Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, the senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Ogun State in the 2027 general elections, has urged party leaders and members in Ogun West to close ranks and ensure everyone is aligned before next year’s vote.
Adeola made the appeal at a strategic stakeholders’ meeting of the APC in Ogun West Senatorial District held in Ilaro. He said the party in the zone must become stronger and more united to secure victory in the 2027 election.¹
He noted that the gathering was necessary to build cohesion among all political tendencies within the APC, adding that every group will be included in the campaigns and the electoral process.
Adeola thanked other governorship aspirants, especially the House of Representatives members for Yewa North/Imeko Afon and Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituencies, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and Abiodun Iziaq Akinlade, for displaying political maturity during and after his unveiling as the APC’s consensus governorship candidate.²
While praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and APC National Leader Aremo Olusegun Osoba for their roles in achieving a “rancour-free consensus arrangement,” he commended Senators Kola Bajomo and Akin Odunsi for facilitating a meeting among the three top aspirants before the announcement.
Senator Adeola, who said he was surprised to be chosen by the Ogun APC as the governorship flagbearer, promised party leaders that he would not take their backing lightly.
“I am deeply pleased that this stakeholders’ meeting where Ogun West will stand united is happening. I assure you that your show of love and support will not be taken for granted,” he said.
“Frankly, I did not expect that our great party would pick me as the consensus governorship candidate in Ogun. The entire process came as a surprise to me. So I want to express deep gratitude to my father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for acting as a father figure in making sure Ogun West was considered for the gubernatorial ticket.”
He also commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for the honour extended to all sons and daughters of Ogun West.
“Of course, I cannot forget the intervention and peace meeting organised in Lagos by Senators Kola Bajomo and Akin Odunsi, where myself, Honourables Gboyega Isiaka and Abiodun Akinlade, agreed to support whoever emerged as the party candidate. That meeting held on Sunday before I was announced as consensus candidate on Monday at our party secretariat in Abeokuta. I also thank former governors Senators Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel for their support,” he added.³
Call for United Front
Adeola appealed to backers of other aspirants to put aside differences and work jointly for APC’s success in 2027.
“Supporters, out of loyalty and passion, sometimes create enemies for their leaders. There is no winner and no loser in this governorship race. Let us stand together, embrace one another, and work for the overall victory of the APC in the 2027 poll.”
He clarified that he has not promised anyone a position or struck private deals. “I strongly believe in the leadership of the party. All groups will be properly represented in the electioneering process and in the eventual administration. I belong to everybody. I will not leave anyone behind. This stakeholders’ meeting, where all the major political players in Ogun West are present, has shown clearly that Ogun West is one indivisible entity.”
“Therefore, I call on our people to rally support for the party to ensure APC wins the presidential, governorship and other elections next year,” Adeola stressed.
He revealed plans to visit APC governorship aspirants from the other two senatorial districts to seek their backing, adding, “we will campaign vigorously across every part of Ogun.”
Stakeholders Pledge Support
Earlier, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Ishiaq Adekunle Salako described the meeting as a “unifier” to bring every party stakeholder on board.
In separate remarks, Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, former Deputy Governor Salmot Badru, former Minister of State for Education Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, and Abiodun Iziaq Akinlade all pledged to work for the party’s success and for Senator Adeola to emerge as the first governor from Ogun West since the state was created.⁴
After the open session, Senator Adeola, alongside selected APC leaders and Ogun West stakeholders, held a closed-door meeting with traditional rulers in the district.
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