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The Ogun State chapter of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) has offered automatic tickets to aggrieved aspirants from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring its readiness to take over power in the state.
The party made the declaration in Abeokuta, where it also unveiled a “rescue mission” aimed at reclaiming Ogun State from what it described as “political invaders.”
The consensus arrangement adopted by the leadership of the ruling party had triggered protests and rejection in different parts of the state especially for the legislative seats.
The Ogun State Chairman of APM, Sanyaolu Abayomi, who spoke when a town planning expert, Rotimi Matthew Babajide, made an official declaration to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of APM, said the party will offer automatic tickets to aggrieved aspirants willing to run on its platform.
Abayomi said the party was opening its doors to serving and former lawmakers, as well as other politicians dissatisfied with the outcome of political arrangements in their parties.
Abayomi said the party was prepared to grant automatic tickets to notable political figures willing to join the APM ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to him, the move became necessary as part of efforts to reposition Ogun State politically and provide what he described as credible leadership for the people.
“It is saddening that a state so richly blessed with visionary leaders is now facing avoidable political challenges,” he said.
He called on indigenes and residents of the state to join the party in its bid to “rescue Ogun State from political destruction and avoidable jeopardy.”
Abayomi added that the party remained open to members of all political parties, including aggrieved APC aspirants affected by ongoing consensus arrangements and political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
He expressed confidence that the APM would emerge as a strong political force in the state, describing it as a platform “legally free from distractions.”
The party chairman also urged residents to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote out the ruling APC in the next governorship election.
The party’s governorship aspirant, a town planning expert, Rotimi Matthew Babajide, pledged to create 150,000 jobs within four years if elected governor.
Babajide unveiled what he described as a people-centered manifesto focused on economic growth, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, agriculture, security and transparent governance.
He said his administration would establish industrial growth clusters in major economic zones such as Abeokuta, Sagamu and Ota, while supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs through grants and low-interest loans.
“Our target is clear and achievable — to create 150,000 new jobs within four years. This is not just a promise; it is a commitment backed by a strategic plan,” he said.
The governorship aspirant also promised massive road rehabilitation, improved electricity supply, upgraded public schools, free maternal and child healthcare, and enhanced security through community policing and technology-driven surveillance systems.
Babajide said Ogun State must reclaim its political identity and legacy.
“Ogun State, the land of our forefathers like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Prof. Wole Soyinka, must not be surrendered to political invaders,” he said.
He further pledged to run an inclusive and transparent administration, promising regular town hall meetings and open publication of government budgets and expenditures if elected.
Daily Trust reports that Governor Bala Mohammed defected to APM at the weekend. (Daily Trust)