Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Tunde Lemo, has withdrawn from the Ogun State governorship race and declared support for Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, who has been adopted as the consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 elections.
Lemo announced his decision in a statement released in Abeokuta, noting that it followed “deep reflection and wide consultations” with party leaders and stakeholders across Ogun State.
He described his withdrawal not as a setback but as a strategic move aimed at strengthening party unity and positioning the APC for victory.
“This is not a retreat from service. It is a deliberate, strategic alignment for the greater good,” he said.
Lemo expressed confidence in the judgment of party elders, stating that Adeola has the capacity to build on the achievements of Governor Dapo Abiodun and further position the state as a hub for industry and innovation.
He added that the consensus arrangement was intended to promote unity across Ogun’s three senatorial districts and improve the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections.
Calling for unity among party members, Lemo urged leaders to prioritise collective success over personal ambition.
“For too long, fragmentation has cost progressives momentum. We must close ranks. Leaders must lead by example, not by insisting on self, but by enabling strength,” he said.
He also directed his supporters across the state’s 20 local government areas to mobilise behind Adeola’s candidacy, pledging to contribute his expertise in finance, enterprise, and public policy toward the party’s success.
“The contest ahead is not about individuals. It is about Ogun’s future. Let us be on the right side of history—united, focused, and victorious,” he added.
Lemo’s decision comes shortly after the Ogun APC formally adopted Adeola as its governorship candidate, signaling a push for cohesion within the party ahead of the elections.
What you should know
Tunde Lemo’s withdrawal reflects a growing trend of consensus candidacies within major political parties in Nigeria, aimed at reducing internal conflict ahead of elections.
By backing Solomon Adeola, the APC appears focused on presenting a united front in Ogun State. Such alignments can strengthen electoral chances but may also sideline internal competition.
The move highlights the importance of party unity in Nigeria’s political landscape as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
