Remo APC Seals Senate Deal for Governor Dapo Abiodun Ahead of 2027 Elections

In a significant political development, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Remo Division of Ogun State have unanimously endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the Ogun East Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections. This grassroots-driven endorsement highlights the governor’s perceived popularity and achievements, setting the stage for a potential senatorial run. This article provides a detailed, SEO-friendly analysis of the event, its context, and its implications.

Introduction: The Political Endorsement Explained

The endorsement of a sitting governor for a legislative seat is a notable event in Nigeria’s political landscape, often signaling internal party consensus and strategic positioning for future elections. On February 10, 2026, a well-attended meeting of APC stakeholders from the Remo Division—a socio-political bloc within Ogun East—formally resolved to present Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun as their candidate for the Senate. This move, spearheaded by prominent party elders, is based on a collective appraisal of his first-term performance and a belief that his representation would yield greater developmental dividends for the region. For voters and political observers, this event offers a preview of the dynamics likely to shape the 2027 electoral contests in Ogun State and the broader South-West geopolitical zone.

Key Points of the Remo APC Endorsement

The meeting produced several clear and actionable resolutions. The main points, as reported from the stakeholders’ gathering, are:

• Unanimous Recommendation: APC leaders from across Remo Division (encompassing Remo North, Ikenne, and Sagamu local government areas) unanimously agreed on Governor Abiodun as their preferred senatorial candidate for Ogun East in 2027.
• Grassroots Mandate: The endorsement was presented as a reflection of the “people’s desire,” with local government chairmen and party officers pledging full mobilization at the ward and community levels.
• Performance-Based Rationale: The decision was explicitly tied to Governor Abiodun’s governance record, particularly in infrastructure, economic investment, and social welfare projects executed since 2019.
• Call to Action: The leaders formally urged the governor to “heed the call of the people” and declare his intention to contest the Senate seat, framing it as a logical next step in his political career and service to Remoland.
• High-Profile Attendance: The endorsement was witnessed by a constellation of APC figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), state commissioners, special advisers, and local government party executives, underscoring the weight of the support.

Background: Understanding Remo, Ogun East, and the 2027 Horizon

The Remo Division and Ogun East Senatorial District

To understand the significance of this endorsement, one must grasp the geography and politics of Ogun State. The state is divided into three senatorial districts: Ogun Central, Ogun West, and Ogun East. The Ogun East Senatorial District is a large and diverse constituency comprising 10 local government areas, including Ijebu North, Ijebu East, Ogun Waterside, and the Remo bloc.

The Remo Division is a historic and culturally cohesive area within Ogun East, consisting of Sagamu, Ikenne, and Remo North LGAs. It is a major economic hub, home to significant industries, markets, and a large population. Politically, Remo is known for its organized and influential traditional institutions and party structures. An endorsement from Remo APC leaders carries substantial weight in determining the senatorial candidate for the entire Ogun East district, as the bloc often acts as a kingmaker due to its demographic and organizational strength.

The 2027 Electoral Cycle

Nigeria’s next general elections are scheduled for 2027. While it is early in the cycle, internal party maneuvers and zoning arrangements begin years in advance. The Senate seat for Ogun East is currently held by Senator Ramoni Olalekan Mustapha (APC), who was elected in 2023. Senatorial terms last four years, meaning the seat will be contested again in 2027. The Remo APC’s move is a preemptive strike to secure their preferred candidate for the party’s primary election, which will likely occur in 2026. It signals an intent to maintain the senatorial seat within the APC’s control and, more specifically, to have a candidate from the Remo bloc, which has not held the seat in recent cycles.

Analysis: Why This Endorsement Matters

The Remo APC’s endorsement of Governor Abiodun is not a spontaneous act but a calculated political strategy with multiple layers of implications.

1. The “Achievement” Narrative as Political Capital

The core argument for Abiodun’s candidacy is his documented performance as governor. The stakeholders specifically cited:

• Infrastructure: The claim of constructing over 1,600 kilometers of roads in six years. If verified, this represents a significant investment in the state’s transportation network, impacting commerce and daily life.
• Economic Investment: The assertion that Ogun State has attracted over 70% of Nigeria’s new manufacturing firms under his administration. This points to policies aimed at industrial expansion and ease of doing business, aligning with national economic diversification goals.
• Flagship Projects: The completion of the Gateway International Airport is a major infrastructural milestone that enhances the state’s profile and logistical capacity.

By framing his record in such concrete terms, his supporters are attempting to shift the campaign narrative from abstract promises to tangible, quantifiable outcomes. This is a potent strategy in an electorate increasingly skeptical of political rhetoric.

2. The “Bringing Him Home” Strategy

The phrase “bringing him home” is politically resonant. Governor Abiodun, though a prince of the Remo royal family (from Sagamu), has governed from the state capital, Abeokuta (in Ogun Central). The argument posits that as a senator representing Ogun East, he would be a more direct and focused advocate for his “constituency of origin.” This taps into deep-seated sentiments of regional representation and “son-of-the-soil” advocacy, suggesting he would have a unique, personal stake in the district’s development at the federal level. It also allows him to leverage his executive experience and network built as governor to secure more federal projects and appointments for Ogun East.

3. Consolidating APC Power in Ogun East

The APC has controlled Ogun State’s governorship since 2019. However, senatorial and House of Representatives seats can be more competitive due to intra-party zoning and inter-party contests. By rallying early behind a popular incumbent governor from a key bloc, the Remo APC aims to prevent a potentially divisive and expensive primary contest. A united front behind Abiodun would present a strong, incumbent-backed candidate in the general election, likely deterring serious opposition from other parties and consolidating the party’s hold on the district.

