-By Femi Ogbonnikan
There is something particularly intriguing about the growing political tension surrounding the senatorial ambition of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.
Ordinarily, a governor seeking to move to the Senate at the end of his tenure should not generate so much anxiety, especially when the ambition is anchored on his political experience, record in public office and desire to remain relevant in the service of his people.
Yet, the reactions trailing Abiodun’s aspiration suggest that his entry into the race is being perceived by some political interests as a development capable of upsetting carefully constructed political calculations.
This raises a pertinent question: Who is afraid of Abiodun?
For a governor who has spent nearly eight years presiding over the affairs of one of Nigeria’s most economically strategic states, the ambition to represent Ogun East Senatorial District in the National Assembly is neither unusual nor unreasonable.
Indeed, it could be regarded as a natural progression in a political career defined by public service, political networking, party administration and engagement with critical stakeholders.
But beyond the ambition itself, what appears to unsettle some political actors is the possibility that Abiodun could bring his experience as governor, extensive political contacts and understanding of governance to bear on the senatorial contest.
His aspiration is therefore not just another political contest. It has the potential to reshape the political configuration in Ogun East and redefine relationships within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The question is whether the opposition to his ambition is driven by genuine concerns about representation or by apprehension over the emergence of a formidable political figure whose influence could alter the existing balance of power.
There is no gainsaying that Abiodun occupies a strategic position in Ogun politics.
As the incumbent governor, he has had the opportunity to preside over the affairs of the state, supervise the implementation of government policies and engage political interests across the three senatorial districts. This experience places him in a unique position to understand the relationship between federal and state governments and the importance of effective representation at the national level.
His administration has been particularly preoccupied with repositioning Ogun State from its traditional status as an industrial satellite of Lagos into a more self-sustaining economic hub. The investments and policy initiatives pursued in infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, education, healthcare and industrial development provide a substantial basis for assessing his record.
The Gateway International Airport (GIA) at Iperu-Remo, the proposed $7 billion Gateway Deep Sea Port and the proposed $10 billion Ogun Liquefied Natural Gas project are among the initiatives intended to expand the state’s economic frontiers.
These projects reflect an ambition to move Ogun beyond its traditional economic boundaries and establish it as a major destination for domestic and international investment.
The significance of these initiatives extends beyond their immediate locations. The proposed deep seaport, for instance, has the potential to strengthen Ogun’s maritime and logistics capacity, reduce pressure on existing port infrastructure and open new opportunities for industrial expansion.
Similarly, the proposed LNG project could strengthen the state’s energy prospects and provide an additional incentive for businesses seeking a stable operating environment.
The airport project is also part of a wider strategy to improve connectivity, facilitate agricultural exports and strengthen the state’s capacity to participate in international commerce.
These are not merely projects conceived for political publicity. They represent an attempt to create an economic environment capable of attracting investment, generating employment and strengthening the state’s revenue base. Their ultimate success will, however, depend on timely completion, effective management and the ability to translate investment commitments into tangible benefits for residents.
His road infrastructure programme has equally become a defining feature of his administration. Across the state, the rehabilitation and construction of roads have improved connectivity and strengthened economic corridors.
In Ogun East alone, the delivery of 243.3 kilometres of roads has improved access to communities and commercial centres that previously struggled with inadequate infrastructure.
For a senatorial district whose economic activities are closely connected to agriculture, commerce, manufacturing and transportation, the importance of road infrastructure cannot be overstated.
Roads connect farmers to markets, facilitate the movement of goods and services, reduce travel difficulties and create opportunities for businesses to expand.
The development of the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode and Epe-Ijebu-Ode corridors, alongside other strategic road projects, is particularly important to the economic future of the district.
Such investments contribute to the integration of economic activities across state boundaries and strengthen Ogun East’s position within the wider Lagos-Ogun economic corridor.
Of course, no administration is beyond criticism. There are legitimate questions about project completion, the cost of governance, unemployment, the welfare of workers and the need to ensure that economic growth translates into improved living conditions for ordinary citizens.
But these are issues for political engagement and public accountability, not reasons to deny a serving governor the opportunity to seek another platform for public service.
Indeed, Abiodun’s ambition provides an opportunity for a broader conversation about the relationship between executive experience and legislative representation.
The Senate is not merely a retirement destination for former governors. It is an important institution where national policies are shaped, budgets are scrutinised and the interests of states are negotiated.
A former governor who understands the challenges of subnational administration can make meaningful contributions to legislative deliberations, particularly on fiscal federalism, infrastructure financing, security, economic development and the relationship between the federal and state governments.
Abiodun’s experience in managing the finances of a state with enormous economic potential is particularly useful in discussions about revenue generation, investment promotion and the need to strengthen the capacity of subnational governments to deliver development.
His understanding of the challenges involved in attracting investors and executing large infrastructure projects could also enrich legislative debates on national economic policy.
For Ogun East, therefore, the question should be whether Abiodun possesses the experience and capacity to provide effective representation, rather than whether his ambition threatens the political comfort of particular individuals.
There is also a compelling political dimension to the ambition.
The APC is approaching another important electoral cycle in 2027, and the ability of the party to manage its internal differences will be critical to its electoral prospects.
