2027: Isiaka, Akinlade unite for Adeola’s governorship bid

The lawmaker representing Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly and the governorship consensus candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State for the 2027 general election, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has called on party stakeholders and leaders in Ogun West to embrace unity and cohesion ahead of next year’s poll.

He spoke yesterday at a strategic stakeholders’ meeting of APC in Ogun West, held in Ilaro where other governorship aspirants - Gboyega Isiaka and Abiodun Akinlade- pledged their support for him in recognition of adoption of the senator as the party’s consensus candidate for the governorship seat in 2027.

He said the party in the senatorial district must become more formidable and close ranks to secure victory in the 2027 general election.

He said the meeting was imperative to foster unity among political interests within the party, adding that every group would be carried along in the campaign process.

Adeola expressed gratitude to fellow governorship aspirants and members of the House of Representatives representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon and Yewa South/Ipokia federal constituencies, Gboyega Isiaka and Abiodun Akinlade, for their sportsmanship during and after his emergence as the APC consensus candidate.

He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and APC leader, Olusegun Osoba, for their roles in what he described as a rancour-free consensus arrangement.

He also lauded Senators Kola Bajomo and Akin Odunsi for facilitating dialogue among leading aspirants before his emergence.

Adeola said he was surprised to be chosen as the party’s candidate and pledged not to take the support of party leaders for granted.

“I am highly elated that this stakeholders’ meeting, where Ogun West stands as one, is taking place. I assure you that your support will not be taken for granted.

“Honestly, I did not expect to be picked as the consensus governorship candidate. I am deeply grateful to President Tinubu for ensuring Ogun West was considered for the ticket, and to Governor Abiodun for the honour done to the people of Ogun West.

“I also appreciate the accord meeting facilitated by Senators Kola Bajomo and Akin Odunsi, where all aspirants agreed to support whoever emerged as the party’s candidate,” he said.

He urged supporters of other aspirants to unite for the party’s success, stressing that there was no winner or loser in the race.

“Supporters sometimes create unnecessary divisions. Let us embrace one another and work together for APC’s victory in 2027. I have not promised positions to anyone; I believe in party leadership. All groups will be represented in the campaign and eventual administration,” Adeola said.

He disclosed plans to meet with aspirants from the other senatorial districts to seek their support, promising vigorous statewide campaign.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Ishiaq Salako, described the meeting as a unifying platform for party stakeholders.

Ogun State Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, former Deputy Governor Salmot Badru and former Minister of State for Education Iyabo Anisulowo pledged their support.

Adeola later held a closed-door meeting with traditional rulers in Ogun West, accompanied by selected party leaders and stakeholders.