By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Two student organisations in Ogun State have expressed support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, ahead of the 2027 governorship election, while calling for unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun Joint Campus Committee (JCC), and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) stated their position at a joint press conference on Monday.

The organisations said their support for Adeola was based on their assessment of his record and his reported contributions to education, youth development and other areas across the state.

The student leaders, represented by NAOSS National President, Comrade Olubodun Olalekan, and NANS JCC Ogun Chairman, Comrade Habeeblahi Adekunle Tijani, also called on all aspirants and party members to respect the APC’s internal processes concerning the 2027 governorship election.

They urged stakeholders to resolve disagreements through the appropriate party and legal channels while maintaining peace within the state.

The groups said Ogun State had experienced relative stability and development in recent years and appealed to political actors to avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary tension ahead of the election.

The student bodies also said they were aware of differing positions among APC members regarding the party’s governorship process and urged members to focus on dialogue and party unity.

They cited what they described as Adeola’s contributions to education and youth empowerment as reasons for their support.

According to the organisations, the senator had supported initiatives involving tertiary institutions, scholarships and empowerment programmes, which they said had benefited students and young people in the state.

“Senator YAYI has facilitated several projects that have directly enhanced education development across Ogun State,” the groups said.

The organisations also emphasised the importance of allowing the party’s established procedures to guide the selection of its candidate.

They said political aspirations should be pursued through recognised democratic and party processes, adding that disagreements should not prevent members from engaging constructively.

The groups expressed confidence in the judicial process and urged any party member with concerns about the governorship contest to seek appropriate institutional channels for addressing them.

They further recalled the role of Nigerian students in the country’s democratic development and called on young people in Ogun State to participate peacefully in the 2027 electoral process.

The organisations urged APC leaders, members and aspirants to maintain dialogue and respect democratic processes as preparations for the election continue.

They said students and youths would continue to advocate for peaceful political participation and issues-based campaigns in the state.

The groups reaffirmed their support for Adeola while urging all stakeholders to place the interests of Ogun State above political differences.