A former governorship aspirant and veteran journalist, Mrs Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, has formally declared her intention to contest for the Ogun State governorship ticket under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections, presenting herself as the “safest option” for stability and continuity.
In a lengthy open letter addressed to party leaders, stakeholders, and members of the APC dated February 26, 2026, Sarafa-Yusuf, a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), outlined what she described as a vision rooted in “unity, competence, and fairness” .
The declaration comes at a time when the Ogun State governorship race is already witnessing heightened political activity, with no incumbent on the ballot as Governor Dapo Abiodun completes his second term. Other aspirants in the fray include Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, who recently returned to the APC, and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), who enjoys massive support from the Ogun West senatorial district .
Drawing from her experience in the 2022 governorship primaries where she did not prevail, Sarafa-Yusuf emphasised her commitment to party unity and institutional stability.
“Many of you know my political history. In 2022, I stepped forward to run for the office of the governor. I did not prevail. However, I did not destabilise the system. I accepted the outcome, preserved relationships, and stayed engaged,” she wrote.
She stressed that her return is not driven by “unfinished business” but is “a response to a different political environment.”
The former Special Adviser on Information to Governor Dapo Abiodun was keen to clarify her relationship with the outgoing governor, describing it as “cordial and respectful.”
“I have maintained a cordial and respectful relationship with the outgoing governor—the leader of our party. This is because I believe that continuity matters. Order matters. Transitions matter,” she stated, adding that her candidacy is “not designed to undermine any of our leaders or rewrite the past. It is designed to protect what works and improve what must be improved—without rupture.”
Addressing the sensitive issue of zoning and the agitation from Ogun West Senatorial District—which has never produced a governor since the state’s creation in 1976—Sarafa-Yusuf adopted a cautious and measured tone.
“The agitation from Ogun West is real. It should not be dismissed,” she acknowledged. “But unmanaged grievance is dangerous—especially when it is framed in moral absolutes.”
She argued that the party’s task is not to “choose sides emotionally” but to “prevent a scenario where zoning becomes a blunt instrument that destabilises the entire state.”
Observers note that Sarafa-Yusuf’s careful wording on the zoning question reflects the delicate balancing act required of aspirants from Ogun Central, where she hails from, as pressure mounts on the APC to cede the ticket to the West .
Responding to questions about the gender dimension of her candidacy, Sarafa-Yusuf acknowledged the weight of history while insisting that her aspiration rests on competence, not sentiment.
“I am aware that my candidacy carries a gender dimension. I do not underestimate it, and I do not overplay it. Nigeria has never elected a female governor, and I’m aware of the weight of breaking that ceiling,” she wrote.
She framed her aspiration as one that could pave the way for future generations of women leaders in Ogun State and Nigeria, but stressed: “This is not about symbolism. It is about capacity and competence.”
In a political environment she described as carrying “more risk than usual,” Sarafa-Yusuf pitched herself as the candidate best equipped to manage transition without fracturing the party or the state.
“I am not presenting myself as the loudest option. I am presenting myself as the safest option,” she declared, listing her experience working with government institutions, broad acceptance across the state, “calm under pressure,” and ability to “absorb political heat without transferring it to the system.”
The former journalist, who holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration, promised to govern as “an administrator—consultative but firm and disciplined” if elected.
“My vision is to provide transformative and inclusive leadership and make Ogun the state of choice for people to live, work, and play because of its economic, educational, and social opportunities,” she added.
Sarafa-Yusuf’s entry adds another layer to what is shaping up to be a competitive APC primary. Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has declared confidence in her ability to win, despite acknowledging late entry and financial constraints as disadvantages .
Meanwhile, Senator Adeola , Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, Hon. Gboyega ISIAKa remain the symbol of the Ogun West agitation, with stakeholders arguing that denying the zone the governorship for another cycle could lead to a “permanent fracture” in the state’s social fabric . Former Central Bank Deputy Governor, Dr Tunde Lemo, has also joined the race, citing grassroots development as his driving motivation .
The APC Elders’ Council in Ogun State has yet to adopt a formal zoning policy, though there is strong moral sentiment favouring Ogun West. Governor Abiodun has remained publicly neutral on his successor .
Sarafa-Yusuf concluded her declaration with a call for “measured consideration” and pledged to continue consultations “quietly” and “deliberately” in the coming weeks.
“Transitions succeed when fear is managed early. They fail when emotion is allowed to outrun structure,” she wrote.
With the APC yet to open formal sales of expression of interest forms, the 2027 governorship race in Ogun State promises to test the party’s ability to balance competing interests of zoning, competence, and electability.
