The convener of The Alternative, a pressure group Otunba Segun Showunmi has declared his intention to contest Ogun State governorship race in 2027, but silent on political platform intends to use.
Penpushing reports that Showunmi disclosed this at the secretariat of the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), Ogun State Chapter, located in Ijemo area of Abeokuta, and sought the support of the council for his political ambition
The former spokesperson to the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, declared that despite the emergence of a consensus governorship candidate by the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ogun West Senatorial District, he is going into the race.
Penpushing further reports that he explained that his decision to contest the governorship seat was to provide the much-needed quality and purposeful leadership the Ogun state deserved, emphasizing need for opposition parties and political groups to form a grassroots-based coalition to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
The chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) equally challenged all governorship aspirants, including any endorsed or consensus candidate to an open public debate to test their competence and readiness to govern.
“As we proceed towards the 2027 cycle, the critical question is this: will Ogun State subject itself to a coronation, or will we, for the sake of our children and future generations, allow a truly competitive process?” he said.
Penpushing also reports that Showunmi acknowledged that Ogun West had historically been excluded from producing a governor, describing the zone’s aspiration as legitimate, but cautioned against imposing it through consensus arrangements.
“Ogun West’s over 50-year exclusion from the governorship makes its aspiration legitimate, but an aspiration ceases to be one if there is no contest,” he said.
The known fearless politician used the occasion to encouraged Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), to set up a committee to explore possible collaboration, however, dismissed ongoing coalition talks among national political actors, insisting that any viable alliance must be built from the grassroots.
“You cannot create a coalition from the top. If there must be a coalition, it has to start from the base. Even presidential authority is generated from the base. It is clear that even the big parties are fumbling. They have trapped themselves in legal cases that no single party can carry alone’, he said.
Penpushing reports that Showunmi pointed out that internal crises and legal disputes had weakened major political parties, and equally rejected money-driven politics, advocating instead for issue-based campaigns ahead of the election.
The governorship hopeful stated that he does not believe that the governorship of Ogun state is about sharing rice or distributing money, stressing the need for deliberate and strategic development plans.
Penpushing further reports that Showunmi reviewing the state’s leadership since 1999, pointed out that Ogun state had reached a turning point following successive administrations.
“I believe we are now at a realistic turning point where the conversation must be: which way forward? What do we need to do? I am not coming to rule. I have lived among you. You have questioned me, and I have answered frankly, bravely and honestly’, he said.
Penpushing also reports that he emphsasised that sustainable development could not be achieved through transactional politics, adding that he was not seeking power for personal gain but to serve, describing himself as a committed indigene of the state with no history of political violence.
“I challenge all aspirants, whether endorsed or consensus candidates. Let us debate the future of Ogun and what the next level should be,” he said.
Penpushing reports that the National Vice Chairman, South West of the Labour Party, (LP) Abayomi Arabambi, in his remarks called for greater citizen participation in shaping the nation’s future, stressing that everyone had a role to play.
The known opposition leader said no individual or group should feel excluded from decisions that affected collective progress, urging people to take responsibility for their destiny, stressing that reliance on others to speak or act on behalf of the people must end, and that no one should be taken for granted.
Penpushing further reports that Arabambi, who threw his weight behind Sowunmi’s aspiration said power ultimately resides with the people, who must ensure their voices are consistently heard.
The National Vice Chairman, South West of the Labour Party, (LP) , warned against all forms of modern-day slavery, whether political, social, or economic, and urged citizens to resist systems that undermine their freedom and dignity, advocating unity and collective action as the pathway to defining a better future.
Penpushing also reports that he called on citizens to move forward with clarity and determination, stressing the need to reject anything that weakened society and to embrace values and actions that promote collective strength and progress.
The Chairman of Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC), Abayomi Sanyaolu, in his contributions explained that the council remained a trusted political platform, adding that the council had recognised him as an aspirant.
Penpushing reports that Sanyaolu emphasised the importance of grassroots mobilisation and inclusiveness, commending Sowunmi for his doggedness and reliability.
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