Olawunmi Ajibike
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) has been officially unveiled as the governorship candidate of the Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election.
The announcement was made at the APC Strategic Caucus Meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Iyana Mortuary, Abeokuta. Governor Dapo Abiodun, leader of the party in the state, said the decision was aimed at presenting a strong candidate while addressing the long-standing absence of a governor from Ogun West Senatorial District since the state’s creation.
He explained that the meeting was convened to secure the support of key stakeholders, noting that he had earlier engaged other aspirants who agreed to align with the party’s choice.
“Today, those I considered as front-runners in Ogun West have given their consent and bought into the idea.
“The reason Ogun West has not been able to produce a governor until now is due to a lack of cooperation. I am proud to say that I have spoken to Hon. Biodun Akinlade and Hon. Gboyega Isiaka, and I can confirm that they are fully on board with having a single Ogun West candidate.
“Nothing will give me more joy than to break the 50-year-old jinx and ensure that Ogun West produces the next governor of Ogun State.
“On that note, permit me to unveil the person we have chosen as the next flag bearer of our great party in Ogun State—Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola,” he said.
Governor Abiodun disclosed that extensive consultations were held with party leaders and stakeholders, including a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, before arriving at the decision.
“A lot of discussions have taken place behind the scenes, and these discussions did not just start recently. They began about six months ago.
“The President called Chief Olusegun Osoba, who in turn reached out to me and others. He expressed satisfaction with what we are doing and showed interest in who would work with him in Ogun State in the next election,” he added.
The governor said the choice of Adeola followed careful consideration of all aspirants based on competence, capacity, and overall suitability. He also emphasized the importance of financial strength in contesting elections.
He added that the party has expanded significantly in recent years, attracting new members and consolidating its position as the dominant political force in the state.
While acknowledging the right of members to aspire to leadership positions, Abiodun urged party faithful to remain united and act in line with the Electoral Act.
In his acceptance speech, Senator Adeola pledged to build on the achievements of past leaders and deliver greater development to the state.
He noted Ogun State’s strategic importance and assured party members and residents that he would not disappoint, promising to uphold the trust placed in him.