The evolving political conversation in Ogun State ahead of 2027 governorship election is taking an interesting dimension with the State Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oloyede accusing the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele of interfering in the internal political affairs of the State.
Bamidele on Sunday while delivering a keynote address during a programme organised by Ogun State Professionals for Senator Solomon Olamilekan in Ilaro, Yewa South local government, preached unity and internal cohesion for Ogun West to produce Governor in 2027.
Bamidele is a very close associate of Senator Solomon, popularly called Yayi who has shown a very strong interest in contesting the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.
Bamidele, during the lecture, declared Yayi as ‘a very marketable, a well respected chieftain of the ruling APC’, while a motion was moved for his adoption as a preferred candidate for the election.
But the Deputy Governor, in a response to Bamidele’s comment cautioned against what she described as external interference in the state’s internal political affairs, particularly concerning the 2027 governorship succession.
In a formal response she personally signed and addressed to Bamidele, Salako-Oyedele expressed concern that the Senator’s commentary went beyond observation and ventured into direct interference in the internal political process of Ogun State.
She said that was a line that Bamidele shouldn’t have crossed.
Salako-Oyedele further argued that historical associations with institutions in Ogun State, including secondary education, do not confer on Bamidele and other non-indigenes the authority to intervene in or attempt to shape the state’s political process.
She also questioned the consistency of advocating consensus while appearing to project a preferred aspirant, describing such an approach as contradictory.
While acknowledging the legitimacy of the long-standing clamour for fairness and inclusion in the emergence of the next governor from Ogun West, the Deputy Governor said Ogun State has a defined political leadership in Governor Dapo Abiodun.
According to her, the APC in the State would await the governor’s guidance on matters relating to the 2027 elections.
“There is no dispute about the ongoing clamour within Ogun West and across the state for fairness and inclusion in the emergence of the next Governor of Ogun State. This sentiment is real, longstanding, and legitimate.
“Ogun State has a clear political leadership structure. Our leader is the Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, MFR, CON. As loyal party members, we will await his guidance and direction on matters relating to 2027. No external authority supersedes that structure.
“When the time is right, the duly recognised leaders of Ogun State will do what is necessary and proper in the best interest of the party and the state,” she added.
The exchange underscores the evolving political conversations ahead of the 2027 governorship election, particularly the agitation from Ogun West for equitable representation in the state’s top political office.
