Showunmi Denounces APC's Consensus Candidate Selection in Ogun as 'State Capture'

Segun Showunmi, a prominent figure within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has voiced strong opposition to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State regarding their selection of Senator Solomon Adeola, widely known as Yayi, as their preferred choice for governor.

Showunmi declared on Tuesday that this move was not a genuine consensus but an outright imposition, asserting that it signifies a wider agenda of 'state capture' that he believes must be challenged.

His statement, titled “From Magbon to Now: We Will Not Be Conquered. Ogun’s Line in the Sand: Resistance to State Capture,” highlighted his concerns.

While acknowledging the autonomy of political parties to manage their internal candidate selection processes, Showunmi stressed that any consensus arrangement must be built on a foundation of integrity to be considered legitimate. Without this crucial element, he argued, such decisions are merely acts of coercion.

“What is being presented as consensus is, in reality, a crude instrument of control,” Showunmi stated, framing the situation as a significant test of the political will and independence of Ogun residents.

Showunmi, who also leads the group known as the Alternative, maintained that considerations of political expediency or party allegiance should not supersede the fundamental principles of freedom and accountability.

He elaborated in his statement, saying, “There is something deeply troubling and frankly astonishing about how supposedly independent-minded people in Ogun State have become so thoroughly captured.

“Yes, a political party has the right to choose its internal mechanisms, even if that means adopting “consensus” as its preferred pathway. But across every serious political system where consensus has credibility, it rests on one indispensable foundation: integrity. Without that, consensus degenerates into imposition.

“That is precisely the issue before us. Those now attempting to foist this arrangement on Ogun State bring with them no demonstrable record of integrity neither in private conduct, nor in public service, nor in any coherent understanding of the responsibilities of governance. In such circumstances, what is being presented as consensus is, in reality, a crude instrument of control.

“This is how state capture begins. And it must be resisted.

“We are therefore confronted with a defining test: not just of the arrogance of those seeking to impose their will, but of the resolve or complicity of a people once known for their independence.

“History offers us guidance. The decline of the Oyo Empire reminds us that no system, however entrenched, is beyond challenge. The legacy of the Egba United Government affirms that our people built institutions of governance strong enough to command respect even from external powers.

“And the Ijebus themselves demonstrated this fiercely guarded independence in the Anglo-Ijebu War the so-called Magbon War where they chose resistance over submission in the face of imperial pressure.

“That heritage imposes a duty.

“We cannot, in this generation especially within the framework of a democracy accept the status of a conquered people. No justification political convenience, party loyalty, or manufactured inevitability is sufficient to compel a free people to return to servitude.

“What is unfolding may be presented as process, but it is experienced as humiliation.”

Reports confirm that on Monday, the APC officially designated Yayi as their consensus governorship candidate during a strategic caucus meeting held at the party's secretariat in Abeokuta. This meeting included notable figures such as former governors Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and Otunba Gbenga Daniel. APC gubernatorial hopefuls Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, Gboyega Isiaka, Tunde Lemo, and Isiak Akinlade were also in attendance.

Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the decision following approximately two hours of deliberations. “It gives me great pleasure and on behalf of all of you to congratulate Senator Adeola as our consensus and unanimously selected an elected governorship candidate for the year 2027,” Abiodun stated.