By Olaniyi Ajibola
The natural law of reciprocity undeniably played out on Monday, 20th April, 2026, at the Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-ode, when critical stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ogun East Senatorial District unanimously endorsed the incumbent Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as their consensus candidate for the senatorial seat in 2027.
Among other factors, these eminent and loyal party faithful must have based their resolution on how Governor Dapo Abiodun convincingly and committedly threw his weight behind the candidacy of Otunba Gbenga Daniel in 2023 against preponderant opposition by many APC’s stakeholders from the axis, who felt the former Governor didn’t deserve such benevolence.
The event of Monday further confirmed the known fact about the people of Ogun East as discerning and deliberate; their cognitive political culture is indeed examplary and commendable, they have without hesitation rewarded commitment and good deeds, they have shown to the whole world that despite the prevailing betrayals and deception in the political space, some leaders deserve their flowers for being real and truthful.
Meanwhile, asides the above factor, the speed and pattern of transformation of Ogun State in the last seven years of Dapo Abiodun’s led-ad ministration is an integral factor that spurred loyal members and leaders alike in Ogun East APC to stand by their leader and compass of progressive politics , Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON.
The manner in which Governor Dapo Abiodun has restored sanity and tranquility to major towns in Ogun State immediately after he resumed office in 2019 changed the ugly trend of gangsterism and violent activities that gave the state a negative image across Nigeria .
Governor’s Abiodun infrastructural development plan and the swift way he has implemented it over the years even without noise made him a favourite leader among majority of party members and non-partisan members of the public, especially the way he has consistently reversed the deficit his administration inherited in road infrastructure across the state.
Of course, the 81kms Abeokuta-Ota road, which was a death -trap for motorists over two decades and the Lagos-Ogun border communities roads that were abandoned after the administration of Chief Olusegun Osoba and which the present administration have been reconstructing speedily are good examples why the people want more of Prince Dapo Abiodun.
How the Governor systemically stopped the lopsided process of land allocation and issuance of CofO in the state which constituted a clog in the wheel of investment, through advanced technology and sincerity of purpose portrays Prince Dapo Abiodun as an astute administrator and brilliant policy maker.
The efficient and effective manner in which the Governor had resuscitated abandoned projects from his predecessors for the purpose of transforming the state towards Eldorado, especially the forest area along Iperu-Ilisan road that was changed to a world-class International Airport is worthy of compensation.
Many people across Nigeria have expressed their admiration of Governor Dapo Abiodun on the aggressive manner in which he attracted foreign and local investors into the state thereby making the state an industrial hub and leading manufacturing arena in the whole of West Africa sub-region.
The business-friendly environment the Governor has built over the years through deliberate policies and which have earned the state the best state in Ease of Doing Business has intrinsically changed the micro economic layer of Ogun State and remains her selling point across the world.
Governor’s Dapo Abiodun creative strength that transformed the tourism sector of the state, especially the Olumo Rock Tourist Attraction Centre to a money -spinning instrument that have tremendously improved the state’s IGR elicited great applause among the citizenry.
Abiodun’s sensitive and responsive approach to the wellbeing and career progression of workers, as well as wellness of the retirees in comparison to the previous administrations in the state made him popular among the state’s workforce, hence, their unflinching supports for him from every part of the state.
The Governor’s landmark achievements in education, agriculture, health, environment and a host of others through his ISEYA developmental agenda speak volume of his satisfactory capability and clear-cut agility to make a change in every capacity.
Without mincing words and beyond the wailing of political jobbers and pretenders, the convergence of Monday at the Adeola Odutola Hall was an eloquent expression of gratitude for a job well done.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, former Ogun East senator, Lekan Mustapha, said the decision was driven by a shared conviction that Governor Abiodun possesses the capacity to represent the district effectively at the Senate.
According to him, party leaders would formally communicate the endorsement to the governor, including a commitment to purchase his nomination forms for the 2027 election as he described Dapo Abiodun as a leader of strong character.
In the same vein, another critical stakeholder of APC in the senatorial district, who is the current Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the governor’s track record in governance and party cohesion makes him deserving of the Senate seat.
“This endorsement is historic and unanimous. It reflects the collective belief that Prince Dapo Abiodun is the right person for the position”.
As party faithful, associates and thousands of political acolytes await the response of His Excellency , Prince Dapo Abiodun, the atmosphere is fascinating and the people remain optimistic of positive feedback from the man who have proven his mettle over the years to serve his people diligently and brilliantly as ever.
Obviously, the business of law-making is the Governor’s next calling. Congratulations, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON.
Ajibola is a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications.
