The political landscape of Ogun State has taken a definitive turn following the recent adoption of Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as the consensus governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
With the governorship slot settled, attention has now shifted to the vacuum he leaves behind in the Ogun West Senatorial District.
In a major development on Wednesday, 6 May, 2026, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has officially entered the race to succeed Yayi in the Red Chamber. Photos showing her Nomination and Expression of Interest forms have surfaced, signaling her intent to represent the people of the West.
Following the precedent set by Senator Adeola’s governorship emergence, political observers and APC stakeholders are now looking toward a seamless transition in the Senatorial race. There is growing anticipation that the party may skip a traditional primary, with many hoping that Salako-Oyedele will also be named the consensus candidate for the Ogun West seat.
Sources within the party suggest that a consensus arrangement would maintain the unity currently enjoyed by the Ogun APC, avoiding internal friction as the 2026/2027 cycle approaches.
Why Salako-Oyedele?
As a UK-trained Civil and Public Health Engineer with an MSc from Imperial College London, Salako-Oyedele is widely regarded as one of the most qualified technocrats in Ogun politics today. Her supporters argue she is the perfect fit to take over from Senator Adeola for several key reasons:
Policy Continuity: Having served as Deputy Governor since 2019, she has been a central figure in the state’s infrastructure drive, aligning with the “Yayi” legacy of development in Ogun West.
Gender Inclusion: Her candidacy is a massive boost for female representation. Local women’s groups have already begun mobilizing, noting that her elevation to the Senate ensures that women “feel among” and remain at the core of federal legislative decision-making.
Aworiland Roots: Hailing from Ota in Ado-Odo/Ota LGA, she commands deep respect within the Awori and Yewa blocs that form the backbone of the district.
While the Deputy Governor has taken the formal step of picking up forms, all eyes are now on the party leadership. If the APC moves forward with a consensus model for the Senate—as they did for the Governorship—Salako-Oyedele’s path to the National Assembly could be cleared within weeks.
For the people of Ogun West, her candidacy represents a blend of professional excellence and political stability, ensuring the district remains a powerhouse in the next administration.
