By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola has intensified his consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, securing a significant political boost following a strategic meeting with former diplomat Sarafa Tunji Isola in Ogun State.
Adeola disclosed that Isola had dissolved his political structure and aligned it with the “Yayi 2027” project, a move seen as a major consolidation effort within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
He spoke on Tuesday at the Ibara GRA private residence of an Ogun Central APC chieftain, Elder Joju Fadairo, during a meeting hosted by the elder statesman and which had in attendance, several interest groups and party leaders in the state, including former Deputy Speaker Tola Banjo; former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Motunrayo Adeleye; Chief (Mrs.) Iyabo Apampa; former Deputy Governor and Ambassador-designate, Segun Adesegun, ex – Deputy Governor Salmot Makajuola Badru and Senator Lekan Mustapha.
Adeola, who has been touring key stakeholders across Ogun, described the development as a demonstration of leadership and commitment to party unity.
He commended Isola for bringing together 24 campaign support groups under a single political agenda aimed at strengthening the party’s chances in the ا2027 elections.
“I’ve been moving from one place to another to show respect and seek the support of fellow aspirants. Today’s meeting is particularly significant. Ambassador Isola has demonstrated resilience and commitment by collapsing his entire structure into the Yayi 2027 project,” he said.
The senator emphasized the importance of collaboration among party leaders and aspirants, noting that collective effort would be critical to securing victory for the APC and advancing development in Ogun State.
Adeola also highlighted Isola’s experience, including his service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, describing it as invaluable to the state and the country at large.
Speaking earlier, the former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Isola, declared that the governorship aspiration of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola will bring an end to what he described as a long-standing pattern of “hostile succession” in Ogun State politics.
Ambassador Isola, a governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress(APC) also formally dropped his ambition, throwing his full weight solidly behind YAYI.
He also collapsed no fewer than 24 of his support groups which were in attendance at the meeting and fused them into ‘YAYI 2027 project’, pledging to ensure the success of the APC and its candidates in the 2027 general elections.
He said his decision to support Adeola was rooted in multiple factors, including longstanding advocacy for the Yewa political agenda and a desire to promote unity across the state.
Isola emphasized that the current political climate presents a unique opportunity for the Yewa bloc, noting that, for the first time, the group is united without internal opposition.
“I have been a strong, committed person of the Yewa agenda since 2011, and I have sustained that commitment through successive election cycles. This is the first time the Yewa people are coming together as one without any opposition, making it the best chance to realize that aspiration,” he said.
Isola also cited the position of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to which he belongs.
According to him, the party’s state caucus — including the incumbent governor and former governors — has endorsed Adeola’s candidacy, making it a collective decision he is obligated to support.
Isola expressed the confidence that Adeola’s consensus candidacy would restore stability in the politics of the Gateway State.
He recalled that previous successions had been marked by conflict, referencing transitions from Olusegun Osoba to Gbenga Daniel, from Daniel to Ibikunle Amosun, and from Amosun to Dapo Abiodun.
He said that Adeola’s candidacy would break that pattern, describing it as a “seamless” transition backed by key political stakeholders across the state.
“This candidate will end hostile succession because all major actors are aligned. When you put everything together, it becomes clear that supporting him is in the best interest of Ogun State,” he said.
Isola further revealed that his endorsement comes at personal cost, noting that he has set aside his own governorship ambition multiple times in favor of the Yewa cause.
“This is the third time I am sacrificing my governorship ambition for Yewa,” he said. “There is no regret, because Ogun State is more important than any individual ambition.”
Other notable stakeholders within the party present were former lawmaker Adekunle S. Adeyemi, Baba Musibau Ajibola, Chief Bakai Ajao Okedara, Hon. Babatunde Olaotan (HBO), Engr. Hassan Taiwo Oludotun (Twinny), among others.
