The Ogun State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Biodun Collins Ogundipe, has urged Nigerians to prioritise competence, capacity and character when electing governors instead of relying on party loyalty, money politics and ethnic sentiments.
Ogundipe made the call during a media chat in Abeokuta on Monday, where he argued that poor leadership at the state level remains a major factor responsible for Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
He said many states remain underdeveloped because voters continue to elect individuals who lack vision, knowledge and the ability to effectively govern.
The ADC candidate urged Nigerians, particularly youths, to carefully assess political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections and support leaders with proven records and clear development plans.
He said, “Forget about all this guys who will come and campaign to you and say don’t worry, when you get on that day you grab it, run away, steal it. Those days are gone.
“If people are still following such campaigns slogans and they are not telling you how they want to change your life positively, the life of your children and your generations to come then, you should have no business in this 21st century voting for such a person or people that cannot show you track records of what they have done either in the private sector or even in their own business.
“They will say I run a business, sir, come and show us how you have turned over that business so we can know that we are entrusting you with the allocation and resources of this state. People don’t have track records that we can even verify.”
Ogundipe maintained that governance should be centred on the welfare of citizens, alleging that some state governments have failed to adequately address the needs of people at the grassroots.
He also argued that modern security management goes beyond deploying armed personnel and equipment, stressing that effective security in the 21st century requires intelligence gathering, prediction, prevention and quick intervention.
“Ask them of their template for the state, there must be a blueprint. Security is not about carrying guns to chase criminals after the crime has been committed, no, securing lives is not about buying amoured tanks, you see all these governors, dullards, dullards is what you elect as governors.
“They spend billions buying amoured tanks and patrol vehicles when it can be solved through Artificial intelligence driven solutions,” he added.
