By Ghazali Ibrahim
For the first time in recent political memory, the road to the Ogun State Government House in Okemosan is witnessing an unusual and historic twist with three high-profile women are positioning themselves at the centre of the 2027 governorship contest.
In a state where the governorship has traditionally been dominated by men, the emergence of these women is stirring conversations across party lines, residents of ogun State and among stakeholder, raising a fundamental question: Could Ogun be on the brink of electing its first female governor?
BlackBox Nigeria curates the three women who are on the frontline of leading the gateway’s state to fruition:
Leading the conversation is Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and a former senator who represented Ogun Central.
After about 15 years away from frontline politics, Obasanjo recently rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared her intention to contest for governor in 2027. Speaking during a radio appearance, she expressed confidence in securing the APC ticket, insisting she has both the experience and vision to reposition Ogun State.
Her declaration has drawn support from some traditional leaders, particularly in Ogun West, where calls for broader political inclusion have grown louder. While debates over zoning continue especially demands that the governorship shift to Ogun West. Obasanjo has argued that such arrangements are political agreements rather than constitutional obligations. Her re-entry has instantly raised the stakes of the race.
Another woman setting her sights on the governorship is Modele Sarafa‑Yusuf, a former journalist and APC chieftain who announced her intention to contest the 2027 election on the APC ticket. Sarafa-Yusuf, who previously sought the party’s nomination in 2022 but did not secure it, said her renewed ambition is rooted in “deep reflection and wide consultation” with party stakeholders.
In a statement posted on her official X handle on Thursday, she says her focus is on delivering stable, inclusive governance and managing growth equitably across the state. Sarafa-Yusuf has stressed that her bid is about competence and preparedness rather than gender symbolism, even as she acknowledges the historic nature of a woman seeking the state’s top job.
While acknowledging the symbolic importance of a woman seeking the top seat, Sarafa-Yusuf who had stint during her time as a sport journalist at Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) insists her campaign is rooted in competence, preparedness and policy depth rather than gender sentiment.
Her re-emergence adds an experienced internal challenger within the APC folks.
Another possible contender for the same seat is the current deputy governor of the state. Though she has not formally declared her ambition, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, remains a significant figure in discussions about 2027.
Having served alongside Governor Dapo Abiodun since 2019, Salako-Oyedele brings executive experience and technocratic credentials to the table. Political observers say her proximity to power and administrative exposure could position her as a formidable contender should she decide to enter the race.
Since Ogun State’s creation in 1976, no woman has occupied the governor’s office. The emergence of three serious female figures in the early stages of the 2027 race signals a potential shift in the state’s political culture.
Beyond party primaries and zoning calculations, the contest may ultimately test how far Ogun’s electorate is willing to embrace gender diversity at the highest level of leadership.
As alignments form and declarations multiply in the months ahead, one thing is certain: the 2027 governorship race in Ogun is no longer business as usual.
