“I’m not looking for 3rd term,” Abiodun defends choice of Adeola as successor

By Abiodun Lawal

Governor Dapo Abiodun has defended his choice of Sen. Solomon Adeola as the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ogun 2027 governorship election and his successor.

Abiodun made the defence at the Awujale’s palace in Ijebu Ode on Friday during which he presented Adeola and his running mate, Mrs Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun to the Ijebu traditional council.

While seeking support and blessings of the traditional rulers for the APC candidates, Abiodun said his choice of Adeola as his preferred successor was guided by equity and competence.

He noted that Ogun West Senatorial District deserved the opportunity to produce the next governor for the first time since the state’s creation.

He said he was not seeking a third term by proxy but a capable leader who would sustain the achievements of his administration and continue the state’s development.

According to him, Adeola possesses the qualities required to consolidate on the gains recorded by his administration over the past seven years.

Abiodun recalled the support and prayers he received from the traditional institution before the 2019 election and appealed for similar backing for the APC governorship candidate.

He also canvassed support for the deputy governorship candidate, describing Adegunwa-Balogun as an accomplished professional whose experience would complement Adeola’s leadership.

“I was not looking for a third term, but for somebody who would comfortably step into my shoes and continue to build on what we have achieved from day one.

“I was looking for that person from Ogun West because it is only fair and just.

‘In the last 50 years since the creation of Ogun State, no son of Ogun West has had the opportunity to serve as governor. In Senator Solomon Adeola, I have found all the qualities I have been
looking for,” he said.

In his remarks, Adeola pledged to build on the achievements of the Abiodun administration and pursue projects that would unlock the economic potential of Ogun state.

He said his administration would work towards making Ogun an oil-producing state through commercial oil exploration, facilitate a deep seaport and revive the Olokola Liquefied Natural Gas (OKLNG) project.

Adeola also pledged support for the agitation for the creation of Ijebu State while ensuring equitable development across Ijebuland.

Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Acting Chairman of the Ijebu Traditional Council and Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba, assured Adeola of the support of the royal fathers.

Jaiyeoba also pledged the traditional institution’s support for Abiodun’s Ogun East Senatorial ambition, expressing confidence that continuity would attract more development to the district.

The event was attended by APC leaders and stakeholders from the three senatorial districts of the state, with the traditional rulers offering royal blessings for Abiodun, Adeola and Adegunwa-Balogun ahead of the 2027 elections.

(NAN)