2027: APC chieftain backs Yayi’s Ogun governorship bid

A member of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Tolu Bankole, has reaffirmed Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun State election.

Bankole, who is also the APC National Leader for Persons with Disabilities and a major stakeholder in the Ogun State chapter, said there was no change to Adeola’s candidacy, dismissing contrary claims as misinformation aimed at creating confusion within the party.

He stated this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday. The clarification came two days after the APC reaffirmed Adeola as its governorship candidate amid a court challenge to the party’s governorship primary and a contrary claim by another party member, Abayomi Hunye.

Bankole said Adeola emerged from the APC governorship primary conducted in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the party’s constitution.

He said, “Following that transparent and democratic process, the name of Senator Adeola and that of his running mate have been duly forwarded to the Independent National Electoral Commission as the APC candidates for the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.

“Yayi is eminently qualified by all standards to govern Ogun State. He possesses the requisite constitutional qualifications, legislative experience, administrative capacity and political will to lead our state for the next eight years.

“His track record of service at the National Assembly, deep understanding of governance, and commitment to people-centered development make him well established and equipped to be the next Governor of our dear state.”

Bankole urged APC members and residents of the state to disregard what he described as fake news and focus on strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 election.

He said, “As stakeholders, we are confident that nothing will stop this mandate. The will of party members expressed during the primaries must be respected and protected.

“I therefore appeal to all members of our glorious party, the APC, and to the good people and electorate of Ogun State to disregard the fake news and distractions being sponsored by desperate elements. Our focus must remain on unity, grassroots mobilisation, and early preparation. When the campaign train starts, we must go all out to support Yayi and ensure a resounding victory for the APC.”

The APC had, in its earlier statement, also reaffirmed Adeola as its candidate and described Hunye as an impostor. The party, in a disclaimer signed by its National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, said Hunye was suspended from the APC on April 7, 2026, following a petition from his ward, Tube Ward, in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Meanwhile, Bankole said Adeola’s proposed agenda was aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. He said, “With Senator Adeola as governor, Ogun State will experience the next level of shared prosperity. His agenda of infrastructural development, industrial growth, youth empowerment, agricultural transformation and inclusive governance aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope vision of President Bola Tinubu.

“The APC in Ogun State is one united family under the leadership of our national and state structures. We will not allow agents of division to truncate the progress we have started. “Let it be on record: Yayi is the APC 2027 Ogun State Governorship Candidate.”