Party leaders, lawmakers and grassroots structures endorse governor as consensus candidate, pledge to secure nomination forms

Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have thrown their full weight behind Governor Dapo Abiodun, endorsing him as the consensus candidate for the 2027 Senate election.

The endorsement was announced on Monday during a high-powered stakeholders’ meeting at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which drew a sweeping representation of the party’s political structure across the district.

The gathering brought together members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), serving and former lawmakers at both state and national levels, local government chairmen and executives, ward leaders, councillors, as well as women and youth mobilisers—underscoring the breadth of support for the governor.

Speaking for the stakeholders, former Ogun East Senator, Lekan Mustapha, said the decision was unanimous and rooted in confidence in Abiodun’s competence and leadership capacity.

He revealed that party leaders would formally convey the endorsement to the governor and constitute a committee to purchase his nomination forms ahead of the 2027 polls.

“We will put a body together to deliver this message to our Governor that he has been adopted as the consensus candidate,” Mustapha said, describing Abiodun as a man of strong character and proven intellect.

Also lending weight to the endorsement, Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, described the move as both historic and symbolic of the governor’s growing political stature.

“This unanimous decision reflects our collective belief that Prince Dapo Abiodun is best suited to represent Ogun East at the Senate,” Talabi stated.

Member of the House of Representatives, Femi Ogunbanwo, echoed similar sentiments, crediting the governor with fostering peace, stability and development across the state. He expressed optimism that Abiodun would attract greater federal presence and benefits to the district if elected.

Chairman of Sagamu Local Government, Afolabi Odulate, also commended the governor’s performance, urging him to accept the call to serve at the national level.

The event recorded full participation from all 103 councillors across the nine local governments in Ogun East, alongside key grassroots leaders—highlighting a rare show of unity within the party.

Prominent APC figures in attendance included former senators Gbenga Kaka and Lekan Mustapha, Ogun East APC Chairman Adedoyin Adeleke, and respected elders such as Kola Ogunjobi, Bayo Dayo, Durojaye, Pegba Otemolu, James Dina, and Osibote Amoran.

Also present were several influential political mobilisers and stakeholders, as well as members of the House of Representatives from the district—Adesola Elegbeji, Joseph Adegbesan, and Femi Ogunbanwo—further cementing the widespread backing for Abiodun’s anticipated senatorial bid.