DR. CHETACHI NWOGA-ECTON DECLARES LOYALTY TO APC, PLEDGES UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU AND GOVERNOR HOPE UZODINMA

A frontline aspirant for the Owerri Zone Senatorial seat, Dr. Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton, has reaffirmed her unflinching loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while pledging total support for the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of Hope Uzodinma.

Dr. Nwoga-Ecton made this declaration while addressing journalists shortly after officially purchasing her Senatorial Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms at the Ladi Kwali Conference Hall.

Speaking with clarity and conviction, she emphasized her deep-rooted commitment to the APC, noting that her political journey has been defined by loyalty, service, and consistent contributions both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.

She used the opportunity to advocate strongly for gender equity and inclusive representation in Nigerian politics. According to her, the APC has a historic opportunity to distinguish itself as the most progressive and balanced political party in Nigeria by promoting female inclusion at the highest legislative level.

“Imagine a Nigeria where each of the 36 states produces at least one female senator,” she stated. “That would not only redefine representation but also strengthen governance through diversity, balance, and broader perspectives.”

Dr. Nwoga-Ecton, currently the only female aspirant in the Owerri Zone senatorial race, described her candidacy as a bold step toward breaking barriers and inspiring more women to actively participate in governance and decision-making processes.

Dispelling notions that she is new to the political terrain, she highlighted her significant role during the last general elections as Coordinator of the Tinubu Diaspora Ambassadors in New York, where she mobilized awareness, resources, and strategic support that contributed to the success of President Tinubu’s campaign.

Her political footprint, she stressed, extends beyond titles, reflecting years of dedication, grassroots engagement, and steadfast support for the APC both at home and abroad.

Dr. Nwoga-Ecton also reiterated her strong connection to her roots in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area, where she has remained a loyal party stakeholder and active contributor to the growth and unity of the APC at the grassroots level.

“As a committed party woman and daughter of Ahiazu Mbaise, I remain devoted to the ideals of our great party and the progress of our people,” she affirmed.

With her entry into the senatorial race, Dr. Chetachi Nwoga-Ecton brings a blend of experience, loyalty, and visionary leadership, positioning herself as a credible voice for inclusive governance and sustainable development in Owerri Zone and beyond.

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.