Former NTA sport broadcaster, Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, declares for Ogun governorship race

Former Nigerian Television Authority sport broadcaster, Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, has declared her intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

Sarafa-Yusuf, who previously aspired to the party’s governorship ticket in 2022, announced her decision in a statement addressed to party leaders and stakeholders across the state. She said her move followed extensive consultations and careful reflection on the political climate ahead of the next election cycle.

Describing her ambition as a “managed transition option”, she said her focus is to safeguard stability, continuity and institutional balance in Ogun State, particularly as the 2027 elections approach amid what she termed heightened political risks.

She noted that after her unsuccessful bid in 2022, she accepted the outcome without causing division within the party, a decision she said underscored her commitment to unity and order within the APC.

Addressing the agitation over zoning, especially calls from Ogun West, Sarafa-Yusuf warned against allowing grievances to escalate into instability. She maintained that while inclusion is important, it must not come at the expense of the overall peace and governability of the state.

On her relationship with Governor Dapo Abiodun, she said she has maintained cordial ties with the governor and other party leaders, stressing that her candidacy is not aimed at undermining existing leadership but at consolidating and improving on current gains.

Sarafa-Yusuf also acknowledged the gender dimension of her aspiration, noting that Nigeria has yet to elect a female governor. However, she insisted that her ambition is driven by competence and preparation rather than symbolism.

“I am not presenting myself as the loudest option. I am presenting myself as the safest option,” she said, adding that her background in public administration, journalism, and both public and private sector service has equipped her for the demands of leadership.

She pledged that if elected, she would work to consolidate Ogun’s industrial base, empower young people, modernise infrastructure and deepen trust between government and citizens. She also expressed hope that the party’s primary process would be credible, orderly and unifying as preparations begin for the 2027 governorship race.