In a strategic move to foster unity among party stakeholders ahead of the 2027 Ogun State gubernatorial election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate, Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, fondly known as Yayi, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, held a series of high-level meetings with party chieftains in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
As part of his inclusive approach, Senator Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West in the National Assembly, met with fellow aspirant Senator (Prof.) Iyabo Obasanjo alongside her supporters.
The meeting, attended by supporters and political associates of Iyabo Obasanjo, was formally declared open by Alhaja Salmot Badru, the former Xeuty Governor of Ogun State, who commended Iyabo Obasanjo’s enduring contributions to governance and public service.
Addressing the gathering, Senator Solomon Adeola described the visit as a gesture of appreciation, emphasizing that there was no need for reconciliation in light of her early and steadfast support.
He further applauded Iyabo Obasanjo for her performance as a former Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, noting that her achievements in office remain widely recognized and respected.
Senator Adeola Yayi also reassured Iyabo Obasanjo and her supporters of an inclusive approach to both his campaign and governance, stressing that all stakeholders would be duly carried along.
“I am here to thank my sister and to assure her that we will work together. I am ready to align with her vision and ensure that, collectively, we take Ogun State to the next level”, he said.
He further pledged to incorporate her ideas and policy contributions into his agenda, emphasizing that no individual or group would be sidelined.
Continuing his consultations, the senator also met with another former aspirant, Ambassador Sharafa Tunji Ishola, and his supporters.
The meeting proved pivotal, as the former Minister and Ambassador openly declared his unwavering support for Senator Adeola, aligning both himself and his political structure with the APC’s consensus decision.
Ambassador Ishola, who had earlier shown interest in the governorship race before the emergence of Senator Adeola Yayi as the party’s consensus candidate, emphasized the need for unity, discipline, and loyalty within the party.
He reiterated his commitment to the APC’s collective decision, noting that party supremacy remains paramount.
“We are APC members, and we are bound by the decision of the party. As a statesman, I have a duty to abide by that decision”, Ishola stated firmly.
He further highlighted that the consensus arrangement reflected a broad-based agreement among key political stakeholders in Ogun State, including the incumbent governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and former governors Chief Olusegun Osoba, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and Senator Gbenga Daniel.
According to him, the alignment of such influential figures lends strong credibility and legitimacy to the consensus process.
“What consensus can be greater than one that brings together past and present governors of the state?”, he queried.
Taking his support a step further, Ambassador Ishola announced that all political groups under his leadership had unanimously agreed to adopt Senator Adeola as their preferred candidate, pledging total loyalty and cooperation going forward.
In his response, Senator Adeola Yayi expressed deep appreciation for Ambassador Ishola’s consistent support and readiness to work collaboratively.
He noted that their engagements had been fruitful and marked by mutual respect.
“This is the second time we are meeting on this matter, and on both occasions, Ambassador Ishola has demonstrated remarkable support. He has agreed to work closely with me without reservation”, Adeola said.
He added that his outreach to Ambassador Ishola was driven by respect for his wealth of experience, leadership qualities, and contributions to national development, as well as his commitment to the advancement of Ogun State.
“I will not take your support and endorsement for granted”, he assured.
Further demonstrating his respect for party elders and stakeholders, Senator Adeola paid a courtesy visit to a prominent APC chieftain in the state, Chief Joju Fadairo.
The elder statesman offered prayers for the peace, unity, and progress of Ogun State, while affirming his endorsement of Adeola and expressing confidence in his leadership capacity.
Speaking after the series of engagements, Senator Adeola reiterated the collective resolve of party leaders and stakeholders to work together toward electoral success.
“Ambassador Sharafa Ishola, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, and my humble self have collectively agreed to stay united and work together towards delivering a resounding victory for our party, the APC, at all levels in the 2027 general elections,” he stated.
The engagement according to political observers underscored his determination to carry all contestants along in the evolving political process within the party.
They noted that Senator Adeola’s deliberate efforts to engage fellow aspirants and unify party stakeholders signal a maturing political climate within the Ogun State APC.
His inclusive strategy is widely seen as a positive step toward strengthening cohesion within the party, as it prepares for the crucial 2027 gubernatorial election.