4. Potential Challenges and Counter-Narratives

This endorsement is not without potential hurdles:

• Zoning and Equity: Other zones within Ogun East, such as the Ijebu areas, may feel sidelined by a Remo candidate, regardless of his popularity. The “Remo consensus” could trigger demands for zoning arrangements that favor other sub-regions in future cycles.
• Governorship Tenure: If Abiodun runs for Senate in 2027, he would be completing his second term as governor (assuming re-election in 2023). There is a constitutional question regarding “serial” public offices, though it is generally permissible. Some critics might argue he should “complete his work” as governor.
• National Politics: His Senate ambitions would be influenced by his relationship with the national APC leadership and his alignment with any presidential candidate’s camp for 2027. His role as a governor makes him a key player in national party affairs.
• Opposition Rebuttal: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other opposition parties will likely challenge his record, arguing that the cited achievements are overstated or that the state faces significant challenges in security, unemployment, and debt that contradict the “achiever” narrative.

Practical Advice for Stakeholders

For different groups interested in this political development, here is practical advice:

For APC Members and Delegates in Ogun East

• Engage Constructively: Use this early endorsement as a basis for dialogue. If you support Abiodun, begin grassroots mobilization now. If you have reservations about zoning or candidate selection, organize within your local government area to articulate your position to state party leaders before the primary.
• Document Achievements: Supporters should compile and circulate evidence of the governor’s projects in each LGA of Ogun East to solidify the performance-based argument.
• Monitor the Process: Ensure the party’s primary election timetable and guidelines are followed transparently to avoid post-primary crises.

For Political Opponents and Civil Society

• Fact-Check Claims: Independently verify statistics like the “1,600km of roads” and “70% of new manufacturing firms.” Request data from the Ogun State Ministry of Works and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) to provide a balanced public discourse.
• Develop an Alternative Vision: Instead of only critiquing the governor’s record, articulate a clear, forward-looking plan for Ogun East’s development that addresses gaps in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
• Focus on Issues, Not Personalities: Frame the debate around the future needs of Ogun East—agricultural development, port logistics, tertiary education funding—to elevate the campaign beyond endorsements.

For Voters and Residents of Ogun East

• Ask Critical Questions: Attend town halls and ask candidates, including Governor Abiodun if he declares, specific questions: “What new federal projects will you attract for my LGA?” “How will you balance senatorial duties with any ongoing governorship activities?” “What is your plan for youth employment?”
• Track Promises: Maintain a record of campaign promises. Use platforms like TheyWorkForUs or local media to hold representatives accountable.
• Participate in Primaries: Your vote in the APC (or any party) primary is crucial. Ensure you are registered as a party member and participate in the delegate selection process if applicable.

FAQ: Common Questions About the 2027 Senate Endorsement

Q1: Is it constitutional for a sitting governor to run for senator while still in office?

A: Yes, it is constitutionally permissible. Section 65 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) sets the eligibility criteria for the Senate, which include being a citizen of Nigeria, having a School Certificate or its equivalent, and being a member of a political party. There is no constitutional bar against a sitting governor or president running for a legislative seat after their executive term. However, the timing requires careful planning; a governor would typically need to resign if winning the Senate election before completing their gubernatorial term, but running for the Senate seat while finishing a governorship term is legally sound.

Q2: Does this endorsement guarantee Governor Abiodun will become the APC candidate?

A: No, it does not guarantee it, but it is the most powerful signal possible at this stage. In APC politics, especially in stronghold states like Ogun, a consensus endorsement from a key bloc like Remo, backed by the Governor’s Advisory Council, is usually decisive. The party’s primary election is still over a year away, and the formal zoning arrangement must be ratified by the state party executive committee. However, defying such a unified grassroots and elite consensus would risk a major party crisis. Barring any unforeseen national political realignment or health issues, this endorsement makes Abiodun the de facto frontrunner for the Ogun East APC ticket.

Q3: What happens to Senator Ramoni Mustapha, the current Ogun East Senator?

A: Senator Mustapha’s term runs until 2027. He is eligible to run for re-election. However, the Remo bloc’s endorsement of Abiodun effectively signals that the party’s senatorial ticket for Ogun East in 2027 will be zoned to Remo. Senator Mustapha, who is from Ijebu Ode (Ijebu East LGA), would need to either await his turn in a future zoning arrangement (perhaps 2031) or consider running for another office. His political future now depends on his relationship with the Remo bloc and the state party leadership. He may also choose to retire from the Senate.

Q4: How does this affect the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State?

A: It creates a complex dynamic. If Governor Abiodun successfully transitions to the Senate in 2027, he would have served two terms as governor (2019-2027). This opens up the governorship seat for an open contest in 2027. His endorsement of a successor would be immensely powerful. The Remo bloc’s move could be seen as an attempt to secure the Senate seat for their own while positioning Abiodun to become a kingmaker for the governorship from his new federal post. It may also encourage Remo politicians to start jockeying for the governorship ticket earlier, knowing the Senate seat is “secured” for their bloc.

Q5: Is the claim about 70% of Nigeria’s new manufacturing firms accurate?

A: This specific statistic should be verified with the primary source, which is likely the Ogun State Government or the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC). The NIPC regularly publishes data on new investment projects by state. A claim of attracting “over 70%” of a national category is extraordinary and would require scrutiny of the underlying data—what time period is covered? What defines “new manufacturing firms”? Is it by number of projects, capital investment, or jobs created? Independent economic analysts and data journalists would need to audit this claim. Regardless of the precise percentage, the broader point—that Ogun State has been a leading destination for manufacturing investment under Abiodun—is widely acknowledged and aligns with the state’s positioning as an industrial hub.

Conclusion: A Strategic Move with National Implications

The unanimous endorsement of Governor Dapo