In a significant political realignment, twenty-four support groups previously backing Ambassador Sarafa Isola have collapsed their structures into the Yayi 2027 project, consolidating Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola's endorsement as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State. The announcement came yesterday, just one week after a strategic meeting held at Ambassador Isola's residence in Abeokuta, the state capital, with Senator Adeola.
Senator Adeola Expresses Gratitude
Speaking after the development, Senator Adeola stated that he understands and values Ambassador Isola's decision to relinquish his structure, describing it as a boost for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. He hailed Isola for what he called exemplary leadership and party loyalty. "Let me first and foremost thank my dear brother, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, for this beautiful meeting with all his structures across the divide, as you can all witness here today. The entire structure has been collapsed into the Yayi 2027 project, and I truly appreciate him for this," Adeola said.
He explained that his ongoing consultations with other aspirants were driven by the need for unity and collective progress, noting that Isola's experience would be invaluable to the party. "I am moving round to show respect and also to seek the support and understanding of other aspirants, so that together we can move Ogun State to the next level. Ambassador Isola has served this country meritoriously, including as Nigeria's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, and his wealth of experience is an asset we must harness," Adeola added.
Commitment to Party Success
Adeola further emphasized that Isola's decision to collapse the 24 campaign support groups demonstrated commitment to party success. "Today, he has shown resilience and dedication to the APC by bringing all his support groups into this project. I do not take this for granted, and I look forward to working closely with him and the support groups to secure victory for our party in 2027 and deliver good governance to the people of Ogun State," he stressed.
Ambassador Isola's Motivation
Ambassador Sarafa Isola stated that his decision was guided by the overriding interest of Ogun State, stressing that personal ambition must give way to collective progress. "The love for Ogun State comes first, and I must do all that is necessary in that regard," he declared. Explaining his reasons for backing Adeola, Isola emphasized that the support was total and came from multiple considerations. "I have been a strong and committed advocate of the Yewa agenda over the years, and this is the first time the Yewa people are coming together as one without opposition. This presents the best chance, and as someone who has benefited from Ogun State, I have a duty to support that aspiration," he said.
He further cited party discipline and unity, noting that the APC leadership structure in the state had already endorsed Adeola. "As a member of the APC, I am duty-bound to align with that position," he added. Isola also said his support was driven by the need to end the era of bitter political succession in the state, expressing confidence that Adeola's candidacy would usher in a seamless transition supported by key stakeholders. "This is the third time I am sacrificing my governorship ambition for the larger interest of Yewa and Ogun State. There is no regret because Ogun State comes first," he concluded.
