Ogun Government Hits Back at PDP Candidate Over Deep Seaport Comments

The Ogun State Government has strongly rejected the claim by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Ogun East, Abdul-Hameed Omotayo, that the proposed $7 billion Gateway Deep Seaport is just another broken promise. The government called this remark a careless twist of facts and an attempt to use a major investment for political gain. They said it shows a lack of concern for the economic future of the state.

In a statement on Saturday, the government accused Omotayo of engaging in dirty politics with an investment plan that has formal agreements signed with global port operator DP World. These agreements were made in Paris on 24 September 2026. The government insisted that the agreements, investment promises, and plans for the Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone are public records that anyone can verify.

The statement highlighted that it is especially concerning for a candidate aiming to represent Ogun East in the Senate to dismiss an investment that could change the economic landscape of the area. It could create jobs and boost the state's industrial and maritime capacity without properly understanding the project's facts.

The statement was signed by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun. He noted that the agreements for the Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone were signed with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, and DP World Group CEO, Yuvraj Narayan.

According to the government, the involvement of top Nigerian officials and the leadership of the international port operator shows how important these agreements are. They believe the proposed investment will strengthen Ogun State’s maritime infrastructure, increase industrial activities, and create jobs.

The government also mentioned a statement from the State House, signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. This statement reported an initial investment of over $7 billion and estimated the creation of 50,000 direct jobs.

The government stressed that the project should be evaluated based on the agreements made, the promises from the parties involved, and measurable steps towards making it happen. "How can you say the deep seaport is another broken promise when real steps have been taken to move the project forward?" the statement asked.

Akinmade stated that the benefits of major infrastructure projects are too significant to ignore for political reasons. He added that many residents have praised the initiative for its potential to create jobs and attract businesses.

He accused Omotayo of being dishonest, saying that responsible political discussions should recognize the difference between a project backed by formal investment agreements and one that is only an announcement. He pointed out that signing an investment agreement is a key step in the development process, but financing, regulatory approvals, and construction are also needed to complete the project.

The government also found it amusing that Omotayo claimed he would defeat Abiodun before noon on election day. They dismissed this as empty political talk that does not address the real development challenges in Ogun East.

They called Omotayo a political dreamer, arguing that his focus on election boasts, rather than on important investment details, raises questions about his understanding of governance and the processes needed for large infrastructure projects.

Akinmade further questioned the credibility and direction of the PDP, pointing out that their governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and his running mate were excluded from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 Ogun governorship election.

He explained that this situation followed INEC’s enforcement of rules regarding party membership registers. This controversy raises doubts about the PDP’s internal processes and whether they comply with electoral rules.

He said the party should fix its internal issues instead of trying to discredit investment plans that could greatly benefit Ogun State.

The government insisted that political criticism should be based on facts and meaningful discussion about policies, not on baseless claims or statements about winning elections.

On development in Ogun East, Akinmade mentioned that since 2019, the Abiodun administration has built and repaired over 243.3 kilometers of roads in the area, part of a total of over 1,600 kilometers across all 20 local government areas.

He highlighted projects like the Ijebu-Ode, Mojoda, Epe Road, Sagamu, Iperu, Ode, Sapaade Road, Ejirin, Idowa, Ibefun, Itokin Road in Odogbolu, Tam Balogun Road in Ijebu-Ode, and Imodi, Imosan Road.

He also mentioned the approval of the J4, Gao Road in Ogun Waterside, along with the construction of over 150 classrooms, primary healthcare projects, and the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport at Iperu-Remo.

The government said these projects are part of a broader development plan to improve connectivity, access to essential services, and create a better environment for economic growth in the state.

"These are real development efforts that can be checked and verified. The discussion should focus on facts, project delivery, and the future of Ogun East, not on unsupported claims," Akinmade said.

The administration emphasized that its infrastructure and investment plans provide a basis for evaluating its development record. They urged political leaders to support their claims with evidence.

The government called on residents to understand the difference between project announcements and the agreements that support them, as well as the next steps needed for implementation. They noted that the progress of the Gateway Deep Seaport should be judged based on real developments.

The Gateway Deep Seaport and Blue Marine Special Economic Zone are expected to grow Ogun State’s maritime and industrial capacity, attract both local and foreign investment, improve logistics and trade, and create job opportunities if the agreements are successfully implemented.

The government confirmed its commitment to pursuing investments and infrastructure projects that will expand the state's economy, encourage private-sector growth, and support long-term development.