The immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Isola, on Tuesday declared that he had sacrificed his governorship ambition for the third time in the interest of Ogun State as he formally endorsed the 2027 bid of Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.
Isola made the declaration in Abeokuta while hosting Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, alongside his supporters, where he also collapsed no fewer than 24 political support groups into the senator’s campaign structure.
“This is the third time I am stepping aside from my own governorship ambition to support another candidate. I have no regrets because the interest of Ogun State is greater than my personal ambition,” Isola said.
The meeting, held at the residence of a party leader, Elder Joju Fadairo, in Ibara Housing Estate, marked a major political realignment within the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Isola described his decision as a “necessary sacrifice,” stressing that the overriding interest of the state must take precedence over individual aspirations.
He said his support for Adeola was rooted in his long-standing commitment to the Yewa agenda, noting that the 2027 race presents a rare opportunity for unity within the bloc.
“I have been a strong advocate of the Yewa agenda since 2011, and this is the first time the Yewa people are coming together without opposition. This is the best opportunity,” he said.
The former envoy added that the endorsement of Adeola by the APC state caucus—comprising the incumbent governor and former governors—further strengthened his resolve to align with the party’s position.
He also said his move was aimed at ending the era of acrimonious political succession in Ogun State, recalling that transitions from Gbenga Daniel to Ibikunle Amosun, and from Amosun to Dapo Abiodun, were marked by political tension.
“This time, the process is seamless, with all stakeholders supporting the same candidate. That is why this sacrifice is worthwhile,” he added.
In his response, Adeola commended Isola for what he described as a rare show of leadership and selflessness, noting that the development would further strengthen unity within the party.
“I sincerely appreciate him for bringing together all his structures across the divide. This demonstrates leadership, resilience, and commitment to the success of our party,” Adeola said.
The senator noted that his consultations across the state were aimed at building consensus among party stakeholders and aspirants ahead of the 2027 election.
“I am moving round to seek the support and understanding of other aspirants so that together we can move Ogun State to the next level,” he added.
Adeola pledged to work closely with Isola and the various support groups to secure victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections.
The development is expected to boost Adeola’s governorship ambition as political alignments intensify within the party ahead of the poll.
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