The deputy governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako‑Oyedele, has officially entered the contest for the Ogun West senatorial seat in the 2027 elections, a move that reshapes the state’s political landscape following the recent selection of Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for governor.
According to Media Talk Africa, Salako‑Oyedele’s nomination and expression of interest forms were filed on April 30, 2026, through a third‑party agent. The filing confirms her intention to replace Senator Adeola in the National Assembly’s upper chamber after he vacates the seat to contest the governorship. Photographs of the completed forms have been circulated publicly, underscoring the deputy governor’s commitment to the Senate bid.
The APC’s internal realignment began in early 2026 when party leaders settled on Adeola as the consensus governorship candidate, ending a period of speculation about Governor Dapo Abiodun’s successor. With the gubernatorial ticket now fixed, attention has turned to the open Ogun West senatorial district. In addition to Salako‑Oyedele, three male aspirants have reportedly secured the required forms: Senator Gbolahan Dada, Waliu Taiwo and Jimoh Ojugbele.
Party insiders indicate that the growing ambition of senior politicians in the region complicates the formation of a new consensus candidate for the Senate. While some factions advocate for Salako‑Oyedele on gender‑balance grounds, others remain undecided, reflecting the competitive nature of the upcoming primary. Ogun State has not been represented by a female senator since 2011, when Senator Iyabo Obasanjo left the chamber, making Salako‑Oyedele’s candidacy notable for gender representation within the APC.
Sources close to the party suggest that a consensus arrangement for the senatorial ticket would preserve the unity currently enjoyed by the Ogun APC and mitigate internal friction as the 2026/2027 election cycle intensifies. Should the party achieve agreement, it would mirror the approach taken for the governorship, potentially streamlining the selection process and presenting a coordinated front for the general election.
The filing of nomination documents marks the formal commencement of the APC’s internal contest for Ogun West. Stakeholders will watch closely as party leaders negotiate the balance between inclusive representation and electoral strategy. The outcome will influence not only the composition of the Senate but also the broader dynamics of APC politics in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 national elections.
