The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has emerged from its governorship primary election with renewed confidence and a declaration of unity following the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 governorship election.
The primary election, conducted across the 20 local government areas of the state, witnessed what party leaders described as massive participation by members and stakeholders, with the exercise largely regarded as peaceful, orderly and free from violence.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, while speaking after casting his vote at Ward 3, Iperu 1, in Ikenne Local Government Area, described the outcome of the exercise as evidence of a stronger and more cohesive APC in Ogun State ahead of the next general elections.
According to the governor, the party deliberately adopted a broad consultation process and consensus-building mechanism to ensure the emergence of candidates capable of strengthening the party and sustaining internal harmony.
Abiodun revealed that over 700 aspirants had initially indicated interest in contesting various elective positions under the platform of the APC for the 2027 elections.
He explained that the party embarked on what he termed a rigorous exercise involving extensive consultations with leaders across state constituencies and local governments in order to identify suitable candidates.
“In Ogun State, we have done things differently. We ensured extensive consultations with the leadership of our party across the state constituencies and local governments to build consensus around candidates, even while acknowledging that we have many brilliant and eminent party members capable of occupying those positions,” the governor said.
He stated that after identifying preferred candidates, efforts were made to engage aspirants who were not selected, ensuring that they remained integrated within the party structure.
“So, 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. Having done that, we reached out to those who were not eventually selected and ensured they were accommodated politically,” he added.
The governor emphasized that the process was designed to promote inclusiveness and prevent feelings of alienation among party members.
“The essence is to ensure that nobody feels defeated. There is no winner and no vanquished. Everyone is given a sense of belonging, and that is reflected in the fact that in many of our elections, we now have consensus candidates because others voluntarily accepted the decisions and rallied round the chosen aspirants,” he stated.
Abiodun noted that the consensus approach had significantly reduced tensions, bitterness and internal divisions within the party, adding that it had strengthened the APC’s chances in future elections.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as quality leadership that had strengthened the party at the national level, while praising APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for reforms aimed at repositioning the ruling party.
Speaking on the electoral process, the governor referenced provisions of the Electoral Act which allow parties to conduct either consensus or direct primary elections.
“The Electoral Act was amended, and in line with that amendment, primaries can either be conducted through consensus or direct primaries. What you have witnessed in the last one week is democracy at its best, where government is truly by the people and for the people,” he said.
Abiodun further maintained that direct primaries create broader participation by allowing registered party members at the grassroots level to openly exercise their voting rights through the queue system.
“I was a beneficiary of direct primaries in 2019, and I believe it always reflects the wishes and aspirations of the people,” he said.
The governor praised party members and aspirants who participated in the process, describing them as loyal stakeholders committed to the growth and stability of the APC in Ogun State.
“Nobody was forced; there was no form of duress. People were engaged, and they saw reasons why the party must remain stronger and more united. Today, our party is much bigger than it was when I contested in 2019,” he added.
He also commended the Ogun State APC leadership for collaborating effectively with the national leadership of the party to ensure transparent and peaceful primaries across the state.
“This is how we want our party to be defined in Ogun State — a state where peace reigns, where we know how to manage ourselves with selflessness. Ogun remains the birthplace of democracy in Nigeria, and we are sustaining that legacy,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Returning Officer for the governorship primary election in Ikenne Local Government Area, Dr. Femi Akinbile, announced the result for Ward 3, Iperu 1, revealing that out of 837 registered members in the ward, 832 members were accredited for the exercise.
According to him, Senator Adeola secured 829 votes in the ward as the sole aspirant in the governorship primary.
The emergence of Yayi as the APC governorship candidate now signals the beginning of the party’s preparations for the 2027 governorship contest, with party leaders expressing confidence that the outcome of the primary has strengthened internal unity and positioned the APC for the political battle ahead.
