The Labour Party (LP) in Ogun State has formally invited Segun Sowunmi. He is a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The LP wants him to contest the 2027 governorship election on its platform.

The party urged the former spokesperson to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar to join them. They believe Sowunmi should fly their flag in the upcoming governorship race. The LP noted that Ogun State needs a fresh era of governance. They stated Sowunmi aligns with the party’s ideology and vision.

An LP representative stated, “We want you to come and join us in Labour Party, and to be our governorship candidate in the next election.”

Sowunmi’s Response and Political Outlook

In response, Sowunmi commended the Labour Party’s ideological stability. He praised former presidential candidate Peter Obi. Obi’s efforts have significantly boosted the party’s growing popularity.

He highlighted the Labour Party’s strong performance in the last presidential election. The party secured over six million votes. This was compared to the ruling party’s eight million. This, Sowunmi noted, demonstrates its growing influence. It also reflects an organic approach to politics.

Sowunmi expressed his strong desire to contribute to Ogun State’s development. He cited the state’s vast growth potential. He also emphasized the urgent need to address key challenges.

Vision for Ogun State

“The governorship eligibility for 2027, with every sense of due respect,” Sowunmi declared, “I have looked at the horizon. From the toughest to the least, I can’t find anybody more eminently qualified. I am more prepared and more intentional about governance policy than them all.”

He added, “My sole focus has been to wish, to work, to pray, and to agonise for this Nigerian nation to be great. We must pass it on to the next generation. I have not spared myself. Neither have I spared the little resources at hand just to push it and keep pushing it.”

Sowunmi also acknowledged the pressing challenges facing Ogun State. He specifically pointed to poor road infrastructure. However, he conceded that the incumbent governor has made measurable progress. This progress is evident in road construction compared to previous administrations.

He argued that the current administration’s major shortcoming is its failure. It has not fully harnessed Ogun State’s multiple growth poles. Sowunmi stressed that the state requires leadership. This leadership needs a deeper understanding of its economic and developmental possibilities.

“I concede that there are critical, challenging issues about the current governor’s approach to governance. One is that it is a major source of embarrassment. Our beloved Ogun State is now a signpost of bad roads. People just break down in angry rhetorics when they come to our state. But it does not mean he hasn’t done some roads. I tell you truthfully, he has done more kilometers of road than the previous ones.”

He concluded, “The challenge is that he did not fully commit himself to a deep understanding. Ogun State is a state that has growth poles everywhere.”