Ogun opposition not threat to Yayi, says ex-lawmaker

A lawyer and former federal lawmaker, Kayode Oladele, has said opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Democratic Congress, stand no chance in the 2027 governorship race in Ogun State, citing weak leadership choices, fading structures, and the growing strength of the ruling party.

In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, Oladele said the PDP weakened its own position by planning to re-present its 2023 governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, for the 2027 governorship race, arguing that the decision raises doubts about the competence and capacity required to govern a complex and economically strategic state.

He said, “The issue goes beyond personal ambition and touches on fairness and sound political judgment. Without pre-empting, Adebutu’s emergence from the same Remo axis as the incumbent governor, Dapo Abiodun, would further complicate the PDP’s position on equity and balanced representation.

“There is a growing resistance among stakeholders and voters to producing another governor from the Remo axis, so the prevailing mood favours a more inclusive distribution of power across the state’s senatorial districts.”

He added that opposition parties are steadily losing relevance, pointing to ongoing defections of their members to the All Progressives Congress as evidence of weakening internal structures and declining confidence.

“There is a clear shift in the political environment. Key figures and grassroots supporters from opposition parties are aligning with the APC because they recognise where the strength lies,” he said.

Oladele maintained that the most decisive factor shaping the 2027 race is the rising popularity of the APC consensus candidate, Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi.

He described Yayi’s emergence as the outcome of wide consultations and party cohesion, with growing acceptance across different segments of the state.

“The momentum is evident. Across Ogun State, there is increasing support for Senator Adeola Yayi. His track record, political reach and grassroots connection have positioned him as the candidate to beat.

“Yayi is like a movement that no opposition can withstand or stop. It is God’s agenda, a divine assignment whose time has come, and the good people of the state have equally aligned with this reality,” he said.

Oladele stressed that governance in Ogun State demands more than ambition, noting that it requires proven leadership, strategic depth and the ability to manage a diverse population and a fast-growing economy.

“The responsibility of leading Ogun State cannot be reduced to ambition. It requires capacity, experience and a clear understanding of the state’s development path,” he added.

Reinforcing his position, Oladele described the APC as the dominant political force in the state with a strong institutional base and broad appeal among voters.

He said the party’s unity and ability to manage internal interests continue to strengthen its electoral prospects.

The former lawmaker concluded that with the APC’s cohesion, expanding support base and the perceived limitations of the opposition, the 2027 contest is already tilting in favour of the ruling party.

“As things stand, the opposition lacks both the structure and the momentum to compete effectively. The APC remains firmly in control, and the people of Ogun State are aligning with a future they can trust,” Oladele said.