Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday received the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and his entourage at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.

The former president urged the ruling Adeola to reach out to every segment of the electorate, irrespective of political affiliation.

“As you go to campaign, you need the votes of both the saints and the devils — supporters and the opposition,” Obasanjo said.

He said whoever becomes the governor of Ogun State in 2027 is automatically his Governor, stressing that nobody could tell the history of the state better than him.

Obasanjo said he had known Adeola over the years and commended him for his commitment to development, particularly in agriculture.

“I said we have met informally before, and I told you what I know about you and where our paths have crossed. One thing I like about you is that you go out to reach places where there is a need for development and where agriculture can be leveraged,” Obasanjo said.

During the visit, Senator Adeola said he came to seek the elder statesman’s blessings and prayers ahead of his statewide campaign for the 2027 governorship election.

Obasanjo also prayed that Adeola’s political ambition would align with God’s purpose for his life, even as he urged him to prioritise agriculture, tourism, and technology when he becomes governor.

“My desire and prayer is that your ambition may be in tandem with what God has for you. Our problem in life is when we do not know God’s plan for our lives,” he added.

Earlier, Adeola told Obasanjo that his visit was to formally inform him of the commencement of his campaign and seek his fatherly guidance and prayers.

“I have come to seek fatherly blessing and prayer. I will be going through the length and breadth of the state, speaking to the people about the future of Ogun State, our intention to turn around its fortunes and take it to the next level,” he said.

The senator described Obasanjo as a passionate advocate of agricultural development, noting that Ogun possesses enormous resources capable of transforming it into the food basket of Lagos and the entire South-West.

“I know you are very passionate about agriculture. This state is richly blessed, and with the right efforts and proper utilisation of our God-given resources, we can transform Ogun and make it a leading state. That is why I have come to pay homage, formally notify you of my campaign, and seek your prayers, guidance and support,” Adeola said. (The Nation)

•Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Ogun APC governorship candidate, Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola aka Yayi