The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled chartered accountant and corporate executive, Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun, as its deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
Her emergence was formally announced on Sunday by Governor Dapo Abiodun during the party’s Strategic Caucus Meeting held at the APC Secretariat in Abeokuta.
Adegunwa-Balogun, a daughter of renowned industrialist, Alhaji Adebola Adegunwa, will run alongside the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, in the 2027 election.
Governor Abiodun said the choice of the deputy governorship candidate followed extensive consultations with party leaders, stakeholders and critical interest groups across the state.
He explained that the decision was guided by the principles of equity, fairness and political balance, following the zoning of the deputy governorship position to Ogun East Senatorial District and its subsequent allocation to the Ijebu Central Federal Constituency.
“If the government is coming from the West, we felt that for equity and fairness, the deputy governorship position should come from the East,” the governor said.
“So today, it gives me great pleasure to announce to us who our deputy governor will be by the grace of God. Today, we have amongst us Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun and by the grace of God, Mrs. Adegunwa-Balogun will be our deputy governor.”
Adegunwa-Balogun, 51, currently serves as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, Finance and Administration, at Rite Foods Limited. Her nomination is widely viewed as a strategic move by the ruling party to strengthen its appeal among professionals, women and voters in Ogun East ahead of the 2027 governorship poll.
Speaking at the meeting, Governor Abiodun also commended APC leaders and members for what he described as the peaceful conduct of the party’s primary elections, noting that the process reflected uncommon unity and maturity within the party.
“I have never witnessed anything like this in my years in politics in Ogun State. For the first time, leaders across generations came together to collectively endorse a successor, and that decision was accepted peacefully by all stakeholders,” he said.
According to the governor, the consensus-building process that produced the governorship candidate contributed significantly to the smooth conduct of other primary elections across the state.
“What we achieved reflects the true Ogun spirit. History will be kind to all of us because we have demonstrated that peaceful succession and consensus-building are possible in our politics,” he added.
Abiodun also paid tribute to aspirants who stepped down in the interest of party cohesion, describing them as key contributors to the stability and strength of the APC ahead of the next election cycle.
“They are the unsung heroes of this process. Their sacrifices have strengthened our party and positioned us for greater success in the future,” he said.
In his remarks, Senator Adeola expressed confidence in Adegunwa-Balogun’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to governance if elected, citing her extensive experience in finance, administration and leadership.
He described her emergence as a valuable addition to the party’s ticket and a reflection of the APC’s commitment to competence and inclusiveness.
Responding to her nomination, Adegunwa-Balogun described the opportunity as a call to service and pledged to deploy her professional experience and leadership skills in advancing Ogun State’s development agenda.
“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 exposure to governance and public administration dates back to 1999, adding that the experience has provided her with valuable insights into the challenges and responsibilities of public service.
“Since 1999, I have been closely associated with governance. These experiences have given me valuable insight into public service, its challenges, its impact and its sacred responsibility,” she stated.
Adegunwa-Balogun said her nomination represented more than a personal achievement, describing it as a symbol of greater inclusion for women, youths and grassroots communities in the governance process.
“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 said.
“Our goal is simple: a state where governance responds to the needs of its people, where development leaves no one behind, and where prosperity is shared by all.”
She further pledged to uphold the values of integrity, transparency and accountability while working closely with stakeholders to bridge the gap between government and the people.
“I commit to serving with integrity, accountability and deep respect for every citizen. I will work to bridge the gap between government and the grassroots, ensuring that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of our communities,” she added.
Her emergence completes the APC governorship ticket in Ogun State ahead of what is expected to be a keenly contested 2027 election.
