Adeola emerges APC consensus candidate for Ogun governorship

By Adejoke Adeleye

Senator Olamilekan Adeola has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the Ogun State governorship race, prevailing over other prominent aspirants at a strategic caucus meeting in Abeokuta.

Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District and is popularly known as Yayi, secured the party’s backing ahead of figures such as Iyabo Obasanjo, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and Tunde Lemo.

The decision was reached during a high-level meeting of party stakeholders held at the APC Secretariat, presided over by Governor Dapo Abiodun and the state party chairman, Yemi Sanusi.

Speaking shortly after the endorsement, Adeola expressed gratitude to party leaders and members, pledging to build on existing achievements and reposition the state for greater progress.

“I sincerely thank all my leaders, party members for this great opportunity bestowed upon me today,” he said.

He acknowledged the sacrifices made by fellow aspirants and emphasised the need for unity within the party.

“Now is the time for all the sacrifices that my brothers have put together to ensure this day come to pass. I believe in oneness and the unity of our dear state and Ogun West by extension,” he added.

Adeola also outlined his vision for the state, describing Ogun as central to Nigeria’s industrial and economic landscape.

“I know the vision for this state. I know how passionate and how central this state is to the Federal Republic of Nigeria as far as maintaining our status as the most industrialised state in Nigeria, aside being the fastest growing economy in Nigeria,” he said.

The senator assured party leaders that he would sustain peace and continuity in governance.

“I will not let you down. I promise to keep the flag flying. I promise to retain and maintain the unity, peace and progress that has taken place in Ogun State for the last three years and beyond. I can assure you I will not derail,” he said.

He further pledged to unite all party members and ensure inclusiveness across political divides.

“I will do my utmost best to keep every member of our great party together… irrespective of our political alignment, we are one big irreversible family going forward,” he stated.

Adeola declared that his emergence marks a new phase for the state.

“I want to assure you that a new Ogun State is born and everything that needs to be done to keep us together. I will keep the flag flying and I will keep the flame on,” he said.

In his remarks, Governor Abiodun commended party leaders and stakeholders for their unity and cooperation, which he said made the consensus possible.