The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has officially announced Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election, exactly two months after endorsing Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as the party’s consensus governorship candidate. The announcement was made on Sunday during an emergency APC Strategic Caucus meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta. Governor Dapo Abiodun presided over the event, emphasizing that the selection followed extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the state.
Governor Abiodun explained that the party prioritized gender balance and religious tolerance in choosing the deputy candidate. He highlighted that since the governorship candidate hails from the western part of the state, the deputy would come from the eastern region to ensure equity and fairness. “We sat and looked across the local governments in Ogun East and consulted widely within that constituency,” the governor said. He added that the decision would only be formally accepted after ratification by the party’s broader body, underscoring the importance of due process.
The governor formally introduced Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, stating, “By the grace of God, Mrs. Manobu will be our deputy governor.” The name “Manobu” is believed to be a reference to her nickname or a symbolic title used during the announcement. Adegunwa-Balogun, who hails from Ososa town in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun East Senatorial District, is the daughter of Sulaiman Adegunwa, the Asiwaju of Ijebuland and a prominent business mogul.
Senator Solomon Adeola, the APC’s governorship candidate, acknowledged the governor’s strategic approach in selecting candidates. He revealed that 17 aspirants expressed interest in the deputy governorship position, all of whom were qualified. However, only one could be chosen, and Adegunwa-Balogun emerged as the consensus pick. In her acceptance speech, Adegunwa-Balogun expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun, party leaders, and Adeola for the trust placed in her. She described the nomination as a call to duty and a privilege to serve the people of Ogun State.
The Ogun APC Chairman, Yemi Sanusi, welcomed attendees and commended Governor Abiodun for his leadership and wisdom. He noted that the primary election process was still ongoing, which justified the urgency of the meeting. Among those present were Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare; Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the National Sports Commission and former commissioner; Oludaisi Elemide, Speaker of the State House of Assembly; the Secretary to the State Government; and members of the Governor’s Elders Advisory Council. Notably, the current Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, was absent from the event.
This development marks a significant step in the APC’s preparations for the 2027 elections, setting the stage for a structured and inclusive ticket. The party’s emphasis on regional balance and gender representation reflects its commitment to broad-based governance, as it moves forward with its campaign strategy.
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