Ogun West 2027: APC Stakeholder Opposes Gbolahan Dada’s Senatorial Bid in Open Letter to Governor Abiodun

OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR Dapo Abiodun AND OGUN APC CHAIRMAN:

WHY Gbolahan Dada SHOULD NOT EMERGE AS OGUN WEST APC SENATORIAL CANDIDATE (2027)

The political atmosphere in Ogun State recently experienced a period of calm following the peaceful consensus emergence of Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi). This development has positioned the Ogun State APC as a model of internal democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.

With Senator Adeola’s emergence now settled, political actors in Ogun West—both established figures and late entrants—have intensified consultations, visiting party elders and leaders. Notably, some individuals who have remained inactive in party affairs since 2023 have suddenly resurfaced.

Among them is Senator Gbolahan Dada, who is reportedly making quiet moves to re-enter the political space. His reappearance raises concerns, especially when compared to aspirants who have consistently engaged with party members and structures.

Until recently, the most visible and committed aspirants from Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency have been Hon. Waliu Olayiwola Taiwo and Hon. Jimoh Ojugbele. Both individuals have demonstrated sustained engagement, consulting widely across the senatorial district and building relationships with stakeholders. Hon. Taiwo, in particular, has conducted extensive consultations across all local governments, earning broad acceptance while highlighting his record of service as a former commissioner. Hon. Ojugbele has also maintained a visible presence through his “Ojuyayi Team,” mobilizing grassroots support.

In contrast, Senator Dada’s sudden re-entry appears, to many, as an attempt to disrupt the existing political balance and benefit from efforts he did not contribute to. This follows the zoning of the governorship to Yewa, raising further questions about fairness and equity.

The concerns outlined below are presented as matters of record:

Senator Dada was initially reluctant to enter politics and reportedly required persuasion before contesting his first term, which affected party confidence at the time.

He is said to have expressed dissatisfaction with the financial demands of the Senate, raising questions about his renewed interest in the position.

During his tenure, there are claims of limited engagement with constituents, including an absence of senatorial-level meetings to appreciate supporters.

In the lead-up to the 2023 elections, he reportedly spent significant time خارج the country and did not actively participate in campaign activities within Ogun West.

Since the current administration began, he has allegedly had minimal interaction with his ward and party members.

There are also concerns about a lack of visible empowerment initiatives or welfare support for constituents and party faithful.

Questions have been raised about his participation in party structures and meetings across Ogun West.

Allegations of limited inclusiveness in nominations for government positions have also been cited.

For many party members, these issues point to a disconnect between Senator Dada and the grassroots base of the APC in Ogun West.

Your Excellency, your leadership has ensured stability and unity within the party, particularly with the emergence of a widely accepted governorship candidate. It is therefore important that this progress is not undermined by decisions that could weaken the party’s chances at the polls.

We respectfully urge you to continue consulting widely with party leaders and members to ensure that any senatorial candidate reflects the will, loyalty, and commitment of the grassroots.

The integrity of the process must be preserved. Ogun West deserves a candidate who has remained consistent, accessible, and invested in the party’s growth.

Thank you, Your Excellency.

God bless the APC.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

God bless Ogun West.

Ayinde Michael Oladosu

Ota Ward 2, Ado-Odo/Ota LGA