The lawmaker representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Moruf Afolabi Afuape, has weighed in on the growing debate over which senatorial district should produce the next governor of Ogun State in 2027, declaring that both Ogun Central and Ogun West are equally qualified for the position.
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Afuape made this known during a media engagement held at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abeokuta on Tuesday, where he addressed journalists on the need for unity and fairness in the state’s political process and his achievements as lawmaker.
The federal lawmaker noted that with the incumbent governor hailing from Ogun East Senatorial District, it is only just and equitable for either Ogun Central or Ogun West to produce the next governor, stressing that both regions have legitimate claims.
He cautioned against the rising agitation from certain quarters insisting that a particular zone must exclusively produce the next governor, warning that such narratives could breed unnecessary tension and division among the people.
Afuape stressed that the political future of Ogun State should be driven by inclusiveness, competence, and collective interest rather than sectional sentiments.
While acknowledging the importance of zoning as a tool for political balance, he urged political actors and stakeholders to approach the 2027 governorship race with maturity and a strong commitment to preserving the unity of the state.
Afuape said “Both Ogun Central and Ogun West have every right to produce the next governor. Nobody should create the impression that it is the exclusive preserve of one region.
“Since the current governor is from Ogun East, it is only fair that the next governor emerges from either the Central or the West. We must be careful not to allow zoning debates to divide us. Ogun State has always thrived on unity and mutual respect.
“Agitations are normal in politics, but when they begin to create tension, then we must call for caution. What should matter most is competence, capacity, and the ability to move Ogun State forward, not just where a candidate comes from.”
“Leaders and stakeholders must guide their supporters to avoid statements or actions that could heat up the polity unnecessarily.”
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Speaking earlier on his achievements as Lawmaker, Afuape stressed that he had facilitated reconstruction of roads in his constituency, while assuring that the other projects that seem abandoned will be completed in due time.
