The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ogun State, Babajide Oluwarotimi, has dismissed claims that Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, poses any threat to his ambition, describing political competition as a healthy part of democracy.
He also pledged to run an all-inclusive, transparent, and people-driven government if elected, stressing that governance must be anchored on broad participation and shared prosperity.
Rotimi made this known while speaking to journalists during the primaries of the Allied People’s Movement, shortly after emerging from the exercise.
He described the moment as the fulfilment of a long-held aspiration, noting that his emergence reflected the collective will and patience of supporters who believe in a new style of leadership.
“I feel elated and fulfilled. It is a dream come true and a day we have all been waiting for. We are grateful that it has finally come to pass,” he said.
Outlining his vision, the APM consensus candidate emphasised inclusive governance as the cornerstone of his manifesto.
He said “My administration would ensure that every citizen counts, irrespective of background or political affiliation. My plan is people-centric governance where everybody will be respected and connected”.
” It will be a transparent government where citizens are active participants, not spectators,” Rotimi stated.
He further highlighted key development priorities, including infrastructure expansion, rural development, and agricultural growth, noting that Ogun State’s strategic position as an emerging industrial hub must translate into tangible benefits for its people.
“All resources accruing to the state must directly improve the lives of the people. Our goal is to ensure that Ogun State residents are the true beneficiaries of their God-given and constitutional resources,” he added.
Reacting to questions about perceived political heavyweights and crowd influence from rival parties, Rotimi dismissed notions of intimidation or rivalry, maintaining that leadership is about purpose rather than popularity.
“I don’t see anyone as a threat. We are all in the race to serve. At the end of the day, someone will emerge, but the focus should be on why we are contesting — to deliver purposeful leadership to the people,” he said.
Rotimi called for issue-based politics and collective commitment to the development of Ogun State, stressing that inclusive leadership remains the surest path to sustainable progress.
Also speaking, the Ogun Central Senatorial District candidate of the party, Hon. Idowu Imoleayo pointed out the need for people to reject money bag political, stressing that all victory belongs to God.
He admitted that he might not have the financial muscle of the other party candidates, but he is fully prepared.
” Well, all victory belongs to God, but I’m very sure. I cannot say I have the financial capacity he has or they have because they have been in the system, they’ve extorted Nigerians. But I believe in myself, and I believe in God, that I’m going to win the game—the race.”
Imoleayo described the current administration in the state as a poor administration.
“They’ve not delivered well to the people of Ogun State, no medical facilities, bad roads, people can’t go to school, insecurity everything is just bad about the government” he submitted.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the party in his remarks, expressed confidence in the party’s victory come 2027, saying that APM will shock people in Ogun.
Sanyaolu emphasised the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections, saying that the election would not be decided by money or crowd size but by the candidate’s connection to the people and divine backing.
“Everything about this life is not about what you have in your account or the crowd. My father used to tell me that,” Sanyaolu said.
He described Oluwarotimi as “a son of the soil” from Aribajo, Awekoro, and said the APM candidate understood the needs of ordinary people better than those with vast wealth.
“Oluwarotimi may not have the kind of billions they have, but one thing I believe is that there is one person who has more than billions — God Almighty. And God will surely support him because he believes in God, and I personally believe in God so much,” he said.
