2027: Ogun APC chieftain donates campaign office to Yayi

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Ogun State, Sakiru Jimoh, popularly known as Jimson, has called on residents to put aside geographical and political sentiments and support Senator Solomon Adeola's governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 election.

Jimoh made the appeal after donating and commissioning a campaign office for Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots mobilisation for his anticipated governorship bid.

The businessman, who hails from Obada-Oko in Ewekoro Local Government Area and holds the traditional title of Bobaselu of Igbehin, Abeokuta, said his decision was driven by his belief in Adeola's commitment to Ogun State.

Speaking with journalists on Sunday, Jimoh said individuals with the financial capacity should contribute to political and community development by supporting candidates they believe can deliver.

“Yayi is from Ogun State, and I am also from Ogun State, specifically Abeokuta. I believe that if I have the capacity to support a candidate or someone who has genuine love for his state, there is nothing wrong with doing so,” he said.

“If other individuals who have the means can also contribute in this way, I believe we would not be where we are today.”

Jimoh, who has business interests in the hospitality and oil and gas sectors, described Adeola as a political leader whose performance in the National Assembly had demonstrated his capacity to serve the state.

He cited the senator's alleged contributions to infrastructure, including roads, health centres, schools and markets, as well as empowerment programmes across Ogun State.

“It is glaring to every resident of this state that Senator Adeola has shown unparalleled commitment to serving humanity,” Jimoh said.

He added, “This is not the first time we will be having a senator in the state, but Yayi has taken serving humanity to another level.”

According to him, Adeola's performance as a senator suggests that he could deliver more if elected governor.

“If he could do such wonders as a senator, he definitely will do so much more if he becomes the governor of the state,” he said.

Jimoh expressed confidence that Adeola could succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun in 2027, urging residents to assess aspirants based on their records and contributions rather than their places of origin.

He argued that the benefits of development projects should take precedence over debates about where political office holders come from.

“Some people have served as governors in the past, but when you compare what they achieved with what someone who has only served as a senator is doing, you begin to ask questions,” he said.

Responding to criticisms about the geographical origin of some projects attributed to Adeola, Jimoh maintained that the most important consideration was their benefits to Ogun residents.

“People may say some of the projects are coming from the North or elsewhere. But whether a project comes from the North or even China, we are the ones who will use it. What matters is the benefit to the people,” he said.

He further urged residents not to allow arguments about Adeola's background to distract them from assessing his political record.

“My message to the people of Ogun State is that we are not blind. We can all see what is happening around us. We should not allow ourselves to be distracted by criticisms about where someone comes from,” Jimoh said.

“Even if Yayi comes from Ghana and is giving us what we want, I do not see anything wrong with supporting him. We should give him our full support so that we can have a better Ogun State.”

Explaining the donation, Jimoh said the campaign office was established to bring political activities closer to party members and residents, particularly those in Ewekoro who might otherwise have to travel to Abeokuta to meet their leaders.

He said the facility would serve as a meeting point for grassroots politicians, party members and political leaders to exchange ideas, raise concerns and obtain information.

“I believe we need offices close to our people so that they can have access to their leaders and interact with them,” he said.

“Through regular meetings, they can express their opinions and ideas, and leaders can understand what is happening at the grassroots.”

Jimoh gave the example of party members in Ewekoro who previously had to travel to Abeokuta to resolve issues or obtain information, saying the new facility would make such interactions easier.

The building comprises a large ground-floor meeting hall with a seating capacity of about 100 people, an upper-floor conference hall, a director's office and a secretary's office.

It also has a borehole provided for public use. Jimoh said the building was constructed in Adeola's name and donated voluntarily.

He added that the conference hall would accommodate meetings involving political leaders from Ewekoro and other local government areas, as well as engagements with the senator.

At the commissioning, Adeola thanked Jimoh for the gesture, saying the grassroots support would encourage him to remain focused and committed to taking Ogun State to greater heights.

Jimoh, meanwhile, reiterated his commitment to grassroots mobilisation, expressing hope that the facility would strengthen communication between political leaders and residents ahead of the 2027 governorship election.