By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s declaration of Senator Solomon Adeola ‘Yayi’ as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2027 Ogun governorship race has split the state’s political establishment. While traditional leaders, market unions, and a significant bloc of Ogun West elders have rallied behind Yayi, opposition parties and dissenting voices within the APC are pushing back strongly, describing the move as premature and potentially divisive.
Abiodun announced Yayi’s adoption on Monday at a strategic APC caucus meeting in Abeokuta, telling party leaders: “We’ve decided who is deserving as the next flag bearer of our dear state.” The declaration drew cheers and music as Yayi stood to acknowledge supporters. Present at the meeting were former Governors Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, and Olusegun Osoba, Speaker Oludaisi Elemide, ex-Speaker Olakunle Oluomo, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, and other party chieftains.
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Abiodun said the decision followed “extensive consultations” and was aimed at strengthening internal cohesion ahead of 2027. Strong Backing from Ogun West Yayi’s strongest support is coming from Ogun West, where traditional and political structures have moved early to lock in a bloc vote. Forty-one of 59 Ogun West councillors have publicly endorsed him, citing his “track record and grassroots connection.”
Coronet Obas, Baales, and market leaders in the district last week declared Yayi the “sole governorship candidate” for 2027, describing the move as a “majority consensus” to secure “responsible and reliable governance.” Former Rep. Iyabo Obasanjo has also suspended her governorship bid and congratulated Yayi.
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High Chief Kayode Odunaro, Yayi’s Chief of Staff, told reporters the senator “believes strongly in due process” and dismissed claims he ordered the removal of billboards, blaming “those afraid of his popularity.”
The endorsement has drawn immediate fire from opposition parties and sections of the APC. Commentators noted that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other opposition groups “will naturally react” to the development as part of democratic contestation. Within the ruling party, cracks appeared as a faction of Ogun West councillors released a video disputing claims that 41 members had endorsed Yayi. On social media, critics questioned Yayi’s shift from Lagos politics, with one post stating: “He can’t represent Lagos state for over 2 decades and suddenly remember about Ogun state as if the state is a dumping site.”
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Others tied Yayi’s chances to Abiodun’s record, arguing: “Whoever this failure endorses should be rejected… voters still make the final decision at the polls.” Senator Adeola represented Lagos West Senatorial District for over 20 years in the House of Representatives and Senate before winning the Ogun West Senate seat in 2023. Supporters cite his “administrative capacity” and federal network; critics demand a list of tangible achievements in Ogun since 2023 and question his long absence from the state.
Political observers have identified several potential fault lines:
‘Lagos Baggage’ Narrative: Opponents frame Yayi as an external candidate, complicating efforts to win pan-Ogun sentiment.
Consensus Backlash: Abiodun’s early move may alienate aspirants from Ogun Central and East who feel shut out of the process.
Unclear Ogun Scorecard: Critics insist Yayi must show specific projects in Ogun West since 2023 beyond campaign rhetoric.
Elite Disunity: Despite ex-governors’ presence at Monday’s meeting, the disputed councillor endorsement shows the West bloc is not monolithic.
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Pro-Yayi voices point to market interventions and traditional institution backing as proof of acceptance. Anti-Yayi posts dismiss the project as “stinking food” and question why he is “good for Ogun state governor but not the Lagos state he represented for over 2 decades.” With 18 months to party primaries, the Ogun APC has signalled readiness for a contentious race. Whether the “West-to-West” consensus holds or fractures under pressure from opposition parties and internal dissent will shape the 2027 contest.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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