…As Amosun Calls for APC Unity Ahead of 2027 Poll

 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, to make agriculture, youth employment, inclusive governance and purposeful leadership the pillars of his administration if elected in the 2027 governorship election.

Obasanjo gave the advice on Friday when he received Adeola and members of his campaign delegation during a courtesy visit to his residence at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta.

Describing Ogun as a state endowed with enormous economic potential, particularly in agriculture, the former president said the next administration must harness the sector to create jobs, strengthen food security and expand the state’s economy.

According to him, agribusiness offers the greatest opportunity for sustainable development because it spans the entire value chain, including land preparation, mechanised farming, processing, packaging and distribution.

He noted that Ogun’s proximity to Lagos provides a ready market for agricultural produce and urged the APC candidate to position the state as the food basket of Nigeria’s commercial capital while developing export-oriented processed agricultural products.

Obasanjo also identified tourism as another sector capable of significantly boosting the state’s internally generated revenue if properly developed.

On governance, the former president advocated a departure from adversarial politics, saying African traditional leadership values consensus, dialogue and collective responsibility over political rivalry.

He urged elected leaders to embrace inclusive governance by carrying all citizens along, irrespective of political affiliation, stressing that governance should be driven by development rather than partisan interests.

Obasanjo also reflected on his personal journey, recalling that although he initially aspired to study geology abroad, circumstances redirected him into military service, which eventually prepared him for national leadership.

Earlier, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola said he visited the former president to formally inform him of his emergence as the APC governorship candidate and to seek his blessings, prayers and guidance ahead of the election.

Describing Obasanjo as a father figure whose contributions to Ogun’s development remain invaluable, the senator said the former president’s advice had consistently proved beneficial throughout his political career.

“I have always been part of this family. I have visited Daddy several times for discussions about Ogun State and Nigeria, and I can confirm that the advice he has given me has always worked for me,” Adeola said.

He pledged to campaign across Ogun East, Ogun Central and Ogun West with a development agenda focused on economic transformation, agricultural expansion and improved livelihoods.

Adeola also promised to maximise the state’s agricultural potential by implementing policies that would position Ogun as the food basket of Lagos and the South-West.

He added that consultations with political leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders would continue throughout the campaign to foster unity and promote inclusive participation in the electoral process.

The APC candidate was accompanied by his running mate, Mrs Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun; former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka; and other party leaders.

In a related development, former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has called on members of the APC to close ranks and work together ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that party unity is essential for electoral success.

Amosun made the appeal while receiving Adeola during a courtesy visit to his residence in Ibara Government Reservation Area (GRA), Abeokuta.

The meeting, regarded as part of Adeola’s consultations with key political stakeholders following his emergence as the APC governorship candidate, centred on party cohesion, reconciliation and preparations for the 2027 governorship election.

Addressing his visitors, Amosun acknowledged that disagreements were inevitable in politics but urged party members not to allow differences to undermine the collective interest of the APC.

He said there was sufficient time before the election to resolve internal issues and strengthen the party’s structure across the state.

The former governor also reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, assuring Adeola of his support and stating that his loyalty to the party should not be in doubt.

Although he did not disclose details of future political strategies, Amosun announced plans to convene a broader meeting involving party leaders and stakeholders to deepen consultations and address issues affecting the party ahead of the election.

Political observers described the meeting as a significant step towards reconciliation within the Ogun APC following Adeola’s emergence as the party’s governorship candidate.

Speaking after the meeting, Adeola described the visit as part of ongoing consultations with party leaders across the state, saying it was important to seek their support and guidance as preparations for the election gathered momentum.

He expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him by the former governor and described the discussions as cordial and productive.

According to Adeola, Amosun assured him of his understanding and support while indicating that another meeting would be held to facilitate wider consultations with party stakeholders.

Among those present were former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and other APC leaders and supporters.

The consultations form part of the APC’s broader engagement with influential political leaders in Ogun State as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 governorship election.