One of Ogun State governorship aspirants, Iyabo Obasanjo, has suspended her 2027 ambition after the All Progressives Congress (APC) adopted Senator Solomon Adeola as its consensus candidate, signaling an early consolidation of party support ahead of the election.
Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, announced her decision in a statement on Monday, citing the outcome of a party caucus meeting held in Abeokuta where Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, emerged as the preferred flagbearer.
Her withdrawal marks a significant shift in the Ogun APC’s internal race, effectively narrowing the field and reinforcing Adeola’s position as the party’s leading contender for the governorship poll.
“I congratulate him and wish him every success,” Obasanjo said, acknowledging Adeola’s emergence. “I also thank the state and national leaders of our great party for the opportunity to participate in the nomination process.”
She added that her decision was guided by the new political reality within the party following the consensus arrangement. “Based on these developments, I have decided to suspend my gubernatorial aspiration,” she said.
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Obasanjo also used the opportunity to appreciate her supporters across the state, commending their loyalty and composure throughout her campaign.
“To my supporters across Ogun State, I am deeply grateful for your calm, steadfast support and unwavering trust throughout this journey. Together, we move forward with patience, strength and hope,” she said.
The development follows a high-level APC caucus meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta, where stakeholders reportedly rallied behind Adeola as the consensus candidate.
The move is widely seen as part of efforts to prevent internal divisions and present a united front ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West in the Senate, has been a prominent figure within the party and is considered a strong contender due to his political experience and grassroots support.
His adoption as consensus candidate suggests he enjoys the backing of key party leaders at both the state and national levels.
Political observers say consensus candidacies, while often controversial, are frequently used by major parties in Nigeria to streamline the nomination process and avoid costly and divisive primaries.
In Ogun State, the APC appears to be leveraging this strategy early to maintain cohesion within its ranks.
Obasanjo’s decision to step aside may also be interpreted as a move to align with party unity and avoid fracturing support ahead of the election.
Her withdrawal removes a notable name from the race, given her political lineage and visibility within the state.
With the APC now coalescing around Adeola, attention is expected to shift to how opposition parties respond and whether other aspirants within the ruling party will accept the consensus arrangement or push for a competitive primary.
For now, Adeola’s emergence as the consensus candidate places him firmly at the center of Ogun’s 2027 governorship contest, while Obasanjo’s exit underscores the growing influence of party leadership decisions in shaping electoral outcomes.