Aliko Dangote, the founder and president of the Dangote Group, has publicly endorsed Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election. The endorsement was captured in a trending video shared on social media on Thursday, April 30.
Endorsement Details
In the video posted by digital creator Ayekooto Akindele, Yayi was seen alongside Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and other political stakeholders. Dangote, whose primary business is the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, a 650,000 barrels-per-day integrated complex in Lagos, stated in the clip: "We endorse you (referring to Yayi) 100%."
Yayi is Governor Abiodun's preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State.
Reactions to the Endorsement
Nigerians on X and Facebook have reacted to Dangote's endorsement of Yayi. Some comments include:
- @aoidowu1309 posted on X: "These are the type of leaders we need, the people who are already thinking on how to put the state ahead."
- Babatunde Johnson wrote on X: "Most people in our age group who know Aliko Dangote understand that there has never been a time in history when he has publicly displayed his political affiliation in this manner. This feels like a genuine display of public affection."
- @talker_io commented on X: "Dangote doesn't follow anybody for 'mad motion'; this is pure business positioning. Ogun is home to his biggest investments (cement, refinery plans, potential seaport). After the Ibikunle Amosun drama, he's ensuring a friendly successor. Smart capitalism, not charity."
- @Aladecho5 wrote on X: "Isn't this dangerous? What if Yayi loses the election? Will Dangote get the necessary support for his investments in Ogun state? I think he is playing a dangerous game."
Yayi Picks APC Nomination Forms
On Tuesday, April 28, Yayi obtained the N50 million governorship nomination forms of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election. The forms were collected on his behalf, marking his official entry into the race. Suleiman Argungu, the APC national organising secretary, presented the Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to Adeola's proxy at the party's national headquarters in Abuja.
Yayi Meets Iyabo Obasanjo
The adopted consensus governorship candidate of the APC in Ogun, Yayi, on Monday, April 27, met with Iyabo Obasanjo, seeking her support ahead of the 2027 governorship election. Obasanjo was among the APC governorship aspirants before the April 13 strategic caucus meeting of the party, where Governor Abiodun announced the third-term senator representing Ogun West as the party's consensus candidate. Yayi was accompanied by two former deputy governors, Segun Adesegun and Salmot Badru, among others.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Primate Elijah Ayodele of the INRI Evangelical Church advised Nigeria not to rely solely on Dangote's oil refinery, warning that if Nigeria does not produce and refine petrol, fuel could become scarce.
