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.

OLAOGUN URGES APC TO PRIORITISE COMPETENCE OVER PROPAGANDA AHEAD OF 2027 POLLS

Ogbomoso, Oyo State — A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and aspirant for the Ogbomoso North Constituency, Babatunde Amos Olaogun, has called on party leaders and stakeholders to prioritise competence, capacity, and proven track record over propaganda as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement addressed to constituents and party stakeholders, Olaogun expressed concern over moves within the party to adopt a consensus candidate, warning that such a process must not undermine merit or the overall interest of the constituency.
While reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and respect for party supremacy, the aspirant stressed that the essence of political participation is to ensure quality representation and effective leadership.

“Consensus must not become an excuse to sacrifice merit on the altar of convenience or propaganda. Our constituency deserves more than slogans,” he said.

Olaogun, who described himself as a scientist, administrator, and entrepreneur, said his diverse professional background positions him to deliver evidence-based leadership, attract developmental projects, and provide responsive representation to the people of Ogbomoso North.

Highlighting his past engagements, he noted that even without holding elective office, he has contributed to the welfare of constituents through medical outreaches, educational scholarships, and the provision of examination forms for students.

He assured constituents that greater impact would be achieved if given the party’s mandate, promising quality legislation, strategic empowerment programmes, and people-oriented governance

The APC aspirant also appealed to party leaders, delegates, and stakeholders to place the interest of Ogbomoso North above all considerations in selecting a candidate.
“Let us choose a candidate who can win and, more importantly, can perform. Let us choose capacity over clout, and track record over empty promises,” he urged.

Olaogun further encouraged constituents to actively engage party leaders in the decision-making process, insisting that the constituency cannot afford another cycle of under-representation.

As political activities gradually build up ahead of 2027, his remarks add to the growing conversation within party ranks on the need for credible and competent candidates to drive grassroots development.