The candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) for Ogun governorship election in 2027, Mr Akinbola Rotham, has withdrawn a suit challenging the eligibility of his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Sen. Solomon Adeola. This decision was announced by Rotham at a news conference in Abeokuta on Friday. He cited his conviction that the collective aspiration of Ogun West to produce the next governor of the state should take precedence over personal political interests.
Rotham and Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, are both contenders in the 2027 governorship election and sons of Ogun west. Rotham emphasized that the Ogun west agenda must come before personal political interests. Ogun west indigenes have waited for 50 years for the opportunity to produce a governor, and this aspiration should not be undermined by political differences.
Rotham urged political actors to move beyond controversies surrounding place of birth, parental origin, and indigeneship. Instead, emphasis should be placed on competence, capacity, character, accountability, and good governance. He described Adeola as his brother and political colleague and called for constructive competition among political actors in the zone.
According to Rotham, his decision to withdraw the case was in line with the philosophy of the NNPP. The party regards other political parties as sister parties rather than enemies. Opposition politics should be used to engage constructively and advance the interests of the people. Rotham also acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the founder of the NNPP, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu.
Rotham's decision was also influenced by Adeola's membership of the president's political family. This was another consideration in avoiding unnecessary political distractions that could affect the broader interests of Ogun west and the state. He dismissed speculation that his withdrawal was influenced by money, financial gratification, or political settlement.
Rotham reaffirmed his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election. He extended a hand of brotherhood and constructive engagement to Adeola. Rotham made it clear that his withdrawal was not induced by money, financial gratification, political settlement, or any personal inducement whatsoever. His decision was entirely based on principle, reflection, and his conviction.
The withdrawal of the suit, Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/135/2026, was in the interest of peace, unity, and developmental democracy. Rotham's decision has been seen as a move towards promoting unity and cooperation among political actors in Ogun state. The 2027 governorship election is expected to be a major contest, with several candidates vying for the position.
Key points
- NNPP's Akinbola Rotham withdraws suit against APC's Sen. Solomon Adeola.
- Rotham cites collective aspiration of Ogun West as reason for withdrawal.
- Decision aims to promote unity and cooperation among political actors in Ogun state.
