Following his recent emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate in Ogun, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, on Tuesday, visited one of the leading gubernatorial aspirant in the state, Ambassador Sarafa Isola, seeking support and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Senator Adeola was accompanied to the residence of the former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, by leaders of the party in the state which included two other governorship aspirants, Honourables Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and Abiodun Akinlade.

Those in attendance at the meeting included former deputy governor of the State, Alhaja Salmot Badru; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Chief Mrs Iyabode Apampa among other notable leaders of the party.

Adeola, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriations preached for unity of purpose and oneness in the overall interest of the party at the polls.

The APC consensus candidate recognized the immeasurable contributions of Ambassador Isola to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria.

Recall that Isola had served as a council chairman; Secretary to the State Government; Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former envoy to the United Kingdom.

While Adeola sought for his full support in ensuring the actualisation of the Ogun West Agenda, stressing that the current political process should not produce winners or losers, instead strengthening party cohesion and shared responsibility for the state’s future.

He described his ambition as a collective project maintaining that unity and mutual respect among stakeholders remain germane in achieving sustainable progress.

He assured the former envoy of his resolve to work collectively in taking the State to a higher pedestal of development.

In their contributions,Badru; Isiaka and Akinlade, urged members of the party to work in togetherness for the party to achieve a common goal of victory.

Responding, Ambassador Isola, noted that while politics is often driven by interests, it must not be allowed to damage relationships or fan ember of discord.

He congratulated Senator on his emergence as the party’s consensus candidate while recalling his role as Director-General of the 2011 governorship campaign of General Tunji Olurin, to affirm his commitment to the realization of the ” Yewa Agenda” project.

Isola further reiterated his commitment to the Ogun West project while reminiscing on his political passion for the State.

He disclosed that he was not part of the recently held Strategic Caucus Meeting of the party, a development that prompted him to embark on consultations.

Isola noted his position on stable political transitions and continuity in governance, and his engagements with former governors,Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun in achieving this.

Ambassador Isola appreciated Adeola’s visit and described it as a significant step toward reconciliation and inclusion, while handing over a 64-page socio-economic blueprint developed for Ogun State to the party’s candidate and expressed willingness to share it with the APC candidate for possible integration into his policy framework.

He also emphasised the importance of engaging his support base to ensure inclusiveness in the evolving political process.

Leading figures within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) have endorsed the governorship aspiration of Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, backing their support with substantial financial contributions during a six-stop consultative tour across Lagos State. The engagements, which began at the residence of GAC Member and political leader, Chief Abiodun Ogunleye, witnessed growing elite consensus around Hamzat’s candidacy ahead of the 2027 elections.

At the first stop in Ikorodu, hosted by Chief Abiodun Ogunleye, political leaders and stakeholders highlighted local expectations while affirming confidence in Hamzat.

While welcoming the delegation, Alhaji Mutiu Are set the tone for the consultations, explaining that the visit was to formally present Hamzat to key leaders and seek their blessings.

Asiwaju of Ikorodu, Chief Kaoli Olusanya, reminded the incoming governor to remain mindful of Ikorodu’s interests, stressing the importance of inclusive governance and continuity of grassroots connection.

Also speaking, the Chief Host, Former deputy governor and political leader, Chief Abiodun Ogunleye praised the deputy governor’s humility and track record. “The deputy governor is our own. You have been good to us and your character reflects true humility,” he said, while calling for urgent infrastructural interventions, including a flyover at Ikorodu Roundabout and broader urban renewal.

Also, Distinguished Senator Ganiyu Solomon also assured that Ikorodu’s demands would not be ignored, stating, “APC is united, and I am confident Ikorodu will stand firmly behind this candidacy.”

Responding, Hamzat stressed the need for unity and inclusive development across the state. “It is time for genuine peace. Lagos will not prosper if Lagosians does not prosper. I am proud of what we have achieved, but we must continue to improve,” he said, adding that Lagos has the potential to rival global cities like New York with sustained planning and execution.

The tour continued to the residence of GAC member Chief Reuben Olorunfunmi Basorun, where Hamzat reiterated his commitment to party processes and inclusive governance. “We cannot proceed with political activities without consulting leaders like you. We seek your blessings to ensure a seamless and credible process,” he said.

Chief Basorun endorsed the aspiration, stating, “Hamzat is my son; we must support him. But do not forget Ikorodu when you get there.”

At the same meeting, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe described Hamzat as the most competent candidate for the job. “If you see technological advancement in Lagos today, it started with Hamzat. We are fully in support of him as the incoming governor,” he said.

At the residence of Senator Seye Ogunlewe, the endorsement was reinforced with financial backing. Ogunlewe donated ₦1 million toward Hamzat’s nomination form, while women and youth leaders present contributed ₦250,000 and ₦50,000 respectively. The senator also offered prayers and reaffirmed his support for the deputy governor’s ambition.

The consultations proceeded to Kosofe Local Government at the residence of GAC member Chief Olumuyiwa Sosanya. He commended Hamzat’s loyalty and leadership qualities. Recalling his decision to step down in 2019, Sosanya said, “You demonstrated true Omoluabi character. Now it is your turn.” Chief Sosanya, therefore, supported Hamzat with the sum of N5 million to purchase the nomination form.

Dr Hamzat, in response, emphasised adherence to due process, noting, “Lagos is too important to fail. We must follow the right path to secure victory for our party and deliver for the people.”

At another engagement, GAC member Chief M.A. Taiwo also cited Hamzat’s longstanding commitment to public service. “For many reasons, he deserves this position. He is not the kind of leader who distances himself from the people,” Taiwo said, adding his endorsement.

