By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta 

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun West Senatorial District have commended the leadership of the party in Ogun Central and Ifo local government area for reaffirming their support to the governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

They also commended them for clarifying a statement allegedly credited to an elder statesman and prominent APC leader, Chief Joju Fadairo, that he had withdrawn his support for Senator Adeola.

The leaders described the intervention as timely and strategic, saying it helped to douse tensions, dispel misinformation and reinforce confidence in the unity of the party ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.

The commendation followed a high-level meeting of the Ogun West APC Apex Leadership held at the residence of its Chairman, Chief Mufutau Ajibola. 

The meeting was attended by members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) from the district, including Chief Olu Agemo, Chief Bisiriyu Popoola, Alhaja Salimot Makanjuola-Badru and Chief Lai Taiwo.

Speaking on behalf of the group, APC chieftain and member of the Ogun West Apex Leadership, Hon. Kayode Oladele, praised the prompt response of party leaders in Ifo and Ogun Central Senatorial District, noting that their intervention effectively neutralised what he described as politically motivated falsehoods.

According to him, Chief Fadairo remains a respected political leader whose commitment to the APC and Senator Adeola’s governorship aspiration remains unwavering.

“It is heartening to note that Chief Joju Fadairo continues to stand firmly with our great party and remains fully committed to the governorship aspiration of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola,” Oladele said.

“The reports circulating on social media claiming that he had withdrawn his support for Senator Adeola and defected from the APC were entirely false. They appear to be part of a desperate effort by opposition elements to create confusion and gain political relevance.”

He added: “We commend the swift and dexterous intervention of APC leaders in Ogun Central Senatorial District and Ifo Local Government Area for promptly addressing the misinformation and setting the record straight. Their action has further strengthened confidence in the unity and cohesion of our party.”

Oladele expressed confidence that support for Senator Adeola’s governorship bid was growing steadily across Ogun State, stressing that the movement behind his aspiration had continued to gain momentum in all three senatorial districts.

“From Ogun West to Ogun Central and Ogun East, support for Yayi’s 2027 governorship aspiration continues to expand. No amount of misinformation, propaganda or distraction can derail the collective aspirations of our people,” he stated.

The APC leaders also called on party members and supporters across the state to remain united and focused on strengthening the party ahead of the next governorship election.

“This is not the time for distractions. We urge our members across Ogun West, Ogun Central and Ogun East to remain steadfast and avoid being swayed by rumours and politically motivated misinformation. This is a period that calls for unity, reconciliation and renewed commitment to the ideals of our great party,” Oladele said.

He further disclosed that the Ogun West APC Apex Leadership had resolved to embark on a solidarity and appreciation visit to APC leaders in Ogun Central Senatorial District and Ifo Local Government Area.

According to him, the visit is intended to formally appreciate their efforts in defending the party’s integrity, clarifying the controversy surrounding Chief Fadairo and demonstrating unwavering commitment to the APC and Senator Adeola’s governorship project.

“We consider it imperative to acknowledge and appreciate the exemplary leadership displayed by our counterparts in Ogun Central and Ifo. Their prompt intervention not only protected the reputation of respected party leaders but also helped preserve the unity and stability of the APC in Ogun State,” he said.

The controversy erupted following reports alleging that Chief Fadairo had withdrawn support for Senator Adeola and aligned himself with the governorship ambition of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Hon. Ladi Adebutu.

However, the elder statesman subsequently dismissed the reports as false and misleading, reaffirming both his membership of the APC and his support for Senator Adeola’s governorship aspiration.

The Ogun West leaders said Fadairo’s clarification had further boosted confidence in the Yayi project and strengthened the resolve of party stakeholders to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

They expressed optimism that the growing support for Senator Adeola across the state, combined with sustained party unity, would position the APC strongly for victory in the February 2027 governorship poll.

The leaders also urged party faithful to deepen engagement with voters and continue working collectively to consolidate the party’s grassroots strength across Ogun State.

According to them, the APC remains on course to emerge stronger, more united and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as preparations for the 2027 governorship race gather momentum.