Ogun Guber: Iyabo Obasanjo’s Departure, Alliance With Adebutu Won’t Affect Senator Yayi’s Victory – Adeniji

ABEOKUTA – A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Convener of the Ogun West Initiative, Olootu Bolaji Adeniji, has dismissed concerns over the recent exit of Senator Iyabo Obasanjo from the APC and her reported alignment with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, saying the development will have no significant effect on the electoral fortunes of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI) in the 2027 Ogun governorship election.

Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, Adeniji described the former president’s daughter’s departure from the ruling party as politically inconsequential, insisting that the APC remains united and firmly on course for victory under the leadership of its governorship candidate.

According to him, Senator Obasanjo’s unsuccessful bid for the APC governorship ticket and subsequent decision to leave the party have not diminished the party’s strength or the widespread support being enjoyed by Senator Adeola across Ogun State.

“Iyabo Obasanjo’s exit from the APC is inconsequential. She has no investment in the party, no stake in its growth and no contribution to its electoral goodwill. Therefore, her departure changes nothing and will not in any measure affect the fortunes of YAYI and the APC,” Adeniji stated.

The APC stalwart said attempts to portray Obasanjo’s alliance with Adebutu as a major political realignment capable of altering the dynamics of the 2027 governorship race were misplaced and exaggerated.

He argued that political victories are determined by grassroots support, party structure and voter confidence rather than individual defections.

According to him, Senator Adeola’s popularity cuts across the three senatorial districts of Ogun State, making him the clear favourite ahead of the election.

Adeniji noted that Senator Yayi’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate was backed by an unprecedented consensus among party leaders, stakeholders and elected officials across the state, reflecting the broad confidence reposed in his candidacy.

He maintained that the APC remains the dominant political force in Ogun State and possesses the organisational capacity required to secure victory at the polls.

The Ogun West Initiative Convener also dismissed suggestions that the opposition PDP and its candidate, Ladi Adebutu, have gained significant momentum ahead of the election.

Adeniji described Hon. Ladi Adebutu’s governorship ambition as a “wild goose chase,” insisting that the PDP stalwart poses no threat to the electoral chances of Senator Adeola or the APC in Ogun State.

According to him, the people of Ogun State have already assessed Adebutu’s previous political outings and are prepared to support Senator Yayi, whose political influence, grassroots connection and acceptability across the state remain unmatched.

“The perennial governorship contestant poses no threat to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi or to the APC. His ambition is nothing more than a wild goose chase. The people of Ogun State have seen through his lack of capacity, character, popularity and acceptability,” Adeniji stated.

He accused the PDP and its supporters of resorting to personal attacks and attempting to revive what he described as long-settled issues regarding Adeola’s ancestry instead of engaging voters on policies and programmes.

Adeniji maintained that debates surrounding Senator Yayi’s indigeneship have lost relevance in Ogun politics, stressing that the senator is widely accepted across the state and has earned the trust of the people through years of public service.

He argued that rather than focusing on issues of governance and development, Adebutu’s camp has continued to pursue distractions that are unlikely to resonate with the electorate.

The APC chieftain also pointed to the overwhelming support enjoyed by Adeola within the ruling party, noting that his emergence as the APC governorship candidate received the endorsement of major stakeholders, including serving and former political office holders, party leaders and elected representatives across the state.

He described the outcome of the APC primary election, where Adeola secured 304,055 votes, as a clear indication of his popularity and acceptance within the party.

Adeniji expressed confidence that the APC candidate would extend that support base beyond party lines and secure a convincing mandate from Ogun voters in 2027.

He further urged residents of the state to rally behind Adeola, describing him as a leader with the vision, experience and capacity required to drive economic growth and accelerate development across Ogun State.

According to him, Senator Yayi will soon unveil his manifesto and development blueprint, which he said would offer practical solutions to the state’s economic and infrastructural challenges.

“As we move towards 2027, Ogun people should remain focused on competence, proven leadership and the future of the state. Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola YAYI represents that future and will be roundly victorious at the polls,” Adeniji said.

Adeniji urged party members to remain focused and united behind Senator Yayi, warning against distractions arising from political defections and opposition propaganda.

He expressed confidence that Senator Adeola would emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election, regardless of the alliances being forged by opposition figures.

“The APC remains strong, united and focused on victory. No amount of political realignment can diminish the support Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola enjoys among the people of Ogun State. We are confident that he will secure a convincing mandate in 2027,” he said.

He said the APC candidate remains committed to delivering a vision of economic growth, infrastructural development and improved welfare for the people of the state.