Adejola Adeyemi Crown
The Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, on Sunday urged the All Progressives Congress governorship consensus candidate in the state, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, to prioritise women inclusion as he prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Salako-Oyedele made the call at the Ogun West Senatorial District strategic stakeholders’ meeting of the APC held in Ilaro, Ogun State, where party leaders rallied support for Adeola’s candidacy.
Addressing party faithful, the deputy governor described the gathering as a significant moment for Ogun West and stressed the need for inclusiveness in governance.
“I want to call on the candidate not to ignore the women as you build your team and shape your government,” she said.
She also expressed optimism about the chances of the APC in the forthcoming elections, adding that the project to produce the next governor from Ogun West was a collective one.
“This project is my project, and I am optimistic that the incoming governor come 2027 will perform beyond expectations,” she added, while praying for victory for the APC in all elective positions.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Kunle Salako, emphasised the importance of unity among Ogun West stakeholders, noting that the district must seize the opportunity to produce a governor for the first time since the creation of Ogun State.
“All of us know the political history of Ogun West since 1976. This time around, we are on our way to becoming successful. One important element that we must take along to achieve this is unity to ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
Also speaking, the Ogun West APC Chairman, Alhaji Azeez Ekwueme, commended the party leadership for zoning the governorship ticket to the district and urged members to rally behind Adeola.
“It is obvious that everyone is happy with the party in Ogun State for presenting a consensus candidate. I charge all members to unite and support the APC candidate ahead of the coming election,” he said.
On behalf of other former governorship aspirants, Hon. Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade called for intensified mobilisation, stressing that consensus alone would not guarantee victory.
“It is not enough to have a consensus candidate; we must ensure victory. Everyone must play their roles by canvassing and ensuring that all votes count for the APC,” he said.
Similarly, Gboyega Isiaka urged stakeholders to set aside differences, saying it was not the time for political divisions.
In his remarks, Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade described the adoption of consensus as a landmark development, noting that key political actors in the district had resolved to work together.
“For the first time in Ogun State, we are adopting consensus. No matter the social media stories, we are now indivisible. Myself, GNI and Yayi,” he said, while urging leaders to support the candidate through their platforms.
Responding, Senator Solomon Adeola expressed appreciation to party leaders and stakeholders for the support and mediation that led to his emergence as consensus candidate.
“I thank all party leaders, stakeholders and members for the success we have achieved so far. I am not taking this for granted,” he said.
He assured party members of inclusive leadership, pledging not to sideline any group within the party or the state.
“From today going forward, we are one big indivisible family. We are speaking with one voice. I am for everyone,” he said.
Adeola also acknowledged the roles played by President Bola Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and former governors Olusegun Osoba, Ibikunle Amosun and Gbenga Daniel in fostering unity within the party.
He added, “This is just the beginning. We must do everything within our power to win elections for the President and other elective positions. We will not leave anyone behind and we will ensure equity.”
The meeting drew prominent APC stakeholders, including the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Kunle Salako; Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade; Gboyega Isiaka; Hon. Tunji Akinosi; Senator Akin Odunsi; Senator Iyabode Anisulowo; former Deputy Governor, Alhaja Makanjuola Badru; Senator Gbolahan Dada; Senator Tolu Odebiyi; Hon. Adekunle Akinlade; Deputy Speaker, Hon. Lateefat Alabi; and the Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor, Toyin Taiwo.
