Ogun 2027: Governor Abiodun Names Senator Yayi as APC Consensus Governorship Candidate

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has named Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly called Yayi, as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2027 election in the state.

The announcement came on Monday during a strategic APC caucus meeting at the party secretariat in Abeokuta, attended by former governors Olusegun Osoba, Ibikunle Amosun, and Gbenga Daniel, alongside other prominent party stakeholders.

In a video clip from the meeting, Abiodun told party members the decision had already been reached. “But first, we’ve decided who is deserving as the next flag bearer of our dear state,” he said, before naming Adeola as the consensus pick.

The hall erupted in celebration. Trumpets blared. Supporters chanted. Yayi rose to his feet amid the noise.

Abiodun stressed the need for unity going forward, describing the outcome as a product of political magnanimity from all sides. “I am so overjoyed about the level of maturity that has been displayed at this meeting this evening,” he said. “That spirit of no victory, no vanquish because we know that for every time somebody wins, others have lost.”

Former Governors, Aspirants Close Ranks

The presence of all three living former governors of the state at the same meeting is unusual in Ogun politics, where succession battles have historically split the party. That Osoba, Amosun, and Daniel sat in the same room and endorsed the same candidate signals a deliberate effort to avoid the fractured contests that cost the APC in previous cycles.

Several gubernatorial aspirants also stepped down. Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, who had declared her ambition, announced she was suspending her bid and congratulated Yayi on the endorsement. Gboyega Isiaka, Tunde Lemo, and Isiak Akinlade were also in attendance.

Who Is Yayi?

Adeola, currently the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, represents Ogun West Senatorial District. His emergence as consensus candidate marks a significant shift for Ogun West, which has not produced a governor since the return to civilian rule in 1999.

Responding to the endorsement, Adeola thanked party leaders and vowed to build on the work of past administrations. He also thanked President Bola Tinubu and other key APC figures for their support.

Work Ahead for APC

Abiodun reminded the gathering that having a candidate does not equal winning the election. “Just because we now have a candidate does not translate to the fact that we have won the election. We need to now go and prepare for how to win the election,” he said.

The APC will face opposition from the Peoples Democratic Party and other parties in what is expected to be a fiercely contested governorship race in Ogun.

Sources: Punch, Daily Trust, Vanguard, TheCable