By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State on Sunday unveiled Alhaja Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun, a chartered accountant and daughter of renowned industrialist, Chief Adebola Adegunwa, as the deputy governorship candidate to partner Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, in the 2027 governorship election.
The announcement was made at the State APC Strategic Caucus Meeting held at the party secretariat in Iyana Mortuary, Abeokuta, where party leaders formally ratified her emergence following extensive consultations within the party hierarchy.
Adegunwa-Balogun’s nomination follows the earlier zoning of the deputy governorship slot to Ogun East Senatorial District and its subsequent micro-zoning to Ijebu Central Federal Constituency.
The 51-year-old finance expert currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, Finance and Administration, at Rite Foods Limited. Her emergence is being viewed by political observers as a strategic move by the ruling party to strengthen its appeal among professionals, women and voters in Ogun East ahead of the 2027 polls.
Speaking at the unveiling of the deputy governorship candidate, Governor Dapo Abiodun praised party leaders and members for maintaining unity throughout the recently concluded primary elections, describing the process as unprecedented in the state’s political history.
According to the governor, the APC successfully produced 39 candidates for elective offices from a pool of more than 700 aspirants without internal crises or major disputes.
“I have never witnessed anything like this in my years in politics in Ogun State. For the first time, leaders across generations came together to collectively endorse a successor, and that decision was accepted peacefully by all stakeholders,” Abiodun said.
He noted that the spirit of consensus demonstrated during the governorship primary election helped ensure the smooth conduct of senatorial, House of Representatives and House of Assembly primaries across the state.
“What we achieved reflects the true Ogun spirit. History will be kind to all of us because we have demonstrated that peaceful succession and consensus-building are possible in our politics,” he added.
The governor commended aspirants who stepped aside in the interest of party unity, describing their sacrifices as instrumental to the APC’s stability and electoral preparedness.
“Politics is ultimately about consensus and service. Many of those who made sacrifices for the party have been considered for appointments and other opportunities because we recognize their loyalty and contributions,” he said.
Abiodun further disclosed that APC leaders at the national level had commended the Ogun State chapter for conducting its affairs without rancour, litigation or factional disputes.
On his part, the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, expressed confidence in Adegunwa-Balogun’s ability to complement his administration if elected, citing her impressive professional credentials, leadership experience and commitment to public service.
Party leaders at the event described her emergence as a reflection of the APC’s commitment to competence, inclusion and broad-based representation.
In her acceptance speech, Adegunwa-Balogun described her nomination as a call to service and pledged to deploy her extensive leadership experience in support of Ogun State’s development.
She stated that her more than three decades of experience in leadership, governance and corporate administration had equipped her with the skills required to contribute meaningfully to governance.
“I see this nomination as a call to duty and a privilege to serve. My over three decades of experience in various leadership and governance roles in the corporate world have prepared me for this moment,” she said.
She disclosed that her long-standing association with governance dates back to 1999, noting that her exposure to public administration had provided valuable insights into leadership and service delivery.
Adegunwa-Balogun also referenced her husband’s public service career, which included serving as a Principal Officer in the Lagos State House of Assembly between 2003 and 2015, before becoming Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
“Since 1999, I have been closely associated with governance. These experiences have given me valuable insight into public service, its challenges, its impact and its sacred responsibility,” she stated.
The deputy governorship candidate emphasized that her nomination represents more than a personal accomplishment, describing it as an opportunity to promote greater inclusion of women, youths and grassroots communities in governance.
“This nomination is not about me. It is about our shared responsibility. It is about the inclusion of women, youths and all citizens in shaping the future of Ogun State,” she said.
“Our goal is simple: a state where governance responds to the needs of its people, where development leaves no one behind, and where prosperity is shared by all.”
She pledged to serve with integrity, accountability and transparency while working closely with Senator Adeola to deepen grassroots participation in government.
“I commit to serving with integrity, accountability and deep respect for every citizen. I will work to bridge the gap between government and the grassroots, ensuring that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of our communities,” she added.
