The Ogun Nawair-ud-deen Society has promised prayers and political backing for Kolapo, the Peoples Democratic Party’s deputy governorship candidate, and the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, ahead of the 2027 elections.
Muslim leaders endorse PDP ticket
Kolapo addressed worshippers and journalists after Friday’s Jumat service at the Nawair-ud-deen Mosque headquarters in Abeokuta. During the gathering, she received the full support of senior figures in the prominent Muslim organisation in Ogun State.
Led by Sheikh Tiamiyu Olamigoke, the Chief Imam of the Nawair-ud-deen Society’s Abeokuta headquarters and Ogun State, the leaders offered prayers for the success of Kolapo and her running mate in the coming election.
- Kolapo holds the title of Iya Sunnah of Egbaland.
- She is also Ameerah of Ogun State Muslims.
- Religious leaders said her conduct and charitable record before entering electoral politics showed that she could govern with compassion.
- They said Adebutu had made significant contributions to Ogun residents, including members of the Muslim community, and deserved their support.
Response to dispute over INEC list
Asked about celebrations by members of the ruling party following the publication of a disputed Independent National Electoral Commission list, Kolapo said the development had caused public confusion. She said she believed the omission was accidental and would be corrected by the commission.
The deputy governorship candidate said President Bola Tinubu made a sound decision in appointing Prof. Joash Amupitan as INEC chairman. She described Amupitan as an internationally respected professional whose reputation would prevent him from taking actions that could seriously damage his integrity.
While acknowledging that a governing party might seek to exert pressure on officials occupying such positions, Kolapo said she trusted Tinubu’s stated commitment to credible and fair elections, irrespective of who might be affected.
Kolapo dismisses APC celebrations
Addressing the enthusiasm displayed by All Progressives Congress members before and after the INEC list was released, Kolapo said their reaction reflected fear rather than confidence.
She called the effort a “dead-on-arrival mission” and, laughing, said APC members were “soon-to-be IDPs,” meaning Internally Displaced Politicians, suffering from what she termed “IDPA,” or Impending Defeat Panic Attack.
Kolapo said no individual could halt a popular campaign driven by people seeking to safeguard their inheritance and future.
She said there was a clear distinction between politicians acting to protect personal financial interests or retain lucrative offices and those seeking to defend Ogun State’s heritage for future generations. She argued that indigenous residents should not be reduced to second-class status by leaders brought in from outside the state.
- Kolapo said Ogun State’s wealth should benefit its residents.
- She described that position as the foundation of the PDP’s ITURA DE mandate.
- She said an Adebutu-led PDP administration would place citizens’ welfare at the centre of government policy.
- She also pledged genuine financial independence for local governments, with the aim of improving accountability and services at the grassroots level.
Prayers for protection and Ogun State’s progress
Earlier, Alhaja Risikat Ogunfemi, the Otun Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Iya Sunnah of the Nawair-ud-deen Society, appealed to members of the society, the Egba Muslim Community and Muslims across Ogun State to give Kolapo their complete support.
Ogunfemi described Kolapo as a source of pride to the Muslim community and said she would focus on public service if elected alongside Adebutu.
Beyond the collective prayers offered for the PDP ticket’s victory in 2027, imams and Islamic scholars at the mosque separately prayed for the safety of both candidates and for the development of Ogun State.
