APC okays Yayi as Ogun consensus governorship candidate
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has cleared a major hurdle in his quest for the Ogun State Government House following his successful screening as the consensus candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
The screening exercise, which took place at the Kaduna Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, was conducted by a high-powered committee led by Dr. Obi Okoye. This procedural step formally validates his standing within the party after months of internal deliberations and strategic alignment among various political blocs in the state.
Taking to his official social media channels shortly after the exercise, Senator Adeola expressed his gratitude to the party leadership for the smooth conduct of the process. He noted that the clearance was a testament to the unity currently enjoyed by the Ogun State chapter of the APC and a signal of the party’s readiness for the upcoming transition.
This development follows the historic unanimous adoption of Senator Yayi by the Ogun APC leadership during a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 13, 2026, in Abeokuta. The endorsement featured a rare show of solidarity from political heavyweights, including the incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
Supporters of the senator had earlier demonstrated their commitment to his candidacy by purchasing the N50 million APC governorship nomination form on his behalf on April 28. This move was described by political observers as a “grassroots statement of intent,” highlighting the financial and emotional investment of his constituents in his gubernatorial ambition.
The momentum behind Yayi’s candidacy further solidified last month when a high-level delegation from Ogun State officially presented him to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa. The visit served to secure the “presidential nod” and signaled to other interests that the state’s leadership was firmly united behind a single successor.
In the wake of this consensus arrangement, the political landscape in Ogun has shifted significantly, with several other high-profile aspirants stepping down. Notably, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, who was previously considered a top contender, suspended her campaign to align with the party’s decision, urging her supporters to work toward a landslide victory for the APC.
As the cleared consensus candidate, Senator Adeola is now expected to focus on a statewide reconciliation and mobilisation drive.
