Abeokuta – The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially unveiled Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

Governor Dapo Abiodun announced her nomination on Sunday during the APC Strategic Caucus Meeting held at the party secretariat in Abeokuta, following consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the state.

Adegunwa-Balogun, 51, will contest alongside the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi. Her emergence followed the zoning of the deputy governorship position to Ogun East Senatorial District and its subsequent micro-zoning to the Ijebu Central Federal Constituency.

A seasoned finance professional, Adegunwa-Balogun is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). She currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Director, Finance and Administration, at Rite Foods Limited.

She is also the daughter of renowned industrialist and billionaire businessman, Alhaji Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, OFR.

Speaking at the unveiling, Governor Abiodun described the selection process as a product of extensive consultations and a commitment to equity and fairness within the party.

According to him, the APC’s decision to pick a deputy governorship candidate from Ogun East was informed by the fact that the governorship ticket had already been zoned to Ogun West.

“If the government is coming from the West, we felt that for equity and fairness, the government should come from the East,” Abiodun said.

The governor also commended party leaders and members for maintaining unity throughout the recently concluded primaries, noting that the APC successfully produced candidates for various elective positions without major disputes, litigation, or factional crises.

He described the development as unprecedented in Ogun State’s political history and praised aspirants who stepped aside in the interest of party cohesion.

Senator Adeola, in his remarks, expressed confidence in Adegunwa-Balogun’s ability to effectively support his administration if elected, citing her professional accomplishments, leadership capacity, and dedication to public service.

In her acceptance speech, Adegunwa-Balogun described her nomination as a call to service and pledged to bring her extensive corporate and governance experience to bear in advancing Ogun State’s development.

“I see this nomination as a call to duty and a privilege to serve. My over three decades of experience in various leadership and governance roles in the corporate world have prepared me for this moment,” she said.

She noted that her involvement and exposure to governance since 1999 had given her valuable insight into public administration and service delivery.

The APC deputy governorship candidate emphasised that her emergence represented broader inclusion for women, youths, and grassroots communities in governance.

“This nomination is not about me. It is about our shared responsibility. It is about the inclusion of women, youths and all citizens in shaping the future of Ogun State,” she stated.

She further pledged to serve with integrity, transparency, and accountability while working closely with Senator Adeola to strengthen grassroots participation and ensure government policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.

Political observers have described her nomination as a strategic move by the APC to strengthen its appeal among professionals, women, and voters in Ogun East ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The unveiling ceremony featured a symbolic presentation of the deputy governorship candidate, with Senator Adeola raising her hand before party supporters and leaders, alongside Governor Abiodun and Ogun APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi.