OGHA 2027 Race Gains Momentum as Dennis Akinwale Ogunnaike Meets Odogbolu APC Elders

…aspirant urges unity, stakeholder cooperation as consultations intensify across constituency

The political atmosphere in Odogbolu State Constituency is gradually gaining momentum ahead of the 2027 Ogun State House of Assembly election, as leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) step up consultations aimed at strengthening party cohesion and preparing for the forthcoming primaries.

Party elders and stakeholders have commenced a series of strategic engagements across the constituency to promote unity and identify a candidate capable of delivering effective and inclusive representation for the people of Odogbolu.

The consultations drew renewed attention following a courtesy visit by Hon. Dennis Akinwale Ogunnaike to APC leaders and elders in Odogbolu, where he formally declared his intention to contest the Assembly seat and sought the guidance and support of party stakeholders.

Political discussions across communities including Odogbolu, Aiyepe, Omu, Ibido-Ogbo, Ibefun, Mobalufon, Okun, Ijagun, Erinlu, Imodi and Imosan have increasingly centered on leadership quality, accessibility and equitable representation as preparations for the election cycle gather pace.

The meeting brought together prominent figures within the APC structure in Odogbolu. Among those present were Baba Kalejaiye of Aiyepe, a leading APC figure and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council; Alhaji Idris Lawal, Secretary of the Odogbolu Leaders and Elders Forum and Zonal Leader of Leguru 1; Chief Ganiu Odunlami, former APC Chairman and Zonal Leader of Alekun Zone; and Alhaji S.A. Saliu, Zonal Leader of Ifesowapo.

Others in attendance included Alhaji Adeyemi, Zonal Leader of Leguru 3; Alhaja Halimot Brown, a former two-term councillor; Chief Mrs. Oyinkansola Cole, Leader of Ward 5 and member of the Ogun State Judicial Service Commission; and Hon. Bola Odumosu, Ward 2 Leader.

Also present were the Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. Dr. Babatunde Diya; Otunba Adewale Osinubi; and Hon. Adebowale Ojuri, a former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly representing Odogbolu, alongside other party stakeholders.

Ogunnaike’s delegation was led by his father, Engr. O.T. Ogunnaike, former Southwest Controller of NITEL and former Odogbolu Local Government Chairman. Other members of the delegation includes: Hon. Remi Mustapha, Councilor representing Ward 2 (Erinlu, Idotun, Ikangba Housing, Imodi, Agoro); Hon. Bola Odumosu, Ward 2 Leader; Mrs. Adeogun, Fmr Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Ayoola Kukoyi; Baba Adesanya Agbomola; Alhaji Kazeem, Ward 1 Leader; Alhaja Okeowo Foyeke, Ward Chairman, Ward 1; Comrade Idowu Adekoya, Ward 2 Chairman; Hon. Bosun Bakare, APC Party Secretary, Ward 2; Hon. Ekitunde Olukoya, Councilor, Ward 11; Hon. Jide Balogun, Special Adviser on Education, Community, and Chieftaincy Affairs; Hon. Efuwape, Supervisor for Agriculture; Hon. Femi Adesanya Bobadara, Supervisor for Health; Egunjobi Ismail, Ward 2 Youth Leader; Hon. Bolaji Odunuga, APC Party Scribe; Hon. Yomi Oduneye; Hon. Sunday Babs, Local Government Exco Member; Chief Mrs. Folake Olowolayemo, Iyaloja Imodi; and Mrs. Ojosipe, Women Leader, Imodi Ward.

Addressing the gathering, Dennis Ogunnaike outlined his academic, professional and political background while highlighting development initiatives he said he facilitated within the constituency.

According to him, these efforts include employment opportunities for over 100 residents, distribution of learning materials and renovation of schools in the Ifesowapo Zone, installation of a solar-powered borehole in Erinlu, modernization of a primary health centre in Ifesowapo, and rehabilitation of roads connecting several communities.

He explained that his aspiration is driven by the need to ensure equitable distribution of development projects across the constituency’s 15 wards, expand youth and women empowerment programmes, and promote agricultural growth through agro-processing opportunities linked to the Industrial Platform Remo and the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport.

Ogunnaike also pledged alignment with the development agenda of Governor Dapo Abiodun, emphasizing inclusive governance and sustainable development initiatives capable of improving livelihoods across Odogbolu.

In their remarks, party leaders commended Ogunnaike for consulting widely and respecting party structures, stressing the importance of unity and adherence to internal democratic processes. Alhaji S.A. Saliu described him as a grassroots politician committed to party ideals, while Baba Kalejaiye acknowledged his contributions to party activities, including support toward the renovation of the Odogbolu APC Secretariat. He, however, noted that candidate selection would follow established party procedures guided by fairness and equity.

Stakeholders who spoke after the meeting, including community member Mrs. Kudirat Adebayo and youth leader Sola Adeyemi, called for stronger unity within the local Government and expressed optimism about inclusive participation in the political process.

Meanwhile, artisan associations, transport unions and Community Development Associations have continued internal consultations, with many advocating consensus-building as a strategy to strengthen the party’s chances in the forthcoming elections.

Although no formal endorsement has been announced, political observers note that ongoing consultations signal early alignment efforts within the constituency as preparations for the 2027 elections gradually take shape.

Observers say Hon. Dennis Ogunnaike’s political engagement reflects a broader mission centered on grassroots development, participatory governance and economic empowerment. His ambition, according to close associates, is to build a legislative representation that bridges government policies with community needs through accessibility, youth inclusion and sustainable infrastructure development.

By prioritizing education, healthcare improvement, agricultural expansion and job creation, Ogunnaike is positioning his campaign around long-term socio-economic growth and a more responsive legislative presence for the people of Odogbolu State Constituency.