Why, how we arrived at a consensus – Dr. Dapo Abiodun
By Kehinde Nasir
Prof. Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has lost in her bid to emerge as governor of Ogun state in 2027.
Her loss followed yesterday’s unveiling of a consensus governorship candidate, Sen Solomon Adeola by the State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Dapo Abiodun during the critical Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the state.
Shedding light on how and why Adeola was chosen, the governor noted that the decision followed extensive consultation and strategic engagement with key stakeholders of the party across the state.
“We have officially unveiled Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State for the 2027 election”, Ogun State incumbent governor declared in a post event statement.
According to the governor: “This decision follows extensive consultations and strategic engagements with key stakeholders across the party, all aimed at presenting a strong, united, and credible candidate for the task ahead.
In reaching this consensus, we secured the understanding and support of leading aspirants from Ogun West, including Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and Rt. Hon. Isiaq Abiodun Akinlade, who have demonstrated commendable unity and commitment to the collective interest of the district and the party. Together, we are determined to break the long-standing jinx and ensure that Ogun West produces the next governor of our dear state.
We engaged widely, including at the highest level, and carefully assessed all interested aspirants based on competence, capacity, and alignment with our vision for Ogun State. Our choice reflects not only these qualities but also a shared commitment to sustaining the progress we have made over the years”.
Gov Abiodun further maintained that the APC as a party would continue to wax stronger, adding that it’s better positioned to lead Ogun state to a new phase of development in the state.
“As a party, we continue to grow stronger, more united, and better positioned to lead Ogun State into a new phase of development. We call on all members to remain focused, law-abiding, and aligned with our collective goal as we prepare for the forthcoming gubernatorial contest.
With this mandate, we are confident that Senator Adeola will build on the legacy of progress and deliver even greater dividends of democracy, in line with the aspirations of our founding fathers and the expectations of our people”, Gov Abiodun concluded.
It could be recalled that Prof Iyabo Obasanjo had publicly declared her 2027 governorship ambition on the platform of the APC, ruling out returning to the Senate or becoming commissioner.
“The only thing I’ll come back to do is the governorship”, the former President’s daughter was quoted as saying.
She recently rejoined active politics after about fifteen years (15) years and registered with the APC at Ibogun, Ward 11, Ifo LGA, Ogun State. She’s also visited the APC National Secretariat and met President Bola Tinubu to reaffirm her bid.
Iyabo Obasanjo previously served as Ogun State Commissioner for Health and as Senator for Ogun Central from 2007-2011. She lost her re-election bid in 2011 and relocated to the US to pursue academia, becoming a professor in epidemiology.
According to her “Ogun state is well-positioned to elect a female governor” and wants to be Nigeria’s first elected female governor. Her agenda includes industrial growth, agriculture, education, tech, tourism, and job creation.
She’s also weighed in on zoning, noting Ogun West has never produced a governor, but maintains zoning isn’t constitutional. Iyabo also cautioned against “opportunistic politics” from aspirants new to the state.
