The symbolic move that has redefined the political landscape of Ogun State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, The hosting of the Ogun State All Progressives Congress' consensus candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola(a.k.a.Yayi) by one of the governorship aspirant, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, OFR, signalled a new dawn for the ruling party in the state.
Beyond its ceremonial significance, the visit stands as a testament to the enduring value of dialogue, humility and strategic unity in politics.
It signals a shift from rivalry to partnership, offering a compelling narrative of reconciliation that would redefine the trajectory of Ogun State’s forthcoming general elections.
The reconciliation visit signals not just the mending of fences, but the building of bridges capable of carrying the aspirations of a people toward a more inclusive and prosperous future. Recall that the APC stakeholders last week picked the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation and Finance as their gubernatorial candidate for the next year general elections.
This announcement did not go down well with Isola, the grassroot politician, who said he was still consulting critical stakeholders on the issue.
However, things took a twist on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 when Senator Adeola stormed the Ibara Housing, Abeokuta, home of the immediate past Nigeria's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom with a high-powered delegation on a reconciliation visit.
The visit, brought together an array of notable stakeholders within the party. Among those present were former deputy governor, Alhaja Salmot Makanjuola Badru; past speakers of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.Titi Oseni-Gomez and Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun. The Ogun State House of Assembly Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Babatunde Opeolu Tella, PhD and Chief (Mrs.) Iyabo Apampa was also in attendance. Senator Lekan Mustapha; members of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, Hon. Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka, and Hon. Tunji Akinosi were among the entourage. Notable party leaders in attendance included former lawmaker, Adekunle Adeyemi, former APC State Chairman, Chief Aderinsola Adebiyi, APC Organizing Secretary, Hon. Yemi Adelani, and Abeokuta North APC Chairman, Alhaja Faidat Sarumi Akintunde.
Other respected party critical stakeholders were Baba Musibau Ajibola, Chief Bakai Ajao Okedara, Hon. Babatunde Olaotan (HBO), Engr. Hassan Taiwo Oludotun (Twinny), among others.
The visit has been described as a collective commitment to unity, inclusion, and the greater good of the state.
In an atmosphere charged with respect and admiration, members of the delegation were said to have taken turns to extol the virtues, political pedigree, and towering influence of Ambassador Isola.
The visitors described him as a stabilizing force whose contributions to governance and party development remain indelible.
On his part, during the visit, Senator Adeola emphasized that the essence of the gathering was rooted in reconciliation, genuine partnership, and the need to consolidate the party’s strength ahead of future political engagements. He noted that Ambassador Isola was deliberately chosen as the first priority in his reconciliation efforts, highlighting the sincerity of his intention to unify all stakeholders.
While disclosing that the composition of his delegation was personally put together within hours, Senator Adeola sought clarity regarding Ambassador Isola’s absence at the recent state caucus meeting that produced him as the consensus candidate. While extending an olive branch, he requested for Ambassador Isola’s proposed plans for Ogun State.
This is with a view to integrating its ideas into a broader developmental agenda for the state. In his response, Ambassador Isola warmly received the delegation, describing the visit as both thoughtful and historic.
He reflected on his longstanding personal and political relationships with members of the delegation, stressing that while politics is inherently driven by interests, it must never erode human relationships or breed bitterness.
Reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the Yewa Agenda, Ambassador Isola recounted his strategic roles in achieving Yewa for Governor. He recalled that, in 2011, he was the Director-General for the General Olutunji Olurin Governorship campaign. In 2015, he was a supporter of Hon. Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka Governorship election, in 2019, he was the Director-General for the Hon. Abdulkabir Abiodun Akinlade Governorship campaign. And in 2023, he was a supporter of Barr. Biyi Otegbeye governorship election.
Isola reiterated that, this will be the third time for sacrificing his governorship ambition for the Yewa governorship agenda. Drawing from his wealth of experience, the esteemed diplomat highlighted his consistent advocacy for stable political transitions. He apprised the delegation with his visit to elder statesmen such as Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Governors, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Senator Gbenga Daniel, and Senator Ibikunle Amosun on the need to end hostile successions in the state.
The former Secretary to the State Government and Minister for Mines & Steel Development also took the advocacy to Paramount rulers in Ogun State namely Alake, Awujale, Akarigbo, and Olu Ilaro.
Isola, who is happy that the seed of the advocacy is bearing fruits, charged the party’s governorship candidate about inclusiveness. He disclosed that discussions regarding the integration of his supporters into a future administration would be addressed at a later stage.
Isola, noted that the immediate priority was fostering direct engagement between the consensus candidate and his political base to build trust and alignment.
On his absence at the APC State Caucus meeting, Ambassador Isola clarified that he was not invited and would not want to breach the protocol. His explanation was acknowledged with understanding by the entire members of the delegation.
In a decisive show of party loyalty, Ambassador Isola reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and his readiness to work for the party in the forthcoming national and state elections. He formally presented his 64-page proposed plans for Ogun State, his lecture on local government administration at Fountain University, Osogbo, his lecture on constitutional roles for traditional rulers at Remo Traditional Council Retreat, the book: A Man on the Mission, a catalogue of his achievements as the Nigeria High Commissioner in the United Kingdom and a book tagged the number one mission and other valuable documents.
These documents were presented to the party's consensus candidate for the purpose of collaborative and inclusive governance