2027: Why Ogun Will Choose Yayi As Governor – Odufowokan

Odufowokan explained that the path for 2027 should be “continuity of the good governance we currently enjoy under another governor from the same political platform — the All Progressives Congress.”

He anchored the choice of Yayi on equity and rotation, stressing that Remo, Ijebu and Egba had all produced governors. “Now, Governor Dapo Abiodun believes it is time for Yewa to produce a governor. That is why he says the governorship should move to the Yewa-Awori axis through Senator Olamilekan Solomon Yayi.”

The SSA said this consensus had paved the way for what would be a historic first in the state: a peaceful succession.

“Check the records. I doubt if there has ever been an instance in Ogun State where an outgoing governor remained in office while the incoming governor was sworn in. By the grace of God and with the support of the good people of Ogun State, come May 29, 2027, we are going to witness, for the first time, a peaceful succession. His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, will still be in office as Distinguished Senator Olamilekan Solomon Yayi is sworn in,” Odufowokan stated.

On the PDP’s claim to have a popular candidate from Remo, the governor’s aide argued that elections are not won on popularity alone. He invoked the Yoruba adage “Ajoje o dun b’eni kan ori je” — meaning no one person should continue to enjoy what belongs to everyone — to make the case against 16 consecutive years of governorship in Ogun East.

“I am almost completely convinced that the people of Ogun State do not want the governorship to remain in Ogun East for another eight years after Senator Gbenga Daniel served eight years and Prince Dapo Abiodun has also served eight years. That would amount to sixteen consecutive years. We believe our brothers in Yewa deserve their own opportunity to lead the state. That is fairness,” he said.

Odufowokan also linked the APC’s prospects to performance at both state and national levels. He described President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Abiodun’s “intentional, purposeful, and forward-looking” leadership as major advantages.

Addressing questions on Yayi’s transition from legislature to executive, he said the senator’s experience as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation and his time in the Lagos House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate would help governance.

“As governor, you must constantly work with the legislature. Therefore, understanding how that institution operates is a major advantage. He understands budgeting, financial management, and appropriation processes,” he said.

Responding to critics who allege Yayi worked against Yewa’s governorship aspiration in 2015, 2019 and 2023, Odufowokan said the senator remained loyal to the APC because he believed it was “the best platform through which Yewa could eventually produce a governor.”

On Governor Abiodun’s legacy, he said: “Governor Dapo Abiodun will be remembered as a governor who gave his very best and exceeded many expectations. He strengthened the foundations laid by his predecessors while also laying new foundations for future generations. Every part of Ogun State has benefited from his projects and programmes.”

The 2027 governorship election in Ogun State is expected to be keenly contested, with both APC and PDP fielding prominent candidates.