Support for Dapo Abiodun as 2027 Senate Candidate Gains Momentum
Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have rallied behind Governor Dapo Abiodun, endorsing him as their consensus candidate for the 2027 Senate election.
This endorsement was made public during a well-attended APC caucus meeting held at the Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which saw participation from a diverse array of party leaders and grassroots representatives from across the district.
The event drew significant attendance from prominent officials, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Committee, current and former local government chairpersons, past and present state and national legislators, and ward presidents. Representation also included youth and women leaders, indicating robust grassroots support.
Key attendees included Congress members, former state and congressional representatives, and members of the Elders Advisory Council. Their presence underscored the strength of support for Abiodun’s candidacy.
During his address, former Ogun East Senator Lekan Mustapha and ex-Deputy Governor Sen. Gbenga Kaka expressed their unanimous support for Abiodun, highlighting their conviction in his capability to effectively represent the district in the Senate. Mustapha noted that party leaders would formally communicate their endorsement to the governor, alongside a commitment to cover the costs of his nomination papers for the upcoming elections.
Tokunbo Talabi, the state government secretary, emphasized the need for Abiodun to secure a Senate seat, citing his strong record in governance and party unity. He described the support as historic and unanimously reflective of the belief in Abiodun’s qualifications for the position.
Mr. Femi Ogunbanwo, representing Odogbolu, Ijebu Ode, Ijebu North East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, highlighted the governor’s commitment to promoting peace and development statewide. Ogunbanwo expressed optimism that Abiodun could attract further national dividends for Ogun East.
Local government leaders, such as Sagami Local Government Chairman Afolabi Oduleto, praised Abiodun’s achievements and urged the district to unify in support of his senatorial bid. The event also saw participation from all 103 local representatives from Ogun East, alongside youth leaders and key grassroots activists, further showcasing the depth of support for the governor.
Among the notable figures present were former senators Gbenga Kaka and Lekan Mustapha, Ogun East APC chairman Adedoyin Adeleke, and respected party elders including Kola Ogunjobi and Bayo Dayo, reflecting a unified front in favor of Abiodun’s campaign.
In the backdrop of this gathering, tensions arose surrounding the attendance of former governor Senator Gbenga Daniel. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the Ogun State Governor, clarified that Daniel was not barred from the event but rather did not comply with safety regulations. Akinmade explained that the protocol for this caucus meeting required invitations to be strictly observed, which Daniel allegedly disregarded.
A viral video showed Daniel addressing supporters from the door of a bus outside the venue. Akinmade indicated that security personnel had communicated to Daniel that he needed to either exit the bus to enter or board a vehicle visible to security. This misunderstanding led to the unfortunate stalemate, illustrating ongoing complexities in Ogun State’s political dynamics.
As tensions linger, Akinmade pointed out that such scenarios were not new in Ogun State politics, noting previous incidents where candidates from the Ogun West Senatorial District faced similar restrictions at a rally in Abeokuta due to non-compliance with entry protocols. He maintained that had Daniel followed the necessary security measures, access would have been unobstructed.
