…Shock, Horse-Trading as Aspirants, Party Heavyweights Left in the Dark
Daud Olatunji
Fresh details have emerged on how the Presidency reportedly intervened 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 party’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.
PLATFORM TIMES investigations revealed that the directive, allegedly transmitted through top political channels linked to the Presidency, compelled the Ogun APC leadership to adopt Yayi as consensus candidate despite growing resistance from aspirants and dissenting blocs within the party.
Multiple sources familiar with the closed-door negotiations disclosed that none of the governorship aspirants was formally consulted before the decision was announced at a caucus meeting in Abeokuta.
According to party insiders, the development stunned several aspirants and political stakeholders, including former governors and influential power brokers, who had been positioning themselves for the ticket.
…Aspirants Left in the Dark
Those who had either 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 arrangement had already been concluded at a higher political level.
“Honestly, no consultation was done with most of the aspirants. Even some leaders at the meeting were only informed at the last minute,” the source said.
Another insider added that two former governors in the state “chose to maintain silence” following what was described as a politically sensitive imposition meant to prevent an internal implosion.
It was further gathered that the alleged intervention from the Presidency followed concerns over escalating factional struggles within the Ogun APC, which party leaders feared could destabilise the state chapter ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources said the move was designed to prevent what was described as a “looming implosion” among rival political blocs, especially as multiple aspirants intensified 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 broader consultation.
While the Presidency has not officially commented on the development, party sources insist the intervention was strategic, aimed at consolidating party strength in Ogun State.
....Silent Power Struggle Over Senatorial Seats
Beyond the governorship ticket, PLATFORM TIMES also gathered that a parallel power struggle is unfolding over the three senatorial districts in Ogun State—Ogun East, Ogun West, and Ogun Central.
Sources revealed that former Governor Ibikunle Amosun is being positioned for the Ogun Central senatorial ticket, currently occupied by Senator Shuaib Salis, though the arrangement is yet to be formally sealed.
There are also indications that Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governor Gbenga Daniel are being considered for a possible reshuffle involving Ogun East, though negotiations remain fluid and unresolved.
A top party source disclosed that the Presidency is still weighing options on whether to return the Ogun East ticket to Daniel or back Abiodun, amid rising political tension.
However, concerns have been raised over Abiodun’s political standing, including alleged legal challenges linked to a civil society petition seeking his disqualification from contesting until the determination of pending matters.
… Ogun West Seat Sparks Fresh Controversy
The Ogun West senatorial slot has also become a fresh flashpoint within the APC. Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele was reportedly being considered for the seat, following earlier zoning arrangements perceived to favour the Awori axis.
However, party leaders have since attempted to downplay the speculation, insisting that no final decision has been taken on the senatorial allocations.
….APC Denies Final Consensus on Senate Seats
Reacting to the growing controversy, the Ogun APC has dismissed reports suggesting that senatorial tickets have been concluded alongside the governorship consensus arrangement.
In an official clarification, the party described such reports as “fabrications and dangerous misinformation,” insisting that only the governorship endorsement of Senator Yayi was conclusively agreed upon by the state caucus.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the caucus unanimously endorsed Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola as governorship candidate.
Beyond this, no final decision has been taken on senatorial seats,” the party stated.
The APC urged members and the public to disregard social media reports circulating names of purported senatorial candidates, describing them as unauthorised and misleading.
...Growing Unease Within APC Ranks
Despite the official position, political observers say tensions remain high within the Ogun APC, with many aspirants still uncertain about their political future ahead of 2027.
While consultations are reportedly ongoing at the national level, insiders say the method of imposition—particularly the consensus arrangement around Yayi—may trigger further realignments within the party structure in the coming months.
For now, the emergence of Senator Adeola as consensus governorship candidate has reshaped Ogun APC’s political landscape, but also opened a new chapter of silent resistance, negotiation, and high-stakes horse-trading within one of the party’s most strategic states.
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