The National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun Joint Campus Committee (JCC), have called on the All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant, Abayomi Hunye to accept Senator Solomon Adeola as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The student bodies, in a joint statement issued at a press conference on Monday, said Hunye’s continued claim to the APC ticket and reported resort to legal action risked creating confusion within the ruling party.

The statement, signed by NAOSS National President, Olubodun Olalekan, and NANS JCC Ogun Chairman, Habeeblahi Tijani, said the APC had settled for Adeola as its consensus candidate in the interest of party unity, continuity and development.

They urged Hunye to abandon what they described as a “desperate” ambition and, if dissatisfied with the APC’s decision, seek the governorship ticket on another political platform.

According to the groups, Ogun State had enjoyed peace and development under Governor Dapo Abiodun, adding that attempts to undermine the state’s stability would not be tolerated.

The student leaders further alleged that some individuals within the APC had been working against Adeola’s emergence, citing alleged previous instances of anti-party activities and recent allegations contained in a leaked audio recording.

They, however, provided no independent evidence to substantiate the allegations contained in the statement.

The groups said their support for Adeola was also based on what they described as his contributions to education and youth development across the state.

They cited projects in tertiary institutions, scholarships and empowerment programmes as evidence of the senator’s alleged commitment to students and youths.

According to them, “Senator YAYI, as the bona fide APC governorship candidate, has facilitated several projects that have directly enhanced education development across Ogun State.”

The students also cautioned against using provisions of the Electoral Act to justify what they described as political rascality, arguing that participation in campaign activities did not automatically confer legitimacy on a political ambition.

While affirming their confidence in the judiciary, NAOSS and NANS JCC said they also recognised the supremacy of party decisions, urging APC leaders and members to unite behind Adeola.

They warned that Ogun students and youths would not remain passive if political activities threatened the peace and stability of the state.

Recalling the historical role of Nigerian students in the struggle for democracy, the groups said students had actively participated in campaigns against military rule and would continue to speak out when the state’s interests were at stake.

They therefore urged Hunye and other aggrieved aspirants to accept the APC’s decision and work for the progress of Ogun State rather than pursue actions capable of heightening political tension.

The student leaders called on APC members and residents of the state to disregard what they described as Hunye’s “political distractions”, while declaring their support for Adeola’s 2027 governorship bid.

“The train has left the station, and it is headed to victory with Senator YAYI at the helm,” they said.