2027: NNPP guber candidate Rotham withdraws suit challenging Adeola’s eligibility

The governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Ogun, Mr Akinbola Rotham, has withdrawn a suit challenging the eligibility of Sen. Solomon Adeola, the APC governorship candidate.

Rotham announced the withdrawal against Adeola, popular known as Yayi on Friday at a news conference in Abeokuta.

He said his decision to withdraw the case, Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/135/2026 was based on his conviction that the collective aspiration of Ogun West to produce the next governor of the state should take precedence over personal political interests.

Rotham said both he and Adeola were sons of Ogun west and contenders in the 2027 governorship election.

“For me, the Ogun west agenda must come before personal political interests,” he said.

According to him, Ogun west indigenes have waited for 50 years for the opportunity to produce a governor, and this aspiration should not be undermined by political differences.

Rotham urged political actors to move beyond controversies surrounding place of birth, parental origin and indigeneship, saying emphasis should be placed on competence, capacity, character, accountability and good governance.

“Having reflected deeply on the matter, I concluded that continuing Suit No. FHC/AB/CS/135/2026 would not serve the larger interest of Ogun west or contribute positively to our democratic culture.

“I’ve therefore, decided to halt the process in the interest of peace, unity and developmental democracy,” he said.

Rotham described Adeola as his brother and political colleague just as he called for constructive competition among political actors in the zone.

He said his decision was also in line with the philosophy of the NNPP, which regarded other political parties as sister parties rather than enemies.

According to him, opposition politics should be used to engage constructively and advance the interests of the people.

Rotham also acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and the founder of the NNPP, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu.

He said Adeola’s membership of the president’s political family was another consideration in avoiding unnecessary political distractions that could affect the broader interests of Ogun west and the state.

The NNPP candidate however dismissed speculation that his withdrawal was influenced by money, financial gratification or political settlement.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that my withdrawal was not induced by money, financial gratification, political settlement or any personal inducement whatsoever.

“Sen. Yayi and I had never met personally before this matter. My decision was entirely based on principle, reflection and my conviction,” he said.

Rotham reaffirmed his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election, but extended a hand of brotherhood and constructive engagement to Adeola.