By Adesakin Adefemi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Ifo Local Government, Ogun State, has rejected a claim that party chieftain Chief Joju Fadairo endorsed the PDP governorship candidate, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, insisting the party remains united ahead of the 2027 elections.
Party stakeholders made the position clear during a press conference and meeting held on Tuesday at Chief Fadairo’s residence in Abeokuta. The gathering was convened to address reports circulating about Fadairo’s alleged defection to the opposition.
Former Ogun APC Chairman, Chief Derin Adebiyi, led the rebuttal, stating that Fadairo’s purported endorsement of Adebutu does not reflect the stance of APC leaders and members in Ifo. He described the statement as inconsistent with the party’s collective position.
Adebiyi expressed optimism that the APC would secure a decisive win in Ifo, pointing to Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun’s record of projects and interventions across the local government as key to voter confidence.
Ifo APC Chairman, Barrister Olumide Oduwole, also addressed the meeting, assuring members and residents that the party would deliver overwhelming victories for all its candidates in 2027. He credited Governor Abiodun with delivering more development to Ifo than any previous administration.
Former Speaker of the Ogun House of Assembly, RT. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, highlighted the role of APC governorship candidate, Senator Olamilekan Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi. He said Yayi has facilitated numerous projects in Ifo and remains the preferred choice of the electorate.
In a show of political realignment, former Ogun PDP Chairman Hon. Sikirulai Ogundele, now with the APC, downplayed Fadairo’s influence. He described him as one leader among many, and maintained that Ogun’s political weight still lies with the APC.
The meeting took a dramatic turn when Chief Joju Fadairo reportedly apologized to party leaders and members in attendance. He reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC and declared his support for Senator Adeola and all party candidates in the 2027 polls.
Other stakeholders who spoke at the event echoed the same message of unity. The session ended with a renewed pledge by Ifo APC leaders, including Local Government Chairman Hon. Idris Kusimo and former Chairman Hon. Kikelomo Delano, to work together for a resounding APC victory in Ifo and across Ogun State in 2027.
