2027: Ogun APC Zones Deputy Gov Slot to Ogun East as Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun Emerges Frontrunner

​ABEOKUTA – Ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has systematically structured its winning formula by zoning the deputy governorship slot to the Ogun East Senatorial District.

​Deep-rooted party sources reveal that the critical position has been strategically micro-zoned to the Ijebu Ode Federal Constituency, with prominent corporate executive and political figure, Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, emerging as the leading contender to partner with the party’s consensus governorship candidate.

​The Strategy Behind the Ticket

​The calculated political maneuvering follows the party’s adoption of Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola, popularly known as “Yayi” (currently representing Ogun West), as its standard-bearer. By pairing a ticket featuring an Ogun West gubernatorial candidate with an Ogun East deputy, the APC aims to achieve a delicate geopolitical equilibrium across the state’s traditional voting blocs.

​Insiders familiar with the matter noted that the arrangement took center stage during a high-stakes, closed-door strategic stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday at the Presidential Lodge, Ibara GRA, Abeokuta.

​The gathering featured the highest echelon of the state’s political leadership, including:

• ​Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, MFR – Executive Governor of Ogun State and APC Leader
• ​Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele – Deputy Governor of Ogun State

• ​Alhaji Yemi Sanusi – Ogun State APC Chairman
• ​Dr. Kunle Salako – Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare
• ​Chief Olu Agemo and Chief Joju Fadairo – Veteran party elders and stalwarts

​A Play for Equity and Inclusion

​According to sources within the party, the decision to look toward Ijebu Ode for the deputy governorship ticket is rooted in a desire to promote inclusiveness and fortify the party’s grassroots appeal within the highly influential Ogun East district.

​”The layout ensures every major senatorial district feels represented at the highest level of leadership,” a source stated on condition of anonymity. “With Yayi driving momentum from the West, a solid, respected partner from the East consolidates our base perfectly.”

​The spotlight on Mrs. Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun—a respected figure from the prominent Adegunwa family and an executive director with deep ties to the regional socio-economic fabric—has already ignited enthusiastic conversations within the state’s political circles. Her potential candidacy is seen as a deliberate nod to gender inclusivity and a calculated effort to maintain the precedent of a female deputy governor set by the current administration.

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​Eye on the 2027 Prize

​While the state party leadership has yet to release an official communiqué formally ratifying her candidacy or confirming the final zoning template, attendees at the Abeokuta meeting reportedly emphasized that absolute party unity, aggressive grassroots mobilization, and proactive voter engagement are non-negotiable.

​With key political heavyweights aligned and the blueprint for succession taking shape behind the scenes, the Ogun State APC is positioning itself early to navigate the competitive waters of the 2027 general elections.