A group of Nigerians in the Diaspora, under the aegis of the United States (U.S.) Ogun State Indigenes and Professionals Forum, has endorsed the governorship aspiration of Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola (Yayi) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 election, describing him as the best candidate to reposition Ogun State politically and economically.

In a statement issued in Washington DC, the forum assured Adeola of its commitment to work with him to deepen Diaspora engagement, attract investment, promote sound policy initiatives and support programmes that would drive the sustainable development of Ogun State.

The statement, signed by the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Adeniyi Olukayode; President/CEO of Stanford, Aderibigbe Stanford, and Secretary-General, Rotimi Oyekanmi, said members of the Forum remained committed to the peace, progress and prosperity of Ogun State.

The Forum described Adeola’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate as “an important milestone” and a recognition of his years of public service, legislative experience, political maturity and commitment to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria.

It, however, expressed confidence in Adeola’s capacity to build on the achievements of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, saying that the state requires continuity, competence, accountability, innovation and inclusive leadership to sustain its development.

The group also commended the leadership and stakeholders of the APC for supporting Adeola’s emergence, saying the decision reflected confidence in his ability to unite the party, engage the people and pursue a strong development agenda.

IN another development, the APC in Oyo State has set up a reconciliation committee made up of elder statesmen and eminent citizens to address grievances and complaints raised by some of the aspirants and other key stakeholders to mend fences after its primary election.

The committee, which is expected to be inaugurated next week by the state chairman of the party and former deputy governor of the state, Moses Alake Adeyemo, will be mandated to reach out to all those who obtained Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms of the party but were unable to secure the party’s tickets to vie for various elective posts they desired.

In a statement, yesterday, by its Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare, the committee members include Olufemi Lanlehin, Brimo Yusuf, Hosea Agboola, Akin Oke, among others.

HOWEVER, candidates of the APC for the 2027 National Assembly elections in Ondo State have appealed to party members to accept the outcome of the party’s primaries and refrain from protests, warning that internal discord could threaten the party’s electoral fortunes.

The candidates, who addressed journalists in Akure, the state capital, made the appeal shortly after returning from Abuja where the APC concluded uploading the results of its National Assembly primary elections.

The candidate for Ondo West/Ondo East Federal Constituency, Michael Akintomide, in an interview, insisted that the National Working Committee (NWC) had concluded the primary process in accordance with the party’s constitution.

He urged party members to remain calm and disregard narratives circulating on social media that could further polarise the APC ranks.

Akintomide dismissed fears that post-primary disagreements could affect the APC’s chances in the 2027 general elections, describing such conflicts as a normal aftermath of party primaries.

Also, the candidate for Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency, Jimi Odimayo, described the APC as one united family despite the differing interests that emerged during the contest.

On his part, the Director-General of the Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) in Ondo State, Olumuyiwa Asagunla, revealed that the reception organised for the candidates was intended to appreciate the President and the APC NWC for their support for Ondo State and the party.