By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 governorship election, political activities in Ogun State are gathering momentum, with several aspirants positioning themselves to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun at the end of his tenure.

With the governor expected to complete his second term in office, attention has shifted to potential successors, as more than 15 contenders across different political parties are believed to be eyeing the state’s top seat.

Among them are four female politicians seeking to rewrite history by emerging as the first woman to govern the state.

Breaking a Longstanding Barrier

Despite Ogun State’s notable record of female participation in governance having produced female local government chairpersons, a female Speaker, and deputy governors, the governorship position has remained exclusively occupied by men since the state’s creation in 1976.

Observers say the 2027 election presents another opportunity to change that narrative, as the female aspirants intensify consultations and grassroots engagement.

Noimot Salako-Oyedele

The current Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, is widely regarded as a strong contender, owing to her position in the present administration. A civil engineer and real estate professional from Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government in Ogun West, she is yet to formally declare her ambition.

However, her growing political visibility, including campaign-style messaging and support from loyalists, has fueled speculation about her interest in the race. Her candidacy could also benefit from agitation for Ogun West to produce a governor, having never done so.

Still, analysts note that deputy governors in Nigeria often face challenges in succeeding their principals, a hurdle she may need to overcome.

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello

Former Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello has also re-emerged on the political scene after years away from active politics. The daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared her intention to contest the governorship.

A former Commissioner for Health and senator representing Ogun Central, she is leveraging her experience in public service to campaign on a platform of inclusive governance, accountability, and people-focused development.

While her supporters describe her as experienced and decisive, critics question her long absence from grassroots politics. Nonetheless, she has begun consultations across the state, signaling a determined comeback.

Modele Sarafa-Yusuf

Veteran broadcaster and former Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Abiodun, Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, has openly declared her intention to contest the 2027 election.

Having previously sought the APC ticket in 2023, she is positioning herself as a unifying figure capable of ensuring stability within the party. In her declaration, she emphasised the need for deliberate leadership, continuity, and trust to translate the state’s potential into tangible progress.

Sarafa-Yusuf also framed her ambition as part of a broader effort to expand opportunities for women in leadership, while maintaining that her candidacy is rooted in competence rather than symbolism.

Dr. Bolaji Marie Odusina

United States-based physician and humanitarian, Dr. Bolaji Marie Odusina, has also joined the race, marking a transition from years of medical outreach to active politics.

Known for her grassroots health interventions, particularly in rural communities, Odusina has built a reputation around advocacy for improved healthcare and social welfare. She has highlighted maternal and child health as key priorities, citing gaps that require urgent government intervention.

Although she is yet to unveil her political platform, analysts believe her challenge will lie in building a strong political structure and converting her public goodwill into electoral support.

The Road Ahead

With political permutations already taking shape, analysts say the emergence of multiple female aspirants adds a new dimension to the contest. While the race remains wide open, the coming months are expected to witness intensified alignments, declarations, and strategic positioning ahead of party primaries.

Whether 2027 will mark a turning point in Ogun State’s political history remains uncertain, but the increasing participation of women signals a shift in the dynamics of the state’s leadership contest.