By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
ILARA REMO, OGUN STATE —
Southwest chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and 2023 Ogun gubernatorial candidate, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has revealed that he was offered large sums of money by opposition parties to abandon his candidacy during the 2023 governorship race. But he firmly declined, saying his mission was to liberate the people of Ogun State from the grip of misrule and exploitation.
Ajadi made this disclosure on Sunday August 3, at the Ilara Remo Town Hall during the official campaign flag-off for Rasaq Segun Shofowora (RSS), the NNPP candidate vying for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the upcoming by-election scheduled for August 16, 2025.
“I was approached and lured with money during my 2023 governorship race, but I told them I wasn’t in the race to enrich myself,” Ajadi said. “I was focused on rescuing the people of Ogun State from those who have been mismanaging our collective resources for selfish interests.”
Ajadi, known for his grassroots political engagement, called on the electorate, especially parents and guardians, to reject vote-selling and vote-buying during the coming polls, saying, “The future of our children is in our hands.”
“When people sell their votes, they sell their future. The real dividend of democracy can only come when the right candidates win, and that will never happen if votes are exchanged for rice or money,” he said.
Ajadi also threw his full weight behind Shofowora, describing him as “a son of the soil, committed to justice and progress.”
“Rasaq Segun Shofowora is your son. He understands your pains, and he has the energy and empathy to represent this constituency well in Abuja. I urge you all — come August 16 — vote your conscience, vote for RSS.”
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The Remo Federal Constituency, which includes Sagamu, Ikenne, and Remo North, became vacant following the death of Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip and APC lawmaker who passed away in January 2025.
In his remarks, Barrister Femi John Aina, Ogun State NNPP chairman, commended Ajadi for his unwavering commitment to the party and the people.
“Ajadi has demonstrated uncommon courage and a heart for the people. His humanitarian projects speak for him. Come 2027, he will surely become the Governor of Ogun State by the grace of God and the will of the people,” Aina declared.
The party chairman didn’t spare the major political parties either, asserting that the APC and PDP had failed Nigerians.
“They have nothing new to offer. We must begin the correction process by voting in Rasaq Segun Shofowora — a man with a conscience and vision.”
Taking the podium to address the excited crowd, Shofowora, a political newcomer with a grassroots following, pledged to change the narrative of representation in Remo land.
“I am a son of nobody who wants to fight for the sons and daughters of nobody to become somebody in this society,” he said. “I pray every day for God to make me a pillar of blessing to everyone around me.”
Shofowora lamented how constituency allowances — running into billions of naira — are often misappropriated by public office holders.
“A representative gets over ₦1.5 billion annually. That money should not be used for private dinners. If we truly fear God, we will invest it in our people — our farmers, traders, students, and the aged.”
“Our graduates need jobs. Our mothers need market support. Our old people should have access to healthcare without stress. I promise you this: all 13 towns in Remo will feel the impact of true representation.”
In a passionate appeal to the electorate, he said:
“No amount of money they give you on election day can lift you from poverty. If you believe in a New Nigeria, vote for a candidate with fresh ideas and a clear conscience. Vote for your brother and son, Rasaq Segun Shofowora.”
Also present at the flag-off event were key NNPP leaders, including the Southwest PRO, Comrade Kilamuwaye Badmus; Ogun State Secretary, Alhaja Shakirat Arowolo; State Women Leader, Mrs. Foluke Precious Bagbasoro; Assistant Financial Secretary, Hon. Adenaya Fatai (aka Modawoni); State Youth Leader, Hon. Funso Jide Adekunle; Hon. Kehinde Teluwo and Hon. Akingbala Semiu among others.
The campaign event entails a strong call from party officials to end transactional politics and embrace a people-centered government, with NNPP positioning itself as the true alternative in Ogun politics.
