Four aspirants for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday, rejected the endorsement of the current Senator representing the district, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, as the consensus candidate ahead of the next election in Ogun State.

Governor Dapo Abiodun on Thursday had announced Senator Salisu as the consensus candidate at a stakeholders’ meeting of the Ogun Central APC in Abeokuta.

The Ogun Central Stakeholders’ Meeting, held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, the state capital, had in attendance the party chairman, Mr Yemi Sanusi; Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi; Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide; Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi; party leaders, loyalists, stakeholders, among others.

Before announcing the endorsement, the governor appealed to stakeholders on behalf of Senator Salisu, stating that “nobody is perfect,” stressing that every individual has strengths and weaknesses.

In their loud rejection, several stakeholders and party members at the meeting expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as an attempt to impose Senator Salisu as the consensus candidate in Ogun Central.

Abiodun also begged party members and stakeholders to forgive perceived shortcomings and rally behind the senator in the interest of party unity.

The governor thereafter announced Senator Salisu as the consensus candidate for Ogun Central Senatorial District.

Despite Governor Abiodun’s appeal, the crowd openly resisted the move, insisting that the people of the district should be allowed to decide who emerges as their preferred candidate.

The aggrieved stakeholders, before leaving the gathering in anger, insisted that Ogun Central deserves an open and transparent process capable of accommodating all qualified aspirants within the party.

Speaking shortly after the meeting, four aspirants; Senator Lanre Tejuoso, Senator Olugbenga Obadara, the immediate past Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Emmanuel Sofela, and business mogul, Otunba Muriana Banjoko, jointly rejected the endorsement of Senator Salisu.

Tejuoso, who represented Ogun Central between 2015 and 2019, described the endorsement as unacceptable.

He insisted that Ogun APC members should be allowed to decide their candidate in the next election.

On his part, Obadara, who represented Ogun Central between 2011 and 2015, described the endorsement as immoral.

He said, “It’s not in any way supported by us. It’s against morality and against our discussion at the last meeting.

“We are totally rejecting the decision to endorse Senator Salisu. That’s the decision of the four of us.”

Also speaking, Sofela said: “We are practising democracy. As aspirants, we are expressing our desire to serve our people. If the people who are currently being served in the constituency, the preponderance of them, are saying no, what more evidence do you want?

“If four people who are aspirants and the preponderance of the people of Ogun Central are saying we don’t want somebody who’s representing us to go back and represent us, what more evidence is needed?”

Also responding, Otunba Muraina Banjoko  said: “I align with the position of the three other aspirants. I was in a meeting yesterday night around 1:30 to 2 o’clock, and the meeting was inconclusive.

“Our people wondered why they went ahead to endorse someone today and raise his hand up.”

As the ruling All Progressives Congress looks to commence its twice-postponed primaries on Saturday, all eyes are on how the party will resolve the multiple impasse surrounding its consensus arrangement

A significant realignment is shaking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.

A coalition of 22 influential party leaders and stakeholders has officially endorsed Engr. Jamiu Ogundele (popularly known as Jamsalod) as their consensus candidate for the State House of Assembly in the 2027 elections.

This move serves as a direct challenge to the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Jemili Akingbade, whose supporters recently held a rally advocating for his return for a fourth term.

Led by former Commissioner for Information, Dr Dele Ogunsiji, the group rejected the idea of a fourth term for Jemili, citing the need for political renewal and youth inclusion.

The leaders argued that perpetual incumbency undermines democratic fairness. According to the communiqué released after a meeting on May 6, 2026:

“Democracy thrives when power is renewed, when leaders are accountable, and when no one is made to appear indispensable.”

The stakeholders emphasized that their support for Ogundele is a strategic effort to balance the party’s internal dynamics and satisfy the growing demand for younger leadership.

The group highlighted several key reasons for choosing Ogundele, including his grassroots support and his private contributions to healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

The communiqué described him as “a capable young leader whose emergence reflects our collective resolve to give youths a sense of belonging in politics and governance.”

The stakeholders used the platform to appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) for their support.

They specifically praised the Governor’s leadership in streamlining the party’s direction for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

“Your Excellency brought together party leaders, key stakeholders, and various aspirants… ensuring fairness, consultation, and inclusivity.”

The leaders reaffirmed their total commitment to Senator Adeola’s 2027 governorship ambition, promising a unified front in Imeko-Afon.

Notable attendees included Hon. Tajudeen Ayilara, Hon. Olusola Oke, Chief Mrs. Mary Ogunjobi, Chief Sunday Alawode, and Hon. Femi Fatunmbi.

An Ogun State-based political group, Yayi Progressives Movement (YPM), has announced a N1billion donation and unveiled 27 branded buses to support the 2027 governorship ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, in the state.

The twin donations were made at the unveiling and official inauguration of the group at Ake Palace Pavilion, Abeokuta, where its Convener, Armstrong Akintunde, said the funds and vehicles would be deployed for campaign logistics and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the polls.

Akintunde, who equally inaugurated the State Executive Members of YPM led by a House of Assembly member, Hon. Olusegun Kaka, expressed the readiness of the state to deliver the highest number of votes in the South West region for the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

According to him, the group is committed to ensuring the emergence of Senator Adeola as the next governor of Ogun State.

“This is not about an individual. It is about securing the future of Ogun State. Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi represents competence, continuity, and a proven track record. We are making these donations because we believe in the vision of the APC candidate,” he remarked.

The convener maintained that the moves being made by opposition coalition cannot stop Tinubu’s re-election as well as the victory of the ruling party’s gubernatorial candidate in the state.

“Our leader has given us a marching order. We want to assure you that come 2027 election, Ogun State will deliver the highest number of votes in the entire western Nigeria. This assignment has been made very easy for us with the collaboration and efforts of our party leaders,” he stated.

Akintunde commended the incumbent governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his leadership and steadfastness in driving infrastructural development and promoting peace in the state.

“We are grateful for what the current administration has done. Our support for Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi is to ensure those gains are consolidated,” he added.

Akintunde further said, “Today represents another significant milestone in the evolving history of political movements in Ogun State. The Yayi Progressives Movement has come a long way; emerging from DACA, through Omoluabi, and now standing strong in its current form.

“This journey is a testament to our unity and determination to mobilise the people of Ogun State toward the realization of our party’s goals, particularly in securing decisive electoral victories for all our candidates across the state.”

Earlier in his speech, Kaka stated that the inauguration marked the collective commitment of YPM members to progress, unity and vision.

The Coordinator urged members to “remain focused on our goals, strengthen our bonds, and continue to work tirelessly for the growth and development of our people and our dear state.”

Eminent personalities that attended the event included former Deputy Governor, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, Senator Gbenga Obadara, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, Chief Waliu Taiwo, Hon. Kehinde Odeneye, and businessman, Ibrahim Egungbohun Dende.