The All Progressives Congress (APC) has begun a series of outreach meetings with party members who previously vied for the 2027 Ogun State governorship ticket, following the adoption of consensus candidate Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi. The engagements aim to consolidate support and integrate the aspirations of former aspirants into the campaign platform.
Adeola was formally endorsed as the APC’s consensus candidate at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abeokuta earlier this month. In an effort to unite the party, he met with two prominent figures who had been active in the governorship race.
On Tuesday, Yayi and his team held a meeting with Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, at the Olusegun Osoba Hilltop in Abeokuta. During the discussion, Adeola pledged to adopt the senator’s policy priorities and manifesto into his own agenda. He emphasized a commitment to party unity, noting that Obasanjo was among the first to congratulate him after his adoption. “I am ready to inherit your manifesto and work in line with your vision. Members of your team will be included in my campaign structure,” he said.
Later that day, Adeola met former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Isola, at the residence of Elder Joju Fadairo in Ibara Housing, Abeokuta. Isola announced the consolidation of twenty‑four support groups behind Yayi’s 2027 campaign, citing the broader interest of Ogun State as his motivation. He argued that “the love for Ogun State comes first” and that ending the pattern of bitter succession battles required collective effort. Isola highlighted his longstanding advocacy for the Yewa agenda and described the current alignment as the first unified front for the Yewa people.
Adeola thanked Isola for his endorsement and reiterated that ongoing consultations with other aspirants are intended to foster harmony and leverage the experience of senior party members. He indicated that the integration of former rivals’ ideas and networks would strengthen the APC’s prospects in the upcoming election.
The outreach comes as the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections, with Ogun State regarded as a strategic battleground. By bringing former aspirants into the campaign fold, the party seeks to present a unified front against rival parties and to project stability ahead of the gubernatorial contest. Further meetings with additional stakeholders are expected in the coming weeks as the party finalises its campaign strategy.
