By Ghazali Ibrahim
Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Ogun State.
The announcement was made on Monday during a high-level strategic caucus meeting of the party held in Abeokuta, attended by key political stakeholders, including former governors and serving lawmakers.
Adeola, popularly known as “Yayi,” currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly and has been a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape.
Governor Abiodun, who has led Ogun State since 2019, said the decision followed consultations within the party aimed at preserving unity and ensuring continuity ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
The consensus arrangement, according to party leaders, is designed to avoid a divisive primary contest and rally members around a single candidate capable of sustaining the APC’s dominance in the state.
The announcement reportedly drew loud cheers from party faithful at the meeting venue, with supporters of Adeola celebrating what many described as a long-anticipated endorsement.
In his acceptance remarks, the senator expressed gratitude to party leaders and pledged to uphold unity within the APC, promising to build on the achievements of the current administration and maintain stability in the state.
The development is expected to reshape the political dynamics in Ogun State, where interest in the 2027 governorship race has been building, with several aspirants previously signalling ambition.
While consensus candidacies have become a recurring strategy within the APC to manage internal competition, the move may also generate debate among party members and opposition groups over inclusiveness in the candidate selection process.
With the endorsement, Adeola is now widely seen as the frontrunner in the race to succeed Abiodun, as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the next electoral cycle.
