2027: Ogun APC Must Get It Right By Presenting YAYI As Party Candidate and Successor To Governor Abiodun

Egba/Yewa-Awori Foundation For YAYI

As Ogun State and the rest of Nigeria are still in the mood of celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day four days after October 1st, the occasion offers more than just a reflection on our democratic journey, it also presents  an opportunity for visionary leadership to think ahead and nurture a prosperous future.

For Governor Dapo Abiodun whose   administration has delivered notable achievements in infrastructure and economic development, the most impactful gift his party can bequeath to the people the state would be to secure the future of these gains with a worthy successor.

With the present status of Ogun State and the progress made in terms Infrastructural development and economy growth under the Prince Dapo Abiodun Administration,  the most meaningful gift that the Chief Yemi Sanusi led APC leadership can offer the people as the next electoral season kicks in and the current administration winds down - is a clear path to continuity and sustainability.

Without equivocation, the APC in Ogun State must know that this one and most significant gift is the endorsement of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as YAYI – as the party’s gubernatorial candidate and deserved successor to Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2028. Clearly, towing this part will be a smart, commonsensical, crisis-free and popular decision that the party can ever make politically.

Apparently, Senator Adeola’s political record is marked by competence, consistency and impact. Representing Ogun West in the Senate, he has championed people-centric legislation, prioritized infrastructure development and empowered his constituents and beyond, in multidimensional ways that is unprecedented.

He has demonstrated deep understanding of governance and commitment to inclusive development.Today, YAYI has energized the grassroots and continually breathes life into the APC in the state. With an ever growing influence, he commands widespread grassroots support that is statewide even though he currently represents Yewa-Aworiland, a region long overdue for gubernatorial representation.

A timely - albeit due process based endorsement of YAYI - would honour the principle of equity and solidify the legacy of Abiodun’s administration. It would send a powerful message that leadership is about service and not self-preservation; it is about value and not vaunted ambition.

With Senator Adeola’s experience, charisma and proven commitment to good governance, Ogun State can build on its current momentum and avoid the pitfalls of political regression.

YAYI’s technocrat background, legislative experience, and strong ties across Ogun’s three senatorial districts, makes him the fulcrum, the bridge-builder and the natural successor that will carry aloft, the flag of the APC with panache and candour.

His endorsement would reassure investors, inspire confidence among the people and galvanize the electorate toward a future of sustained growth. Moreover, such an endorsement would unify the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, presenting a formidable front against opposition forces eager to exploit internal divisions. YAYI’s candidacy is a move that transcends politics; it is a gesture of patriotism, vision, responsibility and reciprocity.

By implementing a fair process that will throw up YAYI as the APC gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 election, Ogun APC under Chief Yemi Sanusi will be taking a wise decision that will make the path smooth for having a successor without acrimony. Governor Abiodun must succeed  in all areas  where his predecessors failed, which is, having a friendly successor, a departure from the norm where hostile relationships between incumbents and their predecessors.

To Governor Dapo Abiodun, the benevolent spirits have actually cracked the proverbial palm kernel for him by giving him a partner in YAYI. The partnership has made the people of Ogun feel the impacts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Together, they have excelled thus far and they must anchor together. Those throwing spanners of discord to dent that relationship do not mean well for our performing Governor and his Excellency should be weary of such scheming and manipulative associates. This is about Abiodun’s legacy and no one will be allowed to mess it up like they have done to past Governor's who now bear their cross in the life after leaving office.

Additionally, one good turn deserves another. There is no denying the complementary role played by YAYI in ensuring electoral success for the APC in 2019 and 2023.

Beyond that, YAYI’s goodwill has further sustained the love and fidelity of many members to the party and an attempt to undermine the Senator under any guise or subterfuge, will be harmful to the electoral fortune of the party in 2027.

YAYI’s Good deeds must be reciprocated with good faith. On the basis of merit, YAYI towers above others in the race and the Governor must reject the plot to use him as a platform for those with selfish, desperate, inappropriate and stillbirth gubernatorial ambition – to purse their desolate desires.

As Ogun State and the rest of Nigeria are still in the atmosphere of reflection on this year's edition of Nigeria’s independence anniversary, let the Governor also use the moment to do the needful not necessarily by verbal proclamation at this time but by a bold step towards preservation of legacy; one that will secure the state’s future.

He can do that by kick-starting the process to back Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola via a meritorious process and presentating him as the Gubernatorial candidate of the party to Prince Dapo Abiodun,  the APC would be giving the people not just a candidate, but a promise of progress championed by a leader who can protect the gains of today and deliver the promise of tomorrow. That, indeed, is the kind of gift Ogun deserves and one that history will remember.

It is also expected that Governor Dapo Abiodun will appreciate this voice of reason and support the big movement in his party and across Ogun State today – that is, YAYI for Governor in 2027.