*Ogun’s Future at Risk, Says MAO, Faults ‘Anointed’ Consensus Candidate Yayi*

“In a land starved of vision, even the barely capable are crowned as kings.”

With this striking illustration, Chairman of the Egba Agenda Forum, High Chief Mustapha Abdulakeem Owolabi (MAO), has condemned the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, Owolabi described the development as a “quiet and almost shameful orchestration,” insisting that the process reflects calculated imposition rather than the genuine will of the people.

According to him, while Yayi may have found political footing in Ogun about six years ago through Yewa, his elevation as a statewide consensus candidate without what he termed “a true test of popular mandate” raises fundamental concerns about the state of democracy in Ogun.

“This is not democracy; it is orchestration,” Owolabi declared.

The Egba Agenda Forum chairman further alleged that the move represents a stepping stone in a broader political design, suggesting that Ogun State risks becoming an extension of entrenched political influence beyond its borders.

He argued that the ambition behind the arrangement is “structured, patient and deliberate,” warning that such consolidation threatens the independence of the state’s political space.

Owolabi blamed past administrations for laying the groundwork for what he described as the recycling of failure. He accused previous leaders of governing “without building,” entrenching poverty, weakening institutions and replacing sustainable development with dependency.

“The next generation has learned the system too well,” he said. “They understand that you don’t need to fix the people; you only need to manage them.”

He criticized what is often presented as empowerment programmes, describing them as tools of control rather than genuine development initiatives. According to him, with education weakened, healthcare struggling, infrastructure decaying and debt mounting, citizens are left vulnerable to “small relief packages and symbolic gestures” that replace accountability with gratitude.

“This is not progress. It is recycling failure,” the statement read.

The Forum also expressed concern over what it called the systematic weakening of opposition parties, alleging that fractured and destabilized opposition voices leave citizens with “no real alternative only the illusion of choice.”

“True democracy thrives on vibrant, credible opposition. It demands competition, accountability and the constant testing of ideas,” Owolabi stated. “What we are witnessing is a slow drift toward political monopoly disguised as consensus.”

He further criticized former aspirants and political actors who, according to him, have abandoned principles in a bid to secure appointments and remain in the good graces of the “anointed.”

“Principles abandoned, convictions traded, ambition preserved at all costs. Shameful is an understatement,” he said.

Owolabi warned that the situation sends the wrong message to emerging political leaders, who he fears are being trained to perfect the same political playbook rather than inspired to chart a new course.

“A nation cannot rise on manipulation. A people cannot thrive on crumbs,” he added.

Concluding his statement, the Egba Agenda Forum chairman called on Nigerians to reflect deeply on the direction of the country’s democracy.

“‘Nigeria, we hail thee’ but surely, this cannot be the nation our forefathers envisioned, nor the system they hoped to build. If this cycle is not broken, then the future is already compromised. May Nigeria find the courage to demand more.”

APC Picks Adeola Yayi as Consensus Candidate, Declares ‘New Ogun State Is Born’

ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE — The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as its consensus governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

The decision was announced on Monday, April 13, 2026, during a high-level party congress held in Abeokuta, drawing party leaders and stakeholders from across the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who presided over the gathering, said the consensus arrangement was a strategic move to promote equity and inclusiveness, particularly by addressing what he described as a decades-long marginalisation of Ogun West Senatorial District in the state’s leadership structure.

He noted that the decision reflects a deliberate effort by the party to rotate power fairly among the state’s senatorial zones.

“Nothing will give me more joy than to fulfill the dreams of my predecessors — especially ensuring that Ogun West produces the next governor,” Abiodun said.

“I look forward to a time when I will sit proudly with my successor and my fellow former governors at the swearing-in of a new APC governor.”

Amid applause from party faithful, the governor formally unveiled Adeola as the party’s flagbearer, describing him as the most suitable candidate to lead the state into its next phase of development.

The announcement triggered jubilant reactions, with chants of “Yayi” echoing across the venue.

In his acceptance speech, Adeola expressed gratitude to party leaders and members, describing his emergence as a product of unity, sacrifice, and collective vision.

