Ogun APC picks Adegunwa-Balogun as Yayi’s running mate

The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally unveiled Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun as the party’s deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 general election.

The announcement was made on Sunday by Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun state during the APC strategic caucus meeting held at the party secretariat in Abeokuta.

Abiodun said the choice followed wide consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the state, adding that the decision reflected considerations of equity, fairness and political balance.

Mrs Adegunwa-Balogun, a chartered accountant and daughter of industrialist Alhaji Adebola Adegunwa, will run alongside the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

Her nomination is also in line with the zoning arrangement, which allocated the deputy governorship position to Ogun East Senatorial District and further micro-zoned it to the Ijebu Central Federal Constituency.

She currently serves as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, Finance and Administration at Rite Foods Limited.

Speaking at the event, Abiodun commended party stakeholders for sustaining unity throughout the governorship primary process, describing it as one of the most peaceful in the state’s political history.

He noted that consensus-building among party leaders contributed to a smooth and crisis-free emergence of candidates across various levels.

“I have never witnessed anything like this in my years in politics in Ogun State,” Abiodun said, adding that leaders across different groups worked together to ensure a peaceful outcome.

He also praised aspirants who stepped down in the interest of party unity, describing their sacrifices as key to the APC’s stability ahead of the 2027 elections.

Explaining the choice of deputy governorship candidate, the governor said the party was guided by fairness and inclusivity in its decision-making process.

Adeola, the governorship candidate, expressed confidence in Adegunwa-Balogun’s capacity to support his administration if elected, citing her professional background and leadership experience.

In her acceptance remarks, Adegunwa-Balogun described her nomination as a call to service and pledged to bring her experience in finance and governance to bear in advancing the development of Ogun State.

She said her decades of exposure in corporate leadership and governance had prepared her for public service, adding that she remained committed to inclusive development and accountability.

“I see this nomination as a call to duty and a privilege to serve,” she said.

She also pledged to strengthen grassroots engagement and ensure that government policies reflect the needs of citizens while promoting transparency and inclusive governance.