PDP Unveils Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo as Deputy Governorship Candidate for Ogun 2027
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has formally presented Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo as its deputy governorship candidate for the forthcoming 2027 election. The announcement took place at the party secretariat in Abeokuta, drawing a diverse crowd of leaders, stakeholders, youth and women groups, and supporters from across the state.
Among the attendees was Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Her presence followed her recent resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), sparking renewed speculation about a possible return to her former political affiliation.
Candidate’s Vision and Pledge
Speaking after her unveiling, Sowunmi-Kolapo expressed gratitude to the PDP leadership for entrusting her with the role. She described her nomination as a call to heightened service and sacrifice for the people of Ogun State.
She pledged loyalty to the party and its gubernatorial candidate, promising to bring her experience, dedication, and passion for public service to the task of rebuilding the state. According to her, the PDP deputy governorship ticket offers a fresh opportunity to deliver people‑oriented governance that prioritises:
- Economic growth
- Youth empowerment
- Quality education
- Healthcare delivery
- Infrastructural development
“Our mission is to restore hope to the people of Ogun State. We are committed to building a government that listens, responds to citizens’ needs, and ensures no community is left behind in the development process,” she stated.
She urged party members to stay united and focused on the collective goal of winning the 2027 election, stressing that grassroots mobilisation and voter engagement will be decisive.
Party Leadership Endorses the Choice
PDP gubernatorial candidate Adebutu praised Sowunmi-Kolapo as competent, experienced, and dedicated. He noted that her selection followed extensive consultations among party stakeholders and reflects the party’s commitment to competence, inclusiveness, and effective leadership.
Adebutu added that the ticket’s blend of experience, vision, and grassroots appeal presents Ogun State with a credible alternative capable of tackling its socio‑economic challenges. He outlined a PDP administration’s focus on job creation, industrial development, improved infrastructure, and welfare‑enhancing policies.
Reflecting on past electoral attempts, Adebutu recalled that the PDP has pursued state leadership for nearly a decade. He noted previous setbacks due to unclear electoral laws and expressed confidence that the current political climate favours the party’s success.
Background and Professional Experience
Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo is a media leader, businesswoman, author, public affairs strategist, and consultant with over 26 years of experience in training, writing, editing, and narrative management at national and international levels.
She is the founder, CEO, and group managing director of Right‑Dev Limited, a strategic communications and media consultancy serving private, public, and international clients. Additionally, she serves as publisher and editor‑in‑chief of The Point Newspaper, a national tabloid operating for more than eleven years.
Her media portfolio includes Growth Trackers Initiative, a television production company active in twelve states, and she presides over the Media Transformation and Empowerment Initiative. Earlier in her career, she served as Special Adviser on Corporate Communications and Strategy to Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance and pioneer Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, under President Goodluck Jonathan.
In that role, she contributed to the rebranding and repositioning of the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry into the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment — a shift reflecting Nigeria’s evolving economic governance priorities.
Sowunmi‑Kolapo made history as the first female Group Business Editor of The PUNCH Newspapers, authored over 5,000 articles, and mentored numerous business journalists through an incentive and accountability system that helped the PUNCH Business Desk outperform competitors from 2010 onward. Her Monday backpage economic analyses (2007‑2011) attracted attention from policymakers, investors, and economic commentators.
She has received nominations for honours such as the Nigeria Media Merit Award, Diamond Awards for Media Excellence, and Informed Readers’ Club Awards. Currently, she writes the Monday Compass column in The PUNCH.
In June 2018, through former President Obasanjo’s Coalition for Nigerian Movement, she joined the African Democratic Congress, where she was elected its first female Deputy National Publicity Secretary and later rose to National Publicity Secretary — the first woman to hold that position in the party’s history. She served until October 2020 before returning to her media and business pursuits.
Sowunmi‑Kolapo is a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, a Fellow of the West African Society for Communications and Administration, and a Fellow of the Civilian Institute of Democratic Administration.
Outlook for the 2027 Election
Ogun State PDP Chairman Dr. Abayomi Tella described the unveiling as evidence of the party’s determination to field its strongest team for governance. He called on members to close ranks, intensify mobilisation across the twenty local government areas, and expressed confidence that unity and sustained voter engagement will deliver victory in 2027.
Party faithful at the event hailed Sowunmi‑Kolapo’s emergence as a major boost to the campaign, citing her extensive experience, leadership qualities, and longstanding grassroots contributions.
About the Author
