In a major strategic shift ahead of the 2027 gubernatorial elections, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has officially thrown his weight behind Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi). Olopade framed his endorsement as a direct alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national agenda for youth inclusion and leadership renewal.
During an interfaith prayer and youth declaration session held on Tuesday in Abeokuta, Olopade characterized the movement for “Yayi” as a local extension of the President’s trust in the younger generation.
Key Pillars of the Endorsement
Olopade’s support is built on three specific ideological foundations:
Presidential Alignment: He noted that President Tinubu’s leadership is defined by a commitment to youth capacity, a model that must now be “domesticated” within Ogun State.
Generational Shift: Represented by his Special Adviser, Abiola Odetola, Olopade signaled that the political “pendulum” is swinging toward Ogun West for the 2027 cycle.
Intellectual Engagement: Olopade challenged the youth to move beyond being “rally foot soldiers” and instead prepare for advanced governance and national leadership roles.
Moving Beyond Political Rallies
Olopade expressed concern over a recurring gap in the state’s political evolution, where youth participation often plateaus at physical presence rather than policy influence.
“We must show that the youths are ready for Senator Olamilekan Adeola by engaging with our intellect, not just our physical presence. How do we maintain the continuity of the good things we have enjoyed under the APC government led by Governor Dapo Abiodun?” — Bukola Olopade
Strategic Mobilization
The event, organized by the Yayi Youth Vanguard, focused on the theme: “Consolidating a Brighter Future for Ogun Youth: Inclusiveness in Politics and Governance.”
Olamide Lawal, the group’s convener, urged the younger demographic to wake up to their political responsibilities, noting that “staying on the sidelines” removes the right to critique the government.
The gathering also saw the presence of Hon. Babatunde Adeluola, Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development and a protégé of Olopade, further signaling a consolidated front within the APC youth wing.
