The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as its consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The representative of Ogun West Senatorial District was adopted on Monday at a state strategic caucus meeting.
The meeting was held at the party secretariat in Abeokuta, the state capital.
It was presided over by the state APC Chairman, Yemi Sanusi, and attended by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Announcing the decision, Abiodun urged other aspirants to support Adeola in the interest of party unity.
He emphasised the need to prioritise the party’s collective interest above personal ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said: “It gives me great pleasure and on behalf of all of you, to congratulate Senator Adeola as our consensus and unanimously selected governorship candidate for the year 2027.”
The governor said the decision displayed “high level of political magnanimity” by all party stakeholders, adding: “I am so overjoyed about the level of maturity that has been displayed at this meeting this evening.
“The level of political magnanimity that has been displayed by everyone here this evening.
“That spirit of no victor, no vanquish because we know that for every time somebody wins, others have lost.
“So let us as we celebrate, bearing that in mind that there should be no victor, no vanquish.”
In his acceptance speech, Adeola expressed appreciation to party leaders and members for the confidence reposed in him.
He pledged not to disappoint the party and assured stakeholders of his commitment to sustaining unity, peace and progress in the state.
He also promised to build on existing achievements and work towards further development of Ogun State.
He said: “Now is all the sacrifices that my brothers have put together to ensure this day come to pass.
“I believe in oneness and the unity of our dear state and Ogun West by extension.
“Your excellency, my dear leaders that are here, I want to assure sir, I will not let you down.
“I promise to keep the flag flying, to retain and maintain the unity, peace, and progress that has taken place in the state.”
Earlier, Sanusi said the meeting was convened to preserve party unity before, during, and after the primaries.
He stressed the importance of a rancour-free process and the need to carry all stakeholders along to prevent division within the party ahead of the elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that former governors, including Chief Olusegun Osoba, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and Senator Gbenga Daniel, attended the meeting.
Other stakeholders at the meeting included another aspirant, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, who shortly after the declaration of Yayi withdrew from the race; and Gboyega Isiaka, the member representing Imeko/Yewa North Federal Constituency and a governorship aspirant; as well as serving and former members of the national and state assemblies.
