Ogun State Opposition Unlikely to Impede APC Momentum for 2027 Governorship Race

Kayode Oladele asserts that the PDP and ADC lack the structure to challenge Senator Olamilekan Adeola in the 2027 Ogun governorship race.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 1, 2026, 6:26 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PUNCH

Opposition Relevancy Questioned Ahead of State Elections

The political landscape in Ogun State is undergoing a period of significant consolidation as the ruling All Progressives Congress strengthens its institutional base. Kayode Oladele, a lawyer and former federal legislator, issued a statement on Thursday suggesting that the primary opposition groups, the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress, are losing their competitive edge. According to Oladele, the opposition lacks the structural integrity and strategic leadership required to mount a serious challenge in the 2027 governorship contest. He pointed to a pattern of ongoing defections from these parties to the APC as a primary indicator of their declining influence.

Critique of PDP Candidate Selection and Regional Equity

A major point of contention raised by Oladele involves the PDP’s reported plan to re nominate Ladi Adebutu, the party's 2023 candidate. The former lawmaker argued that this decision overlooks critical concerns regarding fair power distribution across the state’s senatorial districts. According to Oladele, Adebutu’s emergence from the Remo axis, the same region as incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun, would complicate the party's stance on political equity. He noted a growing resistance among the electorate toward producing another governor from that specific zone, suggesting the mood of the state favors a more inclusive distribution of leadership roles.

The Rise of Senator Olamilekan Adeola as a Consensus Choice

Oladele maintained that the most decisive factor in the upcoming race is the surging popularity of Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi. He described the senator’s emergence as the APC’s consensus candidate as the result of extensive consultations that have fostered significant party cohesion. According to the former lawmaker, the momentum behind the senator has transcended traditional partisan boundaries, evolving into a movement with deep grassroots connections. He asserted that the senator's track record and political reach have effectively positioned him as the definitive candidate to beat in 2027.