Senator Adeola Emerges Ogun APC Guber Flagbearer Unopposed

Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as “Yayi,” has emerged unopposed as the governorship flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State following a peaceful primary election marked by massive turnout across the state’s 236 wards.

The exercise, held on Thursday, witnessed large-scale participation of party members who trooped out in enthusiasm across polling units, reflecting strong grassroots mobilisation and unity within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adeola’s emergence followed the withdrawal of the only other aspirant, Hon. Abayomi Hundeyi, earlier on the day of the primary. Hundeyi, a former General Manager of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), was said to have communicated his withdrawal in a letter to the party leadership.

The senator had earlier been endorsed as consensus candidate during a stakeholders’ meeting, a development that effectively positioned him as the sole contender ahead of the exercise.

Aside from Hundeyi, more than 10 other aspirants for the governorship ticket were reported to have stepped down in favour of Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

Observers said the outcome was widely anticipated, citing his broad acceptability and political influence across the state.

The primary, monitored across the three senatorial districts, was conducted peacefully, orderly and without violence or disruption.

Speaking after participating in the exercise at Ward 3, Iperu 1 in Ikenne Local Government Area, Governor Dapo Abiodun said over 700 aspirants had initially shown interest in various elective positions under the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said the party adopted extensive consultations and consensus-building mechanisms to ensure credible candidates while maintaining internal cohesion.

“We undertook a rigorous exercise to screen over 700 aspirants and engage with their leaders. The idea was to identify the best candidates for each election,” Abiodun said.

He added that the process ensured inclusion and reduced internal friction within the party.

“No one was compelled to step down. There is no winner and no vanquished,” he said.