Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Tunde Lemo, has withdrawn from the 2027 Ogun State governorship race and declared support for Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

Lemo announced his decision on Wednesday in Abeokuta after what he described as extensive consultations with political stakeholders and supporters across the state.

He said the move was aimed at strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and consolidating efforts ahead of the 2027 elections. According to him, stepping down from the race was not a retreat from public service but a strategic decision in the interest of party cohesion and the development of Ogun State.

He added that political stability and collective progress should take precedence over personal ambition. Lemo further called on his supporters across Ogun’s 20 local government areas to align with the APC consensus arrangement and mobilise in support of Adeola’s governorship aspiration.

He also pledged to continue contributing his experience in finance and governance to support the party’s broader objectives. Senator Adeola, who represents Ogun West in the Senate, has recently gained increasing support from key APC stakeholders as the party’s preferred governorship contender, a development that is shaping early political alignments ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The latest endorsement is expected to further boost Adeola’s position within the APC as consultations and realignments continue within Ogun’s political landscape ahead of the polls.