Ogun 2027: Olopade Champions Youth Engagement, Backs Senator Yayi For Governorship

As Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 general elections, Bukola Olopade, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, has urged the vibrant youth population of Ogun State to actively immerse themselves in the political landscape. Concurrently, he has formally declared his support for Senator Olamilekan Adeola’s gubernatorial aspirations.

Mr. Olopade made this pronouncement while addressing journalists on the fringes of a special interfaith prayer gathering and declaration of support for Senator Adeola, widely known as “Yayi,” who represents Ogun West in the National Assembly on Tuesday in Abeokuta.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Policy Development, Abiola Odetola, Mr. Olopade characterised the assembly as a clear indicator of the state’s evolving political trajectory. He further aligned this engagement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader national vision, commending his leadership as “forward-thinking and deliberate” in its commitment to youth inclusion, capacity building, and generational renewal. Mr. Olopade highlighted the President’s faith in young people, evident in both policy and governance, as a catalyst for a new wave of political awareness and participation nationwide. He asserted that this ideology, rooted in competence, opportunity, and structured empowerment, offers the essential leadership framework for sustainable progress at all governmental levels.

“This is a declaration of support for, by the grace of God, the incoming Governor of Ogun State, Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi,” stated Mr. Olopade. “What you’re seeing here is more than a prayer session. I think what you will call this is progress, a declaration of what is to come in Ogun. This is a show, a display of the confidence young people across the state have in the person that we consider our candidate already even though the process is on. Come 2027, the pendulum is switching towards Ogun West.”

He implored the youth to engage not just physically but intellectually, stressing the imperative for young people to be at the forefront with their ideas. Mr. Olopade identified a critical gap in the progression from local political involvement, such as rallies, to advanced opportunities for governance and leadership at the national level. He warned that this lack of upward mobility could deter future participation.

“If you check over the years, the average age of young people that have been within the governance system in Ogun State and juxtapose that with the number of those who have made it to the National level in governance and leadership, you will understand that there is a need for more of events like this,” Mr. Olopade emphasised. He questioned, “What will happen to the future of young people today in Ogun? How do we maintain the continuity of the good things that we have enjoyed under the APC government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun? What do we need to do from now to show that the youths are ready for Senator Olamilekan Adeola?”

The event, organised by the Yayi Youth Vanguard under the theme “Consolidating a Brighter Future for Ogun Youth: Inclusiveness in Politics and Governance,” drew thousands of young people from across Ogun State’s three Senatorial Districts.

Olamide Lawal, the Convener of the group, reiterated the event’s core purpose: to ignite political consciousness among the state’s youth. “If you get involved in politics, there are benefits of good governance that you will get. If you don’t get involved, you cannot blame the government. You have to be actively involved to influence any change and to influence developments into your community,” Mr. Lawal asserted.