The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has formally unveiled Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun as the deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election, completing the party's ticket ahead of the poll.
Presenting her to party leaders and stakeholders at the APC State Secretariat in Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun said her emergence followed extensive consultations and was guided by the principles of equity, inclusiveness, competence, and political balance.
Adegunwa-Balogun will serve as the running mate to the party's governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.
Governor Abiodun explained that the decision was part of efforts to ensure fairness in the distribution of key political offices across the state, noting that the process reflected the APC's commitment to internal democracy and consensus-building.
He recalled that the party's April 14 stakeholders' meeting, where Senator Adeola was unanimously endorsed as the governorship candidate, set the tone for the peaceful conduct of subsequent primary elections across the state.
According to the governor, the unity demonstrated by party leaders during the meeting helped to ensure rancour-free primaries for senatorial, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly positions.
“That meeting defined the direction of the party and shaped the entire primary process. The spirit of unity and consensus displayed by leaders was replicated at every level of the primaries,” Abiodun said.
The governor praised party leaders and aspirants for placing the collective interest of the APC above personal ambitions, despite the large number of qualified contenders who sought elective positions.
He disclosed that the party took into account zoning arrangements, fairness, inclusiveness, and the interests of members who joined the APC from other political parties before arriving at its decisions.
Abiodun further revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had commended the Ogun APC for conducting one of the most peaceful primary election processes in the country, expressing admiration for the absence of major disputes and post-primary litigation.
Speaking on the choice of the deputy governorship candidate, the governor said the party agreed that since the governorship ticket had gone to Ogun West Senatorial District, the deputy governorship position should be ceded to Ogun East in the interest of balance and equitable representation.
He noted that after consultations with leaders from Ogun East, the position was further zoned to Ijebu land, particularly the Ijebu Central Federal Constituency.
The governor said several factors, including competence, acceptability, gender balance, and religious considerations, were carefully examined before Adegunwa-Balogun emerged as the preferred candidate.
“We reviewed all available options and considered what would be in the best interest of the party and the state. After a thorough process, we arrived at a candidate who possesses the qualities required for the office,” he said.
Abiodun stressed that while party leaders established the broad framework for the selection process, Senator Adeola was given the final responsibility of choosing a running mate with whom he could effectively work if elected governor.
He described the APC governorship candidate as an experienced politician with the capacity to make sound decisions and expressed confidence in his choice.
The governor added that the formal presentation of Adegunwa-Balogun was necessary to obtain the endorsement of the party's leadership structure in the state and to demonstrate unity ahead of the 2027 election.
Expressing optimism about the APC's prospects, Abiodun said the deputy governorship candidate would bring value, experience, and strength to the ticket.
“We have consulted widely and carried everyone along in the process. Today, we are presenting her before the leadership of our great party for endorsement, and I believe she will make a significant contribution to the future of Ogun State,” he said.
The event culminated in the formal presentation of Mrs. Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun to party stakeholders, who endorsed her as the APC deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election.
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