By Segun Olatunji
…as ex-Nigeria’s UK high commissioner expresses readiness to share socio-economic blueprint with guber candidate
All Progressives Congress consensus governorship candidate for Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has continued his consultations with stakeholders with a visit to a former aspirant, Ambassador Saràfa Tunji Ishola.
During the meeting, both leaders emphasised unity, reconciliation, and collective progress within the ruling APC in the state.
Senator Adeola, popularly called Yayi, commended Ambassador Ishola for his longstanding contributions to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria, soliciting his full support while stressing hat the current political process should not produce winners or losers but rather 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 collaborate with others in advancing Ogun State’s development agenda.
The incumbent Senator representing Ogun West in the National Assembly maintained that unity and mutual respect among stakeholders remain critical to achieving sustainable progress.
Senator Adeola was accompanied by other party leaders to the meeting with Ishola. They included Senator Lekan Mustapha, Alhaja Salmot Badru, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and Hon. Biodun Akinlade, who urged party members to close ranks and work together in the interest of the state.
Responding, 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 Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom 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.
Ishola also emphasised the importance of engaging his support base to ensure inclusiveness in the evolving political process.
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.
