Why Eyes Are Turning From Sarafa Isola In Choosing Abiodun’s Successor

The ever-changing political dynamics in Ogun State have presented a new perception about Sarafa Isola’s chances of becoming the successor to Governor Dapo Abiodun.

The former minister was believed to enjoy the confidence of ex-Governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun in this bid.

But inside claims are saying otherwise at press time.

Amosun and Daniel are reportedly considering another option: a gubernatorial aspirant with a stronger political base.

Emerging details reveal that both leaders—who control two of the four most influential political structures in Ogun State across party lines—want an aspirant from Ogun Central with a larger following than Ishola.

Ogun Central and Ogun East are the two dominant, high-vote areas that have produced the governors of Ogun State, to the exclusion of the low-vote area Ogun West (which has consistently failed to present a united front) since the state’s creation in 1976.

Outgoing Governor Dapo Abiodun, who leaves office in 2027 after two terms (eight years), is from Ogun East.

Amosun, the immediate past governor from Ogun Central, and Daniel, the incumbent senator representing Ogun East, face strong opposition from Governor Abiodun over who becomes the latter’s successor.

Although they have history on their side—no Ogun State governor has successfully installed a preferred successor—sources say these experienced politicians are leaving nothing to chance.

“That is why they are considering a gubernatorial aspirant with a firmer political footing than Isola,” insiders claim.

This is despite the fact that Isola, who has served as a commissioner, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Ogun State, minister, and Nigerian ambassador to the United Kingdom (UK), is no pushover in Ogun politics.

Checks revealed that, instead of Isola, public interest in the race to determine the next governor of Ogun State is now firmly fixed on the likes of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, representing Ogun West, who recently established a claim of origin in Ogun Central; House of Representatives member from Ogun West—and serial gubernatorial contender—Gboyega Nasir Isiaka; former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole (Ogun Central); and, surprisingly, the latest addition to the list, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu representing Ogun Central.

Talks around town suggest that Salisu and Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, famously known as GNI, are emerging as Abiodun’s preferred choices.

Senator Adeola otherwise known as Yayi possesses one of the four powerful political structures in Ogun state.