By Peace Erewunmi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disowned Abayomi Hunye over his claim to be the party’s governorship candidate for Ogun State in the 2027 election, describing him as an impostor and a suspended member.

The party reaffirmed Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as its authentic candidate for the Ogun governorship election.

The APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, made the position known in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

According to Basiru, Hunye was suspended from the APC on April 7, 2026, following a petition from his ward in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.

He said the suspension was subsequently ratified by the appropriate party structures, including the Ogun State Working Committee.

Basiru alleged that Hunye’s suspension followed accusations involving activities considered harmful to the image of the party, alleged anti-party conduct and actions capable of creating division among APC members.

APC Reaffirms Yayi

The ruling party said Hunye therefore had no authority to present himself as an APC candidate or represent the party in any capacity.

Basiru maintained that Senator Adeola emerged as the party’s duly nominated governorship candidate after the APC primary election.

The party said Adeola secured 304,055 votes out of 305,287 accredited voters during the primary.

It further stated that the names of Adeola and his running mate had been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and uploaded on the commission’s portal.

The APC consequently urged members, supporters and the general public to disregard any declaration presenting Hunye as the party’s candidate.

Hunye Insists on His Candidacy

Hunye, however, has maintained that he remains in the race.

At a press briefing in Abeokuta on Saturday, he reportedly rejected claims that he had withdrawn from the governorship contest.

He said he was already challenging the process that produced Adeola as the APC candidate in court.

Hunye also unveiled Otunba Abayomi Odunowo as his running mate and said he would continue his campaign in accordance with the law.

The development has therefore opened another front in the political contest within the Ogun APC ahead of the 2027 election.

Political Implications

The disagreement comes as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections.

With the APC leadership insisting that Adeola is its recognised candidate and Hunye challenging the process in court, the legal proceedings could determine whether the dispute will have any further effect on the party’s ticket.

For now, the APC has urged its members to remain calm and rely on official communications from the party and relevant electoral authorities.

The dispute adds to the growing political activity in Ogun State as politicians begin positioning themselves for the 2027 governorship contest.