Ex-NTA Journalist Sarafa-Yusuf Declares bid for Ogun Governorship

A former Nigerian Television Authority journalist and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, on Thursday declared her intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in the state.

She made her decision public through an open letter shared on her X account and addressed to party leaders, members and stakeholders across Ogun.

Sarafa-Yusuf said her decision followed consultations and careful thought about the future of the state. She explained that she chose to announce her ambition openly to show a sense of duty rather than create political drama.

According to her, Ogun State needs leadership that will manage its growth in a balanced way and ensure that development benefits all parts of the state.

She noted that while Ogun has many advantages, progress requires steady leadership, fairness and trust among the people. She added that the state must build on existing foundations and avoid actions that could divide its political structure.

The former reporter had earlier contested for the APC governorship ticket in 2022 but did not secure the nomination. She stated that after the primary, she accepted the outcome and remained loyal to the party.

She said she did not create tension within the party and continued to work with other members to maintain unity. She described her new ambition as a response to current political realities.

Addressing concerns about her relationship with Governor Dapo Abiodun, Sarafa-Yusuf said she maintains a respectful relationship with him and other leaders in the state.

She made it clear that her ambition is not aimed at opposing or weakening anyone but is driven by her belief that she can serve the state effectively.

On the debate over zoning and calls for power to shift to Ogun West, she acknowledged that the concerns exist among some groups.

However, she warned against allowing such debates to cause division or instability. She urged party members to approach the issue with caution and ensure that unity remains the priority.

Sarafa-Yusuf also spoke about the risks of populist politics, stating that while it may attract quick support, it can create challenges in governance and affect investor confidence if not handled carefully. She said leadership should be guided by discipline and long-term planning.

Regarding the issue of gender, she admitted that her ambition carries weight in a country that has yet to elect a female governor. However, she insisted that her campaign is based on experience and ability rather than symbolism.

She pointed to her background in journalism, public service and private sector work as proof of her readiness to govern.

She described herself as a steady and reliable option for the party and promised that if given the ticket and elected, she would lead with consultation, order and respect for institutions.

She added that her plans include strengthening the state’s industrial base, creating opportunities for young people, improving infrastructure and building trust between government and citizens.

Sarafa-Yusuf called for a fair and peaceful primary election process within the APC and asked party stakeholders to consider her ambition carefully as preparations for the 2027 election continue.