Wellington Jopelo
The All Progressives Congress in Ogun State has taken a firm position on its 2027 governorship ticket, insisting that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, remains the party’s recognised candidate.
The clarification follows fresh claims by Abayomi Semako Hunye, who has continued to challenge the process that produced Adeola as the APC candidate.
In a statement issued by the Ogun APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, the party said there was no confusion over who it had chosen to fly its flag in the governorship election.
The party said Adeola emerged from its governorship primary with 304,055 votes out of 305,287 accredited voters, describing the process as the basis for his recognition as the APC candidate.
The party also confirmed Mrs Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun as Adeola’s running mate for the election.
Hunye has challenged the nomination process in court and has questioned the circumstances surrounding Adeola’s emergence. His position has added a new layer to the political contest within the Ogun APC ahead of the 2027 election.
At a recent press briefing in Abeokuta, Hunye was reported to have presented Otunba Abayomi Odunowo of Ijebu-Odeas his running mate. However, his media office later clarified that he had not declared himself the APC candidate and that his position was based on the ongoing legal challenge.
The disagreement has now created a clear divide between the party’s official position and Hunye’s legal challenge. While the Ogun APC leadership continues to recognise Yayi, the courts remain the avenue through which the dispute can be finally determined.
Former Ogun federal lawmaker and APC chieftain Kayode Oladele has also criticised Hunye’s continued challenge, describing the attempt to overturn Adeola’s nomination as an “exercise in futility.”
Adeola, who represents Ogun West Senatorial District, is now expected to continue his preparations for the 2027 governorship election with the backing of the state party structure.
For the Ogun APC, the latest statement is aimed at ending speculation among members and supporters over its choice of candidate.
But with a court case still linked to the dispute, the battle over the APC ticket may not be over yet. The final word could ultimately come from the judiciary if the legal challenge proceeds to a conclusive judgment.