How Abiodun, Daniel, Amosun United To Choose Senator Yayi As Ogun APC Consensus Gov’ship Candidate

ABEOKUTA – The tension surrounding who becomes the governorship of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has finally been put to rest, as party leaders in the state have settled for the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, widely known as Yayi, as its consensus candidate for the forthcoming governorship election.

The decision was reached during a high-level strategic caucus meeting convened by party stakeholders, including serving and former leaders, to chart a unified course ahead of the next political cycle.

An inside source stated that the decision, was unanimously endorsed by the two political power blocs in Ogun State, led by Senator Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

Both Daniel and Amosun are former governors of the state who are at odds with the incumbent, Prince Dapo Abiodun, over political interests.

Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly is at a crossroads with Governor Abiodun over the senatorial ticket of the district.

Daniel, a two-term governor and serving senator, is seeking re-election in 2027, while Governor Abiodun is also eyeing the senatorial seat as his retirement plan after exiting office as governor.

Therefore, the two political titans from the same senatorial district became political enemies.

Amosun, a two-term governor of the state and two-term senator representing Ogun Central is not in the good books of Governor Abiodun.

Amosun had wanted his anointed candidate in the 2019 governorship election, Hon. Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade (Triple A) to succeed him, whilst Dapo Abiodun was riding on the pedestal of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. After the emergence of Dapo Abiodun, the relationship between the two former friends has gone sour.

Sources, however, hinted that, the peaceful selection of Senator Adeola Olamilekan Yayi as the party’s consensus candidate may not be unconnected to a directive from the presidency.

The multiple sources who confided in The Encounter News noted that, the party reached the decision to avoid any crisis that may ensue if all aspirants were allowed to obtain nomination forms and go through the rigorous lobbying, mobilisation, and inducement of delegates at the primaries.

A source said the APC national leadership believes choosing the most popular aspirant would give the party the much-needed support from all party members during the election in 2027.

Another source, the presidency, believes that only the Ogun West Senator can pull the much-needed mobilisation support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in the South West.

Further sources disclosed that both Amosun and Daniel accepted the selection of Senator Yayi to leverage on their senatorial ambitions.

Announcing the party’s decision on Monday in Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun, said the choice of Senator Adeola followed extensive consultations and broad agreement among influential figures within the party.

According to him, the move underscores the APC’s determination to maintain cohesion and build on existing development efforts in the state.

He noted that the consensus arrangement reflects the collective will of the party’s leadership and is aimed at ensuring a seamless transition and sustained progress in Ogun.

Party stakeholders at the meeting described Adeola as a seasoned lawmaker with deep grassroots appeal and administrative experience, expressing optimism about his chances at the polls.

The endorsement signals the formal commencement of APC’s governorship campaign structure in the state, with leaders calling on members to remain united and mobilise support across all local governments.

With the consensus announcement, the Ogun APC appears to have set the tone for what promises to be a keenly contested governorship race.

Notable leaders at the meeting include, former governors Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, and Aremo Olusegun Osoba.

Others are; Senator Lanre Tejuoso, Speaker of the House of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Daisi Elemide, former OGHA Speaker, Olakunle Oluomo, and other party executive members.

Senator Adeola Yayi’s emergence has boosted the chances of Ogun West in producing a governor of the state in the 50-year political history of Ogun State.

Senator Yayi’s selection will be ratified by party members at the party’s primary, which will be announced at a later date.