Chief Whip of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Serifat Bakare, has declared that she will not contest in the upcoming APC primary election for the Ogun State House of Assembly.

Bakare, who represents Ijebu-Ode Constituency, explained that her decision followed Governor Dapo Abiodun’s refusal to support her bid for re-election in the 2027 polls.

“I wish to state clearly that Governor Dapo Abiodun Akintunde Armstrong: upscaling elective chances of Governor Dapo Abiodun did not support my re-election bid for a second term in office. In view of this reality, and in order to avoid unnecessary division and tension within our great party, I have chosen not to participate in the primary election,” she stated.

Hon. Bakare noted that the decision was not made lightly, adding that after consultations and interventions from party leaders and loyal supporters, she resolved to step down from the race.

“As a committed party member and the Chief Whip of the Ogun State House of Assembly, I remain loyal to the ideals, leadership, and progress of the All Progressives Congress (APC),” the statement added.

She also expressed appreciation to members of the Governor’s Advisory Council led by Chief O.B. Okuboyejo, the Iyalaje of Akile Ijebu, the Iya Olojas and Olojas, the Chief Imam of Ijebuland and other Islamic clerics, members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), as well as her supporters, party faithful, youth groups, women associations, and community leaders for their unwavering support, prayers, and encouragement throughout her political journey.

Hon. Bakare further urged her supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast in their support for the All Progressives Congress as the party continues to work towards the progress and development of Ogun State