Abiodun Sets Up Ogun APC Campaign Council for 2027 Elections

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday launched the State Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections. He urged members to start consultations, grassroots mobilization, and ongoing engagement with voters across Ogun State.

Abiodun, who chairs the Campaign Council, said this inauguration starts a new phase in the party’s preparations for the elections. He directed members to put the council’s structure into action across the 20 local government areas, 236 wards, and polling units in the state.

The governor told the council to work for the success of all APC candidates. This includes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, known as Yayi, his running mate, Mrs Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun, and the party’s candidates for the Senate, House of Representatives, and State House of Assembly.

At the inauguration ceremony in Abeokuta, Abiodun instructed members to hold their first meeting right away. He emphasized that consultations and campaign activities should begin without delay. "Let consultations and campaign now begin," he declared.

The governor noted that winning elections is not just about political reputation or big rallies. It requires "scientific, deliberate and intentional preparation, organization, vigilance, and sustained engagement with the electorate." He encouraged the council members to take the APC message to markets, farms, workplaces, religious centers, associations, neighborhoods, and homes.

He stressed that effective mobilization must include listening to the people and understanding their worries. "Our campaign must be based on ideas, achievements, and a credible vision. We must reach every Local Government Area, ward, polling unit, and community," he said.

Abiodun called for unity and discipline within the party. He said the APC's ability to manage different interests during the candidate selection process showed that collective interest is more important than individual concerns. "Unity is not the absence of differences. It is the wisdom to ensure that our differences do not become greater than our common cause," he added.

The campaign council includes party leaders, strategists, professionals, and grassroots organizers from the three senatorial districts. There are committees for strategy, mobilization, reconciliation, finance, security, media, youth and women engagement, welfare, transportation, digital communication, protocol, and religious affairs.

He warned members not to see their appointments as just titles. Being in the council comes with responsibilities that require discipline, strategic thinking, and humility. "These appointments are not decorative titles. They are instruments of service and responsibility," he stated.

The governor instructed the campaign organization to effectively communicate what his administration has achieved in infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, security, investment promotion, and social support. He mentioned that the Gateway International Airport is key to developing an integrated aviation, agriculture, industrial, and logistics hub.

Abiodun also highlighted that other efforts have improved the business environment, making Ogun a top choice for industry and investment. "These are not abstract promises. They are visible on our roads, in our schools and hospitals, in our agricultural communities, and in businesses expanding across our state," he said.

He warned that achievements could be misinterpreted if not communicated well. He urged the campaign council to counter misinformation with facts, humility, and clarity. "Good work that is not effectively explained may be misunderstood, while falsehood repeated without challenge may begin to appear credible," he warned.

The governor further tasked the campaign organization to function as one coordinated team. He said leaders should provide direction, while committees turn strategies into action. Grassroots structures should keep engaging with voters. He warned against factionalism, indiscipline, and sabotage. He emphasized the importance of reporting issues promptly and resolving them quickly.

The governorship candidate, Adeola, echoed the governor’s call for an inclusive grassroots campaign. He urged party members to see the 2027 election as a shared responsibility. He assured those not on the campaign council that they still play a role in the party’s mobilization efforts.

Adeola highlighted that the council was set up for coordination and direction, not to exclude anyone. He urged all APC members to remain active in their wards and local government areas. He called for ongoing consultations and grassroots engagement, encouraging party members to share the party’s message with communities and work together for all APC candidates.

He said the party would provide necessary support for better mobilization across the state. He also urged members to stay united and focused on their common goals.

Abiodun asked APC members to keep communication civil and issue-based during the campaign, rejecting insults and violence. "Political victory loses its value when purchased at the expense of peace. Leadership cannot build upon the ruins of a divided society," he stated.

The governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and partnership with Ogun State through the Renewed Hope Agenda. He also recognized the contributions of former governors Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, and Ibikunle Amosun; former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola; Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele; APC State Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi; Adeola; Adegunwa-Balogun; Director-General of the Campaign Council, Senator Lekan Mustapha; and other party leaders.

Earlier, former Ogun State Governor and APC National Leader, Chief Olusegun Osoba, urged party members to unite and work together for the APC's success in the 2027 elections. He asked aggrieved members to “shield their swords” and contribute to the party, assuring them their efforts would matter.

Osoba encouraged party members to prioritize the APC’s interests over personal grievances. He emphasized that the campaign council must remain focused on its mission. Abiodun then officially declared the campaign council inaugurated and urged members to start working towards the party’s goals in the upcoming elections. "Let us speak with one voice, work with one purpose, and march in one direction," he concluded.