2027: Sarafa-Yusuf declares interest in Ogun APC governorship ticket

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Renowned broadcaster, Modele Sarafa-Yusuf has indicated her interest in the All Progressives Congress, APC Ogun governorship ticket for the 2027 election

Sarafa-Yusuf stated this in a statement published on her X handle on Thursday.

Her declaration is coming less than 48-hours after another woman and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Iyabo, also declared interest in the governorship ticket.

In the post on her X handle, Sarafa-Yusuf said she decided to join the contest for governorship race after deep reflection and wide consultation.

She also said she the declaration of her governorship aspiration on the social media was deliberate, honest, and focused on responsibility rather than spectacle.

Sarafa- Yusuf said her governorship ambition is rooted in a vision rooted in unity, competence, and fairness and continuity.

“Each generation is tested by history in different ways. Ours is being tested by how well we manage growth, equity, and continuity—how we ensure that Ogun State does not merely expand but truly develops; not just for some, but for all.

“Ogun State is blessed. Blessed with industry, blessed with intellect, blessed with culture, and blessed with strategic relevance to the nation. Yet we all know that blessings alone do not guarantee progress. Progress requires deliberate leadership, balance, and trust among our people. It requires continuity.

“For many months, I have listened carefully — not just to social media noise, but to those of you who understand how Ogun State works, how power transitions succeed or fail, and what instability costs.

“The feedback has been consistent: “this cycle carries more risk than usual.”

“I am therefore writing you today because when risk rises, those who value continuity and institutional balance must not remain silent,” Sarafa-Yusuf said while recalling that she was also an aspirant for Ogun governorship ticket in 2022.

She added that when she failed to get the ticket, she did not make any trouble.

“However, I did not destabilise the system. I accepted the outcome, preserved relationships, and stayed engaged. That experience clarified two things for me: where the red lines are, and
what it takes to compete without fracturing the party or the state.”

Sarafa-Yusuf added that she has maintained cordial and respectful relationship with the incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun as the leader of our party and other leaders of Ogun APC.

“This is because I believe that continuity matters. Order matters. Transitions matter. I also enjoy a cordial relationship with other former leaders. This is, therefore, not a candidacy designed to undermine any of our leaders or rewrite the past. It is designed to protect what works and improve what must be improved — without rupture.”

She also while agitations that the governorship ticket should be zoned to Ogun West in 2027 are legitimate and should not be dismissed, “zoning must not become a blunt instrument that destabilises the entire state”

Rather, according to Sarafa-Yusuf the focus in Ogun should be on inclusion without escalation and risk of populism.

“My concern is not electoral victory alone. It is governability after victory. Ogun State has always rewarded moderation, balance, and institutional respect. When politics becomes theatre, governance suffers — and so does party cohesion, public trust, and investor confidence,” she said

She also noted that she will not underestimate of overplay the gender dimension of her candidacy.

“Nigeria has never elected a female governor, and I’m aware of the weight of breaking that ceiling. To that extent, my aspiration isn’t just about me; it’s about paving the way for future generations of women leaders in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

“However, this is not about symbolism. It is about capacity and competence,” Sarafa-Yusuf concluded.