“I believe in oneness and the unity of our dear state and Ogun West by extension,” he said, pledging to justify the confidence reposed in him.

Adeola highlighted Ogun State’s growing economic relevance, noting its status as one of Nigeria’s most industrialised states. He promised to consolidate existing gains while advancing policies that would further drive development and prosperity.

“I will not let you down. I promise to keep the flag flying and maintain the unity, peace, and progress achieved in Ogun State,” he added.

Using a nautical metaphor, the senator assured party members of steady leadership, saying, “The ship I’m about to take over, I will make sure that it does not derail.”

He also emphasized inclusiveness, pledging to unite all factions within the party and across the state, regardless of political differences.

“By the grace of God, I will do my utmost best to keep every member of our great party together and ensure that we remain one indivisible family,” he said.

Declaring a new chapter for the state, Adeola proclaimed, “A new Ogun State is born,” promising a renewed focus on unity, development, and shared prosperity.

The endorsement, which took place during the APC Strategic Caucus Meeting, is widely seen as a defining moment in Ogun State politics, setting the stage for the 2027 governorship race and signaling strong internal cohesion within the ruling party.

“Ajadi Stabilised Party in Crisis,” Oyo Secretary Forum Hails His Role in PDP Unity

The Oyo State governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Sunday reaffirmed that his ambition to serve the people of Oyo State is driven by a desire to sustain the developmental strides of Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he described as a “talk-and-do leader.”

He made this known while hosting executive members of the Secretary Forum from the 33 local government areas of the state at his residence in Ibadan.

“Governor Seyi Makinde has done well for Oyo State. I aspire to ensure continuity of this good governance and build on the solid foundation already laid,” Ajadi said.

The PDP gubernatorial aspirant expressed appreciation to the forum for honouring his invitation, despite the short notice, noting that their unity and turnout reflected a shared commitment to the state’s progress.

I thank you all for coming. This kind of unity shows that we are ready to work together for the future of Oyo State,” he added.

Earlier, the Secretary Forum, comprising political appointees across the 33 local governments, pledged support for Ajadi’s ambition, describing him as a unifying figure within the Oyo PDP.

Speaking on behalf of the forum, the forum’s secretary, Mr. Oyelami Joel, commended Ajadi’s role in stabilising the party during its challenging period.

“He came into the party at a time of internal crisis and has worked tirelessly to unite members. His consultations across the state are visible to all,” he noted.

In her remarks, the forum’s coordinator, Mrs. Tope Alice Aworele from Egbeda Local Government, described Ajadi’s political activities as impactful across the state.

“Your efforts are visible in every nook and cranny of Oyo State. We pray that God crowns your work by making you the party’s flag bearer,” she said.

Ahmed Kazeem said members were pleased to honour Ajadi’s invitation despite the short notice, emphasising their political relevance at the grassroots.

“We are all active political stakeholders appointed under Governor Makinde. Some of us are even former local government chairmen. Our presence here today shows our collective strength and interest,” he said.

Kazeem further stressed that the full attendance demonstrated the seriousness of the forum.

Similarly, Kareem Kazeem from Ibadan South-East Local Government highlighted the significance of the turnout and prayed for Ajadi’s success, urging him to emulate Makinde’s governance style if given the party’s ticket.

Other speakers echoed similar sentiments, describing Ajadi as accessible and committed to party unity.

Mrs. Olaniyi Oluwafunke, Secretary from Ogbomoso North, said Ajadi’s track record and outreach had distinguished him among other aspirants.

“No aspirant has engaged us the way Ajadi has done. That is why we are here—to interact with him and understand his vision,” she said.

She added:

“We have one voice. No aspirant has brought us together like this. We are ready to work with Ajadi.”

In his vote of thanks, Alhaji Hammed Hassan Elerukanfila called for inclusive governance, urging Ajadi to prioritise rural development alongside urban planning if elected governor.

Special prayers were offered for the success of Ajadi’s ambition, bringing the gathering to a close on a note of optimism and political solidarity.