By Olawale Olayinka, Abeokuta
The Convener of the Ogun West Initiative, Olootu Bolaji Adeniji, has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, and former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo to halt what he described as sustained personal attacks against the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and instead focus on presenting their policies and programmes to the electorate.
Adeniji made the call on Sunday during a press briefing in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, where he expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of personal vendettas, propaganda, and political distractions dominating the state's political landscape ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to him, the election should be driven by constructive debates on governance, development, and the welfare of the people rather than campaigns centered on personal attacks and character assassination.
He said Ogun residents deserve to hear the plans of all candidates on key issues affecting the state, including security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, industrialisation, job creation, and economic development.
Adeniji commended Senator Adeola for what he described as his restraint in the face of repeated criticism, noting that the APC candidate has remained focused on presenting his agenda and engaging with the electorate.
He alleged that rather than offering alternative programmes to the people, some opposition figures had concentrated their efforts on discrediting the APC flagbearer.
The Ogun West Initiative convener also accused former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo of consistently directing public criticism at Senator Adeola, urging her to channel her energy toward promoting her political views instead of engaging in what he termed "media theatrics."
"Criticism is part of democracy, but it must be factual, responsible, and constructive. Political engagement should not revolve around personal attacks," Adeniji said.
He further alleged that some political opponents were pursuing legal and political strategies aimed at undermining Senator Adeola's governorship ambition, insisting that elections should ultimately be decided by the electorate rather than through what he described as distractions.
Adeniji also accused the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, of sponsoring campaigns designed to weaken Senator Adeola's growing popularity, expressing confidence that such efforts would not achieve their intended objective.
He urged Adebutu to present his policy agenda to the people and allow voters to objectively compare the programmes of all candidates ahead of the governorship election.
"If there are better policies and stronger ideas, they should be presented for public debate. That is what democracy demands," he added.
Expressing confidence in Senator Adeola's electoral prospects, Adeniji said the APC candidate had built enduring political relationships across Ogun State through what he described as a proven record of public service, accessibility, and commitment to development.
He appealed to supporters of the APC candidate to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and avoid responding to provocation, stressing that political campaigns should be conducted with civility, tolerance, and respect for democratic values.
According to him, Ogun State requires leadership capable of accelerating economic growth, expanding infrastructure, empowering young people, and promoting inclusive governance, adding that Senator Adeola possesses the experience and capacity to deliver on those expectations.
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