Ahead of 2027: Ogun APC Gov Candidate Senator Adeola Yayi Builds Bridges, Unites Aspirants, Secures Broad-Based Support

ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – In a strategic move to foster unity among party stakeholders ahead of the 2027 Ogun State gubernatorial election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate, Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, fondly known as Yayi, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, held a series of high-level meetings with party chieftains in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

As part of his inclusive approach, Senator Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West in the National Assembly, met with fellow aspirant Senator (Prof.) Iyabo Obasanjo alongside her supporters.

The meeting, attended by supporters and political associates of Iyabo Obasanjo, was formally declared open by Alhaja Salmot Badru, the former Xeuty Governor of Ogun State, who commended Iyabo Obasanjo’s enduring contributions to governance and public service.

Addressing the gathering, Senator Solomon Adeola described the visit as a gesture of appreciation, emphasizing that there was no need for reconciliation in light of her early and steadfast support.

He further applauded Iyabo Obasanjo for her performance as a former Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, noting that her achievements in office remain widely recognized and respected.

Senator Adeola Yayi also reassured Iyabo Obasanjo and her supporters of an inclusive approach to both his campaign and governance, stressing that all stakeholders would be duly carried along.

“I am here to thank my sister and to assure her that we will work together. I am ready to align with her vision and ensure that, collectively, we take Ogun State to the next level”, he said.

He further pledged to incorporate her ideas and policy contributions into his agenda, emphasizing that no individual or group would be sidelined.

Continuing his consultations, the senator also met with another former aspirant, Ambassador Sharafa Tunji Ishola, and his supporters.

The meeting proved pivotal, as the former Minister and Ambassador openly declared his unwavering support for Senator Adeola, aligning both himself and his political structure with the APC’s consensus decision.

Ambassador Ishola, who had earlier shown interest in the governorship race before the emergence of Senator Adeola Yayi as the party’s consensus candidate, emphasized the need for unity, discipline, and loyalty within the party.

He reiterated his commitment to the APC’s collective decision, noting that party supremacy remains paramount.

“We are APC members, and we are bound by the decision of the party. As a statesman, I have a duty to abide by that decision”, Ishola stated firmly.

He further highlighted that the consensus arrangement reflected a broad-based agreement among key political stakeholders in Ogun State, including the incumbent governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and former governors Chief Olusegun Osoba, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and Senator Gbenga Daniel.

According to him, the alignment of such influential figures lends strong credibility and legitimacy to the consensus process.

“What consensus can be greater than one that brings together past and present governors of the state?”, he queried.

Taking his support a step further, Ambassador Ishola announced that all political groups under his leadership had unanimously agreed to adopt Senator Adeola as their preferred candidate, pledging total loyalty and cooperation going forward.

In his response, Senator Adeola Yayi expressed deep appreciation for Ambassador Ishola’s consistent support and readiness to work collaboratively.

He noted that their engagements had been fruitful and marked by mutual respect.

“This is the second time we are meeting on this matter, and on both occasions, Ambassador Ishola has demonstrated remarkable support. He has agreed to work closely with me without reservation”, Adeola said.

He added that his outreach to Ambassador Ishola was driven by respect for his wealth of experience, leadership qualities, and contributions to national development, as well as his commitment to the advancement of Ogun State.

“I will not take your support and endorsement for granted”, he assured.

Further demonstrating his respect for party elders and stakeholders, Senator Adeola paid a courtesy visit to a prominent APC chieftain in the state, Chief Joju Fadairo.

The elder statesman offered prayers for the peace, unity, and progress of Ogun State, while affirming his endorsement of Adeola and expressing confidence in his leadership capacity.

Speaking after the series of engagements, Senator Adeola reiterated the collective resolve of party leaders and stakeholders to work together toward electoral success.

“Ambassador Sharafa Ishola, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, and my humble self have collectively agreed to stay united and work together towards delivering a resounding victory for our party, the APC, at all levels in the 2027 general elections,” he stated.

The engagement according to political observers underscored his determination to carry all contestants along in the evolving political process within the party.

They noted that Senator Adeola’s deliberate efforts to engage fellow aspirants and unify party stakeholders signal a maturing political climate within the Ogun State APC.

