A former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Ogun State and the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, Dr. Toyin Taiwo, has dismissed the governorship aspiration of suspended APC chieftain Abayomi Hunye, describing it as a political negotiating strategy rather than a genuine challenge to the party’s decision.
Dr. Taiwo made the remarks during an interview on Oju Abe, a current affairs programme aired on Splash FM, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
He stated that Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, emerged as the APC consensus governorship candidate following extensive consultations and a collective decision by the party’s leadership, including former governors and other prominent stakeholders in the state.
According to Dr. Taiwo, Hunye’s decision to obtain the party’s governorship nomination form was intended primarily to strengthen his negotiating position within the party rather than to pursue a serious governorship campaign.
“Hunye has his distinctive way of playing politics. In my view, he obtained the nomination form as part of a strategy to negotiate for a political position,” Dr. Taiwo said.
He recalled that Hunye adopted a similar approach during the first term of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration and was subsequently appointed as a commissioner. He further stated that Hunye had since been suspended by the party, beginning at the ward level and extending through its organisational structure.
Dr. Taiwo maintained that Hunye’s recent actions could not overturn a decision collectively reached by the party’s leadership and stakeholders.
“A loyal member of the APC is expected to respect the principle of party supremacy and abide by decisions taken through the appropriate party structures. Hunye’s recent actions do not demonstrate sufficient respect for that principle,” he stated.
He also rejected reports suggesting that the people of Ipokia had endorsed Hunye’s governorship aspiration.
“The people of Ipokia have not endorsed Hunye for governor. Any suggestion to the contrary does not accurately reflect the collective position of the people,” Dr. Taiwo declared.
According to him, Hunye is now seeking an amicable resolution of the disagreement following the party’s clear articulation of its position. He described Hunye’s recent political activities as strategic manoeuvres aimed at repositioning himself within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the prospects of the APC in the forthcoming elections, Dr. Taiwo expressed confidence that the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the developmental strides of Governor Dapo Abiodun through the ISEYA agenda, and the constituency projects facilitated by Senator Adeola had established a solid foundation for the party’s success.
“With the interventions and achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, alongside my modest contributions to the development of our constituency, I am confident that our people will vote massively for me and overwhelmingly for the APC,” he said.
Dr. Taiwo further expressed confidence that Senator Adeola would defeat the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ladi Adebutu, in the 2027 governorship election.
“Senator Adeola will defeat Ladi Adebutu decisively. I am confident that he will secure victory across the 20 local government areas of Ogun State. The only question that remains is the margin of victory,” he declared.
On the proposed development of Tongeji Island, the APC consensus candidate pledged to support every legitimate effort to secure the necessary attention and intervention from the Federal Government. He promised to use the platform of the National Assembly, if elected, to advance the project and ensure that its potential benefits the people of Yewa South and Ipokia.
Turning to his plans for the constituency, Dr. Taiwo highlighted his continuing educational support programme, which includes the payment of General Certificate of Education examination fees and the provision of school uniforms, bags and learning materials to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
He also pledged to expand his empowerment initiatives for market women and young people, with particular emphasis on education, skills development, enterprise support and access to economic opportunities.
“I will sustain and expand my educational support, market women’s empowerment and youth development initiatives when elected. My objective is to provide effective representation that produces practical and measurable improvements in the lives of our people,” he assured.
