Why Gboyega “GNI” Isiaka Is Now Labeled Major Contender In Ogun Guber Race

As interests aligned and realigned- with the ruling All Progressives Congrese (APC) ahead of the final decision on who will succeed Dapo Abiodun as Governor of Ogun state , insiders say the chances of Gboyega Nasir Isiaka have risen from average to great.

The House of Representatives member from Egbado North and Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency is said to be enjoying the backing of a powerful player within the party, who formerly gave strength to the ambition of his rival, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.

Adeola, famously known as Yayi, and Isiaka, better recognized as GNI, are from the same area — Yewa in Ogun West. This area has yet to produce a governor since the state was created on February 3, 1976.

GNI, who has long championed the ambition of having a governor from the axis, would be making his fourth attempt, while Yayi is a first-timer but with a more extensive following statewide.

The two politicians have refused to step down their ambitions despite entreaties from stakeholders in the area, who seek for Yewa to present a consensus candidate in order to have a better chance of achieving the long-standing goal of getting one of their own into the office of governor.

Insiders disclosed that Yayi, who switched from Lagos West Senator to Ogun West Senator in the 2023 election — and is credited with facilitating unmatched development in the area since taking office — appeared to have a strong edge until the unexpected happened.

“For reasons yet to be deciphered, his supposed main backer reportedly turned and is believed to be silently supporting GNI at present,” according to reports.

This development has reportedly boosted GNI’s chances, having been a candidate in the Ogun State gubernatorial elections of 2011, 2015, and 2019.

However, insiders insist there is a silver lining for Senator Yayi in this development, which he is massively exploiting.

The Senator, who recently added the advantage of establishing a foothold in Ogun Central with a “homecoming” to his maternal home in Kemta Odutola, Itoku, Abeokuta, is said to be undeterred, and is cementing ties that are making him more formidable.