• The family of former President Olusegun Obasanjo appears divided over the governorship ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Ogun State, Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
  • Mr Adeola announced on Friday that Olugbenga Obasanjo and Olujuwon Obasanjo visited Mr Adeola at his residence in Abeokuta to express support for his 2027 governorship bid.
  • In a verified Facebook post, Senator Adeola wrote: 'I was honoured to receive two great scions of our father and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, in my residence in Abeokuta earlier today. Dr Olugbenga Obasanjo and Mr Olujuwon Obasanjo visited me to commend my sterling performance in governance and to pledge their unalloyed support for my aspiration as the APC gubernatorial candidate for Ogun 2027. Much appreciation to the two brothers. Omo Ogun Iseya.'
  • This endorsement comes weeks after Mr Adeola emerged as the APC's governorship candidate for the 2027 election, consolidating his position as the preferred successor to Governor Dapo Abiodun.
  • However, the support from the two Obasanjo brothers contrasts sharply with the position of their sister, former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo.
  • Ms Obasanjo had contested for the APC governorship ticket but lost after the party adopted Mr Adeola as its consensus candidate before the primary. Following the exercise, she openly criticised the process that produced him, alleging that it violated the party's guidelines and that she was sidelined despite agreeing to a consensus arrangement.
  • On 8 June, she resigned from the APC, citing persistent disrespect and unfair treatment by the party leadership. Days later, reports indicated that she had concluded plans to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where she previously built much of her political career.
  • The Obasanjo family's differing views threaten to split the APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Former President Obasanjo has not publicly endorsed Mr Adeola's governorship ambition.
  • Despite his sons' public support for Mr Adeola, there is no indication that they were speaking on behalf of their father. Mr Adeola has been representing Ogun West Senatorial District in the Senate since 2023 and previously represented Lagos West between 2015 and 2023.
  • He also served in the House of Representatives. Although Mr Adeola's emergence as the APC candidate has been met with some criticism, his sons' endorsement is likely to boost his chances in the 2027 governorship election.
  • The 2027 governorship election in Ogun State is expected to be fiercely contested, with several big names already in the fray. The APC is likely to face stiff competition from other parties, particularly the PDP, which has been gaining ground in recent years.
  • The Obasanjo family's differing views are a testament to the deep divisions within the APC, which have been simmering for some time. The party's leadership will need to work hard to resolve these differences and present a united front ahead of the election.
  • Mr Adeola's chances will also depend on his ability to win the support of other key stakeholders in the state, including traditional rulers, party leaders, and the general public.
  • The Ogun State governorship election is expected to be a major battle in the 2027 elections, and it is likely to determine the direction of the APC in the region.
  • The APC's choice of candidate will have a significant impact on the party's fortunes in the state, and Mr Adeola's emergence has been met with both support and criticism from different quarters.
  • The Obasanjo family's differing views will add to the drama and tension in the build-up to the election.
  • The Ogun State governorship election is a key battle in the APC's bid to retain power in the state.

Key Facts

  • Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) emerged as the APC's governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Ogun State.
  • His endorsement by Obasanjo's sons Olugbenga and Olujuwon is a boost to his chances in the 2027 governorship election.
  • Iyabo Obasanjo resigned from the APC on 8 June, citing persistent disrespect and unfair treatment by the party leadership.
  • Senator Iyabo Obasanjo plans to return to the PDP, where she previously built much of her political career.
  • Former President Obasanjo has not publicly endorsed Mr Adeola's governorship ambition.
  • Mr Adeola has been representing Ogun West Senatorial District in the Senate since 2023 and previously represented Lagos West between 2015 and 2023.
  • He also served in the House of Representatives.
  • The Obasanjo family's differing views threaten to split the APC ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
  • The 2027 governorship election in Ogun State is expected to be fiercely contested, with several big names already in the fray.