Chairman of the African Democratic Congress in Ogun State, Otunba Femi Soluade, has declared the party’s readiness to rescue the state and nation from what he perceived as failed leadership under Governor Dapo Abiodun and President Bola Tinubu.
Soluade expressed confidence that the ADC would unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections, citing the need for progressive governance that reflects citizens’ aspirations.
He said with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Senate President David Mark and former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; former Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amechi; and former ADC National Chairman, Ralph Nwosu, among others, ADC remained the party to beat in the state and entire country in the 2027 general elections.
Soluade, who made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the state capital, said that with the challenges of insecurity, hunger, economic hardships, skyrocketing inflation and underdevelopment, to mention a few, bedeviling the state and the nation, no APC leadership, whether at the state or national level was fit to continue to rule.
He specifically urged the people of Ogun State to use their Permanent Voters’ Cards(PVCs) to vote out what he described as bad governance of the APC in the state, accusing the Abiodun-led government of setting the state backwards in the aspects of bad roads, epileptic power supply, lack of adequate infrastructure in schools and hospitals.
The ADC chairman, who accused the current government of mismanagement of funds and lack of employment opportunities for youths despite the state being the industrial hub of the country, said that it was high time the people ejected APC leadership and vote for ADC in the next election for genuine progress to occur in the state.
He said, “Your coming here today is a strong signal that the ADC is ready to rise and rescue the State from the grip of failed leadership and the country at large. For too long, our dear state has been denied the progress it deserves. As we gathered, it is important to reflect on the challenges facing our people. Ogun State is blessed with industrious youths, fertile farmlands, and the advantage of being the industrial gateway to Nigeria.
“Yet, many of our young people remain unemployed, our roads are crumbling, and our schools are underfunded, our farmers lack support and infrastructure, our schools and hospitals are under pressure, and our roads are in poor condition. Ogun State, despite its potential as the industrial gateway of Nigeria, has been held back by selfish and unaccountable leaders. These realities remind us why we are here: to provide leadership that places the people first and to end the cycle of mismanagement and neglect.
“Today, I declare that enough is enough. The time has come to put an end to bad governance and to return power to the people. But my brothers and sisters, the power to make this change lies in your hands. The Permanent Voter’s Card, your PVC, is your weapon of warfare against misrule. Bad governance thrives only when good people remain silent.
“No one can silence a determined people armed with their votes. I urge every member of this great party to go out, mobilize, and ensure that every eligible voter in their families and communities secures their PVC. I also appeal to every member here to not only secure their PVC but to encourage family, friends, and neighbors to do the same. Without it, our voices will remain whispers; with it, our voices will become thunder across Ogun State.
“The most powerful tool we have to change this narrative is our Permanent Voter’s Card. The PVC is our voice, our strength, and indeed, our weapon of peaceful change. As we move forward, let us remain united in our vision for an Ogun State where opportunities abound for our youth, where agriculture is revived, where infrastructure supports development, and where governance serves the people, not a few.”
“The ADC is not afraid of the old order; we are here to dismantle it. We are the future that Ogun State has been waiting for, and we will not rest until justice, prosperity, and dignity return to our land. Let this convergence be remembered as the day ADC Ogun State rose with one voice to say: “No more bad governance!” Together, we shall win. Forward ever, backward never! I also wish to recognize the men of the press present here today, your role in strengthening democracy cannot be overemphasized, and we count on you to carry this message of change to every corner of our state. Your tireless work in informing the public and holding leaders accountable is invaluable to democracy.” he added.
