By Atlantic Reports

A group of Ogun State indigenes residing in Kano has declared support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 governorship election, calling for greater attention to youth unemployment, economic opportunities and inclusive governance in their home state.

The declaration came on Friday during a meeting with Hajia Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, identified as the PDP's deputy governorship candidate, who was visiting Kano for a separate engagement.

Members of the Ogun State Indigenes Association in Kano arranged the meeting after learning of her presence in the city.

The gathering brought together professionals, businesspeople, community representatives, youth leaders and women who expressed interest in the political and economic future of Ogun State.

Although the participants pledged support for the PDP ticket led by Hon. Ladi Adebutu, their discussions also highlighted concerns about graduate unemployment and the expectations of Ogun indigenes living outside the state.

Ogun Indigenes in Kano Seek Greater Political Inclusion

Welcoming Sowunmi-Kolapo, the President of the Ogun State Indigenes Association in Kano, Alhaji Lateef Alamu, described the meeting as an opportunity for residents living outside their home state to engage directly with political leaders.

Alamu, who hails from Ipokia Local Government Area, commended Sowunmi-Kolapo for adjusting her travel arrangements to accommodate the meeting despite the short notice.

He said the decision demonstrated her willingness to engage with Ogun communities beyond the state's geographical boundaries.

According to him, Ogun indigenes in Kano maintain strong family, business and political connections with their home communities.

He noted that members of the association regularly travel to Ogun and remain interested in developments affecting the state.

“We are pure Ogun indigenes. We related with Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, and even Gov. Dapo Abiodun. We all go home often and are part of the political process,” he said.

Alamu, a former President of the Yoruba community in Kano, said the association included medical doctors, lawyers, businesspeople and other professionals who could contribute to Ogun's development.

He assured Sowunmi-Kolapo that members would remain engaged in the electoral process while expecting political leaders to honour their commitments.

Youth Unemployment Emerges as Major Concern

Beyond expressions of political support, Alamu identified youth unemployment as a pressing challenge requiring practical government intervention.

He expressed concern that many qualified graduates from Ogun State continued to struggle to secure meaningful employment despite possessing educational qualifications and professional skills.

The association president urged the PDP ticket to prioritise youth empowerment, employment opportunities and policies capable of supporting economic independence.

“We will also expect you to fulfil your promises to us, the Kano-based indigenes, when you get there. Youth empowerment is key for us,” he said.

His remarks reflected concerns about the relationship between education, employment and economic opportunity, particularly for young Nigerians entering an increasingly competitive labour market.

For Ogun State, addressing these concerns would require more than campaign commitments. Sustainable employment policies would need to consider vocational training, support for small businesses, private-sector investment and opportunities for graduates to acquire relevant workplace experience.

The association did not present specific employment figures or a detailed policy proposal during the meeting.

Association Leaders Express Support for PDP Ticket

The General Secretary of the association, H.O. Salami, who hails from Ogun East Senatorial District, welcomed Sowunmi-Kolapo and expressed hope that the PDP ticket would succeed in the forthcoming election.

“We welcome you to Kano. I know that very soon, we will vote for you. We have seen you, we want you to be there. We want to see you on the seat of power. May God make it happen,” he said.

Similarly, the association's former Legal Adviser, Imam Abdulyaqeen Olugbenga Abduljaleel, thanked Sowunmi-Kolapo for making time to meet the group.

He said the broader aspiration of Ogun indigenes was to see their state develop into a prosperous and effectively governed society.

Other participants, including youth and women representatives, expressed support for the PDP ticket, repeatedly invoking the slogan “Ogun for Ogun”.

The declarations reflected the position of those who attended the meeting and should not be interpreted as representing the political preferences of every Ogun indigene living in Kano.

Sowunmi-Kolapo Promises Jobs and Inclusive Development

Responding to the association's concerns, Sowunmi-Kolapo assured participants that the PDP's development agenda would prioritise employment creation, economic opportunities and inclusive governance.

She explained that the party's campaign message, “ITURA DE”, meaning relief or comfort has come, reflected its stated commitment to competence, compassion and effective leadership.

Sowunmi-Kolapo described Adebutu as a politician who had supported community development and welfare initiatives despite not occupying elective office.

She also emphasised the importance of Ogun residents having a meaningful voice in decisions affecting the state's future.

Referring to the association's “Ogun for Ogun” slogan, she argued that residents should resist political arrangements they believed could undermine the state's interests.

“‘Ogun for Ogun’ is our reality for building a solid foundation for the future of our children and grandchildren. We won’t become second-class citizens in our own homeland,” she said.

Her remarks reflected the PDP's campaign position rather than an independently established assessment of competing political interests.

Ogun Diaspora's Role in the 2027 Election

The meeting highlighted the continuing involvement of Nigerians living outside their states of origin in local political developments.

Although residing in Kano, members of the association said they maintained close connections with Ogun through family relationships, professional networks and regular visits.

Such connections can provide opportunities for civic engagement, public policy discussions and the exchange of ideas on development priorities.

Sowunmi-Kolapo encouraged Ogun indigenes living across Northern Nigeria to remain informed about political developments in their home state.

The meeting concluded with prayers for her safe return and expressions of support from association members.

The PDP had formally unveiled Sowunmi-Kolapo as Adebutu's running mate in June 2026, establishing the ticket ahead of the governorship contest.

 

Political Promises and the Question of Accountability

Beyond the declarations of support, the engagement brought attention to the expectations of Ogun indigenes who want improvements in employment, economic development and public administration.

While the PDP has outlined broad commitments to job creation and inclusive governance, the meeting did not provide detailed proposals on funding, implementation schedules or measurable employment targets.

For young graduates seeking work, these details will be important in assessing whether political promises can translate into sustainable opportunities.

The gathering also illustrates how community associations outside their home states can participate in political discussions while raising issues that affect their members and relatives.

As the 2027 governorship contest approaches, Ogun residents will have opportunities to examine the policy proposals and records of competing parties and candidates.

The central question raised by the Kano engagement is whether commitments made during political consultations will eventually produce measurable improvements in employment, public services and the everyday lives of residents.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.