As Nigeria's political landscape begins to heat up ahead of the next electoral cycle, a significant conversation is dominating discourse in Ogun State. The focus has shifted from Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun's current tenure to what lies beyond the 2027 gubernatorial elections.
The Strategic Push for Federal Relevance
Within the ranks of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a concerted push is reportedly underway. Community leaders, influential groups, and top party figures are actively encouraging Governor Abiodun to contest for a seat in the Senate. This is viewed not as a ceremonial suggestion but as a calculated political strategy. The aim is to ensure that his executive experience and influence continue to benefit both Ogun State and the party at the national level long after he leaves the Government House in Okemosan, Abeokuta.
For the APC, this move serves multiple purposes. It helps preserve the party's ranking and influence within the National Assembly by placing a seasoned administrator in the Red Chamber. Furthermore, it bridges the crucial gap between state governance and federal policymaking, ensuring that the developmental agenda encapsulated in Abiodun's 'ISEYA' mantra retains a powerful voice in Abuja.
Performance as a Federal Resume
The growing calls for Abiodun's Senate bid are fundamentally rooted in his performance scorecard as Governor. His administration's achievements are now being interpreted as a 'Federal Resume' or a 'proof of concept' for his readiness for national legislative duties. Key among these is overseeing Ogun State's transformation into a major industrial hub, attracting over 70 percent of Nigeria's new manufacturing investments.
His record on infrastructure is particularly notable. Within six years, his administration has constructed over 1,500km of roads and successfully delivered the Gateway International Airport. The state has also achieved a landmark budget exceeding N1 trillion and ranks as the third highest in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) nationwide, trailing only Lagos. These economic credentials position him as a prime candidate for influential Senate committees like Finance or Appropriation.
Other sectoral achievements bolstering his case include the renovation of more than 1,000 schools under the 'Yellow Roofs revolution,' upgrades to Primary Health Centres across all 236 wards, and significant strides in housing, security, and social welfare.
Calculus of Power and Legacy
The push for Abiodun's transition to the Senate is deeply intertwined with broader political calculations. With the presidency currently in the Southwest, the APC hierarchy is keen on consolidating regional power. Having a former two-term governor in the Senate guarantees a heavyweight who can effectively defend the region's interests regarding federal allocations and critical projects.
The Senate's ranking system also plays a role. Entering the chamber with the prestige of a two-term executive could fast-track Abiodun into a Principal Officer role, such as Senate President or Chief Whip, which would channel more federal influence and resources to Ogun State.
Additionally, this move is seen as a savvy approach to managing succession politics. By providing a clear and prestigious next step for an outgoing governor, the party can mitigate potential internal friction between him and the incoming gubernatorial candidate, ensuring a smoother transition within the state.
There is also a specific regional demand at play. The Ogun East Senatorial District has long expressed a desire for more effective, heavyweight representation in the Red Chamber. Stakeholders believe Abiodun, with his executive clout and proven ability to navigate federal bureaucracy—as demonstrated when he successfully lobbied for Ogun's recognition as an oil-producing state—is the ideal figure to fill this void.
Critics have pointed to challenges, such as the previously deplorable state of some federal roads in areas like Sango-Ota and Agbado. Proponents argue that a Senate seat would provide Abiodun with the legislative platform to finally address such federal bottlenecks that were beyond the full reach of his executive powers as Governor.
As the sun sets on his second term, the prevailing consensus among political watchers is that a leader with a dependable track record of transforming Ogun into a top-tier investment destination—even earning a Forbes 'Best of Africa' award—is precisely the candidate needed to protect state interests at the federal level. The decision for 2027 remains his to make, but the loud whispers within the APC suggest the womb of time is preparing to deliver a new chapter of service for Prince Dapo Abiodun in the hallowed chambers of the Senate.
