Farmers across Ogun State have raised concerns over what they described as the failure of agricultural intervention programmes by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that tractors and other farm equipment reportedly procured by elected officials were not made accessible to genuine farmers.
The farmers made the allegation during an engagement meeting with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, held at Osoba Hilltop, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The State Coordinator of the Egba Rural Farmers Association, Adebowale Jamiu, who spoke on behalf of the farmers, alleged that some agricultural equipment were only displayed during inauguration ceremonies for publicity purposes but were not released for the benefit of farmers who needed them for their farming activities.
According to him, the lack of access to essential agricultural resources such as tractors, fertilisers, and other inputs had increased the difficulties faced by farmers across the state, leading many into losses and debts.
Jamiu described the situation as “audio empowerment,” claiming that many farmers in Ogun State could not identify any meaningful impact of the agricultural interventions announced by government officials.
“They have been doing audio empowerment. No farmer in Ogun can boast of any farm equipment. They display these tractors and other items but they do not get to farmers. They present these equipment and immediately negotiate how they will sell them,” he said.
He added that the alleged practices had negatively affected farmers’ productivity and economic stability, stressing that farmers were now seeking leaders who would prioritise genuine agricultural development.
The farmers subsequently declared their support for the PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu; Senator Iyabo Obasanjo; and the party’s candidate for Abeokuta North, Odeda and Obafemi Owode Federal Constituency, Dele Olaleye, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jamiu expressed confidence that the PDP candidates would address the challenges confronting farmers if elected, urging farmers across the state to return to their communities and mobilise support for the party.
Responding to the concerns, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo assured the farmers that she would collaborate with Ladi Adebutu and other PDP elected representatives to tackle the challenges affecting agriculture in Ogun State.
Also speaking, Dele Olaleye highlighted the importance of local government autonomy as part of the PDP’s agenda, noting that stronger grassroots administration would improve agricultural development and positively impact the lives of farmers.
The Deputy Governorship Candidate of Ogun PDP, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, further encouraged the farmers to intensify mobilisation efforts for the party, stating that improved governance would bring relief to farmers and residents across the state.
She urged the farmers to actively participate in the democratic process, protect their votes, and work towards ensuring credible elections in 2027.
The engagement meeting provided a platform for farmers to express their concerns over agricultural policies while allowing PDP candidates to outline their plans for improving farming and rural development in Ogun State.
