The ward and local government congresses of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State ended in confusion on Saturday as three parallel congresses were allegedly held across the state, producing separate results amid an intense struggle for the party’s structure ahead of 2027.
Investigations by PLATFORM TIMES revealed that aspirants aligned with the three dominant blocs in the party have been thrown into uncertainty following the emergence of multiple lists purportedly emanating from the exercises.
The crisis has further exposed the battle for supremacy among the state’s political heavyweights ; Governor Dapo Abiodun, former governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun — with elder statesman Olusegun Osoba largely staying out of the fray.
Parallel Congresses, Petitions
Findings indicated that while Abiodun’s camp reportedly retained most of the existing ward and local government executives in areas loyal to him, the Daniel and Amosun blocs conducted parallel congresses and submitted separate results.
Sources within the Daniel camp disclosed that leaders and stakeholders, particularly from Ogun East, held what they described as “valid congresses,” compiled their lists and submitted them to the congress committee chairman, Mr Wale Ohu, at his hotel on Saturday evening.
However, Ohu denied receiving more than one list.
“As far as APC in Ogun State is concerned, there is one APC and there is one congress,” he told PLATFORM TIMES. “We did not collect any list from anyone. We only recognised the congresses held in the approved venues.”
When pressed on whether lists from other blocs were submitted to him, he maintained, “I am in possession of the list of congresses held in Ogun State and I am on my way to Abuja for submission. We did not collect any other list.”
Despite this, a credible source insisted that the Amosun group had filed a petition at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, alleging marginalisation by the Abiodun camp.
The Daniel bloc was also said to have lodged a petition challenging the conduct of the congresses.
“The pendulum is swinging right and left,” a senior party member said on condition of anonymity. “Anything can happen at the national level. Abuja may shock many people.”
Clashes in Ado-Odo/Ota, Sagamu
Tension was recorded in several local governments, notably Ado-Odo/Ota, where supporters of Abiodun reportedly clashed with loyalists of Senator Adeola Olamilekan, popularly known as Yayi.
A video sighted by PLATFORM TIMES showed a group of men allegedly attacking supporters led by a member of the House of Representatives, Tunji Akinosi, believed to be loyal to the governor.
The newspaper could not independently verify whether the attackers were aligned with Yayi.
A party chieftain in Remo North, said to be an aide to the governor, was also reportedly assaulted during the exercise.
In Sagamu, two prominent figures in the Abiodun camp,a.member of House of Representatives . Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji and the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs Funmi Efuwape — were said to be locked in a struggle over the party structure.
While Efuwape reportedly organised a “two-million-man march” in support of President Bola Tinubu, Abiodun and Yayi, Ayoola-Elegbeji was said to have countered with a separate rally backing Tinubu and the governor.
Political analysts attributed the tension in Ado-Odo/Ota to the long-standing rivalry between a bloc allegedly led by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele and another loyal to Yayi.
Governorship Calculations, Senate Ambition
The congress crisis is widely seen as a prelude to the 2027 governorship contest, with no fewer than 13 aspirants reportedly eyeing the seat.
Yayi is said to be seeking Abiodun’s endorsement, but insiders claimed the governor may be favourably disposed to a lawmaker, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka.
“Signals from Oke-Mosan are not encouraging for Yayi,” a source disclosed. “The governor appears to have his preference.”
Abiodun himself is believed to be eyeing the Ogun East senatorial seat currently held by Daniel, a development that observers say could further complicate the power equation.
… 001 Drama, Egba Agenda, New Entrants
Adding to the intrigue was the reported issuance of membership number “001” in Yewa North to the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, ahead of Yayi, who hails from the same area.
Tijani was also said to have been registered in Abuja as a member of a ward in Yewa North.
Party insiders described the development as “symbolic and politically loaded.”
Meanwhile, the sudden declaration of Iyabo Obasanjo for the governorship has reportedly altered permutations within the party. Sources said her Egba extraction and political capital could influence calculations at the Presidency.
“There is serious consideration in the Villa,” a party leader claimed. “Her entrance has changed the equation, especially with talks about breaking the jinx of women marginalisation.”
Names such as Ambassador Sarafa Isola, Mr Tunde Lemo and Mr Dimeji Bankole were also mentioned in what insiders described as an “Egba agenda” for a possible consensus candidate.
Presidency’s Possible Intervention
Multiple sources hinted that the Presidency may soon intervene to prevent a full-blown crisis.
“There are indications that the President may summon the gladiators for reconciliation,” a senior party figure said. “The idea is to harmonise the lists and produce consensus executives in all the 40 positions.”
However, sources close to the governor reportedly view the harmonisation proposal as a potential threat.
“For the governor, harmonisation could dilute his grip on the structure,” another insider said. “That is why the move is being resisted.”
As at press time, the national leadership of the APC had yet to issue an official statement on the Ogun situation.
With three lists on the table, petitions flying to Abuja and rival camps digging in, the battle for Ogun APC’s soul appears far from over — and the final decision may rest beyond the state.
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