The governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State ended with the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
The exercise witnessed massive participation from party members and was conducted peacefully without reports of violence or disruptions.
Speaking after voting at Ward 3, Iperu 1 in Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said the APC in the state had become stronger and more united ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the governor, over 700 aspirants initially showed interest in contesting various elective positions under the APC, but the party adopted consultations and consensus-building strategies to ensure credible candidates emerged while maintaining internal unity.
Abiodun explained that the party engaged leaders and stakeholders across constituencies and local governments to identify suitable candidates for different positions.
He stated that aspirants who were not eventually selected were also carried along in the process to ensure inclusiveness and avoid division within the party.
The governor noted that the approach helped to eliminate bitterness and tension, adding that many aspirants voluntarily stepped down in support of consensus candidates.
He stressed that the process reflected the democratic provisions of the Electoral Act, which allows parties to adopt either consensus arrangements or direct primaries.
Abiodun also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing leadership that has strengthened the APC nationwide, while commending the party’s national leadership for reforms aimed at repositioning the ruling party.
The governor further described the direct primary system as inclusive because it gives registered party members at the ward level the opportunity to openly participate in the selection process through queue voting.
He recalled that he also emerged through direct primaries in 2019, insisting that the process reflects the true wishes of party members.
Abiodun applauded party faithful and aspirants for cooperating with the process peacefully and reaffirmed that Ogun State remains committed to sustaining its democratic tradition.
Meanwhile, the Returning Officer for the governorship primary election in Ikenne Local Government Area, Dr. Femi Akinbile, announced that Ward 3, Iperu 1 had 837 registered members, with 832 accredited voters participating in the exercise.
According to the result announced, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola secured 829 votes in the ward, while no other aspirant contested the governorship primary there.
