The governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday presented the Senator representing Ogun West and Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Olamilekan Adeola fondly called Yayi to Ogun Central stakeholders and leaders as the party’s consensus governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The governor also endorsed Shuaib Salisu as their senatorial candidate for the forthcoming election.

Speaking while presenting Senator Adeola to party members at an event held at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, Abiodun said it was the turn of Ogun Central to endorse the party’s candidate after similar endorsements by party members from Ogun East and Ogun West Senatorial Districts.

Abiodun said, “The decision of the party stakeholders to endorse Sen Solomon Adeola is based on the quality and experience he possesses, having served as a member of the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and now as a serving senator.

“And the consensus method was introduced to ensure the emergence of credible and widely accepted candidates who have contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of the party in the state, the party executives are committed to ensuring peaceful and rancour-free primary elections.”

He described the process that produced the Senator Adeola as unprecedented in the state, adding that it has become a reference point for other states in the country.

The governor called on party faithful to embrace peace and unity ahead of the party’s forthcoming primary elections.

“Ogun State remains a model among states in the country in terms of party organisation. I want to urge you to sustain the existing momentum during the electioneering period. I can assure you that, with the help of God, we will emerge victorious,” he said.

Abiodun noted that continuity in governance can only be achieved through peace, unity, and collective commitment within the party.

Abiodun also at the event raised up the hand of the incumbent senator representing Ogun Central, Sen Shuaib as the party’s 2027 consensus candidate for the senatorial district.

Shuaib is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity.

Abiodun described Salisu, who was his Chief of Staff during his first term in office, as a dependable and reliable politician and administrator.

“He is consistent. He is dependable and reliable,” the governor said.

He added that the senator would continue his good work and make adjustments in areas he had not touched during his first term.

While appreciating the people of Ogun Central for their support for his administration, he said the support has enabled the state to maintain one of the fastest-growing economies in the country.

He announced that the party’s direct primary elections would commence on Friday and urged members to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid actions capable of undermining the integrity of the process.

Accepting the endorsement, Senator Adeola said he was taking the endorsement seriously to ensure that the party and the government continue to move forward.

He pledged to sustain the legacies and consolidate on the gains of the present administration to move the state to the next level.

“I will not take this endorsement for granted. I will ensure that the peace and unity existing in the state and the party are sustained,” he concluded.

Also speaking at the event, Salisu, a Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society expressed gratitude to party members for the overwhelming support given to him.

The ICT expert vowed to justify the confidence reposed in him.

Born in Abeokuta, Salisu holds degrees in Computer Science and Management from the University of Lagos, including a B.Sc., M.Sc., and MBA, and has executive training from Harvard Kennedy School.

Before politics, he worked with major firms such as Total, Mobil, and ETB, and founded Simplex Automation Systems, an ICT company.

He served as Chief of Staff to Governor Dapo Abiodun from 2019 to 2023 before being elected senator in 2023. In the 10th Senate, he chairs the Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity and is Vice Chairman of Media and Public Affairs.

As of 2026, he is leading efforts on the Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, supporting digital journalism through equipment donations, and promoting education by providing free JAMB forms to students in his district.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the state’s APC chairman, Yemi Sanusi, said the meeting was convened to discuss the party’s processes and how to ensure unity ahead of the 2027 elections, while calling for decorum during the House of Representatives primary on Friday.