The convener of the Ogun West Initiative, a socio-political advocacy group, Bolaji Adeniji, has condemned what he termed an “unprovoked attack” and smear campaign against Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, over his speculated 2027 governorship ambition.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Adeniji alleged that the attacks were being sponsored by politicians within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as opposition parties who feel threatened by Adeola’s rising influence and popularity across Ogun State.
He described Adeola, who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriation, as a leader committed to driving socio-economic growth through infrastructure and empowerment initiatives. Adeniji noted that the senator had recently delivered and energised transformers in 102 communities across the state and commissioned 90 additional projects in the five local government areas of Ogun West.
“Instead of promoting their candidates for 2027, these fifth columnists have chosen to churn out materials attacking Senator Adeola’s personality because they see him as a threat to their ambitions,” Adeniji said.
Confirming that Yayi intends to contest in 2027, Adeniji warned those behind the smear campaign to stop, stressing that politics should be issue-based and evidence-driven.
“At this stage of our democracy, electoral contests should be grounded in ideology and facts. But rather than do this, they have shamefully surrendered before the contest by launching ‘Operation Stop Yayi from Contesting.’ We even heard a coalition is being built, with funds mobilised, to achieve this,” he alleged.
He declared that the plot would “fail woefully,” insisting that Yayi enjoys both divine backing and overwhelming support from the people.
“The Ogun West Initiative calls on detractors and peddlers of falsehoods to desist and focus instead on projecting their own candidates. Yayi’s camp promotes him daily based on his track record, capacity, and ideas. We will not hesitate to confront anyone who persists in this obsession against him. To every action, there is always an equal and opposite reaction,” he warned.
Earlier reports had indicated mixed signals from Adeola on his 2027 ambition. On June 5, quoted him as downplaying the governorship race, saying it was too early to discuss succession plans while stressing his focus on delivering campaign promises.
However, on July 9, Adeola’s aide, Damilare Oloyede, confirmed via social media that the senator would indeed contest, adding that he enjoys strong grassroots support and is likely to secure the backing of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Adeola, who previously represented Lagos West in the Senate, is currently serving his first term as senator for Ogun West. His supporters describe him as a credible and widely accepted candidate with a proven record in infrastructure, empowerment, and political advocacy.
