Adeola Yayi Moves To Sidestep Opposition To His Guber Ambition

Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, is leaving nothing to chance in his bid to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State in 2027.

Abiodun will bow out after two terms, and Yayi has emerged as the frontrunner within and outside the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“To be fair, Yayi has been very intentional in positioning himself as the next Governor. All things being equal, the race is his to lose,” insiders say.

Representing Ogun West, Yayi has built one of the most formidable political structures in the state. Since entering the Senate in 2023, he has been credited with unprecedented performance. Party sources also say his network was pivotal to Abiodun’s victories in 2019 and 2023.

Still, his ambition faces hurdles — especially from within the APC.

In Yewaland, Yayi must contend with Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI), making his fourth attempt at the governorship. Unlike Yayi, who only relocated to Ogun in 2023 after years in Lagos politics, GNI has spent his entire career in the state and enjoys strong backing from locals who see him as a homegrown choice.

Beyond Yewa, resistance is also building in Ogun Central, where stakeholders oppose ceding power for another 16 years. Since 1976, the governorship has rotated largely between Ogun East and Ogun Central, and Abiodun’s successor is expected to serve two terms.

Yayi has highlighted his maternal roots in Ogun Central to widen his appeal, but critics insist the zone should produce a “thoroughbred” indigene. Names like Finance Minister Wale Edun, a close ally of President Bola Tinubu, are already being floated.

Despite these pressures, sources say Yayi remains unfazed. “He is beginning his formal consultation earlier than planned,” one insider revealed.

The consultations, believed to be political negotiations to consolidate support ahead of the APC primaries, were confirmed through an announcement on Yayi’s social media handle on August 31, 2025.

“He doesn’t want to leave anything to chance or too late,” another insider explained.