Governor Abiodun Declares Senator Yayi As Successor … Obasanjo Reacts

Governor Abiodun has declared Senator Yayi as his successor for the Ogun 2027 election.

Philips News reports that the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has publicly endorsed Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as his preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

What Happened: 

Governor Abiodun made the declaration on Monday, April 13, 2026, during a stakeholders meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria, where he described Adeola as the consensus choice to fly the party’s flag in the coming election.

Official Response:

“The decision reflects the collective will of party leaders in the state,” the governor said, adding that the APC had agreed on Adeola as the candidate “truly deserving” of leading Ogun State after his tenure.

Governor Abiodun further expressed confidence in a smooth transition, noting his pride in participating in the emergence of successive governors within the party.

Background and Context:

Solomon Olamilekan Adeola CON, also known as Yayi, is a Nigerian politician who has served as a Senator for Ogun West since 2023. He previously served as the Senator from Lagos West from 2015 to 2023. From 2011 to 2015, he was the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts.

Senator Adeola currently represents Ogun West in the National Assembly.

Public Reaction and Impact:

The Ogun West chapter of the City Boy Movement has praised Governor Abiodun for what it described as a decisive step in settling the state’s succession debate.

The Ogun West City Boy Movement also declared its full backing for Senator Solomon Adeola (APC/Ogun West) as preparations begin for the 2027 governorship race.

Ayodeji Idowu, coordinator of the movement, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday following Abiodun’s public endorsement of Adeola, widely known as Yayi, as the All Progressives Congress consensus candidate for the next governorship election.

The endorsement was made during a strategic caucus meeting involving APC leaders and key stakeholders, where discussions focused on succession planning and the party’s roadmap ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

In a video from the meeting, the Ogun State Governor was seen informing party members that a decision had already been reached regarding the party’s preferred candidate.

Reacting, Idowu said the governor’s action had ended years of uncertainty around succession in Ogun State, describing it as a sign of political foresight and commitment to continuity.

“Your Excellency’s visionary leadership, political maturity, and commitment to the stability and progress of Ogun State have once again been demonstrated through this bold and strategic decision,” the statement read.

“By choosing a worthy, people-oriented, and ready-made successor in Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, you have laid a solid foundation for continuity, good governance, and sustainable development in the state,” it added.

On the other hand, Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, a former senator and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has suspended her gubernatorial ambition following the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.

Obasanjo announced on Monday after an APC caucus meeting held in Abeokuta, where Adeola was formally presented as the party’s preferred flagbearer.

In a statement, she congratulated Adeola on his emergence and expressed appreciation to party leaders at both state and national levels for the opportunity to participate in the selection process.

“Based on these developments, I have decided to suspend my gubernatorial aspiration,” she stated.

She thanked her supporters across Ogun State for their calm, steadfast support and unwavering trust.

Analysis:

The Senator, who currently represents Ogun West senatorial district in the Senate, is a prominent figure within the APC and has long been regarded as a key contender in the state’s political landscape.

Senator Yayi’s emergence as the APC consensus candidate signals efforts by the ruling party to consolidate its position ahead of the 2027 election.

Conclusion:

If confirmed at the Ogun APC Primaries, Yayi will fly the APC’s flag in what is expected to be a closely watched governorship race in Ogun State.