APC Endorses Adeola for 2027, Sparking Hope for Ogun State’s Development
The endorsement of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as the All Progressives Congress’s consensus candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial race has revived optimism regarding Ogun State’s potential to emulate Lagos’s successful development model. This decision, approved in April 2026 after extensive discussions, demonstrates the party’s commitment to field candidates who possess both grassroots appeal and technical acumen in what is anticipated to be a fiercely competitive election.
Adeola, known colloquially as Yai, has yet to unveil an official manifesto. However, his record as a senator representing Ogun West, alongside insights from party members, suggests his agenda centers on a singular theme: fostering prosperity through industrial investment, enhanced agricultural productivity, human capital development, and the empowerment of youth and women. Supporters argue that this proposal mirrors the successful formula that transformed Lagos into Nigeria’s economic powerhouse.
The immediate challenge for Adeola is to unite the Egba, Ijebu, and Remo regions under a common agenda. Notably, since Ogun State’s formation in 1976, Ogun West has never produced a governor, heightening feelings of neglect in the area. His candidacy is increasingly viewed as a stepping stone to rectify this imbalance. Traditional leaders from the three senatorial districts, along with market leaders and party officials, have publicly endorsed this initiative. Chief (Mrs.) Iyaloja of Ogun State stated at a rally in Abeokuta that it is “now Ogun West’s turn,” positioning Adeola as the favored candidate.
The political landscape is already revealing alliances, with leaders in Ogun East recently endorsing Governor Dapo Abiodun’s candidacy for the Senate in 2027 while supporting Adeola for the governorship. This arrangement aims to address Ogun West’s longstanding grievances while ensuring Ogun East retains influence, as the outgoing governor transitions to the Senate. Meanwhile, Ogun Central continues to benefit from ongoing urban renewal and industrialization projects, such as the Kajola Inland Dry Port. Strategically, this coalition seeks to minimize the risk of internal discord within the party and maintain unity against burgeoning opposition.
Adeola’s development agenda is closely aligned with Lagos’s focus on infrastructure, industrialization, and economic integration. Given Ogun’s geographical proximity to Lagos, it holds significant promise as an industrial hub, with thousands of manufacturing firms located in areas like Sango-Ota, Agbara, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and Mowe-Ibafo. Adeola aims to enhance this connectivity by turning the region into a thriving economic zone while maintaining Ogun’s unique identity.
The current administration under Governor Dapo Abiodun has prioritized foundational initiatives such as infrastructure development, social welfare, education, youth empowerment, and agriculture. In contrast, Adeola’s anticipated leadership is characterized as an era of industrial expansion, aiming to transform Ogun from a mere transit state to a prime destination for manufacturing, logistics, and technological investments.
As the current administration lays down infrastructure through industrial parks and energy projects, Adeola is expected to build upon those gains. Governor Abiodun emphasized the importance of selecting a strong candidate to sustain the APC’s dominance while enhancing the existing infrastructure. APC chief Raye Odunjo highlighted that Adeola possesses a “clear vision, dedication, and focus” to effectively leverage Ogun’s economic potential and natural resources.
A key component of Adeola’s strategy is aligning agricultural growth with industrial advancement. Ogun State is already a leading producer of poultry, cassava, and vegetables, yet it grapples with high post-harvest losses due to inadequate processing capabilities. The incoming government plans to invest in agricultural processing facilities and infrastructure to create jobs, increase farmers’ income, and decrease dependence on raw exports. Supporters cite a successful agro-industrial model in Lagos’s Epe region as a blueprint for this initiative.
Adeola’s vision, referred to as Yayi Legacy, emphasizes the transformation of Ogun’s youth into a modern, professional workforce. It includes expanding scholarship and ICT training initiatives into a statewide “skills to wealth” program, alongside establishing vocational training hubs in each local government area. As a senator, Adeola initiated a scholarship program that benefited over 6,000 students while creating numerous employment opportunities and entrepreneur training sessions. This approach aims to align vocational training with industry needs in crucial sectors like construction, agro-processing, and logistics.
In terms of governance, Adeola plans to implement a lean and transparent administration that maximizes internally generated revenue (IGR) without burdening small and medium-sized enterprises. He intends to leverage his expertise as a certified public accountant to modernize revenue collection systems and mitigate financial leakages. Supporters are confident that Adeola can replicate Lagos’s IGR success, which increased from ₦600 billion in 2019 to over ₦1.2 trillion by 2024 through digitalization and an expanded tax base.
The proposed budget for 2026 outlines a capital development-focused plan, allocating over 63% of the £1 trillion budget for these initiatives. This consensus candidacy indicates a strong belief within the APC that it can effectively navigate the management of its £1.67 trillion objectives. Adeola’s vision extends beyond just specific regions; it aims to unify Ogun’s diverse demographics, transforming it from a transit point into a vibrant hub for global investment.
Adeola’s extensive experience in executing over 270 infrastructure projects underscores the feasibility of his vision. His initiatives have included significant improvements in road networks, education facilities, hospitals, and more, spanning Ogun West as well as enhancing access to energy through rural electrification projects. This cross-regional approach is anticipated to foster unity and collaboration across the state, showcasing his capability to govern comprehensively.
As Adeola positions himself alongside President Tinubu in pursuit of continuity for economic reforms at both state and national levels, he faces obstacles. Some party critics have questioned the consensus-building process, alleging it was predetermined, while others have raised doubts about his identification with Ogun West’s core identity. These factors may pose challenges as Adeola navigates the complexities of leadership while striving to meet the high expectations set by voters across various regions.
The path ahead is laden with promise yet fraught with challenges. Voters are hopeful for transformative change, particularly in Ogun West, where there are aspirations for long-awaited investments and equitable growth. Adeola’s ability to resonate with different ethnic groups and leverage his political experience will be critical in translating expectations into tangible outcomes.
Should Adeola’s campaign succeed, Ogun could see substantial progress by 2031, with border towns emerging as vital logistics and manufacturing hubs while a skilled workforce emerges to meet local industry demands. If implemented successfully, his plans for enhanced revenue generation and vocational training could solidify Ogun’s transformation from potential to achievement and secure the APC’s foothold in the Southwest.
Ultimately, the challenge for Adeola will be to craft a governance plan that not only meets expectations but also solidifies a sustainable future for Ogun State. This venture is less about individual ambitions and more about securing the collective destiny of Ogun in the years to come.
*Mr. Fatunbi hails from Oke-Agbede, Imeko-Afon Local Council of Ogun State.
