The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has adopted Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election following a strategic caucus meeting held in Abeokuta.
The announcement was made by Dapo Abiodun during the high-level gathering at the party secretariat, attended by prominent stakeholders and political leaders from across the state.
Abiodun explained that consultations with other aspirants and key party figures resulted in the decision to adopt a single candidate from Ogun West in line with a broader zoning understanding.
“I am proud to say that the aspirants from Ogun West are fully on board with having a single Ogun West candidate,” the governor said, noting that the arrangement was also supported by national party leaders including Bola Ahmed Tinubu and elder statesman Olusegun Osoba.
The meeting drew several influential APC leaders including former governors Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel, alongside Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele.
Other attendees included Senators Kola Bajomo, Gbenga Kaka, Gbenga Obadara and Salisu Shuaib, as well as House of Representatives member Gboyega Isiaka.
The session was convened by the Ogun APC chairman, Yemi Sanusi, and also had in attendance aspirants such as Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello.
According to party leaders, the endorsement emerged through unanimous agreement rather than a ballot vote, reflecting what Abiodun described as “political magnanimity” and a collective commitment to unity.
Governor Abiodun said the decision followed months of consultations aimed at producing a strong candidate capable of uniting the party and expanding its electoral prospects.
He noted that the move could help end the long-standing political imbalance in which Ogun West has never produced a governor since the state’s creation.
“Nothing will give me more joy than to break the 50-year-old jinx,” the governor said while unveiling Adeola as the party’s preferred flagbearer.
He also urged party members to maintain unity moving forward.“There should be no victor and no vanquished. We must still campaign vigorously to secure victory in the 2027 elections,” he added.
The announcement was greeted with loud cheers from party members present at the caucus meeting. Supporters reportedly sang, drummed, and applauded as Adeola stood to acknowledge the endorsement.
In his response, Senator Adeola thanked party leaders for the confidence reposed in him and promised to sustain the progress recorded under the current administration.
“I will not let you down. I promise to keep the flag flying and sustain the unity, peace, and progress that Ogun State has enjoyed in recent years,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of party cohesion ahead of the election.“I will ensure that every member of our party remains united. Together, we are one indivisible family,” Adeola added.
Shortly after the announcement, former senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello issued a statement congratulating Adeola and announcing the suspension of her governorship ambition.
“I congratulate him and wish him every success. Based on these developments, I have decided to suspend my gubernatorial aspiration,” she said, while thanking her supporters for their loyalty.
Party leaders explained that the consensus adoption is intended to ensure a rancour-free primary process and strengthen internal unity ahead of the election cycle.
The next steps will involve formalising Adeola’s candidacy through the party’s official primary process and commencing broader campaign preparations for the 2027 governorship election.
Political observers say the early endorsement may provide Adeola with a strategic advantage as parties begin positioning ahead of the contest.
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