Adebutu Takes Campaign To Ijebu-Ode Market, APC Stronghold As Tension Trails Ogun 2027 Flag-Off

The ancient city of Ijebu-Ode was thrown into a carnival-like atmosphere on Wednesday as the campaign train of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, stormed the main market, where market women and traders welcomed the opposition candidate with excitement.

Adebutu, who is seeking to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 governorship election, used the visit to engage directly with traders, promising to pursue policies that would improve their livelihoods, strengthen economic opportunities and provide a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

The visit formed part of the PDP’s wider campaign activities across the state as Adebutu takes his message directly to communities and grassroots voters.

The campaign, however, was preceded by tension in Idowa, where the planned flag-off event was expected to take place.

According to PDP sources, the party had encountered difficulties securing access to the venue after the chairman of the Odogbolu Local Government, Babatunde Oyetola Diya, allegedly declined to grant permission for the event and blocked access leading into the town.

The development has further heightened political tension in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 election, with the opposition accusing the ruling party of attempting to frustrate its campaign activities.

The APC and the affected local government officials are yet to publicly respond to the allegations.

The situation reportedly escalated when the PDP campaign convoy came under attack in Idowa. Party sources alleged that suspected opposition thugs opened fire at the convoy, while a campaign bus was reportedly destroyed during the incident.

The alleged attack has added another layer of concern to the unfolding political contest in Ogun State, with questions being raised about the safety of political parties and their supporters as campaign activities intensify ahead of the 2027 poll.

Among those who accompanied Adebutu on the campaign train were his running mate, Alhaja Latifat Sowunmi-Kolapo, and the PDP senatorial candidate for Ogun East, Abdulhammed Femi Omotayo, popularly known as Omo Owo.

From the market to the streets of Ijebu-Ode, the PDP campaign presented a show of strength, with Adebutu and his team promising voters what they described as a government committed to delivering the dividends of democracy.

The latest development underscores the increasingly competitive political atmosphere in Ogun State, where the 2027 governorship contest is already generating intense mobilisation among the major political parties.