By Our Reporter
A fierce battle for political visibility has erupted in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 governorship election, as campaign posters of key contenders flood major streets and public spaces in what observers describe as an early show of strength and influence.
Prominent among those dominating the poster war are Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi; Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI); and Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Their posters, bearing bold slogans and strategic messaging, have surfaced across Iperu, Ilishan, Gateway International Cargo Airport road and its archway and areas believed to form President Tinubu’s itinerary routes during his visit.
The Daily Crucible gathered that their various supporters pasted the posters on walls, perimeter fence and any available space, ostensibly to catch the attention of the President and other critical stakeholders expected to grace the commissioning the airport and other projects along that corridor this Saturday, April 4, 2026.
These supporters in their thousands also carried banners as they sang the praises of the governorship hopefuls, while freelance drummers entertained to make the area within and outside the airport environment to pulsate with political statements.
The development coincides with the anticipated visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the state, a factor believed to have intensified the scramble for political relevance among aspirants and their supporters.
Analysts say the timing of the poster surge is hardly coincidental, as contenders seek to align themselves with the President’s influence and visibility.
Residents have expressed mixed reactions to the sudden proliferation of political banners, posters and other subtle materials.
While some view it as a sign of vibrant political engagement, others have raised concerns over environmental defacement and the premature nature of the campaigns, given that official electioneering has not yet commenced.
Political observers note that the trio represents different power blocs within Ogun’s complex political landscape.
Yayi is seen as a grassroots mobiliser with strong legislative backing, GNI is leveraging elite networks, while Iyabo Obasanjo carries the weight of a historic political legacy, international exposure and sound education.
Sources within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) suggest that internal alignments and negotiations are already underway, with loyalties quietly shifting behind the scenes.
It was also learned that Governor Dapo Abiodun has yet to find his rhythm or establish a firm grip on the politics of succession in the sophisticated Gateway State, although he has pledged to hand over power to a successor come May 29, 2027 in an acrimony – free atmosphere.
However, the poster war, many say, is only the visible layer of a deeper contest for party tickets and endorsements.
As Ogun prepares to receive President Tinubu, the growing political tension underscores what is shaping up to be a highly competitive and potentially contentious race. With months to go before party primaries begin, the battle for the state’s top seat is already unfolding in full force.
The posters of Yayi, GNI, and Iyabo Obasanjo seen across strategic locations around the airport, signaling an early and intense buildup to the 2027 governorship race ahead of President Tinubu’s visit.
The Daily Crucible reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has scheduled to be in Ogun State on official visit to Ogun State, commission and inspect a sweeping array of landmark projects executed by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
The project signals the state’s bold stride toward infrastructural transformation, economic expansion, and improved service delivery.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the President’s itinerary reflects a comprehensive showcase of strategic investments cutting across critical sectors.
At the forefront of the visit is the commissioning of the Gateway International Airport, Iperu—an ambitious project designed to position Ogun State as a major aviation and logistics hub in Nigeria. Within the airport complex,
President Tinubu will also commission two newly acquired aircraft under Gateway Air, marking the official takeoff of the state’s aviation initiative in partnership with ValueJet.
Further underscoring the airport’s economic potential, the President will witness a cargo operations showcase facilitated by SAHCOL, signaling readiness for full-scale logistics and freight activities. In addition, a number of strategic assets will be commissioned at the airport, including 1,000 electric bikes under the state’s EV mobility initiative, 80 security vehicles to strengthen safety architecture, and a fleet of agricultural tractors aimed at boosting food production and supporting farmers.
Beyond the airport, the President will commission the Ilishan–Iperu Airport Road, a vital link connecting the new aviation hub to surrounding communities and enhancing accessibility. He is also scheduled to inspect the Nigeria Customs Service Village and commission the Forward Operating Base (FOB) building, reinforcing border security and trade facilitation.
The visit will further feature the inspection and commissioning of the Gateway Aviation Village, a complementary development designed to support the state’s growing aviation ecosystem.
In a symbolic and strategic move, President Tinubu will commission the reconstructed “Old Ibadan Road” (Sapade–Ilishan Road), which will be officially named the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Expressway—an arterial route expected to significantly boost connectivity and commerce within the region.
Rounding off the visit is the inspection of the Sagamu–Benin Concrete Road, a major federal infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation efficiency along one of Nigeria’s busiest corridors.
Collectively, these projects reflect the vision of the Ogun State Government under Dapo Abiodun to build a modern, economically vibrant, and well-connected state.
The President’s visit not only marks the unveiling of these transformative initiatives but also reinforces the synergy between federal and state governments in driving sustainable development.
