…Says Local Government Autonomy, Security Key to Grassroots Development
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has called for the restoration of full local government autonomy and urged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) be empowered to conduct council elections across the country.
Adebutu said the move would strengthen accountability, deepen democracy and accelerate development at the grassroots.
Speaking during a media parley with journalists in Abeokuta on Monday, the former member of the House of Representatives identified local government autonomy, security, rural development, agriculture, education reforms, youth empowerment and accountable leadership as the key pillars of his agenda ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He argued that Nigeria’s local government system, which was designed to bring governance closer to the people, had been weakened by excessive state control over council administration and elections.
According to him, many of the challenges confronting the country’s democratic system began after local government elections ceased to be conducted by INEC.
“The flaws we see in our democracy today became more pronounced from the time INEC stopped conducting local government elections. The decline started when council polls became heavily controlled at the state level. Once local governments lost their independence and accountability to the people, their effectiveness diminished,” he said.
Adebutu added: “We must seek a way for INEC to conduct local government elections and allow the people to question the running of those councils. When citizens can hold local governments accountable, there will be better performance at the state and federal levels.”
The PDP standard-bearer described insecurity as one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges, revealing that he had over the years committed personal resources to supporting security agencies through the provision of fuel, rehabilitation of vehicles and installation of solar-powered streetlights in communities.
He disclosed that close to ₦20 million had recently been spent on solar-powered lighting projects aimed at enhancing security and reducing criminal activities in underserved areas.
“One of the major problems bedevilling Nigeria is insecurity. Addressing it requires collective efforts and investments that directly improve the safety of our communities,” he said.
On rural development, Adebutu advocated increased investment in roads, electricity, healthcare and education to stem rural-urban migration and stimulate economic activities in local communities.
He also described agriculture as a major vehicle for job creation and poverty reduction, stressing the need to support young people with access to finance and technical assistance to encourage participation in farming and livestock production.
The PDP candidate further called for reforms in the education sector, saying greater emphasis should be placed on vocational training, entrepreneurship, digital literacy and moral instruction to equip young people with practical skills for the modern economy.
Reflecting on his years of public service and philanthropy, Adebutu said leadership should be driven by compassion and a commitment to improving lives.
“Leadership requires connection with the people one serves. For over 30 years, I have chosen to live among my people because service is a calling. My journey has never been about personal comfort; it has always been about impact and leaving society better than I met it,” he stated.
He urged citizens to remain actively involved in governance and hold public office holders accountable, insisting that democracy thrives when the people demand transparency and good governance.
Also speaking at the event, former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to drive sustainable development.
She stressed that trust, transparency and accountability remained indispensable to national progress and urged Nigerians to stay engaged in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections.
Among those present at the media parley were the PDP deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo; Ogun State PDP Chairman, Abayomi Tella; House of Representatives candidate for Ijebu Central, Wale Okunbanjo; Hon. Segun Adekoya and other party leaders.
