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With the countdown to 2027 commencing, ambition is already thick in the political atmosphere of Ogun, the Gateway State.

At the moment, there is fierce competition for the position currently held by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Governor Abiodun will complete his eight-year term in office by 2027, making way for new leadership at the Oke Mosan seat of power.

ZINGTIE’s findings showed that over 15 aspirants from various parties are targeting the Ogun number one political position.

Nonetheless, among all the candidates, four women politicians are trying to create history in the state and, by extension, in Nigeria.

A Jinx Awaiting to Be Shattered

Ogun State has consistently led the way in female leadership, giving rise to figures such as the late Titilayo Ajanaku, who was Nigeria’s first elected female local government chairman (Old Abeokuta LG), a female speaker, and at least three deputy governors.

Salimot Badiru held office for eight years under Otunba Gbenga Daniel (2003-2011), Yetunde Onanuga served four years under Ibikunle Amosun (2015-2019), and Noimot Salako-Oyedele is currently the deputy governor in Abiodun’s administration.

The Governor’s office, however—the ultimate prize—has been an all-male enclave since the state was created in 1976. Will the curse be broken in 2027? This continues to be a question for political pundits in the state.

Noimot Salako-Oyedele:

Noimot Salako-Oyedele, currently serving as Deputy Governor, is arguably the most strategically positioned. The civil engineer and real estate professional, aged 60, comes from the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government area (Ogun West).

Although she hasn’t made a declaration, her poster has been circulating with the phrase, “Ogun 2027, Let The Good Works Continue.”

Our correspondent noted that her supporters have started to sing her praises as well, saying, “Noimot lo le se oo,” which translates to “Noimot can do it” in English.

Additionally, the absence of a governor from her region, Ogun West, since Ogun State’s establishment in 1976 enhances her prospects. However, she faces strong competition from aspirants in the region.

Nevertheless, historical evidence indicates that deputy governors in Nigeria have difficulty succeeding their principals, so she must conquer the “Deputy’s Curse”.

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello: The Comeback of the “Lioness”

Iyabo, the daughter of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, is a name that continues to create waves in the Nigerian political arena. She served as the Commissioner for Health in Ogun State from 2003 to 2007 during Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s administration before being elected as a Senator for the Ogun Central Senatorial District in April 2007, a position she held until 2011.

She made a comeback to active politics in January after a break of roughly 15 years, switching from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to announce her gubernatorial ambition. This caused a state-wide commotion.

It is worth recalling that she lost her re-election bid in 2011 to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and subsequently returned to the United States, where she pursued her academic career and achieved the rank of professor.

Her supporters view her as a straightforward leader who can return federal-level experience to her home state. The 59-year-old epidemiology professor from Ifo Local Government (Ogun Central – Ibogun Ward) has recently become visible, fueling rumors of her readiness for a major comeback.

Despite critics branding her a “diaspora politician” disconnected from contemporary grassroots realities, she is demonstrating her “street” credibility by engaging in multiple consultations with political leaders and stakeholders throughout the state.

The aspirant stated that her emphasis on people-centred development is shaped by her previous roles in public service as a commissioner and senator, during which she claimed to have consistently prioritized initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of everyday citizens.

She assured the women that if she were to be elected, they would become decision makers rather than just mobilizers during elections.

She stated, “Development demands continuity, institutional memory and a leadership that understands that governance is a relay, not a sprint. If entrusted with the mandate in 2027, my administration will be anchored on credibility, competence and compassion.

“We will not run a government of exclusion. Women will not merely be mobilisers during elections; they will be decision-makers at the highest levels of governance.”

The ex-senator also promised to manage a transparent administration characterized by measurable outcomes and accountability.

The ex-senator also promised to manage a transparent administration characterized by measurable outcomes and accountability.

Modele Sarafa-Yusuf: The Media Guru

Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, a 59-year-old veteran broadcast journalist, has already tested the waters. She held the position of Special Adviser on information and strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, from which she resigned to run for the 2023 ticket, indicating her long-term intentions.

In February, Sarafa-Yusuf declared her intention to compete in the 2027 gubernatorial election through an open letter shared on her official X account.

The retired sports journalist from Sagamu Local Government (Ogun East – Iperu Remo) characterized the role as a stabilizing influence in light of the dangers of party fragmentation, referencing her experience in 2022 when she conceded defeat without causing any disruption to relationships.

She acknowledged the state’s blessings but insisted that progress requires intentional leadership and trust, not just blessings.

The letter directed to leaders, members, and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State states, “Ogun State is blessed with industry, blessed with intellect, blessed with culture, and blessed with strategic relevance to the nation.

“Yet we all know that blessings alone do not guarantee progress. Progress requires deliberate leadership, balance, and trust among our people. It requires continuity.

“After deep reflection and wide consultation, I have decided to make myself available to serve as our party’s candidate for Governor, Ogun State, in the 2027 elections.

“I chose this system of declaration deliberately to be public, honest, and focused on responsibility rather than spectacle.“

At the same time, she made clear that this is not a return motivated by unfinished business, but rather a reaction to a changed political landscape. She emphasized that the state requires inclusion without escalation, as loud politics can mobilize and collapse rapidly, causing harm in the process.

She maintained that her ambition would create a path for future generations of female leaders in Ogun state and across Nigeria.

“Nigeria has never elected a female governor, and I’m aware of the weight of breaking that ceiling.

“To that extent, my aspiration isn’t just about me; it’s about paving the way for future generations of women leaders in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

“However, this is not about symbolism. It is about capacity and competence,” Sarafa-Yusuf said.

Dr. Bolaji Marie Odusina: Transitioning from Medical Missions to Political Mission

On Tuesday, the physician and humanitarian based in the United States officially declared her candidacy for the position of governor of Ogun State in 2027.

Odusina, widely recognized as DeeDoc, has been quietly cultivating a following for years through extensive free medical outreach efforts in rural communities of Ogun.

With her formal declaration for 2027, she signals a transition from medical missions to a political mission.

While she did not reveal her party affiliation, she mentioned that her political platform would be announced in the coming days.

The 62-year-old paediatrician, who has over thirty years of experience in both Nigeria and the US and founded Doctors Without Prejudice, focused on healthcare, maternal mortality, and grassroots economic empowerment while others discussed politics.

She condemned the shortcomings in maternal healthcare and child mortality, citing evidence from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, and characterized them as pressing issues that demand prompt government action.

She stated, “I have seen families travel across borders for basic medical care. These are not statistics to me; they are real people whose pain I have witnessed.”

The paediatrician is from Ijebu land.

Analysts, however, point out that her ambition could encounter obstacles, such as the necessity of establishing a powerful political apparatus, obtaining a viable party platform, and converting public support into electoral victory.

Noimot Salako

Iyabo Obasanjo

Modele Sarafa-Yusuf

Bolaji Marie Odusina

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