Engineer Abdul Hamid Olufemi Omotayo, popularly known as “Omo Owo,” the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ogun East Senatorial District, has concluded a week-long tour of the nine local government areas that make up the senatorial district.
The tour covered Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu North, Sagamu, Ikenne, Remo North, Odogbolu, Ijebu East, Ijebu North-East and Ogun Waterside, with the aim of mobilising grassroots support for himself and the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ijebu North-East Local Government was the final stop of the tour.
Speaking at the event, the host and former Chairman of Ijebu North-East Local Government, Otunba Remi Odubote, called on women across the area to embark on house-to-house mobilisation and canvass support for the PDP.
She urged residents to vote for what she described as a party committed to improving the lives of the people, while criticising the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to her, “during the PDP era, things were not like this,” adding that residents should be discerning in choosing their political leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
The week-long tour, which took Omotayo across communities in Ogun East Senatorial District, was described by the senatorial candidate as an engagement and mobilisation exercise aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structures and building stronger connections with residents.
Addressing stakeholders, traditional rulers, Baales, community leaders, youth groups, women leaders and party members across the various local governments, Omotayo said the PDP would promote what he described as “the politics of performance” rather than what he called empty promises.
“Our own politics will be a politics of performance, not empty promises,” he said.
Omotayo also pledged to uphold the reputation of his family, noting that his parents are well-known and respected personalities in Ijebu land.
“I promised you that I will not soil my parents’ name. They are well known, and they are prominent personalities in Ijebu land,” he said.
He added that his interactions with constituents during the tour had provided him with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing residents across the senatorial district.
Omotayo described Adebutu as a leader who sees the entire Ogun State as his constituency, adding that an incoming PDP administration would take deliberate steps to rebuild trust among the state’s diverse communities.
He urged residents to prioritise development-driven politics over ethnic and sentimental considerations, stressing that Ogun East’s political relevance depends on strategic engagement and active participation.
“Our duty is clear. We must galvanise every ward, every polling unit and every household to chase them out in 2027 in Oke-Mosan and in each senatorial district,” Omotayo said.
Reflecting on the tour, Omotayo expressed gratitude to residents, party members, community leaders, youth networks and women’s groups for their participation.
“As I stand at the final stop of our local government tour, my heart is overflowing with profound gratitude. We started this journey with a simple mission: to listen, to learn and to connect.
“From the bustling market squares to the quietest farming communities, you opened your doors, your town halls and your hearts to us. I thank every single person who showed up, asked tough questions and shared their hopes for the future.
“To our local organising committees, our youth networks and our women’s groups, you are the engine of this movement. Because of you, this tour has not just been a campaign; it has been a revival of hope.”
He said the tour exposed him to the everyday realities of residents across the nine local government areas.
“I saw resilient mothers fighting for better healthcare for their children. I saw brilliant young people overflowing with talent but searching for opportunities. I saw farmers and traders asking for the basic infrastructure they need to thrive.
“My people, I heard your voices clearly. You are tired of broken promises, especially from the ruling APC in our state. I can now confirm that you are ready for effective representation in the Senate, judging by the way you came out to honour me.”
According to him, the experiences and concerns shared by residents during the tour would form part of his legislative priorities if elected.
“I learnt many things, and I promised you this: the stories you shared with me on this tour will not be forgotten. They are now etched in my heart and will form the foundation of my legislative agenda,” he said.
Omotayo promised that his representation would be people-oriented and focused on economic empowerment, infrastructure, education and healthcare.
“If you vote for me, I will not be a distant lawmaker; I will be your voice. I will bring real economic empowerment to our communities. I will demand our fair share of federal infrastructure and development. I will ensure education and healthcare are treated as rights, not privileges,” he said.
He, however, stressed that the conclusion of the local government tour marked the beginning of another phase of the campaign.
“The local government tour may be ending today, but our real work is just beginning. A campaign tour can win hearts, but it is your votes that will win elections.
“Go to your wards, talk to your neighbours, friends and family. Protect your votes. Ensure your Permanent Voter Cards are ready, show up early on election day and make your voices heard. Defend the vision we have built together against any distractions.”
Omotayo said the experience had strengthened his confidence in the desire for political change across Ogun East and the state.
“As we close this chapter of our local government tour, I am more confident than ever before. I see the hunger for change, and I see the collective will to achieve it. Together, we are going to usher in a new era of prosperity and dignity for Ogun East Senatorial District and Ogun State in general,” he said.
The Director of the Omotayo for Senate Support Group, Alhaji Kehinde Lawal, commended the turnout recorded across the local government areas visited.
He said the support group would continue to gather feedback from constituents and strengthen the party’s grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Also speaking, the PDP Senatorial Chairman, Engr. Ayinde Awobadejo, urged party members and supporters to use their votes to determine the political direction of the state.
He thanked those who attended the final leg of the tour and assured party faithful and residents that, according to him, “better days are near.”