APC Ogun Central Chairman Reaffirms Loyalty To Party Amid Son’s Defection, Niece’s PDP Deputy Governorship Nomination
By Oludare Joshua
The Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Sunday Sowunmi, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the ruling party, distancing himself from the recent political decisions of his son and niece, both of whom have become associated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.
Chief Sowunmi made the declaration during a press conference held at his residence on Tuesday, where he addressed growing public speculation linking him to the recent political realignments involving members of his family.
The development followed the reported resignation of his son, Hon. Olarenwaju Ebenezer Sowunmi, popularly known as LASEM and a former Special Assistant on Agriculture to Governor Dapo Abiodun, from the APC. Hon. Ebenezer subsequently joined the PDP, where his cousin, Dr. Lateefat Oyeyemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, was recently unveiled as the deputy governorship running mate to the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu.
Addressing journalists, Chief Sowunmi emphasized that his son’s decision was entirely personal and should not be interpreted as a reflection of his own political allegiance.
According to him, every adult possesses the constitutional right to freely associate with any political party of choice, stressing that while he respects his son’s decision, he neither encouraged nor supports the move.
He explained that party officials had visited him earlier to brief him on the development, adding that his political convictions remain firmly rooted in the APC.
Chief Sowunmi stated that he had clearly informed his son that the decision to leave the APC was solely his responsibility and that he would receive no political backing from him in pursuing that path.
”I remain a committed member of the APC and my position has not changed. My son made his decision as an adult, but that decision does not represent me in any way. I have never supported the PDP and I have no intention of abandoning the progressive ideals I have stood for throughout my political career,” he said.
The APC stalwart also dismissed insinuations that he played any role in the emergence of his niece, Dr. Sowunmi-Kolapo, as the PDP deputy governorship candidate.
Chief Sowunmi disclosed that neither the candidate nor her father—his elder brother—consulted him before the nomination was made public.
He noted that despite maintaining a close family relationship with his elder brother, the subject was never discussed with him at any point before the announcement.
According to him, Dr. Sowunmi-Kolapo had visited him in recent weeks as part of routine family interactions but did not reveal any information regarding her political elevation within the PDP.
He therefore maintained that any assumption that he influenced or endorsed her nomination was entirely unfounded and based solely on family ties rather than political realities.
Reiterating his loyalty to the APC and the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun, Chief Sowunmi stated that he has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the progressive political family and has never formally belonged to any opposition party.
He noted that since the formation of the PDP, he has never identified with the party and sees no reason to abandon the APC, particularly given the cordial relationship he enjoys with Governor Abiodun and the recognition accorded to him by the present administration.
The APC leader further commended Governor Abiodun for his leadership style and support, describing his experience within the current administration as rewarding and respectful.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the APC in Abeokuta South Local Government, Hon. Henry Fagbenro, also reacted to the development, stating that party leaders and stakeholders within the local government were neither informed nor consulted before Hon. Ebenezer’s defection.
Fagbenro described Chief Sowunmi as a disciplined, principled, and consistent political leader whose reputation should not be judged based on the independent decisions of an adult family member.
He maintained that the APC structure in Abeokuta South remains united and fully committed to the party’s leadership and future electoral aspirations in Ogun State.
The development has continued to generate political discussions across the state, particularly as preparations gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election. However, Chief Sowunmi’s emphatic reaffirmation of his allegiance appears aimed at dispelling any doubts regarding his political loyalty and reinforcing his continued commitment to the APC’s progressive agenda in Ogun State.