In Ogun State, where political interests and personalities have historically competed for influence, the senatorial contest is likely to test the capacity of the party leadership to accommodate divergent ambitions without allowing them to degenerate into destructive factional conflicts.
As governor and a leading figure in the APC, Abiodun occupies an important position in the party’s political architecture. His experience in managing competing interests, negotiating political differences and coordinating government and party structures gives him a certain advantage.
His relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his alignment with the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda also provide an important dimension to his political calculations.
At a time when the ruling party is seeking to consolidate its national political strength, the importance of retaining experienced and influential political figures within its fold cannot be ignored.
However, political relationships should not be mistaken for automatic entitlement to the party’s ticket.
Abiodun’s track record has convinced party members and the electorate that he is the most suitable person for the job. His record as governor has routinely come under scrutiny, just as the credentials and political contributions of other aspirants deserve consideration.
The same standard applies to other candidates of the APC. The democratic process cannot be reduced to the protection of established political interests or the preservation of positions for individuals who believe that their political calculations should take precedence over the aspirations of others.
This is where the issue of political apprehension becomes particularly relevant. Why should the ambition of a sitting governor to contest for the Senate become a source of anxiety for other political actors? Is it because of his experience, his political network or the possibility that he could enjoy considerable support across the district? All aspirants were given the opportunity to present their credentials, programmes, records and vision to party members.
There was no intimidation, blackmail or attempt to create an atmosphere in which an aspirant is made to appear undeserving of contesting. Democracy thrives on competition, consultation and the right of eligible party members to seek elective positions. Political office is not the exclusive preserve of any individual or faction.
There is also the question of what Abiodun’s emergence could mean for the political future of Ogun East. The district comprises communities with distinct political interests and expectations. Its people require effective representation that can connect local priorities with national development opportunities. The next senator will have to contend with issues ranging from federal infrastructure projects and improved access to development funds to youth employment, education, healthcare, security and the strengthening of commercial activities. The office requires more than political prominence. It demands the capacity to influence policy, build alliances and consistently pursue the interests of constituents.
The consensus is that Abiodun’s experience in the Government House will translate into practical legislative benefits.
His proposed agenda addresses the specific needs of Ijebu and Remo communities, while providing a coherent framework for attracting federal attention and investment to the district. His ability to build consensus among political stakeholders is equally important. Having occupied the highest political office in the state, he has demonstrated statesmanship by accommodating differing interests so as not to allow the primary contest to deepen divisions within the APC.
There is another consideration that the party cannot afford to overlook: the relationship between the governorship succession process and the senatorial contest.
As Abiodun approaches the end of his tenure, the political future of Ogun State will inevitably generate competing calculations. Different interests will seek to influence the emergence of new state actors, and some may regard his continued political relevance as a factor in determining the direction of events.
This could explain why his senatorial ambition has attracted more than the usual political attention.
A governor who remains influential after leaving office could continue to participate in the political conversation, particularly in a state where the ruling party will have to manage succession, continuity and the expectations of competing tendencies.
But that is precisely what democratic politics is about. The end of a governor’s tenure does not automatically terminate his right to participate in partisan politics. Neither does it mean that he must withdraw into political obscurity to make other interests comfortable. Abiodun has a right to aspire, just as other interested politicians have a right to contest. His ambition should be assessed on its merits, while the party must ensure a fair and transparent process that gives all aspirants a level playing field.
So far, the APC has demonstrated organisational capacity, navigated a successful succession plan and carefully managed personal rivalries and sectional calculations.
By avoiding politics of exclusion, it has built a formidable momentum to ensure the victory of its candidates at all levels.
Today, its greatest strength is its capacity to accommodate competition while ensuring that its eventual choice reflects competence, acceptability and electoral viability.
Abiodun recognises that occupying the Government House confers no automatic entitlement to the senatorial ticket. Therefore, his ambition can withstand the scrutiny of party members and the electorate.
He has demonstrated that his record in office, political conduct and proposed legislative agenda would justify the confidence he seeks. Nevertheless, the intensity of the opposition to his ambition, where it goes beyond legitimate political contest, raises questions about the interests being protected.
Is the concern about the quality of representation or the possibility that an influential political figure could emerge with sufficient strength to alter the existing balance of power?
The most sensible approach is to allow the contest to take its natural course. Since Abiodun has the support, experience and political capacity to lead the APC to victory, he should not be denied the opportunity. If another aspirant can make a stronger case, that person should face the electorate. What should not be tolerated is the attempt to turn political ambition into a crime or make the pursuit of an elective office appear like an affront to established interests.
At the end of the day, the Senate seat belongs to the people of Ogun East, not to any political godfather, faction or individual. Their interests should determine who represents them. The APC has navigated the challenge of succession disagreements, going into the elections with an array of candidates best positioned to secure victory and ensure good governance and effective representation. To that extent, Abiodun’s aspiration is legitimate.
Ultimately, the contest will be decided by democratic persuasion, political consultation and the collective will of the electorate, not by fear or the machinations of those who would prefer to determine the political future of Ogun East without competition. If his ambition is generating so much anxiety, perhaps the more important question is not whether Abiodun is qualified to seek the Senate, but why some people appear so uncomfortable with the prospect.
Who, indeed, is afraid of Abiodun?
Ogbonnikan is a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Ogun State Governor on Media
