The political landscape in Ogun State has intensified as Abayomi Semako Hunye, a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), officially unveiled his running mate, Abayomi Odunowo, for the 2027 gubernatorial election, defiantly asserting he remains in the race despite being declared the loser of the party’s primary. The announcement came on Saturday, August 22, during a press conference where Hunye dismissed claims that he had withdrawn from the contest, reiterating that the legal battle over the APC’s governorship ticket is still pending before the courts.
Hunye, who served as the immediate past Managing Director of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), had previously obtained the N50 million governorship nomination form through a third party in Abuja, even after Governor Dapo Abiodun announced Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola as the consensus candidate during a strategic caucus on April 13. That meeting included all three former governors — Olusegun Osoba, Ibikunle Amosun, and Gbenga Daniel — alongside other APC aspirants. Abiodun emphasized unity, stating he looked forward to sitting with his predecessors at the swearing-in of the next APC governor, officially unveiling Adeola as the chosen candidate.
Despite this, Hunye proceeded with his candidacy and participated in the May 22 primary, only to be recorded with zero votes by the Ogun State Governorship Electoral Committee Chairman, Wale Ohu. Adeola, meanwhile, won with 304,055 votes out of 305,287 accredited voters. Hunye’s campaign rejected the result, claiming he secured 453,765 votes based on reports from their agents across 236 wards, calling the official outcome “unacceptable” and “inconsistent” with true party sentiment. He subsequently dragged the party and Adeola to court, citing widespread irregularities and disenfranchisement.
In response, the APC’s Ogun State Chapter, led by Chairman Yemi Sanusi, issued a strong disclaimer affirming Adeola as the duly recognized candidate. The party also submitted Adeola’s name and that of his running mate, Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun, to INEC. Sanusi urged members and the public to disregard any contrary claims, emphasizing that Hunye’s declarations are unauthorized. The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, went further, labeling Hunye an “impostor” and confirming his suspension on April 7, 2026, for anti-party activities.
Hunye challenged this, arguing he was never formally notified of the suspension and that he had been screened and cleared by the party, even receiving the nomination form and participating in the primary. He pointed out that if suspended, he would not have been allowed to buy the form or undergo screening. He insisted the legal process must run its course, stressing that no candidate can be declared until the court delivers its judgment. He also raised concerns about Adeola’s political history, noting his 23 years in public office across Lagos State institutions.
The APC has now petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, demanding Hunye’s arrest and prosecution for impersonation and breaching electoral laws. The party insists Adeola remains the authentic candidate, while Hunye maintains he will support Adeola if the court rules against him, but remains committed to his legal fight. As the case unfolds, the 2027 Ogun State governorship race continues to reflect deep divisions within the APC, with legal and political battles shaping the path ahead.
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