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By Philip Nwosu
Over 21 support groups and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the 20 Local Government Areas of Ogun State have endorsed a former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Isola, as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
The endorsement was announced on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ gathering in Abeokuta, the state capital, which drew a large crowd, including delegates from the three senatorial districts.
At the event, the stakeholders also declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s second term bid, citing his administration’s policies and programmes as placing Nigeria on the path of progress and prosperity.
Speakers at the gathering praised Isola’s credentials, describing him as the most qualified and experienced among the aspirants to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2027.
An APC chieftain, Chief Joju Fadairo, recounted his visit to Isola in London during his tenure as High Commissioner, noting that he had urged him to consider contesting for the governorship at the instance of prominent indigenes of Ogun State.
Fadairo and other speakers highlighted Isola’s extensive experience in public service, including his roles as former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, elected Local Government Chairman, Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Ogun State, member of the Federal Executive Council, and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
They added that his local and international exposure, coupled with what they described as his compassion and track record in service, set him apart as a leader who understands the needs of the people.
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Responding, Isola expressed gratitude to the stakeholders for their confidence in him, promising to make the state proud if elected governor.
He disclosed that he had engaged in wide consultations with key stakeholders across the state and had also met with former governors, including Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, and the incumbent, Dapo Abiodun.
According to him, the discussions focused on ending what he described as “hostile succession” among successive administrations in the state, which he said has not been in the best interest of Ogun State.
The governorship hopeful urged other aspirants to avoid bitterness and desperation in the race, stressing the need for unity and peaceful political engagement.
He clarified that the event was not a formal declaration of his candidacy.
“You do a governorship declaration in the open, not in a hall like this. Despite the mammoth attendance today, this is just a stakeholders’ engagement. The real declaration is coming soon,” he said.
Isola also reiterated support for President Tinubu, urging stakeholders to back the President for a second term, a proposal that received unanimous approval at the event.
