Ogun 2027: Stakeholders unite, support Isola for governor and support Tinubu

Daud Olatunji

Stakeholders across Ogun State on Tuesday rallied in support of former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji Isola, backing him for the 2027 governorship race and pledging support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term bid.

The endorsement, held in Abeokuta, the state capital, attracted political leaders, grassroots mobilizers and traditional figures from the three senatorial districts, while various advocacy groups supporting Isola dissolved into a single structure to strengthen his emerging political front.

PLATFORM TIMES reports that more than eleven support groups across the state have been represented and have harmonized into one now called the Sarafa Support Group to begin work towards realizing the governorship ambition of the former UK high commissioner.

Addressing the gathering, Isola said the convergence was not a formal declaration of his gubernatorial ambitions, but a move to harmonize bases of support and build cohesion for future political engagement.

“We are not here for any governorship declaration. What we have come to do is to harmonize our positions and formalize our support. The declaration will come at an appropriate time,” he said.

He expressed concern over the persistent political divisions in the State, warning that “hostile succession” among political actors continued to undermine the development of Ogun.

“We are too divided politically and from one administration to another there has always been a tug of war. Will we continue like this? My concern is to stop the hostile succession in Ogun State so that we can all come together for the state to realize its full potential,” he added.

The former envoy stressed the need for unity among parties and local government structures, stressing that strategic alignment among stakeholders would be crucial to achieving sustainable development.

Highlighting his experience in public service, Isola recalled his roles as Local Government Chairman, Special Assistant at the Federal level, Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Minister of Mines and Steel Development and later as Nigeria’s envoy to the United Kingdom.

He said his career trajectory has equipped him with the ability to serve the State at a higher level, adding that he remained committed to giving back to Ogun.

“I have benefited immensely from Ogun State and I will not take it for granted. My service at various levels has prepared me for greater responsibility,” he said.

Isola further disclosed that he has consulted extensively with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers and former governors, in a bid to promote unity and stability in the State.

On national politics, the former diplomat has thrown his weight behind Tinubu’s administration, describing ongoing economic reforms as necessary and urging residents to support the president’s re-election.

Earlier, a leader of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Joju Fadairo, said he had initiated consultations with political leaders and elder statesmen, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to garner support for Isola’s governorship ambition.

Fadairo said Isola’s track record, leadership style and performance as High Commissioner – where he reportedly united Nigerians in the diaspora – made him a suitable candidate.

“If you want to serve, you won’t be desperate. People will stand by you. That’s why we support it,” he said.

The motion in support of Isola for the 2027 governorship race was moved by Prince Asegun Ogungbayi of Ado-Odo/Ota and seconded by a former Ijebu-Ode Local Government Chairman, Olalekan Adebanjo.

The event also saw unanimous endorsement of Tinubu’s second term ambitions from the coalition of support groups and dignitaries in attendance.

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