A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Segun Showunmi, has called for a broad coalition of political parties to challenge what he described as an emerging “coronation” of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Showunmi made the appeal during a visit to the state secretariat of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abeokuta, urging opposition parties to unite against the APC’s reported consensus around Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
He warned that allowing a consensus candidate to emerge without strong opposition would undermine democratic choice in the state.
According to him, while the aspiration of Ogun West to produce a governor is legitimate, it should not eliminate the need for a competitive electoral process.
The PDP chieftain, who confirmed his intention to run in the 2027 election, emphasized the importance of collaboration among parties such as the Labour Party, NNPP, and others to form a united front capable of challenging the APC.
Showunmi argued that no single party appears strong enough to win alone, citing internal challenges across major parties. He therefore urged IPAC to set up a committee to explore a workable coalition platform that would prioritize governance issues and offer voters a credible alternative.
He maintained that leadership in Ogun State should be driven by ideas and competence rather than political arrangements, stressing that democracy thrives on contest, not consensus imposed without debate.
He said “As we now proceed towards the 2027 cycle, the question then gets to be asked, will Ogun put itself in the scenario of a coronation without the richness of election conversation on issues. Should we truly allow that?
“You all have been hearing me speaking to issues in the states. You have been hearing me speak to issues in the country. I have spoken to the issue of the pendulum so that we have fairness and balance.
“You have heard me speak to the legitimate agitation of the tripod in our state because we run three senatorial districts, under which the West Senatorial District ironically in 50 years have not been able to produce a governor here. Therefore, their aspiration is quite legitimate.
“However legitimate and persuaded an aspiration may be, it ceases to be an aspiration if there is no contest. Therefore, let me say to you very clearly that my name is Anthony Oluwasegun Adeyemi Showunmi and I will be running for governor in the 2027 governorship election.
“I have come to you today that I may ask and plead with you that you set up a small committee among yourselves and determine how do we collaborate to make this happen.
“It is clear that even the big parties are fumbling.It is clear that they have entrapped themselves with a lot of legal cases that make the situation difficult. no one party can carry it alone.
“I have come to you today to try and encourage you to empanel a small committee among yourselves. Look at the parties, Labour Party, Boot Party AA, NNPP and let us try and figure out how we can create a platform, determine which of the parties is most unencumbered by which you can go and have the dialogue on governance in Ogun State
“I do not believe that the governance of Ogun can be dashed. And I do not believe that the governance of Ogun is about giving rice or sharing money, it must be about intentional leadership”.
Speaking earlier the Chairman of the IPAC, Ogun State Council, Abayomi Sanyaolu while welcoming Showunmi urged the party chairmen of the political parties to exercise caution before aligning with the ambition of any politicians or else the consequences will come back to haunt them.