2027: APC Chieftain Reaffirms Yayi as Ogun Governorship Candidate

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Tolu Bankole, has backed Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s candidate for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.

Bankole, a member of the APC National Working Committee and the party’s national leader for persons with disabilities, made the position known on Thursday in Abuja while reacting to claims that Adeola’s candidacy could be changed.

The APC stakeholder, who is also involved in the party’s affairs in Ogun State, said there was no plan to replace Adeola. He described reports suggesting otherwise as false information capable of causing confusion among party members.

His statement came shortly after the APC again recognised Adeola as its candidate amid a legal challenge to the governorship primary and claims by another party member, Abayomi Hunye, over the nomination.

Bankole said Adeola won the party’s governorship primary through a process conducted under the APC constitution, Nigeria’s Electoral Act and other relevant rules.

He said the names of Adeola and his running mate had already been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission as the APC’s candidates for the Ogun governorship election.

According to Bankole, Adeola has the constitutional requirements, political experience and knowledge of government needed to seek the office. He also pointed to the senator’s years of legislative service and experience at the National Assembly as part of the reasons the party should maintain his candidacy.

Bankole urged APC members and voters in Ogun State to ignore reports designed to create division within the party and instead concentrate on preparing for the 2027 election.

He called for greater unity among party members, stronger grassroots mobilisation and early preparations for the election. He also expressed confidence that APC members would work together behind Adeola when the campaign begins.

The APC had earlier issued a similar position on the matter, reaffirming Adeola as its governorship candidate.

In its statement, the party rejected Hunye’s claim to the nomination and described him as an impostor. The APC also said Hunye had been suspended from the party on April 7, 2026, following a petition from his ward, Tube Ward, in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Bankole also said Adeola’s proposed plans for Ogun State were in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.

He said the senator’s plans include improving infrastructure, supporting industrial growth, creating more opportunities for young people, developing agriculture and promoting a government that includes more sections of the population.

The APC chieftain said the party remained united under its national and state leadership and would resist efforts to create divisions ahead of the 2027 election.

Adeola, a serving senator, is now at the centre of the APC’s preparations for the Ogun governorship contest, with the party maintaining that his victory at the primary should stand.