The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally adopted Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as its consensus candidate for the governorship of Ogun State, marking a decisive step ahead of the party’s next electoral contest.
The adoption was announced on Monday, April 13, 2026, at the party’s Congress held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The event drew leaders and stakeholders from across the state, where Senator Adeola Yayi was unanimously endorsed as the party’s flagbearer to consolidate and expand its hold on power.
Announcing the decision, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, revealed that the consensus was reached to break the long-standing 50-year barrier affecting Ogun West, while ensuring fairness and equity across all senatorial districts.
Abiodun urged party members to remain united in the interest of Ogun State, emphasizing the need for collective effort toward electoral victory.
The Governor said, “Nothing will give me more joy than to fulfill the dreams of my predecessors – especially ensuring that Ogun West produces the next governor.
“I look forward to a time when I will sit proudly with my successor and my fellow former governors at the swearing-in of a new APC governor.”
Amid heightened anticipation, Governor Abiodun formally unveiled the consensus candidate, declaring, “On that note, I will now unveil the person we have all agreed is truly deserving to be the next flag bearer of our dear state…
“He is Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi.”
The announcement was met with thunderous applause, chants, and jubilation, as party faithful and stakeholders echoed Yayi’s name in unison.
In his acceptance speech, Senator Adeola expressed deep gratitude to party leaders and members for their sacrifices and unity, which culminated in the consensus decision.
He described the moment as a collective triumph anchored on unity, loyalty, and a shared commitment to the progress of Ogun State.
“Now is all the sacrifices that my brothers have put together to ensure this day comes to pass.
“I believe in oneness and the unity of our dear state and Ogun West by extension”, Adeola said.
The senator highlighted Ogun State’s strategic importance to Nigeria, noting its position as one of the country’s most industrialised and fastest-growing economies.
He assured that ongoing efforts to reposition the state and restore its pride of place among the comity of states would not only be sustained but strengthened under his leadership.
Addressing party elders, Adeola pledged not to betray the confidence reposed in him, saying, “I want to assure you, sir, I will not let you down.
“I promise to keep the flag flying. I promise to retain and maintain the unity, peace, and progress that have taken place in Ogun State over the past years and beyond.”
Using a nautical metaphor, Yayi added, “The ship I’m about to take over, I will make sure that it does not derail,” while invoking divine guidance to steer the state forward.
Senator Adeola Yayi also reaffirmed his commitment to inclusiveness and party cohesion, stressing that political differences would not be allowed to divide the people.
“By the special grace of God, I will do my utmost best to keep every member of our great party together, to keep the entire state united, and to ensure that irrespective of our political alignment, we remain one indivisible family”, he said.
Declaring a new dawn for Ogun State, the APC governorship candidate promised renewed dedication to unity, development, and shared prosperity.
“A new Ogun State is born. Everything that needs to be done to keep us together and take Ogun State to the Promised Land and the next level we all desire will be done. I will keep the flag flying and I will keep the flame on”, Adeola stated.
The historic moment unfolded at the APC Strategic Caucus Meeting held on Monday, April 13, 2026, where Governor Abiodun made the emotional declaration formally presenting Senator Adeola – representing Ogun West at the National Assembly – as the party’s governorship flagbearer for the 2027 election.
The announcement has set the tone for the political future of Ogun State, marking a significant milestone that reflected party unity, strong confidence in Adeola Yayi’s leadership, and a clear direction for the 2027 gubernatorial race.
