The All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi, has continued his stakeholder consultations with a visit to Ambassador Saràfa Tunji Ishola, where both leaders emphasized unity, reconciliation, and collective progress within the party.
During the meeting, Senator Adeola commended Ambassador Ishola for his longstanding contributions to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria. He called for his full support, stressing that the current political process should not produce winners or losers but should instead strengthen party cohesion and shared responsibility for the state’s future.
The APC candidate described his gubernatorial ambition as a collective project, assuring the former envoy of his readiness to work collaboratively in advancing Ogun State’s development agenda. He maintained that unity and mutual respect among stakeholders remain critical to achieving sustainable progress.
Other party leaders who spoke at the meeting, including Senator Lekan Mustapha, Alhaja Salmot Badru, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and Hon. Biodun Akinlade, echoed similar sentiments, urging party members to close ranks and work together in the interest of the state.
In his response, Ambassador Ishola welcomed the delegation and congratulated Senator Adeola on his emergence as the consensus candidate. He noted that while politics is often driven by interests, it must not be allowed to damage relationships or foster bitterness.
The former diplomat reiterated his commitment to the Yewa Agenda, recalling his role as Director-General of the 2011 governorship campaign of General Tunji Olurin. He affirmed that he remains supportive of the broader aspirations of Ogun West.
Ambassador Ishola also reflected on his political journey and his passion for Ogun State, noting that he has consistently advocated for stable political transitions and continuity in governance. He revealed that he had previously engaged elder statesmen such as Chief Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and Senator Ibikunle Amosun on the need to avoid disruptive transitions that hinder development.
While acknowledging that he was not part of the recent APC stakeholders’ meeting, a situation that prompted his earlier consultations, Ambassador Ishola described Senator Adeola’s visit as a significant step toward reconciliation and inclusion.
He further disclosed that he has developed a 64-page socio-economic blueprint for Ogun State and expressed willingness to share it with the APC candidate for possible integration into his policy framework. He also emphasized the importance of engaging his support base to ensure inclusiveness in the evolving political process.1
Highlight of the visit included the formal presentation of documents outlining Ambassador Ishola’s profile and his socio-economic and political contributions over the years to Senator Adeola.
In their separate remarks, Baba Ajibola and Chief Mrs. Apampa commended Ambassador Ishola for his warm reception and statesmanship. They also praised his integrity and longstanding contributions to Ogun State, while encouraging continued collaboration toward the collective advancement of the state.