His inclusive strategy is widely seen as a positive step toward strengthening cohesion within the party, as it prepares for the crucial 2027 gubernatorial election.

Governor Abiodun and the Politics of Stability in Ogun East Senatorial District
*by Olufemi Aduwo

The political developments presently unfolding within the Ogun East Senatorial District require sober reflection, honesty and historical perspective. I make these observations not as an outsider, but as someone who has maintained cordial relationships with both Gbenga Daniel (whom I respectfully call him Ẹgbọn till date) and Senator Ibikunle Amosun over many years, both during their respective tenures as governors of Ogun State and long after they left office.

I visited Otunba Daniel at his country home in Sagamu and met him on several occasions at his Lagos residence. Likewise, I visited Senator Amosun while he was governor. My relationship with both men was neither casual nor opportunistic. Indeed, I rendered substantial assistance and support to Otunba Daniel during difficult moments in his political journey after he left office, and he is fully aware of this.

There was a period during the tenure of Senator Amosun when relations between both men deteriorated severely. Otunba Daniel himself told me that he could scarcely enter Abeokuta freely due to the prevailing political hostility. His hotel in Abeokuta was sealed by the government of Senator Amosun.

Out of concern for reconciliation and political stability, I personally pleaded with Senator Amosun in his office regarding the reopening of the hotel. Senator Amosun explained his reasons and grievances at the time. Whatever disagreements existed then have now become part of history, and it is commendable that both men presently coexist within the same political platform, the All Progressives Congress.

However, present realities must also be confronted with sincerity rather than sentimentality. During the 2023 APC senatorial primary election, Otunba Daniel defeated the incumbent Senator, Olalekan Mustapha. It is difficult to deny that without the decisive support and political accommodation extended by Governor Dapo Abiodun, such a victory would have been exceedingly difficult.At the time, Senator Mustapha possessed the natural advantages of incumbency and deep roots within the party structure. Governor Abiodun nevertheless created an atmosphere of inclusion and reconciliation which ultimately enabled Otunba Daniel’s emergence.

What many party faithful found troubling thereafter were the widespread allegations that Otunba Daniel worked against the Governor’s re-election during the 2023 governorship election. Whether wholly accurate or partly exaggerated, such perceptions generated considerable resentment within sections of the APC and inevitably weakened trust amongst party stakeholders.

The recent caucus meeting held in Ijebu-Ode regarding the Ogun East Senatorial District has equally generated unnecessary controversy. From available accounts, Governor Abiodun emerged as the preferred candidate through a process conducted within established party procedures. Otunba Daniel attended the meeting accompanied by individuals who were not recognised members of the caucus. Those individuals were denied entry because they lacked the constitutional standing to participate in what was strictly an internal caucus gathering.

To subsequently suggest publicly that he himself was denied entry was, at best, economical with the truth.He decided not to participate. It was only the unauthorised individuals accompanying him who were refused admission. Such distinctions are important in political communication and public honesty.

More importantly, the APC constitution clearly recognises both consensus arrangements and direct primary elections. Therefore,if Otunba Daniel genuinely believed the process was unfair, nothing prevented him from canvassing openly for a direct primary.Yet political realities within Ogun State remain unmistakable. Many within the party leadership strongly believe that Governor Abiodun presently represents the safer, stronger and more strategic option for the Ogun East Senatorial District.

The reasons are neither sentimental nor accidental. Governor Abiodun played a significant leadership role in stabilising the internal structure of the APC and in the political negotiations that produced Senator Yayi as the party’s gubernatorial candidate. At a period capable of generating dangerous factional conflict, he chose conciliation over confrontation and party unity over personal ego.

If the issue is considered from the standpoint of political compensation and loyalty, there is a persuasive argument that the Governor deserves the senatorial ticket. If it is assessed on the basis of leadership performance, administrative stability and political maturity, the argument becomes even stronger. His administration has recorded measurable progress in infrastructure development and fiscal management.

What is deeply regrettable however, is the increasingly hostile rhetoric allegedly emanating from certain overzealous supporters of Otunba Daniel. Resorting to insults, name-calling and inflammatory attacks neither strengthens his political position nor advances democratic engagement. Politics should never descend into destructive bitterness. Every political actor possesses a history capable of public scrutiny, and mutual restraint remains essential.

