Ogun 2027: Political division hindering development — Ex-High Commissioner, Ishola

2026-03-24 - 19:54

...Seeks harmonisation, backs Tinubu’s re-election bid By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sharafa Tunji Ishola, on Tuesday raised concern over what he described as deepening political division among the elite in Ogun State, warning that the trend is stalling the state’s development. Ishola spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting of the All Progressives Congress, APC, tagged “Harmonisation and Seeking for Endorsement”, held in Abeokuta, the state capital, with party members drawn from the three senatorial districts in attendance. The meeting, convened to align various political structures backing his governorship ambition, witnessed a large turnout of support groups across the state, who endorsed him ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Addressing the gathering, Ishola decried what he termed “hostile succession” in Ogun politics, insisting that the recurring divisions must end for the state to achieve its full potential. He said: “We are not here for any governorship declaration. What we have come to do is to harmonise our positions and formalise our endorsement. The declaration will come at the appropriate time.” “We are too politically divided and we always have hostile succession. From one administration to another, it has always been a tug of war. Are we going to continue like this?” he queried. According to him, “My concern is to stop hostile succession in Ogun State so that we can all come together for the state to realise its potential. That is the course I have continued to pursue.” The former envoy stressed the need for unity and strategic alignment among political actors across all local governments, noting that cohesion remains critical to achieving collective development goals. He clarified that the meeting was not a formal declaration of his governorship ambition, but a platform to consolidate support and strengthen coordination among his loyalists. Reflecting on his public service career, Ishola highlighted his experience as former Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He noted that the exposure had equipped him with the capacity for higher responsibility and reaffirmed his commitment to the growth and development of Ogun State. Ishola also used the occasion to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, urging party members to rally support for the President’s re-election. Earlier, APC chieftain, Chief Joju Fadairo, disclosed that he had embarked on consultations with key political leaders and elder statesmen, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to galvanise support for Ishola’s governorship bid. Fadairo said his support for Ishola was based on his track record, leadership qualities and achievements, particularly his role in fostering unity among Nigerians in the United Kingdom during his diplomatic tenure. He added that the massive turnout at the meeting was a clear indication of widespread acceptance of Ishola’s aspiration ahead of the 2027 polls. In their separate remarks, stakeholders and representatives from the three senatorial districts commended Ishola for engaging party members early, describing him as a capable and experienced leader. They said: “His track record of compassion and service distinguishes him as a humane leader who understands the needs of the people,” pledging their readiness to support his ambition.