Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun on Friday separately hosted the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), with both elder statesmen urging him to embrace unity, purposeful leadership and issue-based politics as he prepares for the governorship race.
Obasanjo, who received Adeola and his entourage at his residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, advised the APC candidate to place agribusiness, youth employment and inclusive governance at the centre of his administration if elected governor.
The former President said he had known Adeola over the years and admired his commitment to extending development to underserved communities, stressing that irrespective of political affiliation, whoever emerges governor of Ogun State would have his support in the interest of the state’s development.
He described agriculture as the sector with the greatest potential to transform Ogun’s economy, noting that the state’s strategic proximity to Lagos presents an opportunity to become the food basket of Nigeria’s commercial capital through mechanised farming, processing and value addition.
“I like the fact that you go out to reach places where there is need for development. That is very important,” Obasanjo said.
“If you are going to create employment for our youths, agribusiness is probably the most important sector. We should be able to feed Lagos and also make processed agricultural products one of our major exports.”
The former President also identified tourism as another sector capable of generating significant revenue for Ogun State if properly harnessed, citing the state’s rich historical, cultural and artistic heritage.
On governance, Obasanjo advocated consensus-building rather than adversarial politics, saying African traditional governance encourages inclusiveness instead of treating political opponents as enemies.
He urged Adeola to run a peaceful campaign and ensure that his political ambition aligns with God’s purpose.
“My prayer is that your desire and ambition will be in tandem with the plan of God for your life. Go out in peace, cause nobody anxiety, say what you want to say and allow the people to decide,” he said.
Earlier, Adeola said he visited the elder statesman to formally inform him of his emergence as the APC governorship candidate and to seek his fatherly blessings, prayers and counsel.
Describing Obasanjo as the father of Ogun State, the senator said the former President’s advice had always proved invaluable.
“I have always been part of this family. I have visited Daddy several times for discussions about Ogun State and Nigeria, and I can confirm that the advice he has given me has always worked for me,” he said.
Adeola pledged to campaign across Ogun East, Ogun West and Ogun Central with a vision of transforming the state’s economy, improving agriculture and positioning Ogun as the food basket of Lagos and the South-West.
Shortly after the meeting with Obasanjo, the APC governorship candidate visited former Governor Ibikunle Amosun at his Ibara GRA residence in Abeokuta as part of his consultations with party leaders and stakeholders.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Amosun called for unity within the APC, urging members to set aside their differences and work together to secure victory in the 2027 general elections.
“We need to go out and do the necessary work. We should not concentrate on disagreements but find a way to unite. We still have time, and by God’s grace, we will come together before the election,” Amosun said.
The former governor expressed confidence that internal disagreements within the party would be resolved, assuring members that his support for the APC candidate should not be in doubt.
He also disclosed that a larger political gathering would be convened later to facilitate wider consultations among party stakeholders.
Responding, Adeola described the visit as a courtesy call on one of the party’s foremost leaders, saying it marked the beginning of broader consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He said Amosun assured him of his understanding and support, expressing satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, which he said reflected unity and optimism within the APC.
Adeola was accompanied on both visits by his running mate, Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun; former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; the member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka; and other party leaders and supporters.
