2027: Ogun APC chieftain donates campaign office to Yayi

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, Sakiru Jimoh, popularly known as Jimson, has donated a campaign office to support the 2027 governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly called Yayi.

Jimoh, who hails from Obada-Oko in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state and is the Bobaselu of Igbehin, Abeokuta, said the gesture was motivated by his personal affection for Adeola and his belief that individuals with the financial capacity should contribute to the development of their communities and the political process.

The businessman, who has investments in the hospitality and oil and gas sectors, said the donation was also intended to strengthen grassroots political engagement and improve communication between political leaders and their supporters.

Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Jimoh said he considered it a responsibility to support a candidate he believed had Ogun State’s interests at heart.

He explained that, “Yayi is from Ogun State, and I am also from Ogun State, specifically Abeokuta. I believe that if I have the capacity to support a candidate or someone who has genuine love for his state, there is nothing wrong with doing so.

“If other individuals who have the means can also contribute in this way, I believe we would not be where we are today.”

Explaining why he chose to support Adeola, Jimoh described the senator as a political leader par excellence whose performance in the National Assembly had, in his view, been unparalleled in the state’s history.

The APC chieftain said that “It is what is glaring to every resident of this state that Sen Adeola has shown unparalleled commitment to serving humanity. His performance as a sitting senator is there for all to see in the area of infrastructural upgrades, including road, health centres, school, market construction, among other series of empowerment across the state.

This is not the first time we will be having a senator in the state, but Yayi has taken serving humanity to another level, and if he could do such wonders as a Senator, he definitely will do so much more if he becomes the governor of the state, so it is just right for all of us who want progress for our dear state to support Yayi to succeed Gov Dapo Abiodun come 2027”.

On his expectations ahead of the 2027 governorship election, Jimoh expressed confidence that Adeola would perform better if elected governor, arguing that the senator’s development initiatives demonstrated his leadership capacity.

He said Ogun residents should assess political candidates based on their contributions and ability to deliver, rather than their geographical origins.

“Some people have served as governors in the past, but when you compare what they achieved with what someone who has only served as a senator is doing, you begin to ask questions.

“People may say some of the projects are coming from the North or elsewhere. But whether a project comes from the North or even China, we are the ones who will use it. What matters is the benefit to the people. I believe we will see better things from him if he becomes governor,” he said.

According to him, the priority should be the development of the state rather than the geographical background of whoever occupies the governorship seat.

“My message to the people of Ogun State is that we are not blind. We can all see what is happening around us. We should not allow ourselves to be distracted by criticisms about where someone comes from.

“Even if Yayi comes from Ghana and is giving us what we want, I do not see anything wrong with supporting him. We should give him our full support so that we can have a better Ogun State,” he said.

Explaining the rationale behind the campaign office, Jimoh said he wanted to bring political activities closer to party members and residents, particularly those in Ewekoro, who might otherwise have to travel to Abeokuta to access their leaders.

He said the facility was designed as a meeting point where grassroots politicians and party members could interact with their leaders, exchange ideas and communicate their concerns.

“I believe we need offices close to our people so that they can have access to their leaders and interact with them. Through regular meetings, they can express their opinions and ideas, and leaders can understand what is happening at the grassroots.

“For instance, if a party member in Ewekoro has an issue to resolve or needs information, the person may have to travel to Abeokuta. But with an office in Ewekoro, our people can easily access their leaders without having to travel that far,” he said.

He said the facility comprised several sections, including a large meeting hall on the ground floor with a seating capacity of about 100 people, a conference hall on the upper floor, a director’s office and a secretary’s office.

The facility also has a borehole provided for public use. Jimoh said the building was constructed in Adeola’s name and donated willingly.

He added that the conference hall would provide a venue for meetings involving political leaders from Ewekoro and other local government areas, as well as engagements with the senator.

Jimoh, who reiterated his commitment to grassroots mobilisation, said the office would help bridge the gap between political leaders and their followers while providing a platform for sustained political interaction ahead of the 2027 election.

At the commissioning of the campaign office, Adeola praised Jimoh for his gesture, saying the grassroots support would encourage him to remain focused and committed to taking the state to greater heights.