‘If Adebutu is not competent, then who is?’ PDP asks APC critics

By Adejoke Adeleye

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Abeokuta South Constituency II in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeoye Adewale Adeniran, popularly known as A3, has come to the defence of the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, following claims that he lacks the managerial competence required to govern Ogun State.

Adeniran was reacting to comments attributed to APC chieftain and Federal Character Commissioner, Kayode Oladele, who reportedly questioned Adebutu’s capacity to lead the state.

In a statement made available to journalists, the PDP chieftain described the allegation as a diversionary tactic aimed at shifting public attention away from critical governance issues facing Ogun State.

According to him, Adebutu’s educational qualifications, business accomplishments, public service experience and long-standing ties to the state are well documented and should form the basis for assessing his suitability for office.

Adeniran argued that political opponents of the PDP governorship hopeful had failed to raise allegations bordering on corruption, misconduct or falsification of credentials, and had instead focused on what he termed an undefined claim of incompetence.

“Interestingly, those attacking Adebutu have not accused him of corruption, certificate forgery, criminal conduct or abandonment of Ogun State. Their argument is simply that he lacks competence,” he said.

He maintained that the debate should centre on the meaning of leadership competence, questioning whether successful business management, effective public service, stakeholder engagement and investment in local communities should not be considered valid indicators of administrative ability.

The lawmaker hopeful said Ogun voters should focus on which aspirant possesses the vision and capacity to drive sustainable development rather than reduce the 2027 governorship contest to personal attacks.

According to him, governance should be measured by the ability to create economic opportunities and improve living standards rather than by short-term political gestures.

“The real challenge before Ogun people is identifying the candidate who can build an economy that reduces dependence on empowerment programmes by creating jobs, attracting investments and stimulating growth,” he stated.

Adeniran also drew a distinction between politicians who have maintained long-standing connections with the state and those he claimed only developed interest in Ogun politics in pursuit of elective office.

He described Adebutu as a lifelong stakeholder in Ogun State whose roots, investments and community engagements predate his political ambitions.

“Hon. Adebutu did not suddenly discover Ogun State because of politics. He has consistently lived among the people, invested in communities and remained involved in the welfare of residents long before seeking elective office,” he said.

The PDP candidate further pointed to Adebutu’s academic background, business ventures and record of public service, including his tenure as a member of the Ogun State Local Government Service Commission and the House of Representatives, as evidence of his preparedness for higher office.

He challenged critics to explain how an individual with years of experience in business management, political organisation and community development could be portrayed as lacking the competence to govern a state.

Turning his attention to the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Adeniran urged residents to evaluate governance based on prevailing realities in the state.

He cited concerns over youth unemployment, infrastructure deficits, healthcare delivery, education and economic opportunities, arguing that these issues should form part of the conversation ahead of the next governorship election.

“If the APC’s performance is truly as impressive as claimed, then questions should be asked about why many communities continue to seek better roads, healthcare, education, security and employment opportunities,” he said.

Adeniran maintained that Adebutu’s growing acceptance across the state stems from what he described as his accessibility, compassion and track record of service rather than family influence or political sentiment.

He urged voters to look beyond partisan rhetoric and critically examine the records, capacity and vision of all aspirants ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“The Ogun of our dreams will not be built on propaganda or political grandstanding. It will be built on integrity, competence, vision and genuine commitment to the people,” he added.