Dapo Abiodun, APC back Salisu for second Senate term as Amosun suffers major political setback

The political landscape in Ogun State witnessed a major shift on Thursday after Governor Dapo Abiodun and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially endorsed as the consensus candidate for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 elections.

The endorsement effectively dealt a blow to the reported senatorial ambition of former Ogun State governor Ibikunle Amosun, who was said to be interested in reclaiming the Senate seat.

The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Ogun Central APC held in Abeokuta, where party leaders rallied behind Salisu’s return bid for a second term in the National Assembly.

Dapo Abiodun Praises Salisu’s Leadership and Loyalty

Speaking at the meeting, Governor Abiodun described Senator Salisu as a dependable and reliable politician who had remained consistent in service to both the party and the people of Ogun Central.

Abiodun noted that Salisu, who previously served as his Chief of Staff during his first term as governor, had demonstrated strong administrative competence and political maturity.

The governor also stated that the senator would continue the developmental work he had started during his first term while improving in areas requiring more attention.

The endorsement is widely seen as a strategic political move within Ogun APC as the party prepares early for the highly anticipated 2027 general elections.

APC Adopts Consensus Strategy for Ogun Central

At the event held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, the APC leadership explained that the consensus arrangement was introduced to promote unity and reduce internal conflicts ahead of the party primaries.

Governor Abiodun stressed that the method was designed to ensure credible and widely accepted candidates emerged while maintaining peace within the party structure.

The APC State Chairman, Yemi Sanusi, also urged party members to maintain discipline and avoid actions capable of undermining the integrity of the primary election process.

The governor further announced that direct primary elections would commence immediately, calling on members to conduct themselves peacefully.

Amosun’s Alleged Tinubu Backing Fails to Change Outcome

Before the endorsement, reports had emerged that former Governor Amosun informed party leaders during a previous meeting that he had the backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerge as the consensus candidate for Ogun Central.

However, the claim reportedly faced resistance from other aspirants, including Senator Salisu himself, leading to a deadlock at the earlier stakeholders’ meeting hosted at the residence of former governor Olusegun Osoba.

Amosun later denied media interpretations suggesting he pressured aspirants to step down for him.

According to the former governor, he merely recalled that some aspirants had voluntarily offered to withdraw if he decided to contest.

He maintained that he would never support a predetermined primary election process, insisting that democratic principles must prevail.

Other APC Aspirants in Ogun Central Race

Despite Salisu’s endorsement, reports indicate that several APC leaders had already obtained nomination forms for the Ogun Central senatorial primary.

Among those mentioned are former senators Lanre Tejuoso and Olugbenga Obadara, alongside former Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Emmanuel Sofela.

Political observers believe the endorsement may significantly reshape the internal dynamics of the APC in Ogun State, especially considering Amosun’s longstanding influence within the party.

Salisu Promises to Justify APC Confidence

In his acceptance speech, Senator Salisu expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for the confidence reposed in him.

The lawmaker, who currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, pledged to justify the endorsement through effective representation and continued commitment to the development of Ogun Central.

Salisu also promised to deepen his legislative contributions and maintain close engagement with constituents if re-elected in 2027.

His endorsement has already sparked conversations across Ogun political circles, with many viewing the development as a major indicator of the emerging power structure within the Ogun APC ahead of the next election cycle.

FAQ: Ogun APC Endorses Shuaib Salisu

Who is Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu?

Shuaib Afolabi Salisu is the senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity and previously worked as Chief of Staff to Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Did APC endorse Shuaib Salisu for 2027?

Yes. The Ogun State chapter of the APC officially endorsed Senator Salisu as the consensus candidate for the Ogun Central Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 elections.

What happened to Ibikunle Amosun’s Senate ambition?

Former governor Ibikunle Amosun reportedly lost out in the APC consensus arrangement after party leaders backed Salisu for a second term.

Why did APC choose Salisu as consensus candidate?

According to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Salisu was chosen because of his consistency, loyalty, dependability, and contributions to the party and Ogun Central.

Is there still going to be an APC primary election in Ogun Central?

Yes. APC leadership announced that direct primary elections would still hold despite the endorsement arrangement.

Did Bola Tinubu endorse Amosun?

There were reports that Amosun claimed he had the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but no official confirmation was released by the presidency.

Where was the APC stakeholders’ meeting held?

The stakeholders’ meeting was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, including an event at the MKO Abiola Stadium.

What position does Salisu currently hold in the Senate?

Senator Salisu is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity.

Who are the other aspirants for Ogun Central Senate seat?

Other reported aspirants include Lanre Tejuoso, Olugbenga Obadara, and Emmanuel Sofela.

Why is the Ogun Central Senate race important?

The Ogun Central race is considered politically significant because it involves major APC power blocs in Ogun State and could influence political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.