The All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally selected Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun as the deputy governorship candidate for Ogun State ahead of the 2027 general election.

The announcement was made during the party’s Strategic Caucus Meeting held at the APC Secretariat in Abeokuta, marking another major step in the party’s preparations for the upcoming governorship contest.

Adegunwa-Balogun’s emergence comes approximately two months after the endorsement of Senator Solomon Adeola as the APC governorship candidate for the state. Party leaders described her nomination as the outcome of extensive consultations and careful evaluation of qualified contenders.

A chartered accountant by profession, Adegunwa-Balogun hails from Ososa in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. She is also the daughter of renowned industrialist Alhaji Sulaiman Adegunwa, founder of Rite Foods Limited.

Speaking during the meeting, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun said the party’s approach to selecting candidates for the 2027 elections had demonstrated maturity, unity and internal democracy.

Police Report: Bandits Launch Over 50 Attacks In One Week

Governor Abiodun explained that the selection process was guided by several considerations aimed at ensuring the party fields candidates capable of sustaining development and strengthening governance in the state.

He commended aspirants who voluntarily stepped aside under the party’s consensus arrangement, describing their actions as sacrifices made in the overall interest of party unity and stability.

According to the governor, the APC remains committed to rewarding loyalty and cooperation. He disclosed that some individuals who embraced the consensus process had already been considered for future appointments, including positions as commissioners, special advisers and special assistants.

Abiodun stressed that the arrangement reflected the party’s commitment to inclusiveness and broad participation in governance.

The governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Adeola, also praised the selection process and expressed confidence in his running mate’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the development of Ogun State.

He revealed that Adegunwa-Balogun emerged from a competitive field of 17 women who indicated interest in the deputy governorship position. According to him, all the aspirants were highly qualified, but the party eventually settled for a candidate it believed possessed the qualities needed for the role.

Adeola acknowledged Governor Abiodun’s role in facilitating a smooth and peaceful selection process, noting that the governor’s leadership helped prevent internal disputes and ensured a rancour-free exercise.

The APC candidate further stated that he had known Adegunwa-Balogun for more than two decades through her family connections and was confident in her capacity to support the administration’s vision if elected.

In her acceptance remarks, Adegunwa-Balogun thanked the governor, party leaders and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in her.

She pledged to justify the trust placed in her and promised to work closely with Senator Adeola to advance the state’s development agenda.

The deputy governorship candidate also described her emergence as evidence of the party’s commitment to inclusiveness and equal opportunity.

Political observers view the announcement as a significant milestone for the APC in Ogun State as the party continues to consolidate its structures and prepare for what is expected to be a keenly contested governorship election in 2027.

With its ticket now complete, the APC leadership says it remains focused on strengthening party unity and mobilising support across all parts of the state ahead of the polls.