By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Kayode Oladele, has expressed confidence that the party will record a landslide victory in the 2027 general elections in the state, attributing the projection to its expanding grassroots structure and the growing acceptance of its governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

Oladele said the APC would vigorously campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adeola and other party candidates contesting National and State Assembly seats, expressing confidence that the electorate in Ogun would sustain what he described as the state’s progressive political tradition.

He also argued that opposition parties would struggle to halt the APC’s growing momentum, as more political leaders and grassroots supporters continue to identify with the ruling party.

Oladele spoke in Abeokuta at the formal inauguration of 31,806 members of the Door-to-Door Team Yayi at the Ake Pavilion, Ake, Abeokuta.

He described the mobilisation exercise as a significant expansion of the party’s grassroots campaign structure, saying the canvassers would serve as a critical link between the campaign organisation and voters across communities in the state.

According to him, the APC would take its campaign directly to the people by engaging voters “one community, one street, one household and one voter at a time.”

Oladele said the enthusiasm generated by the Yayi movement across Ogun West, Ogun Central and Ogun East had strengthened his conviction that the APC was well positioned to win the governorship election and perform strongly in other electoral contests.

“I have no doubt that the APC will sweep the polls in Ogun State. What we are building is rooted in the grassroots. With 31,806 canvassers going into our communities to engage the people, we are taking our message to where elections are actually decided,” he said.

The former lawmaker stressed the importance of grassroots engagement in democratic politics, saying elections were ultimately determined by voters.

“The strength of democracy lies with the people. Elections are decided by ordinary men and women who believe their votes can shape their lives and communities.

“That is why a door-to-door campaign is important. It takes politics away from the podium and brings it into direct conversation with the people. Our duty is simple: meet the people, listen to them, respect them and earn their confidence,” he said.

Oladele described Adeola as an experienced public servant whose political career has taken him through the Lagos State House of Assembly, the House of Representatives and the Senate, where he currently represents Ogun West and chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

He told the canvassers that their inauguration was not merely ceremonial, stressing that each of the 31,806 members had effectively become an ambassador of the Yayi movement in his or her community.

He said the party was strengthening its mobilisation structures across the three senatorial districts, including at the polling-unit level, but warned that political enthusiasm must be matched by effective organisation.

“There is enthusiasm, but it must be transformed into organisation, and organisation must be transformed into votes,” Oladele said.

He urged the canvassers to build genuine relationships with voters and familiarise themselves with the concerns of young people, traders, farmers, artisans, teachers and professionals.

Oladele further said Adeola’s appeal was extending beyond Ogun West, describing the growing mobilisation as evidence of what he called a broad-based political movement across the state.

He listed education, infrastructure, security, human capital development and economic empowerment among the key issues the APC campaign would present to voters.

“Our responsibility is to take these issues to the people and also bring the people’s concerns back to the campaign. A successful door-to-door campaign must be a two-way conversation. We must speak, but we must also listen,” he said.

While expressing confidence in the APC’s political structure and grassroots reach, Oladele charged the canvassers to remain committed to their assignment until the final vote was cast.

“The 31,806 canvassers being inaugurated today represent 31,806 points of contact with the people. If every one of you does this assignment with commitment, discipline and sincerity, the impact across Ogun State will be enormous.

“With the support of the people, I am confident that the APC will sweep the polls in Ogun State and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, Yayi, will emerge as the next governor of Ogun State,” he said.