Ogun APC Names Yayi’s Deputy for 2027 Election

The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has chosen Alhaja Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun as the party's deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election. She is a chartered accountant and the daughter of industrialist Alhaji Adebola Adegunwa.

Governor Dapo Abiodun made the announcement on Sunday at the APC Strategic Caucus Meeting in Abeokuta. He said the choice came after talks with party leaders and stakeholders around the state.

Adegunwa-Balogun will run with the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, who is also known as Yayi. Her selection follows the decision to zone the deputy governorship position to Ogun East Senatorial District, which was then narrowed down to the Ijebu Central Federal Constituency.

The 51-year-old finance expert is currently the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of Finance and Administration at Rite Foods Limited. Political watchers see her nomination as a smart move to attract professionals, women, and voters in Ogun East ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

At the event, Abiodun praised party leaders and members for staying united during the recent primary elections. He described the process as unprecedented in the state’s political history. He stated that the APC managed to select candidates for various positions without major arguments, court cases, or factional issues.

“I have never witnessed anything like this in my years in politics in Ogun State. For the first time, leaders across generations came together to collectively endorse a successor, and that decision was accepted peacefully by all stakeholders,” Abiodun said.

He mentioned that the consensus method used during the governorship primary helped with the smooth running of other primaries across the state. “What we achieved reflects the true Ogun spirit. History will be kind to all of us because we have shown that peaceful succession and agreement are possible in our politics,” he noted.

The governor also thanked aspirants who withdrew for the sake of party unity, calling their sacrifices important for the APC’s stability and preparedness for the 2027 elections. He explained that the party looked at fairness when choosing Adegunwa-Balogun for the deputy governorship role.

“If the government is coming from the West, we felt that for fairness, the government should come from the East,” he said. “So today, it gives me great pleasure to announce to us who our deputy governor will be by the grace of God. Today, we have amongst us Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun and by the grace of God, Mrs. Adegunwa-Balogun will be our deputy governor.”

Adeola also spoke, showing confidence in Adegunwa-Balogun’s ability to support his administration if elected. He highlighted her professional successes, leadership background, and commitment to public service.

In her acceptance speech, Adegunwa-Balogun called her nomination a call to serve and promised to use her experience for Ogun State's development. “I see this nomination as a call to duty and a privilege to serve. My over three decades of experience in various leadership and governance roles in the corporate world have prepared me for this moment,” she said.

She said her journey in governance started in 1999, giving her good understanding of public administration and service delivery. “Since 1999, I have been closely associated with governance. These experiences have given me valuable insight into public service, its challenges, its impact and its sacred responsibility,” she stated.

The APC deputy governorship candidate said her selection represented better inclusion of women, youths, and grassroots communities in governance. “This nomination is not about me. It is about our shared responsibility. It is about the inclusion of women, youths and all citizens in shaping the future of Ogun State,” she said.

“Our goal is simple: a state where governance responds to the needs of its people, where development leaves no one behind, and where prosperity is shared by all.” She also promised to serve with integrity, transparency, and accountability, and work closely with Adeola to enhance grassroots participation in government.

“I commit to serving with integrity, accountability and deep respect for every citizen. I will work to bridge the gap between government and the grassroots, ensuring that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of our communities,” she added.