Toyin Taiwo says Abayomi Hunye seeks a political deal, not an APC showdown, after Olamilekan Adeola emerged as consensus candidate
Former Ogun State Governor’s Chief of Staff Toyin Taiwo on Monday, September 1, 2026, described Abayomi Hunye’s governorship ambition as a political bargaining strategy rather than a direct challenge to the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ogun State.
Also read: 2027: Oyo APC Aspirant Abdullah Bello Backs Party Despite Primary Dispute
Taiwo, who is also the APC consensus candidate for the Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, made the comments during an interview on Splash FM in Abeokuta as political manoeuvring intensifies ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to Taiwo, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, emerged as the APC’s consensus governorship candidate following consultations involving former governors, party elders and other influential stakeholders.
Taiwo argued that Hunye’s decision to purchase the governorship nomination form despite the emergence of a consensus candidate should be viewed within the context of political negotiation.
“Hunye has his distinctive way of playing politics. In my view, he obtained the nomination form as part of a strategy to negotiate for a political position,” Taiwo said.
The former chief of staff recalled what he described as a similar approach by Hunye during Governor Dapo Abiodun’s first term. He said that episode eventually resulted in Hunye being appointed a commissioner.
Taiwo maintained that party supremacy remained important in the current situation, arguing that members were expected to respect decisions reached through recognised party structures.
“A loyal member of the APC is expected to respect the principle of party supremacy and abide by decisions taken through the appropriate party structures,” he said.
He also claimed that Hunye remains suspended from the APC, saying the disciplinary action began at the ward level and was subsequently upheld through the party hierarchy.
Taiwo said the suspension would limit Hunye’s ability to challenge the party’s collective position.
The APC chieftain further rejected claims that Hunye enjoys a collective endorsement from residents of Ipokia, insisting that no such resolution had been reached by the people of the area.
Rather, Taiwo suggested that Hunye’s recent political moves reflected an attempt to secure reconciliation and a favourable political arrangement after the party settled on its preferred candidate.
The dispute highlights the delicate negotiations that often accompany the emergence of consensus candidates, particularly when other aspirants retain ambitions of securing elective office.
For the APC, maintaining unity will be important as the party prepares for the 2027 contest. Internal disagreements could potentially affect its ability to present a united front against its political opponents.
Taiwo, however, expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, pointing to what he described as the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s ISEYA programme and Senator Adeola’s constituency projects.
He predicted a decisive victory for Adeola over the Peoples Democratic Party’s Ladi Adebutu.
“Yayi will beat Adebutu convincingly across the 20 local governments. The only thing in doubt is the margin,” Taiwo declared.
Beyond the governorship contest, Taiwo also outlined some of his priorities for the Yewa South/Ipokia constituency.
He pledged to seek greater Federal Government attention for Tongeji Island while expanding education support and empowerment programmes for students, market women and young people if elected.
Also read: 2027: Oyo APC Aspirant Abdullah Bello Backs Party Despite Primary Dispute
With the 2027 elections still ahead, the unfolding APC negotiations suggest that the party’s immediate challenge may be as much about managing internal expectations as confronting its rivals at the polls.
