The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced Mrs Kudirat Abiodun Balogun (née Adegunwa) as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

Mrs Balogun will run alongside the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, in the forthcoming poll.

Her nomination followed the announcement by Governor Dapo Abiodun at the APC Stakeholders’ Strategic Meeting held in Abeokuta on Friday that the deputy governorship position had been zoned to Ogun East Senatorial District.
Speaking at the meeting, Governor Abiodun said Mrs Balogun emerged as the preferred choice of the party’s governorship candidate from among several qualified aspirants from Ogun East.

Presenting her for endorsement before party leaders, Senator Adeola described Mrs Balogun as a worthy choice, expressing confidence that she would add value to the APC ticket and contribute significantly to the party’s vision for Ogun State.

Officially announcing the nomination, Ogun State APC Chairman, Alhaji Yemi Sanusi, said the decision followed extensive consultations in line with the party’s zoning arrangement.

He noted that Mrs Balogun’s impressive educational background, extensive corporate experience and track record in entrepreneurship development made her highly qualified for the position.

Mrs Balogun is a corporate executive, strategic finance expert and advocate of industrial growth, with over three decades of professional experience spanning manufacturing, enterprise governance, strategic finance, operational transformation and business expansion.

She currently serves as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, Finance and Information Technology, at Rite Foods Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies.

During her tenure, she reportedly played a key role in transforming the company into an enterprise valued at over ₦500 billion, with expanding manufacturing capacity and a strong national presence.

Academically, Mrs Balogun holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Lagos and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from Bayes Business School, formerly Cass Business School, London.

She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). She has also attended executive leadership programmes at Harvard Business School and The Wharton School.

Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Mrs Balogun is recognised for her advocacy in economic empowerment, women’s advancement, youth development and nation-building.

She is said to promote stronger institutions, industrial growth, responsible leadership and expanded economic opportunities as pathways to sustainable prosperity.

According to party leaders, her leadership philosophy is anchored on integrity, accountability, excellence, service and long-term impact.

Party officials added that her professional journey reflects a blend of technical expertise, executive leadership, strategic thinking and people-centred impact.

Mrs Balogun is married with children and is described by party stakeholders as committed to service, responsibility and sustainable development.