The All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted its presidential primary election across Ogun State on Saturday, witnessing a remarkable turnout and peaceful proceedings as party leaders and members expressed their steadfast backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This exercise marked a significant step ahead of the 2027 general elections, demonstrating the party’s unity and grassroots strength.
In Ward 3, Iperu 1, located within Ikenne Local Government Area, party supporters began assembling as early as 9 a.m. to take part in the affirmation process. A total of 830 accredited voters were recorded, all unanimously endorsing President Tinubu, who ran unopposed in the ward.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State praised the smooth execution of the primaries, attributing it to the peace, unity, and political maturity that characterize the APC in the state. He noted that Ogun has enjoyed a tranquil political environment for the past seven years, allowing citizens and party members to engage in democratic activities freely, without fear or violence.
“The peace in the state has defined us as a state that knows how to organise, plan, engage, discuss, and manage party affairs without rancour,” Governor Abiodun stated. He highlighted that the presidential primary concluded a week-long series of APC primaries, which included contests for the House of Representatives, Senate, State Assembly, and governorship.
The governor extended his appreciation to President Tinubu for his visionary leadership at the national level and commended the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for establishing effective mechanisms that facilitated the seamless conduct of the primaries nationwide. He also acknowledged the contributions of party leaders, members of the State Working Committee, and elder statesman Chief Olusegun Osoba for their invaluable support and guidance.
Abiodun emphasized that extensive consultations across the three senatorial districts had bolstered party cohesion, enhanced participation, and fostered a stronger sense of belonging among members. Expressing confidence in the party’s prospects for the 2027 elections, he asserted that the APC would emerge victorious, citing President Tinubu’s reforms and policies as laying the groundwork for a revitalized Nigeria.
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, who represents Ogun Central Senatorial District, characterized the primaries as a powerful testament to the APC’s growing popularity, internal democracy, and public trust in its leadership. Speaking at Ward 10, Opeji, in Odeda Local Government Area, where over 2,000 APC members participated in the presidential affirmation, Senator Salisu noted that the turnout was unprecedented, resembling a general election.
“It is like we are already having a general election. We are seeing members of the party community in their thousands in various wards,” he remarked. The senator, who recently secured victory in the Ogun Central senatorial primary with 85,804 votes, viewed the outcome as a clear endorsement of his service and representation over the past three years.
He also highlighted the peaceful nature of the primaries across the state, stressing that despite intense political activities, no incidents of violence were reported in any of the 236 wards involved. Senator Salisu attributed the high level of enthusiasm among party members to the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration and Governor Abiodun’s developmental strides, particularly in infrastructure and grassroots development.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this sitting Senator, by the grace of God, is also the incoming Senator,” he declared, reaffirming his candidacy for Ogun Central Senatorial District.
In Owode Ward 3, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, APC faithful turned out in large numbers for the presidential affirmation exercise. Chief Olusegun Osoba and his son, Rt. Hon. Olumide Osoba, arrived to a rousing welcome from party supporters, further energizing the gathering. Their presence underscored the unity and strength of the APC structure in Ogun State. Party members praised Chief Osoba’s leadership and commended Rt. Hon. Olumide Osoba for his relentless grassroots mobilization and engagement across the constituency.
Across Ogun State, the APC presidential primary and affirmation exercise concluded peacefully, culminating in the unanimous ratification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party’s standard-bearer for the 2027 general elections.