Governor Abiodun Endorses Salisu for Senate Seat, Unveils Yayi as Unanimous Choice for APC Nomination

Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun State, presented Olamilekan Adeola, also known as Yayi, to stakeholders and leaders from Ogun Central as the party's consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election on Thursday, while also endorsing Shuaib Salisu as the senatorial candidate.

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Abiodun made this announcement at an event held at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, where he stated that the decision to endorse Senator Adeola was based on his quality and experience, having served in various legislative capacities.

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The governor noted that the consensus method was employed to ensure the emergence of credible candidates who have contributed significantly to the party's growth and development in the state, with the goal of holding peaceful primary elections.

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Abiodun described the process that led to Senator Adeola's emergence as unprecedented in the state, serving as a model for other states in the country, and called on party members to maintain peace and unity ahead of the primary elections.

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The governor emphasized that Ogun State is a model for party organization nationwide and urged party faithful to sustain the existing momentum during the election period, assuring them of victory with the help of God.

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Abiodun stressed that continuity in governance can only be achieved through peace, unity, and collective commitment within the party, and raised the hand of Senator Shuaib as the party's consensus candidate for the senatorial district.

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Shuaib, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, was described by Abiodun as a dependable and reliable politician and administrator who would continue his good work and make adjustments as necessary.

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The governor expressed appreciation for the support of the people of Ogun Central, which has enabled the state to maintain one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, and announced that the party's direct primary elections would commence on Friday.

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Abiodun urged party members to conduct themselves peacefully during the primary elections and avoid actions that could undermine the integrity of the process, as he presented the candidates to the party faithful.

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Senator Adeola, in accepting the endorsement, pledged to sustain the legacies and consolidate the gains of the present administration to move the state forward, and vowed not to take the endorsement for granted.

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Senator Salisu, a Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society, expressed gratitude to party members for their support and vowed to justify the confidence reposed in him, highlighting his background in ICT and his commitment to the party.

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Salisu, born in Abeokuta, holds degrees in Computer Science and Management from the University of Lagos and has executive training from Harvard Kennedy School, with a background in working with major firms and founding an ICT company.

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Before entering politics, Salisu worked with companies such as Total, Mobil, and ETB, and served as Chief of Staff to Governor Dapo Abiodun from 2019 to 2023 before being elected senator in 2023, where he chairs the Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity.

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As of 2026, Salisu is leading efforts on the Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, supporting digital journalism, and promoting education by providing free JAMB forms to students in his district, demonstrating his commitment to the development of his constituency.

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Earlier, the state's APC chairman, Yemi Sanusi, had called for decorum during the House of Representatives primary on Friday, as he convened the meeting to discuss the party's processes and ensure unity ahead of the 2027 elections.