Ogun Guber Race: Obasanjo family split over Yayi’s candidacy

Fresh political developments in Ogun State have revealed differing positions within the family of former President Olusegun Obasanjo over the 2027 governorship election.

The division became evident after two of the former president’s sons, Olugbenga and Olujuwon Obasanjo, openly backed APC governorship candidate Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

Adeola disclosed on Friday that the brothers paid him a visit in Abeokuta, where they praised his record in public service and assured him of their support ahead of the 2027 governorship contest.

Their endorsement comes weeks after Adeola emerged as the APC governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

However, the position of the two brothers differs from that of their sister, former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo.

Iyabo had contested for the APC governorship ticket but lost after the party adopted Adeola as its consensus candidate. She criticised the process, claiming it did not follow party guidelines and that she was unfairly sidelined.

On June 8, she resigned from the APC, citing disrespect and unfair treatment by party leaders. Reports later suggested that she was planning to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The support shown by Olugbenga and Olujuwon highlights different political choices within the Obasanjo family ahead of the 2027 Ogun governorship election.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has not publicly endorsed Adeola’s governorship ambition.

Although Obasanjo’s sons have declared support for Adeola, there is no indication that they were speaking on behalf of their father.

Adeola currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the Senate. Before that, he represented Lagos West Senatorial District between 2015 and 2023 after serving in the House of Representatives.