May 21, (THEWILL) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election conducted across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State ended with the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 governorship election.
The exercise, which attracted unprecedented participation and support from party members across the state, was widely adjudged peaceful, orderly, and devoid of violence or disruptions.
Speaking after participating in the governorship primary election at Ward 3, Iperu 1, in Ikenne Local Government Area, Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed that more than 700 aspirants had initially indicated interest in contesting for various elective positions under the platform of the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the governor, the party adopted extensive consultations and consensus-building mechanisms to ensure the emergence of credible candidates while sustaining unity within its ranks.
“In Ogun State, we have done things differently. We ensured extensive consultations with the leadership of our party across the state constituencies and local governments to build consensus around candidates, even while acknowledging that we have many brilliant and eminent party members capable of occupying those positions,” Abiodun said.
“So, we undertook a rigorous exercise to screen over 700 aspirants and engage with their leaders. The idea was to identify the best candidates for each election.
“Having done that, we reached out to those who were not eventually selected and ensured they were accommodated politically.”
The governor stressed that the process was deliberately designed to promote inclusiveness and strengthen party cohesion, noting that no aspirant was compelled to step down.
“The essence is to ensure that nobody feels defeated. There is no winner and no vanquished. Everyone is given a sense of belonging, and that is reflected in the fact that in many of our elections, we now have consensus candidates because others voluntarily accepted the decisions and rallied round the chosen aspirants,” he added.
Abiodun explained that the consensus-building template had helped to reduce tension, bitterness, and disunity within the APC in Ogun State, while positioning the party strongly ahead of the next general elections.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing leadership that has positively impacted the party nationwide, as well as the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for reforms that have repositioned the ruling party.