Otunba Daniel has exercised his constitutional and political right by obtaining nomination forms. That right must be respected. Nevertheless, the ultimate responsibility now rests with the leadership of the APC to determine the most appropriate path forward in the broader interest of party unity, electoral stability and political continuity. The party must therefore place collective interest above individual ambition.

Governor Abiodun has consistently demonstrated composure, leadership, reconciliation, and administrative discipline. Supporting him is not merely about advancing one political figure; it is about preserving internal stability and ensuring the continued progress of Ogun State under the APC.

Politics ultimately, is transient. Offices come and go, but the long-term stability and prosperity of the state must remain paramount. The wisest course for all concerned is to embrace maturity, avoid needless acrimony and allow the party leadership to take its decision without intimidation, emotional blackmail or orchestrated division.

Lagos Assembly Endorses Tinubu’s Second Term Bid, Names New Clerk

The Lagos State House of Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office, citing landmark reforms and achievements recorded under his administration and pledging to mobilise resources to ensure his re-election.

The motion was moved by Hon. Oladipo Ajomale, representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Tuesday, April 28.

After Hon. Ajomale’s motion, the legislators, one after the other, rose to trumpet the significant strides made under Tinubu’s leadership. They pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy, a bold reform that has saved the nation trillions of naira annually and redirected funds into infrastructure and social welfare. They also commended the unification of exchange rates, which has boosted transparency and attracted foreign investment inflows, stabilising the economy and restoring investor confidence.

The lawmakers praised the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has expanded access to higher education for millions of Nigerian youths. They noted that this initiative has provided unprecedented opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their academic dreams without financial barriers.

Infrastructure development was also a major talking point. Members cited the rehabilitation of refineries and the expansion of major projects, such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto-Badagry corridor. These projects, they argued, are not only improving connectivity across the country but also creating jobs and stimulating local economies.

Economic diplomacy under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was lauded, with lawmakers referencing the billions of dollars in foreign direct investment commitments secured from the United Kingdom, United States, and other global partners. They stressed that these investments are critical to Nigeria’s long-term growth and industrialisation agenda.

Food security initiatives were equally acknowledged. The Assembly noted the removal of import duties on rice and wheat, alongside the release of grain reserves to cushion the impact of inflation on households. These measures, they said, demonstrate the administration’s responsiveness to the needs of ordinary Nigerians.

Speaker Obasa, in his closing remarks, affirmed that the resolution reflects Lagos’ leadership role among state legislatures nationwide. He declared that President Tinubu’s administration has delivered “tangible and impactful achievements” across sectors.

“From stabilising our economy through subsidy reforms to empowering our youths with education loans, President Tinubu has renewed the hope of Nigerians. Lagos, as a pace-setter, stands firmly behind his second-term bid. If other political parties want to contest, they must first tell Nigerians what they achieved when given the chance to govern,” Obasa stated.

The Speaker emphasised that the endorsement was not merely symbolic but a demonstration of the Assembly’s unity and commitment to progress. He noted that Lagos has always been at the forefront of legislative innovation and political leadership, and this resolution further cements its role as a trailblazer among state assemblies.

In a related development, the Assembly confirmed new appointments within its administrative ranks. Mrs. Adenike Oshinowo, formerly Deputy Clerk, was announced as the new Clerk of the House, making history as the first female to occupy the position. Her appointment was described as a recognition of her dedication and years of service to the Assembly.

Other confirmations included Mr. Olaosebikan Ebenezer, former Deputy Director, Legislative, as Deputy Clerk; Mrs. Latifat Ogbara as substantive Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission (LAHASCOM), Mr. Remi Bello as Commissioner in LAHASCOM, and Mrs Adeola Victoria Modupe as Secretary to the Commission. These appointments, according to the Speaker, strengthen the Assembly’s administrative capacity and underscore its commitment to effective governance.

The Speaker congratulated the appointees and urged them to discharge their duties with diligence and integrity. He stressed that the Assembly’s administrative reforms will enhance efficiency and ensure that the legislature continues to serve the people of Lagos effectively.