Governor Abiodun Pledges Peaceful, Rancour-Free Power Handover in Ogun by 2027

Governor Abiodun of Ogun State has assured residents that his administration will deliver a seamless, peaceful, and rancour-free transition at the end of his second term in 2027, promising to set a historic standard in the state’s political history.

Speaking during the Christmas church service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area, the Governor Abiodun declared that his government is committed to becoming the first in Ogun State’s history to hand over power without acrimony. He expressed confidence that his administration would “finish strong” and successfully transfer authority to a successor in a manner devoid of hostility or division.

Governor Abiodun’s remarks come against the backdrop of a long history of tense successions in Ogun State, where political transitions have often been marred by internal party conflicts and power struggles.

A History of Contentious Successions

Political succession in Ogun State has traditionally been fraught with rivalry and division. In the build-up to the 2011 general elections, then-Governor Gbenga Daniel supported Gboyega Isiaka as his preferred successor, while former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders backed the late General Adetunji Olurin. The internal split weakened the party, paving the way for Senator Ibikunle Amosun of the Action Congress of Nigeria to emerge victorious.

A similar pattern played out ahead of the 2019 governorship election. Outgoing Governor Amosun initially endorsed Adekunle Akinlade, while Governor Dapo Abiodun emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate amid intense party disagreements. Despite the opposition and multiple contenders, Governor Abiodun won the election with a margin of about 19,000 votes, defeating Akinlade of the Allied Peoples Movement and Isiaka of the African Democratic Congress.

Reflecting on these experiences, Governor Abiodun said his administration would avoid the bitterness and infighting that had characterised past transitions, stressing that Ogun State deserved a calm and orderly transfer of power.

Governance, Growth, and Confidence in Transition

The Governor Abiodun attributed his optimism about a peaceful handover to what he described as solid governance and significant economic growth under his leadership. According to Abiodun, Ogun State’s annual budget has expanded from about ₦355 billion when he assumed office to over ₦2.7 trillion, reflecting increased economic activity and investor confidence.

He highlighted achievements including the reconstruction of over 2,000 schools, job creation initiatives, farmer empowerment programmes, and major infrastructure projects such as the Gateway International Airport. Governor Abiodun said these accomplishments were evidence that his administration remained focused on people-oriented development across the state’s three senatorial districts.

Governor Abiodun also praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting improvements in petroleum product availability, easing inflationary pressures, and greater stability in the foreign exchange market. He expressed belief that these national reforms would further strengthen sub-national economies like Ogun’s.

Governor Abiodun Christmas Message and Call for Compassion

Beyond politics and governance, the governor used the Christmas service to remind residents of the deeper meaning of the season. He emphasised love, peace, and compassion for the less privileged, urging citizens to look beyond celebration and materialism.

The church service sermon, delivered by the Vicar, Venerable Tolulope Akinwande, reinforced this message. Speaking on the theme “Christmas Is God’s Best Gift to You,” the cleric described Christmas as the season God gave Himself to humanity through Jesus Christ. He urged believers to accept the gift of Christ and live transformed lives, while commending Governor Abiodun for what he termed purposeful and transformative leadership.