Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the Ogun Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections after recording a sweeping victory in the party’s direct primary conducted through the Option A4 voting system.
The primary election, held across the six local government areas of Ogun Central on Monday, saw party members openly queue behind photographs of their preferred aspirants in what party leaders described as a peaceful and transparent exercise.
Results announced at the Centenary Hall, Ake, Abeokuta, by the presiding officer, Hon. Obafemi Onakoya, showed that Senator Salisu polled an overwhelming 85,804 votes to emerge victorious.
Former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, scored 146 votes, while former senator Olugbenga Obadara secured 439 votes.
Other aspirants recorded minimal votes, with Hon. Adebola Sofela polling 49 votes, Hon. Muraino Banjoko scoring 83 votes, while Dr. Emmanuel Soyoola reportedly secured no vote after stepping down alongside some other aspirants before the commencement of the primary.
Premier World News describes the outcome as another demonstration of Senator Salisu’s growing grip on Ogun Central APC politics, despite controversies and opposition that had trailed his endorsement and second-term ambition in recent weeks.
The lawmaker, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, dominated the exercise across strategic wards and local governments, including Odeda, Ewekoro, Ifo, Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South and Obafemi-Owode.
In a symbolic political upset, Senator Salisu defeated Senator Obadara in Itesi Ward 2, Odeda Local Government, Obadara’s home ward, polling 658 votes against the former senator’s 11 votes.
He also secured commanding victories in several wards in Ewekoro and Ifo local governments, including 1,872 votes at Oke-Aro/Ibaragun Ward 7 in Ifo LGA, where Obadara managed only six votes.
The Option A4 process, which involved accredited members physically lining up behind their preferred candidates, was largely praised for its openness and absence of violence.
Speaking after voting, a ward leader in Ifo Local Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Oladipupo, described the exercise as “one of the most transparent primaries” he had witnessed.
“There was no intimidation, no vote-buying, just pure democratic expression. We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for allowing internal democracy to thrive”, he stated.
Similarly, Mrs. Funmilayo Adeoti, a former councilor in Abeokuta South, said the orderly conduct of the exercise renewed her confidence in the party.
“Everything was peaceful and organized. Senator Salisu remains the preferred choice of many party members”, she said.
Several party leaders and stakeholders monitored the exercise across different wards, including the Executive Chairman of Obafemi-Owode Local Government, Hon. Amb. Ogunsola Adesina Lanre; Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun; and Odeda Local Government Chairman, Dr. Folasade Adeyemo.
Reacting after casting his vote at Ward 10, Opeji, Odeda Local Government, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Dapo Abiodun, party leaders, security agencies and APC members for ensuring a peaceful exercise.
“Today, I stood with my fellow progressives. You queued under the sun, casting your votes with hope. I am humbled by the trust you place in me. No rancour, no chaos, just committed progressives standing for what is right”, he said.
Premier World News reports that the outcome of the primary is expected to further reshape the political dynamics within Ogun Central APC, especially following earlier resistance by some aspirants against attempts to adopt a consensus arrangement before the direct primary.
Premier World News further reports that despite internal opposition, controversies and intense political battles surrounding his ambition, Senator Salisu’s emphatic victory reinforces his reputation as a resilient political figure who continues to emerge victorious.
