Ogun deputy governor rallies support for Renewed Hope Agenda, joins Ogun West senatorial race
Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, joined other national figures at the Power of 10 Million Movement rally held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. The initiative is designed
Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, joined other national figures at the Power of 10 Million Movement rally held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The initiative is designed to mobilise and connect 10 million Nigerian women through a structured platform aimed at strengthening their political, economic and social participation ahead of the 2027 general election.
Addressing participants, Salako-Oyedele said women across the country were already making significant contributions in every sector, but needed stronger networks and better coordination to increase their collective influence.
“From the woman in Kano running her trade, to the farmer in Benue, to the entrepreneur in Lagos, women are already working. The challenge has not been capacity, it has been connection,” she said.
She added that the true value of the movement would lie not simply in numbers, but in organisation, shared purpose and sustained engagement. According to her, millions of informed and united women can play a decisive role in shaping discussions on governance, economic inclusion and community development.
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She also pledged to work with other women in leadership to ensure that grassroots voices are heard at the highest levels of decision-making.
Also speaking at the event, Chairperson of the Progressive Governors’ Wives Forum, Barr. Chioma Hope Uzodimma, described the initiative as a practical means of identifying, engaging and integrating women into a broader national framework. She said the long-term strength of the movement would depend on continued participation and meaningful engagement.
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, told participants that women, who make up more than half of Nigeria’s population, have the capacity to help lead the country to a greater future. She said women are uniquely placed to drive positive change and contribute meaningfully to national progress, while reaffirming that the Renewed Hope Agenda supports inclusion and gives women a stronger voice in governance.
Also yesterday, Salako-Oyedele joined the race for the Ogun West Senatorial District seat.
Salako-Oyedele’s move follows the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus governorship candidate.
The development opened up the Ogun West seat in the National Assembly.
Images circulating yesterday showed the deputy governor holding her Nomination and Expression of Interest forms, confirming mounting speculation about her ambition to succeed Adeola in the Senate.
Attention within the Ogun APC has now shifted to ensuring a smooth transition in the senatorial district, with discussions ongoing on the possibility of adopting a consensus candidate, similar to the process that produced Adeola’s governorship ticket.
Party leaders believe such an arrangement would help preserve unity and avoid internal disputes ahead of the 2027 elections.
Salako-Oyedele’s candidacy is already drawing support from various quarters. Backers point to her experience as deputy governor since 2019, highlighting her role in infrastructure development and governance as a foundation for policy continuity in Ogun West.
Her entry is also being viewed as a boost for gender representation, with women’s groups across the district beginning early mobilisation efforts in support of her bid.
A native of Ota in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, the deputy governor is considered to have strong grassroots appeal among the Awori and Yewa communities, key voting blocs in the district.
Although she has formally declared her interest, the final direction of the race now hinges on the APC leadership’s decision on whether to conduct a primary election or adopt a consensus approach.
If endorsed, Salako-Oyedele could secure a relatively smooth path to the Senate.
