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…Shock, haggling as wannabes, party heavyweights left in the dark
Daud Olatunji
Fresh details have emerged on how the Presidency would intervene in the internal politics of the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), culminating in the controversial emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the consensus governorship candidate of the party for the 2027 general elections.
PLATFORM TIMES investigations revealed that the directive, allegedly conveyed through major political channels linked to the Presidency, forced the Ogun APC leadership to adopt Yayi as the consensus candidate despite growing resistance from aspirants and dissenting blocs within the party.
Multiple sources privy to the closed-door negotiations revealed that none of the governorship aspirants were formally consulted before the decision was announced at a caucus meeting in Abeokuta.
According to party insiders, the development has stunned several political aspirants and stakeholders, including former governors and influential power brokers, who had positioned themselves for the ticket.
…Aspirants left in the dark
Those who had declared or were preparing to declare interest in the governorship race include Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, former diplomat Ambassador Sarafa Isola, Kayode Amusan and Senator Iyabo Obasanjo among others.
A senior party source who attended the caucus meeting told PLATFORM TIMES that the atmosphere was tense, as many participants were unaware that a consensus agreement had already been concluded at a higher political level.
“Honestly, no consultation was done with most of the candidates. Even some leaders present at the meeting were informed only at the last minute,” the source said.
Another insider added that two former state governors “chose to remain silent” following what was described as a politically sensitive imposition intended to prevent an internal implosion.
It was further gathered that the alleged intervention by the Presidency followed concerns over escalating factional fighting within the Ogun APC, which party leaders feared could destabilize the state chapter ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources said the move was designed to prevent what was described as a “looming implosion” between the rival political blocs, especially as several aspirants have stepped up consultations across the state.
However, the decision has reportedly deepened quiet resentment within the party, with some stakeholders questioning the process that led to the adoption of a consensus candidate without wider consultation.
Although the Presidency has not officially commented on the development, party sources insist that the intervention was strategic, aimed at consolidating the party’s strength in Ogun State.
....Silent struggle for power over senatorial seats
Beyond the governorship ticket, PLATFORM TIMES also gathered that a parallel power struggle is unfolding in the three senatorial districts of Ogun State: Ogun East, Ogun West and Ogun Central.
Sources have revealed that former governor Ibikunle Amosun has been positioned for the Ogun Central senatorial seat, currently occupied by Senator Shuaib Salis, although the deal is yet to be formally inked.
There are also indications that Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Gbenga Daniel are being considered for a possible reshuffle involving Ogun East, although negotiations remain fluid and unresolved.
A senior party source has revealed that the Presidency is still weighing options of whether to return the Ogun East ticket to Daniel or support Abiodun, amid rising political tension.
However, concerns have been raised about Abiodun’s political standing, including alleged legal challenges related to a civil society petition calling for his disqualification from competing until pending matters are resolved.
… Ogun West Seat stirs fresh controversy
The Ogun West senatorial seat has also become a new flash point within the APC. Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele was reportedly under consideration for the seat, following previous zoning agreements perceived to be favorable to the Awori axis.
However, party leaders have attempted to downplay the speculation, insisting that no final decision has been made on senators’ assignments.
….APC denies final consensus on Senate seats
Reacting to the growing controversy, Ogun APC has dismissed reports that senatorial tickets were concluded alongside the governorship consensus agreement.
In an official clarification, the party described such reports as “fabrication and dangerous misinformation,” insisting that only Senator Yayi’s gubernatorial endorsement was conclusively agreed upon by the state caucus.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the caucus has unanimously endorsed Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola as its candidate for governor.
Beyond that, no final decision has been made on senatorial seats,” the party said.
The APC has urged members and the public to ignore social media reports circulating names of purported senatorial candidates, describing them as unauthorized and misleading.
...Growing unease within APC ranks
Despite the official position, political observers say tensions remain high within Ogun’s APC, with many aspirants still uncertain about their political future ahead of 2027.
While consultations are said to be ongoing nationwide, some insiders say the method of imposition – particularly the consensus agreement around Yayi – could trigger further realignments within the party structure in the coming months.
For now, the emergence of Senator Adeola as the consensus candidate for governor has reshaped the political landscape of the Ogun APC, but has also opened a new chapter of silent resistance, high-stakes negotiation and horse-trading within one of the party’s most strategic states.
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