By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Ogun State chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) launched its campaign for the upcoming local government elections on Thursday, October 31, 2024. The event, held at the NNPP Secretariat in Ewekoro, drew an enthusiastic crowd of party supporters and community members as the party prepares to contest the local elections slated for November 16, 2024, as announced by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC).
Barrister John Femi Aina, Ogun State NNPP Chairman, emphasized the party’s commitment to transformative governance, urging voters to support NNPP candidates if they seek genuine change. “This election offers a crucial opportunity for the people to feel the impact of real democracy,” Aina stated, underscoring that the party stands ready to address the needs of the broader community, not just party loyalists.
Barrister Aina also reminded attendees of the recent Ogun State High Court ruling in Abeokuta, which nullified the administrative charges previously imposed by OGSIEC on candidates for the upcoming election. He pointed out that this decision would enable candidates to focus more on campaign activities rather than burdensome fees, ensuring a fairer electoral process.
The NNPP’s Vice-chairmanship candidate in Ewekoro, Mr. Olaoluwa Akinsola Akinwande Adefolarin, known widely as “Olakins,” expressed a strong resolve to transform Ewekoro’s governance. “My principal, Mr. Oluwasegun Odunnuga Daniel Toluwa Lase (IPESE ), and I are committed to bringing an end to the long-standing neglect and hardship the people have faced under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),” Adefolarin told journalists.
He highlighted that local governments are the closest link to grassroots governance and argued that the NNPP would ensure community members experience the full benefits of democracy.
Adefolarin criticized the ruling party’s approach, stating, “The APC has made governance an exclusive club, serving party interests over the needs of the people.” He further assured voters that, with the recent bill on local government autonomy, an NNPP-led Ewekoro Local Government would deliver “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
Speaking at the event, the State Public Relations Officer of the NNPP, Comrade Omokehinde Olowu, called for a shift in voters’ mentality and a rejection of vote-buying practices. “Our people’s poor conditions will not change until we change our mindset. Say no to vote-buying; vote for genuine leadership. On November 16, cast your votes for candidates who will bring self-worth and integrity back into governance,” he urged the crowd.
Also present at the campaign flag-off were key party officials, including Ewekoro Local Government Party Chairman, Honourable Kazim Oluwashegun Adebanjo; Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman Hon. Semiu Akingbala; State Auditor Hon. Sanusi Abiola; and NNPP Ogun State Youth Leader, Comrade Fushi Adekunle.
The NNPP candidates and their supporters remain optimistic as they rally for what they hope will be a significant shift in Ogun State’s local governance.