ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Support for Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, is gaining momentum within the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State, despite emerging internal tensions and zoning disputes trailing his adoption as the party’s consensus governorship candidate.
Yayi was adopted on Tuesday at a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Abeokuta, a move championed by Governor Dapo Abiodun to stabilise the party ahead of the 2027 election.
In a significant follow-up development on Thursday, a high-powered delegation of Ogun APC leaders formally presented the senator to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, effectively elevating his candidacy to the national stage.
The delegation, led by former Governor Olusegun Osoba, included governor Abiodun, the state APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi and other key stakeholders.
Sources at the meeting said the President expressed satisfaction with the rancour-free process that produced Yayi and charged party leaders to work towards total victory in the 2027 general elections.
However, beneath the show of unity, cracks have begun to surface within the state chapter of the party.
Findings indicate that some former aspirants, including Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Dr. Jelili Kayode Amusan, Mrs. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and Hon. Isaq Abiodun Akinlade, are yet to openly align with the consensus arrangement, fuelling speculations of possible dissent.
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The development has also reignited the long-standing zoning debate among Ogun’s three major blocs Egba, Ijebu and Yewa particularly calls for power to shift to Ogun West, which has yet to produce a governor.
Although Yayi hails from Ogun West and his emergence is seen by some as addressing that agitation, others argue that underlying political interests and power calculations remain unresolved within the party.
Despite the tensions, more endorsements have continued to trail his candidacy.
A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Tunde Lemo, announced his decision to align with the consensus position, describing it as a strategic move taken after “deep reflection and wide consultations.”
“This is not a retreat from service. It is a deliberate, strategic alignment for the greater good,” Lemo said.
Similarly, APC chieftain and security expert, Dr. Adejare Adegbenro, as well as a pressure group, the Renaissance Movement, have thrown their weight behind Yayi, citing his experience and capacity to lead the state.
Party insiders insist the early consensus is aimed at avoiding a divisive primary and strengthening cohesion, noting that reconciliation moves are ongoing to bring aggrieved stakeholders on board.
Political analysts, however, warn that while the APC has gained an early advantage with the endorsement and presidential backing, its ability to manage internal grievances and zoning sensitivities will be critical in sustaining unity ahead of the 2027 race.