THE Ogun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received commendation from stakeholders and women groups following its adoption of veteran journalist, Alhaja Lateefah Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, as the running mate to the party’s governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, for the February 2027 governorship election.
News Point Nigeria reports that among those who praised the decision was the Ogun State Female Professionals Forum, which described the adoption of the respected media professional as a bold, progressive and commendable step that reflects the growing recognition of women’s competence, leadership capacity and invaluable contributions to governance and public service.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its Chairman, Adoela Binta Adeniran, the Forum noted that Sowunmi-Kolapo’s emergence was not only a personal achievement but also a victory for women across Ogun State who have continued to advocate greater inclusion and representation in political leadership and decision-making processes.
According to the group, the veteran journalist has over the years distinguished herself through professionalism, integrity, commitment to public enlightenment and service to society, qualities that make her eminently qualified for the position.
“The adoption of Alhaja Lateefah Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo as the deputy governorship candidate is a welcome development. It sends a strong message that competence, experience and dedication to service remain important considerations in leadership selection,” the statement said.
The Forum further expressed confidence that her vast experience in media, public engagement and community development would add significant value to the PDP ticket and enrich governance if elected.
It urged political parties across the country to emulate the PDP’s example by creating more opportunities for qualified women to participate actively in politics and governance, stressing that sustainable development can only be achieved when women are adequately represented in leadership.
The group also called on women, youths and other stakeholders in Ogun State to continue supporting initiatives that promote gender inclusion and encourage capable women to aspire to higher political offices.
Sowunmi-Kolapo, a former editor with Punch Newspapers and the Iya Suna of Egbaland, was formally announced as the PDP’s consensus deputy governorship candidate by the Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman, Chief Dotun Keshinro, during a presentation held at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta on Monday.
The event was attended by Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who recently resigned her membership of the ruling party.
The ceremony attracted party leaders, stakeholders, youth groups, women’s organisations and supporters from across the state.
Presenting the candidate, Keshinro said, “We, the leaders, elders, stakeholders, and members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun Central Senatorial District, hereby rise to formally introduce and present Chief Mrs. Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo as our consensus nominee for the Office of Deputy Governor of Ogun State.
“This decision was reached after wide consultations and deliberations among party leaders and stakeholders across Ogun Central. It reflects the collective will and confidence of our people in her capacity, character, competence and commitment to the ideals of our great party.
“The deputy governor candidate is a highly respected political leader, an accomplished administrator, philanthropist and community builder. She is also a committed member of our great party.”
The Ogun State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Abayomi Tella, described Adebutu as a true son of Ogun State who deserves the support of residents ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Tella urged the people of the state to reject the APC and its candidates, arguing that Ogun could not afford to hand over leadership to what he described as a “total stranger.”
“This individual started as a member of the House of Assembly, moved to the House of Representatives, later became a Senator, and then suddenly transferred his political interest to Ogun State,” he said.
“When Senator Ibikunle Amosun refused to allow a total stranger to take over our inheritance, many people did not fully appreciate the significance of that decision.
“Ladi Adebutu is a true son of Ogun State. He has lived here virtually all his life, except for the years he spent acquiring education abroad. He lives among the people. He has been with the people. His investments are in Ogun State.”
In her acceptance speech, Sowunmi-Kolapo expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for finding her worthy of the nomination and urged party faithful to work towards victory in 2027.
“I am highly honoured, and I thank everyone for finding me worthy of this noble cause. I do not have much to say. Seeing everyone here, and with the entrance of our dear sister, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo into this gathering, we know that 2027 is already settled,” she said.
“We are going to vote, we will be voted in, they will declare us winners, and we will take our seats there, Insha’Allah. Right now, it is action, action, action—nothing more. So let us go to the field and work for victory.”
Also speaking, PDP governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, described his running mate as a competent, experienced and dedicated politician whose emergence would further strengthen the party’s chances in the election.
He noted that her selection followed extensive consultations among stakeholders and reflected the party’s commitment to competence, inclusiveness and effective leadership.
According to Adebutu, the combination of experience, vision and grassroots appeal represented by the ticket offers Ogun residents a credible alternative capable of addressing the state’s socio-economic challenges.
He pledged that a PDP administration would focus on job creation, industrial development, improved infrastructure and policies that directly impact the welfare of citizens.
News Point Nigeria reports that Sowunmi-Kolapo is a seasoned media leader, accomplished businesswoman, author and distinguished public affairs strategist and consultant with more than 26 years of experience in training, writing, editing and shaping narratives at the highest levels of Nigerian and international public life.
Her career spans editorial leadership, corporate communications, government advisory service, entrepreneurship and political service — a rare and formidable combination that has positioned her among Nigeria’s foremost voices at the intersection of media, business and governance.