In a significant show of political solidarity, the Arewa community in Ogun State has declared its full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 and called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to contest for the Ogun East Senatorial seat.
The declarations were made at a press conference on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the Palace Event Centre in Ogere-Remo, jointly organised by the Arewa Business and Trade Association (ABTAOS) and the Arewa Community APC (ACAGO).
Unwavering Support for National and State Leadership
The event served as a platform for the groups to express “collective gratitude” and “unwavering confidence” in the leadership of both President Tinubu and Governor Abiodun.
Alhaji Sanni S. Kure, who read the keynote address, stated that the organisations, representing a broad spectrum of the Arewa community, are “united in our commitment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Ogun State.” He described the press conference as a formal expression of “our confidence in a leadership characterised by integrity, inclusivity, and demonstrable performance.”
Abiodun Hailed as a “Champion of Inclusion”
The leadership of Governor Abiodun received particular praise for its inclusive approach. The groups highlighted the historic appointment of Arewa community members to key government positions as a turning point.
Hon. Abdul Musa relayed the administration’s achievements, detailing strides in infrastructure, economy, and human capital development guided by the “ISEYA” mantra. He listed projects including the construction of over 700km of roads, the Gateway International Agro-Cargo Airport, and the renovation of thousands of classrooms.
Echoing this sentiment, Sheriff Alkasim Idris called on the Arewa people “to use the opportunity to thank President Tinubu and Prince Dapo Abiodun” for their leadership.
The Call for Abiodun’s Senate Bid and Tinubu’s Re-election
A major highlight of the conference was the direct appeal to Governor Abiodun to run for the Senate in 2027.
Alhaji Shu’aib Ghanga explicitly gave Governor Abiodun “the mandate to run for Ogun East senatorial seat.” This call was reinforced by Hon. Kolawole Shuaib Ganga, the Special Assistant to the Governor and coordinator of the event, who urged his principal to “heed the call and run for the Ogun East senate so that he will continue working with his people.” He also praised the governor for the state’s infrastructure development, especially the Gateway International Airport.
To solidify their support, the groups announced a “One Million-Man March,” tagged “PROJECT PBAT 2027 ENDORSEMENT.”
Comrade Mahmud Alhassan Zamfara mobilised the community for the upcoming elections, calling on “the people to collect their voters’ cards” in preparation.
Formal Endorsement and Community Recognition
The political endorsements were made official with the handing over of endorsement letters. Alhaji Mohammodu Goni Bura performed this duty, presenting the letters to the representative of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
A special recognition was extended to a key community leader, Alhaji Sa’adu Yusuf Dundare Gulma, the Chairman of Arewa Community APC for Lagos State and Coordinator for the 17 Southern States. Alhaji Gulma thanked “Prince Dapo Abiodun and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving us a sense of belonging.”
Cross-Community Support
The event also featured support from within the state’s political structure. Hon. Jamiu Asimiyu, the Chairman of Ikenne Local Government, confirmed that the Arewa community was the first group in Ogun State to endorse the President and call for Abiodun’s senate run. He promised that the government would “continue working with the Arewa community in the state because of their formidable and trusted” nature.
The conference was attended by numerous dignitaries, including the Asoju Oba of Ogere-Remo, who represented the monarch, the Iyaloja and Babaloja of the market, and all the Seriki Arewa leaders across Remo land.
The event concluded with a collective prayer for the nation’s leaders and prosperity, signed by Alhaji K. Sha’aibu Ghange, Chairman of the Arewa Community Action Group, on behalf of the two organising associations.
