Ogun 2027: ADC Candidate Invites APC and PDP Rivals to Debate

James Sowole in Abeokuta

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) gubernatorial aspirant for Ogun State ahead of the 2017 election, Dr. Biodun Collins Ogundipe, has challenged his counterparts in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Solomon Adeola, and Hon. Ladipupo Adebutu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to debate their visions for moving the state forward.

Ogundipe, an aerospace engineer and artificial intelligence expert popularly known as BCO, issued the challenge in Abeokuta during a meeting with party leaders, members, and supporters in Ogun Central.

The meeting, held at Idiaba, Abeokuta, attracted stakeholders from the six local governments of Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Odeda, Obafemi/Owode, Ifo, and Ewekoro.

According to Ogundipe, Nigerians are already tired of the APC and are now looking for alternatives, noting that the PDP had been disorganised. He also pointed out that he is from the same Remo and local government as the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun.

Hailing from Odeda Local Government in the Ogun Central Senatorial District, Ogundipe said he has what it takes to make the Gateway State less dependent on monthly federal allocations by leveraging the state’s economic potential.

The aspirant said that if elected governor, he would use his extensive private‑sector experience to create employment for residents across different strata of the populace.

He promised that youth unemployment would be tackled first by conducting a census of various youth groups to identify categories that can be engaged.

Ogundipe stated, “It will never happen that somebody will not be employed after leaving school and with lots of money spent on their education.”

“Equally, those who did not go to school will also be engaged meaningfully if I am elected governor in 2027. Marketmen and women, traders, artisans will also be taken care of.”

“Let me add this. Our own empowerment and assistance will not be like the trader‑money arrangement, which was being done to benefit only the few while the bulk of the money was being shared by those implementing it.”

“The government lacks sincerity in what they are doing and it is intentional to make people worship those in authority. All these will change if I am elected governor.”

“We shall make use of cooperative societies in the implementation of our credit assistance programme so that it can be well managed.”

“We know what we want to do when we get to office. We have a good template of governance and policies to transform the state and the people.”

“I am now challenging other aspirants from APC, PDP, and other parties to open debates on policies and programmes to develop and transform Ogun State. Let us do this and let the people assess us.”