The push comes amid growing debate over regional rotation of the governorship in Ogun State
Ogun 2027: Loyalists Position Dimeji Bankole as Ogun Central’s Best Bet for Governorship
Supporters of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, are ramping up efforts to project him as the ideal candidate to lead Ogun State in 2027—framing his candidacy as the region’s strongest shot at reclaiming the governorship for Ogun Central.
Though Bankole has kept a low public profile in recent months, his loyalists are quietly reenergizing his political brand, arguing that his blend of experience, legacy, and cross-party appeal makes him the most “sellable” candidate from Ogun Central.
The push comes amid growing debate over regional rotation of the governorship in Ogun State. Since its creation in 1976, Ogun West—home to gubernatorial frontrunner Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi)—has never produced a governor. Yayi, the current Senator for Ogun West, is championing the long-awaited Yewa agenda.

But some stakeholders in Ogun Central argue that with Governor Dapo Abiodun (from Ogun East) completing his term in 2027, the natural rotation should return power to the Central zone, which last held it under Ibikunle Amosun (2011–2019).
Why Bankole?
Supporters of Bankole say he fits the bill: a politically grounded figure with national recognition and deep local roots. A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bankole also contested the Ogun governorship in 2019 under the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and is now a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—just like his would-be rival, Yayi.
Backing their claims, sources close to party insiders suggest that decision-makers are seeking a candidate with broad marketability and a ready-made political structure—qualities they argue Bankole uniquely possesses.
“The belief is that if Ogun Central wants a serious shot at the seat, they need someone with name recognition, legislative experience, and legacy. Bankole checks all the boxes,” said one insider.
Dimeji Bankole’s political pedigree is further amplified by his father, Chief Alani Bankole, a respected businessman and political heavyweight. The elder Bankole held leadership positions in the now-defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) and was a multiple-time gubernatorial contender in Ogun.
This family legacy is seen as a strategic advantage for consolidating grassroots support and elite political backing.
Unlike Senator Adeola, who has openly made moves toward the 2027 race, Bankole has yet to formally declare his ambition. But insiders suggest that this may be part of a deliberate, under-the-radar strategy to build momentum while avoiding early political headwinds.
In the coming months, the battle for party tickets and zonal consensus is expected to intensify—and loyalists believe Bankole may emerge as the consensus candidate capable of uniting interests across factions in Ogun Central and beyond. Read More