Abiodun: Why APC picked Senator Adeola as consensus governorship candidate

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has disclosed the reasons behind the emergence of the senator representing Ogun West, Solomon Adeola, fondly called Yayi, as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 gubernatorial election in the state.

Adeola was unveiled as the party’s governorship candidate at the APC strategic caucus meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, on Monday, April 13, 2026.

Speaking at the event, Abiodun, who is the leader of the APC in Ogun State, said the decision was aimed at presenting a formidable candidate and breaking the jinx of Ogun West Senatorial District not producing a governor since the creation of the state.

He explained that the caucus meeting was convened to secure the buy-in of major party stakeholders, disclosing that he had earlier met with other aspirants who agreed to support the party’s choice.

Abiodun said: “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, 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. Nothing will give me more joy than to fulfill the aspirations of my predecessors and ensure that Ogun West produces the next governor of Ogun State.

“On that note, permit me to unveil the person we have decided will be the next flag bearer of our great party in Ogun State – Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.”

The governor disclosed that a series of consultations were held with key stakeholders, including a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, to arrive at an acceptable candidate to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 governorship election.

Ogun APC Caucus endorses Senator Adeola as consensus guber candidate

Abiodun added: “A lot of discussions have taken place behind the scenes, and these discussions did not just start a month or two ago. I must confess that they began about six months ago.

“The president called Chief Olusegun Osoba, who in turn reached out to me and a few others. He expressed satisfaction with what we are doing and indicated his interest in having a say in who would work with him in Ogun State in the next election.”

He stated that after carefully assessing all aspirants who indicated interest in the governorship race, a candidate was selected based on competence, capacity, and Tinubu’s understanding of each aspirant.

Abiodun said: “He asked me which zone I preferred for the next governor to come from, and without hesitation, I said Ogun West. When he asked why, I told him it is the only senatorial district that has not produced a governor in the history of the state.

“I also told him that this position aligns with the aspirations of my predecessors. We may disagree on other issues, but on this, we are in agreement.”

In his acceptance speech, Senator Adeola pledged to continue on the path of progress as bequeathed by past leaders, saying Ogun State would experience more development as he is aware of the aspirations of the state’s founding fathers.

Adeola noted the strategic importance of Ogun State in the country, saying that with the support and cooperation of all, he would not let the party and the state down.