Meet our female contenders eyeing Ogun State’s top office in 2027

As the countdown to the 2027 gubernatorial election begins, political activity in Ogun State is intensifying, with more than 15 aspirants across party lines vying to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose eight-year tenure will end in 2027.

Among the aspirants, four women are making history by challenging the male-dominated race for the state’s top office.

Ogun State has a long history of pioneering female leadership, producing trailblazers like the late Titilayo Ajanaku, Nigeria’s first elected female local government chairman, multiple female deputy governors, and female speakers.

Despite these milestones, the governor’s office has remained exclusively male since the state’s creation in 1976. Political observers are now asking whether 2027 will break that long standing pattern.

Noimot Salako-Oyedele: Deputy Governor Eyes Historic Leap

Current Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele is seen as strategically positioned to make a historic bid.

The 60-year-old civil engineer and real estate expert from Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government (Ogun West) has not officially declared her candidacy, but campaign materials featuring the slogan “Ogun 2027, Let The Good Works Continue” have been circulating. Supporters chant, “Noimot lo le se oo” (“Noimot can do it”), highlighting strong regional backing.

Her candidacy is bolstered by the fact that Ogun West has never produced a governor. However, analysts caution that she must overcome the so-called “Deputy’s Curse,” as history shows Nigerian deputy governors often struggle to succeed their principals.

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello: The Return of the “Lioness”

Former Senator and daughter of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, has returned to active politics after a 15-year hiatus. Previously Commissioner for Health (2003–2007) and Senator for Ogun Central (2007–2011), the 59-year-old professor of epidemiology recently defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to pursue her governorship ambition.

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Supporters praise her federal-level experience and administrative credentials, while critics question her grassroots connection after years abroad.

Iyabo emphasizes inclusive governance, promising women a seat at the decision-making table, not just mobilization roles, and pledges a government built on credibility, competence, and compassion.

Modele Sarafa-Yusuf: The Media Strategist

Veteran journalist and former Special Adviser on Information to Governor Abiodun, Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, formally declared her intention to contest the 2027 governorship via a public letter on social media.

The 59-year-old Sagamu native highlights her leadership experience and ability to maintain party unity, stressing that deliberate leadership, balance, and trust are key to Ogun’s progress.

Sarafa-Yusuf frames her candidacy as a step toward breaking the gender ceiling in Nigerian politics, asserting that her ambition prioritizes capacity, competence, and the future of women leaders in the state and country.

Dr. Bolaji Marie Odusina: From Medical Mission to Political Mission

United States-based physician and humanitarian Dr. Bolaji Marie Odusina, popularly known as DeeDoc, formally announced her governorship ambition, bringing her decades of experience in healthcare and grassroots development to the political arena.

The 62-year-old paediatrician has run free medical outreaches in rural Ogun communities and founded Doctors Without Prejudice.

Odusina, an Ijebu native, emphasizes urgent issues like maternal and child health, economic empowerment, and accessible healthcare.

Analysts note, however, that her success may hinge on building political infrastructure, securing a viable party platform, and converting public goodwill into electoral votes.

With the entry of these four women, Ogun 2027 promises to be a historic contest, challenging entrenched norms and potentially setting a precedent for female leadership in the state and Nigeria at large.