Segun Sowunmi Declares Ogun Governorship Bid, Keeps Party Options Open
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Segun Sowunmi, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, while strategically keeping his party platform open for future alignment. Sowunmi made this significant announcement during a visit to the secretariat of the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Abeokuta, where he engaged with members to seek collaboration ahead of the upcoming polls.
Consultations and Coalition Building
"I will be running for governor in the 2027 governorship election," Sowunmi stated, adding that he is currently consulting widely to determine the most viable path forward. He emphasized that he has yet to decide on the political platform he will use, noting that he intends to align with the "most stable and organised" party available. In his address to IPAC members, Sowunmi said, "I have come to plead with you to set up a small committee among yourselves to determine how we can collaborate to make this happen."
Emphasis on Opposition Unity
The former spokesperson to ex-vice president Atiku Abubakar highlighted the critical need for coalition politics, arguing that opposition parties must unite to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress. "No single opposition party can unseat the APC without broad alliances," he asserted, warning against what he described as "state capture" and "coronation politics." Sowunmi urged political stakeholders in Ogun State to prioritize ideas, leadership quality, and development plans over ethnic considerations or personal attacks.
Economic Vision and Background
Sowunmi has repeatedly advocated for leveraging Ogun's proximity to Lagos to drive economic growth and ensure balanced development across the state's senatorial districts. His latest declaration follows earlier signals of interest, including a February engagement with stakeholders where he first publicly indicated his ambition to run for governor. Reports suggest he has received overtures from other political platforms, such as the Labour Party, but he continues to keep his options open as consultations intensify.
Strategic Moves and Political Landscape
Political analysts view his decision to delay choosing a party as a strategic move aimed at building a broader coalition ahead of the election. The 2027 Ogun governorship race is already attracting considerable attention, with several aspirants positioning themselves amid shifting alliances within both the ruling party and opposition groups. Sowunmi is expected to deepen consultations with political actors and stakeholders across the state in the coming months as he refines his campaign strategy.
The contest will determine the successor to incumbent governor Dapo Abiodun, whose tenure is set to end in 2027, making it a pivotal moment for Ogun State's political future.
