Amid growing speculation over his political ambition, the camp of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has clarified that the lawmaker remains firmly in the race for the Ogun State governorship ahead of the 2027 election.
The clarification followed mixed interpretations of the senator’s recent appeal to supporters to exercise caution in the erection of billboards and pasting of posters, in line with due process and existing electoral laws.
Some political actors had interpreted the cautionary message as a sign of waning interest in the governorship contest. However, the senator’s Chief of Staff and Media Adviser, High Chief Kayode Odunaro, dismissed the claim, insisting that Adeola has not withdrawn from the race.
Speaking during a telephone interview on Splash FM 106.7 over the weekend, Odunaro explained that the senator’s message was intended to appreciate the support of his followers while also urging them to act within the confines of the law.
He said, “The senator’s intention was first of all to appreciate the love, the massive support of the supporters as expressed in erecting billboards and posters with their own resources. There was nowhere that the senator stated that he was no longer interested in Ogun State affairs or the race to Ogun 2027. That misinterpretation was the illusion of those afraid of his popularity among the populace.”
Odunaro added that the directive was also aimed at ensuring compliance with party guidelines, the electoral timetable, and the laws governing political campaigns, noting that full-scale campaigns had not officially commenced.
He said, “If you notice, the posters and billboards were sponsored and powered by various groups and individuals in love with the senator’s sterling performance. The senator, as a true progressive, will not jump the gun to start campaign through posters and billboards. At the right time, in consonance with party guidelines and electoral law, Senator Adeola will come out full blast.”
According to him, the senator is currently engaging in wide consultations rather than active campaigning.
“So far, he has not done any campaign but consulting widely,” he added.
Odunaro further stressed that Adeola’s political alignment and support for the current administration in Ogun State remained consistent, noting his longstanding relationship with Governor Dapo Abiodun.
“Senator Adeola has a very cordial relationship with the incumbent governor over the years. He is always doing things to complement the achievements of the governor in many areas. And if there is any shortcoming, he will always fill in the gap,” he said.
He added that the senator’s actions are driven by commitment to the progressive cause within the All Progressives Congress, maintaining that success for the party in the state translates to collective success.
“For crying out loud, the governor and the senator are of the same party. If APC succeeds under Prince Dapo Abiodun as it is doing, then Yayi has succeeded as senator from Ogun West,” Odunaro stated.
Reaffirming Adeola’s stance on the 2027 race, the aide noted that the lawmaker would continue to operate within established political traditions and legal frameworks.
He said the senator, “as a tested and experienced progressive politician, will always be guided by the traditions, the rules of the game as dictated by the party and the electoral law of the land.”
