Sisters in the Thick of Ogun 2027 Gubernatorial Race

LAGOS—In a striking display of political camaraderie amid fierce rivalry, two prominent female aspirants for Ogun State’s 2027 governorship—Modele Sarafa-Yusuf and Iyabo Obasanjo—posed together at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Southwest zonal meeting here on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. The image of the sisters-in-arms, both vying to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun after his eight-year tenure, captured the complex dynamics of ambition and unity in Nigeria’s ruling party as the race heats up.

The Lagos meeting drew key APC stakeholders from Ogun, Lagos, and Oyo, where discussions reportedly touched on consensus arrangements for upcoming primaries. Sarafa-Yusuf, a seasoned technocrat and daughter of Ogun’s political heavyweight, and Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represent a rare surge of women challenging the male-dominated field. Their joint photo, shared widely on social media, symbolized a momentary truce in the battle for Governor Abiodun’s seat, even as four female politicians intensify their bids.

Ogun’s political arena buzzes with activity, pitting these women against heavyweights like Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi), backed by diaspora groups, and others such as Gboyega Isiaka. Recent stakeholder endorsements and calls for Ogun West unity underscore the senatorial district’s push for power, with monarchs urging restraint against attacks on aspirants. As INEC’s timetable looms with primaries by May 2026, party leaders favor consensus to avoid primaries’ chaos, a strategy tested at President Tinubu’s recent Eid consultations.

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This encounter highlights women’s rising influence in Ogun politics, potentially reshaping alliances ahead of February 2027 polls. While Sarafa-Yusuf and Obasanjo project solidarity, underlying tensions with Governor Abiodun’s camp and frontrunners like Yayi signal a protracted contest. Observers see the photo as savvy optics, fostering party cohesion while staking claims in a state where Tinubu’s endorsement could prove decisive.