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From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Ogun State, Akinbola Hammed Rotham, at the weekend disclosed why he withdrew the indigeneship suit he filed against the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.
Addressing journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Rotham said he withdrew Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/135/2026 at the Federal High Court, Abeokuta, strictly in the interest of the Ogun West agenda and the future of Ogun State.
The NNPP governorship said after deep reflection, he concluded that continuing the suit would not serve the larger interest of Ogun West or contribute positively to democratic culture, hence his decision to halt the process in the interest of peace, unity and developmental democracy.
According to him, both he and Senator Yayi are sons of Ogun West and contestants in the 2027 governorship election, but the collective aspiration of the zone to produce a governor after 50 years is greater than any individual ambition.
“For me, the Ogun West agenda must come before personal political interests,” Rotham said.
He noted that democracy must mature beyond sentiments and controversies over where an individual was born, where his parents came from, or questions of indigeneship being used as political weapons.
He added that developmental democracy should focus on competence, capacity, character, accountability and ability to deliver good governance.
“Senator Adeola is my brother. We come from the same senatorial district, Ogun West, and we are colleagues in the 2027 governorship contest. Our competition should therefore be a healthy and constructive competition, not one that destroys the very unity we need to advance the interest of our people,” he said.
He stated further that his decision was also consistent with the philosophy of the NNPP, noting that other political parties are not enemies but sister political parties, and that as an opposition party, the NNPP should engage constructively whenever such cooperation can advance the interests of the people.
The NNPP candidate also said he respects the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the founding vision of the NNPP under Dr. Boniface Aniebonam Okechukwu, stressing that “since Senator Adeola belongs to the political family of the President, I do not want unnecessary distractions from the NNPP that could undermine the broader interest of Ogun State and Ogun West”.
“Therefore, as the NNPP Ogun State governorship candidate, I extend my hand of brotherhood, friendship and constructive engagement to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola. Let us compete fairly. Let us respect one another. Let us put Ogun State first,” he said.
Rotham, however, clarified that his withdrawal was not induced by money, financial gratification, political settlement or any personal inducement, adding that he and Senator Yayi had never met personally before the matter.
“My decision was entirely based on principle, reflection and my conviction that the collective interest of Ogun West and Ogun State must come before personal ambition,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the 2027 governorship contest and to building a better Ogun State, insisting that the time has come for Ogun West to get it right.
“This is not about one man. It is about our people. It is not about personal ambition. It is about collective destiny. It is not about division. It is about unity and progress,” Rotham added.
He submitted that he looked forward to meeting Senator Adeola, engaging with him as a brother and fellow contestant, and working with all stakeholders who genuinely desire a better Ogun State.
