Tony Ojeshina, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ogun State, announced on Thursday that he has stepped down and endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, ahead of the March 18 election. Speaking at a press briefing in Abeokuta, Ojeshina said his decision was driven by the alignment of Adebutu’s vision with his own goals of sustainable development and social justice for the state’s residents.
He emphasized that the SDP’s core mission is to “rebirth a new State through social justice and sustainable development.” In his manifesto, Ojeshina outlined a people‑centred programme aimed at transforming Ogun into a model state, removing it from the list of misgoverned and impoverished regions through simplified, transparent governance that improves the quality of life for its people. He added that the vision seeks to make Ogun a benchmark of sustainable and inclusive development, independent of federal allocations.
After ten months of extensive campaigning across the state, Ojeshina observed that the electorate’s aspirations align with this vision, which he described as “non‑negotiable” and beyond the interests of any single individual or party. He argued that collaboration across political lines is necessary to wrest power from the current government and to restore power to the people, particularly against the “cabal at Oke‑Mosan.” Consequently, the SDP has agreed to work with the PDP and other parties in the upcoming gubernatorial election to challenge the incumbent APC administration.
Ojeshina concluded by formally withdrawing from the race and urging all registered voters, as well as supporters and members of the SDP, to vote for the PDP candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, on March 18, 2023. He also encouraged the electorate to support other SDP candidates in the state assembly elections. Deputy Chairman of the party in Ogun State, Shola Coker, echoed this sentiment, stating that the state working committee believes Adebutu’s candidacy best serves the interests of the residents.
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