Over 21 support groups and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across all 20 local government areas of Ogun State on Tuesday endorsed Ambassador Sarafa Isola, former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, as the preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in the state.

The stakeholders also expressed full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid at a stakeholders’ event in Abeokuta, the state capital, which drew delegates from the state’s three senatorial districts and a massive crowd of party members.

Speakers at the event praised Isola’s qualifications, describing him as the most experienced and capable aspirant to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2027.

Chief Joju Fadairo, a senior APC chieftain, recounted how he personally visited Isola in London during his tenure as High Commissioner to persuade him to consider the governorship on the request of prominent sons and daughters of Ogun State.

Fadairo and other speakers highlighted Isola’s extensive experience in both local and federal government, noting his previous roles as elected Local Government Chairman, Chairman of Chairmen of Local Governments in Ogun State, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, member of the Federal Executive Council, Secretary to the State Government, and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

“His track record of compassion and service distinguishes him as a humane leader who truly understands the needs of the people,” one speaker remarked.

In his remarks, Isola thanked the stakeholders for their confidence and pledged to make Ogun State proud if elected governor. He noted that he had consulted widely with past governors, including Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun, focusing discussions on ending what he described as “hostile succession from one governor to another” that he said had not served the state’s best interests.

He urged all governorship aspirants to avoid animosity and desperation, emphasizing unity and constructive engagement.

Isola clarified that the event was a stakeholders’ engagement, not a formal declaration of governorship. “A governorship declaration is made publicly, not in a hall. Despite today’s mammoth attendance, this is a consultation and engagement; the formal declaration is coming soon,” he said.

At the national level, Isola praised President Tinubu’s policies and programmes, which he said have set Nigeria on a path of progress and prosperity. He called for a resolution endorsing the President for a second term, which was unanimously adopted by the stakeholders.