Ogun 2023: Adebutu Reaches Agreement With Amosun’s Group; Promises Juicy Appointments

By Akinwale Kasali

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governorship Candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, is not leaving any stone unturned in his quest to emerge as the Governor of Ogun State in 2023.

He has reached an  agreement with Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s loyalist and former governorship candidate under the platform of the Allied Progressive Movement, APM, Adekunle Akinlade at the 2019 elections as regards the 2023 Ogun State governorship polls.

The agreement titled, ‘The Alliance Agreement between Dr Oladipupo Olatunde Adebutu and Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade in respect of the 2023 elections into the Office of Governor, Deputy Governor, related elective positions and appointments in Ogun State, Nigeria’ was signed by the duo.

In line with the terms of the agreement, Adebutu and the PDP shall “concede the position of deputy governor, Ogun West Senatorial ticket, two State House of Assembly Tickets (Ogun Central) to Akinlade and his APM group.

Furthermore, upon emergence as the winner of the elections, Adebutu is required, by the alliance agreement, to concede seven substantive commissioner -slots, 15 special adviser slots, 20 senior special assistant slots, 20 special assistant slots, five statutory board Chairmanship slots and five Local Government Executive Chairman slots.

The agreement which was deposed to by an oath at the High Court of Ogun State, Abeokuta, dated September 16, 2022 was witnessed by the PDP Chairman in the state,  Sikirulai Ogundele, and the Secretary of the party, Sunday Solarin.

Part of the agreement reads:

That Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade, besides his constitutional role as the Deputy Governor, shall be appointed to a Ministry that shall be created to drive new investments, improved revenue growth and development of the state, provided the Deputy Governor shall report directly to the Executive Governor in accordance with extant laws in relation to his official duties and functions of his office as Deputy Governor and Honourable Commissioner for Trade and Investment.

“In furtherance of the Clause A and B hereinabove, Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade shall mobilise and deploy his political capital, groups and other resources of the PDP, particularly to the office of the Governor of Ogun State.

“He shall equally support, assist and promote the political interests of Adebutu and the PDP at all times.

“Each party shall not be a party to any other agreement that would restrict the Parties’ ability to perform any or all of their obligations as set forth in this agreement.

“In the event of any dispute between the parties with reference to this agreement or any matter arising hereunder, the parties shall resolve same by amicable negotiations.”