By Jane Salihu
A leading governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has declared his readiness for any mode of primary the All Progressives Congress (APC) adopts, saying he is prepared to emerge either through consensus or direct election by party members.
Adeola spoke in Abuja after appearing before the APC screening committee ahead of the 2027 governorship election, where he described the exercise as comprehensive and expressed confidence that he would be cleared to contest.
“It went well. The panel went through all the documents that I presented and asked questions bordering on eligibility and preparedness for the task ahead. I answered all those questions, and they were satisfied,” he said.
The three-term senator said although the final decision rests with the screening committee, he was optimistic that his performance would earn him a place on the list of approved aspirants.
“As far as we are concerned, I believe the responses I gave were satisfactory. We will, however, wait for the official list,” he added.
On the debate over the mode of primary, Adeola said both consensus and direct primaries are legitimate options under the Electoral Act and should be deployed depending on the level of agreement among stakeholders.
“Where consensus is possible, we should go ahead. Where it is not, we should adopt direct primaries so that every party member can participate in choosing candidates,” he stated.
The senator also expressed gratitude to party leaders and stakeholders in Ogun State for reportedly backing him as a consensus candidate for the governorship race.
“I’m not taking it for granted. I thank them for the bold decision to present me as the sole candidate. It is a responsibility I hold dearly,” he said.
Adeola said his over two decades of legislative experience—from the Lagos State House of Assembly to the House of Representatives and now the Senate—have equipped him with the knowledge and capacity to govern Ogun State effectively.
“I know expectations are high. I will not let the people down. We will deliver greater infrastructure, boost the economy and ensure development across all sectors,” he pledged.
He added that his administration would implement strategic policies and development initiatives aimed at taking Ogun State to what he described as “the next level.”
Adeola urged residents of the state to remain hopeful, assuring them that his candidacy represents a practical opportunity to deepen development and improve the quality of life across the state.
