Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has taken a significant step toward the 2027 Ogun State governorship election by obtaining the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form valued at N50 million. The form was purchased on his behalf by political allies and friends at the party's national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday, April 28.
Yayi's Political Journey and Endorsement
Yayi, who represents Ogun West in the 10th Senate, was recently adopted as the consensus governorship candidate of the APC in Ogun State. Governor Dapo Abiodun announced this endorsement earlier in the week, signaling strong party support for the senator's ambition.
Yayi has a robust political background, having served in the Lagos State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and as a senator representing Lagos West. He later switched to Ogun State to pursue his governorship dream, first winning the Ogun West senatorial seat in the 2023 elections.
Factors Favoring Yayi's Candidacy
Several factors suggest Yayi could emerge victorious in the 2027 governorship election. His endorsement ceremony was attended by all former governors of Ogun State since 1999, a historic event as no previous governor had endorsed his potential successor. Additionally, Ogun State is an APC stronghold, with the party winning elections since 2015.
Public Reactions to the Form Purchase
The development has sparked mixed reactions from Nigerians. Many criticized the opposition coalition for its lack of preparation. Rodemi Femi commented: "APC is covering and getting set for the election. The coalition that cannot coalesce is still not ready. As the opposition is not preparing, then without doubt, they're preparing to fail again." Mary Akinwande mocked the coalition, saying: "APC is busy selling nomination forms, while the coalition party are not even sure of who will be the final owner of ADC."
Some criticized the high cost of the form. Diary of Freshness wrote: "The biggest joke in Nigerian democracy is expecting a man who paid N50 million just for the permission to contest an election to actually care about fixing the potholes on your street once he gets the keys to the state budget." However, Okwuchukwu Ameh expressed confidence in Yayi, stating: "The strong support shown through the purchase of the forms on his behalf is an indication of the trust many party faithfuls and supporters have in his vision for Ogun State."
Related Developments
In a related development, Professor Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has declared her intention to contest the 2027 Ogun governorship election on the APC platform. The former senator and ex-commissioner for Health returned to active politics after about 15 years, ruling out a return to the Senate.
