The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State has officially unveiled veteran journalist, media entrepreneur and public affairs strategist, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
Sowunmi-Kolapo was presented as the running mate to the party’s governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, during a ceremony held on Monday at the PDP Secretariat in Abeokuta.
The event attracted party leaders, stakeholders, youth and women groups, supporters from across the state, as well as prominent political figures, including former senator and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Iyabo Obasanjo.
Her presence at the event has further fuelled speculation about her political realignment following her recent resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking after her unveiling, Sowunmi-Kolapo expressed appreciation to the PDP leadership and members for the confidence reposed in her, describing her emergence as a call to greater service and sacrifice for the people of Ogun State.
She pledged loyalty to the party and its governorship candidate, promising to deploy her experience and expertise in support of the party’s vision for the state.
According to her, the PDP ticket represents an opportunity to deliver people-focused governance centred on economic development, youth empowerment, quality education, healthcare improvement and infrastructure expansion.
“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 in the development process,” she said.
The deputy governorship candidate also urged party members to remain united and committed to grassroots mobilisation, stressing that voter engagement would play a crucial role in securing victory in 2027.
In his remarks, governorship candidate Oladipupo Adebutu described Sowunmi-Kolapo as a competent, transparent and compassionate leader whose selection would strengthen the PDP’s chances in the election.
He explained that her emergence followed extensive consultations among party stakeholders and reflected the PDP’s commitment to competence, inclusiveness and effective leadership.
Adebutu expressed confidence that the combination of their experience, vision and grassroots appeal would provide Ogun residents with a credible alternative to the current administration.
He promised that a PDP-led government would prioritise job creation, industrialisation, infrastructure development and policies aimed at improving the welfare of citizens.
Reflecting on previous electoral contests, Adebutu maintained that the PDP had remained resilient despite setbacks and was now better positioned than ever to secure victory.
“We have been doing this now for nearly ten years. Most recently, we contested again, and we sincerely believe we won. But to God be the glory; when the time is not right, everything does not fall into place. Today, however, I see that the time is right for us and it is the PDP that will form the next government of our dear state,” he said.
He further praised his running mate’s professional achievements, describing her as a respected journalist, accomplished entrepreneur and compassionate leader with a strong commitment to public service.
“One important thing in this journey is that our deputy governorship candidate is deeply compassionate. These are the kinds of people we need—people who care about the welfare of the masses. Ogun State has unanimously chosen her to be my running mate, and together we shall deliver the people of Ogun State from the incompetent government of the APC come 2027,” Adebutu stated.
Earlier, the Ogun PDP Chairman, Dr. Abayomi Tella, said the selection of Sowunmi-Kolapo demonstrated the party’s determination to present its best candidates for the task of governing the state.
He urged members to close ranks and intensify mobilisation efforts across the state’s 20 local government areas, expressing confidence that unity and hard work would deliver victory for the party.
Supporters at the event described her emergence as a major boost for the PDP, citing her leadership qualities, professional accomplishments and longstanding contributions to grassroots development.
Sowunmi-Kolapo brings more than 26 years of experience spanning journalism, strategic communications, public affairs, entrepreneurship and politics.
She is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Group Managing Director of Right-Dev Limited, a communications and media consultancy firm. She also serves as Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of The Point Newspaper and leads several media and development initiatives.
A trailblazer in journalism, she made history as the first female Group Business Editor of The Punch Newspapers, where she authored thousands of articles and mentored a generation of business journalists.
She previously served as Special Adviser on Corporate Communications and Strategy to former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
In politics, she joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2018 through the Coalition for Nigeria Movement and became the party’s first female National Publicity Secretary.
Her extensive experience in media, governance and public engagement is expected to play a significant role in the PDP’s campaign ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.
