- Safiu Kehinde
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has named media strategist, Dr Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, as the running mate of Oladipupo Adebutu, the party’s candidate for the 2027 Ogun Governorship Election.
Sowunmi-Kolapo was, on Monday, unveiled as the PDP’s Ogun deputy governorship candidate in Abeokuta.
Reacting to the development in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, Sowunmi-Kolapo described her emergence as a call to greater service and sacrifice for Ogun people.
She said that the PDP ticket offered a fresh opportunity to deliver people-oriented governance that prioritises economic growth, youth empowerment, quality education, healthcare delivery and infrastructural development.
The PDP Deputy Governorship candidate pledged to restore hope to the people of the state.
“Our mission is to restore hope to the people of Ogun State.
“We are committed to building a government that listens to the people, responds to their needs and ensures that no community is left behind,” she said.
The seasoned media practitioner, author and public affairs strategist urged party members to remain united and committed to securing victory at the polls.
She, however, stressed that grassroots mobilisation and voter engagement would be critical to the party’s success.
Sowunmi-Kolapo appreciated the party leadership for the confidence reposed in her and pledged unwavering loyalty to the PDP and governorship candidate, Adebutu.
She assured supporters that she would deploy her wealth of experience, commitment and passion for public service to rebuild the state.
In his remarks, Adebutu said that Sowunmi-Kolapo’s selection was the outcome of extensive consultations among party stakeholders and reflected the PDP’s commitment to competence, inclusiveness and effective leadership.
The governorship candidate described his running mate as a competent, experienced and dedicated politician whose emergence would further strengthen the party’s chances in the election.
According to him, the combination of experience, vision and grassroots appeal, represented by the ticket, offers Ogun residents a credible alternative capable of addressing the state’s socio-economic challenges.
When elected, Adebutu pledged to prioritise job creation, industrial development, improved infrastructure and policies that directly impact the welfare of citizens.
Also, the PDP State Chairman, Abayomi Tella, described the emergence of Sowunmi-Kolapo as deputy governorship candidate as a demonstration of the party’s determination to present its best hands for the task ahead.
Tella, expressing confidence that the PDP would emerge victorious, urged members to close ranks and intensify mobilisation efforts across the state’s 20 local government areas.
Party faithful at the event described Kolapo’s emergence as a major boost to the PDP’s campaign, citing her experience, leadership qualities and longstanding contributions to grassroots development.
Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo is a seasoned media leader, accomplished businesswoman, author, and distinguished public affairs strategist and consultant.
She is also the founder of Right-Dev Limited, a respected strategic communications and media consultancy firms, a publisher and editor-in-Chief of The Point Newspaper.
Sowunmi-Kolapo served as Special Adviser on Corporate Communications and Strategy to Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and pioneer Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
She has served as President, Media Transformation and Empowerment Initiative (MTEI), first female Group Business Editor of The Punch Newspapers, and former National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress,
She 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.