The final stop was at the residence of Lagos West Senator, Dr Idiat Adebule, where Hamzat received assurances of widespread support. Presenting him, Hon. Rasaq Ajala described him as a humble and capable leader, while Adebule stated, “Hamzat is a known and tested figure. This journey will be seamless, and you have our full support here in Ojo.”

On his entourage were the scribe of the highest advisory body for the state, Alhaji Mutiu Are,Distinguished Senators Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon; husband of the Ogun State Deputy Governor and party chieftain at Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Alh Bode Oyedele, immediate past Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon Rasaq Olusola Ajala; the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Works, Engr Adekunle Olayinka and his counterpart on Religious Matters, Dr. Jebe Abdullah, among others.

The All Progressives Congress has fixed May 16 and May 23, 2026 for the conduct of its presidential and governorship primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, who made this public on Monday, disclosed that in the ruling party’s timetable signed by the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Argungu, presidential aspirants will pay N100 million for expression of interest and nomination forms, governorship aspirants N50 million, Senate aspirants N20 million, and House of Representatives aspirants N10 million.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.

The Commission also stated that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will take place between April 23, 2026 and May 30, 2026.

According to INEC, campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will begin on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will commence on September 9, 2026.

As stated in the APC timetable, the sale of forms will run from April 25 to May 2 at the party’s National Headquarters in Wuse II, Abuja, while May 4 is the deadline for the submission of completed forms.

The timetable also shows that screening for presidential aspirants is scheduled for May 9, while other aspirants will be screened between May 6 and May 8, with further screening activities slated for May 12 and May 13.

Primary elections are scheduled for May 18 for the House of Representatives, May 20 for the Senate, and May 21 for State House of Assembly candidates.

It further stated that State House of Assembly aspirants will pay N6 million for both expression of interest and nomination forms.

Female aspirants, youths, and persons with disabilities are required to pay only for the expression of interest form and 50 per cent of the nomination fees for their respective positions.

Morka assured APC members that the ruling party remains committed to conducting credible and transparent primary elections.

The statement read in pary, “The APC reassures members, stakeholders, and Nigerians of its commitment to conducting a credible and transparent primary election that will further strengthen the Party’s internal democracy and consolidate its progressive ideals.”

PDP, ADC

Meanwhile, the National Executive Committee of the Nyesom Wike-backed Peoples Democratic Party, on Monday, adopted a timetable for its 2027 general election activities, setting the stage for nationwide primaries.

The PDP has been engulfed in a prolonged internal crisis marked by factional divisions. One bloc led by Tanimu Turaki is supported by Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, while the opposing group under Mohammed has the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Both factions have filed multiple court cases that are still pending as they seek legal resolution over control of the party.

However, the party’s spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed Jungudo, said full details of the timetable would be released by the National Working Committee after concluding administrative processes.

At its 108th NEC meeting held at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, the PDP declared that it had emerged from its recent internal crisis, stating that the “era of uncertainty is over.” The party maintained that it remains “strong, united and formidable,” dismissing speculations of internal disarray.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by Jungudo, the NEC expressed confidence in the newly elected NWC led by National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed.

Reaffirming party cohesion, the committee emphasised the need for reconciliation among aggrieved members and stakeholders, insisting that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and in line with established party structures and democratic principles.

As part of preparations for the 2027 elections, the NEC approved a comprehensive timetable for party primaries, including the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms. It directed all party organs to strictly adhere to the schedule to ensure a transparent and credible nomination process.

The NEC also stressed full compliance with guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, particularly on membership register submissions, conduct of primaries, and dispute resolution.

Party leaders and stakeholders across all levels were urged to begin immediate preparations for state primaries, with an emphasis on strict adherence to statutory provisions and internal regulations to guarantee a smooth and inclusive process.

On internal reforms, the NEC endorsed the ongoing electronic membership registration (e-registration), describing it as a key step toward modernising the party’s database, enhancing transparency, and strengthening grassroots participation.

In his remarks, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, stating that he has no intention of leaving the party after more than two decades of membership.

He commended the NWC for reclaiming the party’s National Secretariat, describing the move as a demonstration of legitimacy, and urged the leadership to intensify reconciliation efforts by reaching out to members who defected during the crisis.

Wike also called for greater transparency and openness in party affairs, noting that such measures would encourage returning members and rebuild internal confidence.

Also speaking, National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed said the PDP had successfully navigated its leadership challenges and is now firmly focused on electoral preparation and strategic consolidation.

Reacting, the Tanimu Turaki-led NWC National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, described the meeting as a gathering of APC apologists.

He stated, “The meeting, obviously, people have the right to meet under any guise they choose, but it is clear that if you scan through that gathering, you will see a group of APC apologists masquerading as PDP members. That was a branch of Tinubu supporters within the PDP, and their meeting was simply to consolidate the mandate they claim to support.

“The meeting, discussions, and even information should be disregarded. No Nigerian should take them or anything from them seriously. The PDP is an opposition party and will remain so until it becomes the party in government. There are several matters pending in court, yet these individuals continue to gather and make decisions. These are consequential issues that the court will ultimately address.

“Every member of the PDP who understands that the party is in opposition will not fall prey to such actions. These individuals have openly declared support for the President, and anyone found among them is essentially an APC member operating under the guise of the PDP. Anyone committed to the survival and sustenance of the PDP as an opposition party should not align with such activities.”

Also, the African Democratic Congress has said it is working towards adopting a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this during an appearance on Arise TV.

According to him, while the party still has provisions for direct primaries, it is prioritising consensus as its preferred option, noting that indirect primaries are no longer considered following amendments to the Electoral Act.

“We are trying as much as possible to adopt the consensus approach because that is the least costly for us. For us, the best case scenario is to be able to engineer consensus and that’s what we are working on,” he said.

“If you take power out of APC, APC is actually nothing. I know the party well,” he said, adding that the party could unravel after Tinubu’s tenure.