ABEOKUTA, Ogun State — In a significant political development ahead of the Ogun Central Senatorial primary election, frontline aspirant, Emmanuel Adebola Sofela, has officially withdrawn from the race, citing loyalty to party leadership, internal democratic processes, and the need to preserve unity within the ruling party.
Sofela, a respected financial expert and politician, announced his withdrawal in a statement dated May 17, 2026, barely 24 hours before the scheduled primary election. The decision has stirred conversations across Ogun State’s political landscape, especially among party faithful and supporters who had rallied strongly behind his aspiration.
In the statement addressed to party leaders, delegates, supporters, and residents of Ogun Central Senatorial District, Sofela said his decision followed extensive consultations with family members, political associates, and supporters.
According to him, while political contests are often driven by popularity and personal ambition, the realities within party politics are also shaped by strategic interests, internal dynamics, and leadership considerations.
He acknowledged that the party’s constitution and existing guidelines place emphasis on collective responsibility and internal consensus, stressing that there is no provision for independent candidacy outside party structures.
The senatorial aspirant noted that developments surrounding recent primaries for the House of Representatives seats across Ogun State revealed a pattern where candidates endorsed through the party leadership structure emerged victorious through consensus arrangements.
“Having carefully reviewed the circumstances surrounding the conduct and outcome of the primaries… it is evident that there has been a consistent pattern of victories recorded by consensus candidates endorsed through the leadership structure of our great party,” he stated.
Sofela explained that his withdrawal was made in deference to the leadership of the party in Ogun State under Governor Dapo Abiodun, whom he described as the leader of the party in the state.
He emphasized that the decision was taken in the overriding interest of party unity, discipline, stability, and the collective progress of Ogun State and Nigeria at large.
Despite stepping down from the race, Sofela reaffirmed his commitment to public service and to the ideals that inspired his political ambition, particularly youth development, empowerment of vulnerable groups, economic opportunities for the masses, and sustainable development across Ogun Central.
The former aspirant also expressed deep appreciation to his supporters, political associates, and party faithful for their loyalty, sacrifices, and unwavering belief in his vision throughout the campaign period.
“To my teeming supporters, political associates, party faithful, and well-wishers across the district, I express my profound gratitude for your unwavering support, steadfast commitment, sacrifices, encouragement, and belief in our shared vision throughout this journey,” he said.
He urged his supporters to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to the success of the party, adding that politics remains a continuous process of consultation, sacrifice, service, and strategic engagement.
Political observers believe Sofela’s withdrawal may further consolidate the position of the consensus-backed aspirant ahead of the primary election, while also reinforcing the influence of party leadership in determining the outcome of internal contests in Ogun State.
Sofela, who holds several professional qualifications including MBA, FCA, FCIB, FCTI, and FCS, remains a notable figure within Ogun politics and the financial sector. Analysts say his conciliatory approach may strengthen his political relevance and position him for future opportunities within the party structure.
The Ogun Central Senatorial primary election is scheduled to hold on Monday, May 18, 2026.
