The Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has stressed that unity among Ogun West political stakeholders is crucial to securing the state governorship in 2027.

Mr Bamidele spoke on Sunday in Ilaro, Ogun, during a media engagement organised by the Ogun West Professionals.

He delivered a lecture at the programme, which drew political leaders, professionals and community stakeholders from across the senatorial district. The event was with the theme, ‘The Power of Internal Coherence in Securing External Support: A Roadmap to Achieving Ogun West Governorship Ambition in 2027’.

Mr Bamidele said Ogun West’s long-standing marginalisation was rooted in structural exclusion, worsened by internal political divisions over several election cycles. He noted that internal rivalry had repeatedly weakened the district’s bargaining power within party structures and statewide political calculations.

According to him, Ogun Central and Ogun East have produced multiple governors since the state’s creation. By contrast, he said Ogun West has remained politically sidelined despite its demographic strength and economic importance.

Mr Bamidele said, “Ironically, Ogun West is one of the economic powerhouses of the state. The district hosts major industrial hubs such as Ota and Agbara. It also supports cross-border trade with the Republic of Benin and contributes significantly to Ogun’s internally generated revenue.”

According to the Senate leader, Ogun West plays a major role in industry, trade, agriculture and employment generation.

“Yet, in spite of this economic relevance, Ogun West has not translated its contributions into political power,” he said.

He described the imbalance as a growing source of frustration, resentment, and perceived injustice among district residents.

The politician warned that continued disunity could prove costly ahead of the 2027 election. He listed possible consequences as vote-splitting, weakened party confidence and domination by external political power blocs.

Mr Bamidele said such outcomes could result in Ogun West missing what may be a rare political opportunity in 2027.

“Unity is political capital. It unlocks party confidence, elite endorsement, cross-district alliances and statewide voter legitimacy. No amount of financial resources can compensate for internal disunity,” Mr Bamidele warned.

He said once Ogun West presents a consensus candidate, broader support would naturally follow. According to him, fair-minded indigenes from other senatorial districts and outside Ogun would readily lend their backing.

Mr Bamidele acknowledged that several prominent figures from Ogun West harbour governorship ambitions. He urged stakeholders to engage all interests with humility, sincerity and mutual respect to build trust.

The senator said consensus-building required sacrifice, dialogue and a commitment to the collective good. He described one of the frontrunners, Olamilekan Adeola, as a tested and trusted politician with national stature.

According to the politician, Mr Adeola possesses the experience and exposure needed to drive Ogun West’s governorship push.

(NAN)