Modele Sarafa-Yusuf

Distinguished Leaders, Members, and Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State, NOTICE OF INTENTION TO RUN FOR THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA After deep reflection and wide consultation, I have decided to make myself available to serve as our party's candidate for Governor, Ogun State, in the 2027 elections. I chose this system of declaration deliberately to be public, honest, and focused on responsibility rather than spectacle. And I will speak plainly. Each generation is tested by history in different ways. Ours is being tested by how well we manage growth, equity, and continuity—how we ensure that Ogun State does not merely expand but truly develops; not just for some, but for all. Ogun State is blessed. Blessed with industry, blessed with intellect, blessed with culture, and blessed with strategic relevance to the nation. Yet we all know that blessings alone do not guarantee progress. Progress requires deliberate leadership, balance, and trust among our people. It requires continuity. Today, I want to share a vision rooted in unity, competence, and fairness. For many months, I have listened carefully — not just to social media noise, but to those of you who understand how Ogun State works, how power transitions succeed or fail, and what instability costs. The feedback has been consistent: “this cycle carries more risk than usual.” I am therefore writing you today because when risk rises, those who value continuity and institutional balance must not remain silent. Many of you know my political history. In 2022, I stepped forward to run for the office of the governor. I did not prevail. However, I did not destabilise the system. I accepted the outcome, preserved relationships, and stayed engaged. That experience clarified two things for me: ▪︎where the red lines are, and • what it takes to compete without fracturing the party or the state. This is, however, not a return driven by unfinished business. It is a response to a different political environment. Now, let me use my journalistic experience to guess and address what many of you may be quietly asking: 1) Relationship with Governor Dapo Abiodun. I have maintained a cordial and respectful relationship with the outgoing governor- the leader of our party. This is because I believe that continuity matters. Order matters. Transitions matter. I also enjoy a cordial relationship with other former leaders. This is, therefore, not a candidacy designed to undermine any of our leaders or rewrite the past. It is designed to protect what works and improve what must be improved — without rupture. 2) Ogun West — De-Escalation, Not Debate The agitation from Ogun West is real. It should not be dismissed. But unmanaged grievance is dangerous — especially when it is framed in moral absolutes. Our task is not to choose sides emotionally; it is to prevent a scenario where zoning becomes a blunt instrument that destabilises the entire state. What Ogun needs is inclusion without escalation. 3) Populism Risk We all know that loud politics can mobilise quickly — and collapse just as quickly, leaving damage behind. My concern is not electoral victory alone. It is governability after victory. Ogun State has always rewarded moderation, balance, and institutional respect. When politics becomes theatre, governance suffers — and so does party cohesion, public trust, and investor confidence. 4) Gender I am aware that my candidacy carries a gender dimension. I do not underestimate it, and I do not overplay it. Nigeria has never elected a female governor, and I'm aware of the weight of breaking that ceiling. To that extent, my aspiration isn't just about me; it's about paving the way for future generations of women leaders in Ogun State and Nigeria at large. However, this is not about symbolism. It is about capacity and competence.

Distinguished Leaders, Members, and Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State, NOTICE OF INTENTION TO RUN FOR THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA After deep reflection and wide consultation, I have decided to make myself available to serve as our party's candidate for Governor, Ogun State, in the 2027 elections. I chose this system of declaration deliberately to be public, honest, and focused on responsibility rather than spectacle. And I will speak plainly. Each generation is tested by history in different ways. Ours is being tested by how well we manage growth, equity, and continuity—how we ensure that Ogun State does not merely expand but truly develops; not just for some, but for all. Ogun State is blessed. Blessed with industry, blessed with intellect, blessed with culture, and blessed with strategic relevance to the nation. Yet we all know that blessings alone do not guarantee progress. Progress requires deliberate leadership, balance, and trust among our people. It requires continuity. Today, I want to share a vision rooted in unity, competence, and fairness. For many months, I have listened carefully — not just to social media noise, but to those of you who understand how Ogun State works, how power transitions succeed or fail, and what instability costs. The feedback has been consistent: “this cycle carries more risk than usual.” I am therefore writing you today because when risk rises, those who value continuity and institutional balance must not remain silent. Many of you know my political history. In 2022, I stepped forward to run for the office of the governor. I did not prevail. However, I did not destabilise the system. I accepted the outcome, preserved relationships, and stayed engaged. That experience clarified two things for me: ▪︎where the red lines are, and • what it takes to compete without fracturing the party or the state. This is, however, not a return driven by unfinished business. It is a response to a different political environment. Now, let me use my journalistic experience to guess and address what many of you may be quietly asking: 1) Relationship with Governor Dapo Abiodun. I have maintained a cordial and respectful relationship with the outgoing governor- the leader of our party. This is because I believe that continuity matters. Order matters. Transitions matter. I also enjoy a cordial relationship with other former leaders. This is, therefore, not a candidacy designed to undermine any of our leaders or rewrite the past. It is designed to protect what works and improve what must be improved — without rupture. 2) Ogun West — De-Escalation, Not Debate The agitation from Ogun West is real. It should not be dismissed. But unmanaged grievance is dangerous — especially when it is framed in moral absolutes. Our task is not to choose sides emotionally; it is to prevent a scenario where zoning becomes a blunt instrument that destabilises the entire state. What Ogun needs is inclusion without escalation. 3) Populism Risk We all know that loud politics can mobilise quickly — and collapse just as quickly, leaving damage behind. My concern is not electoral victory alone. It is governability after victory. Ogun State has always rewarded moderation, balance, and institutional respect. When politics becomes theatre, governance suffers — and so does party cohesion, public trust, and investor confidence. 4) Gender I am aware that my candidacy carries a gender dimension. I do not underestimate it, and I do not overplay it. Nigeria has never elected a female governor, and I'm aware of the weight of breaking that ceiling. To that extent, my aspiration isn't just about me; it's about paving the way for future generations of women leaders in Ogun State and Nigeria at large. However, this is not about symbolism. It is about capacity and competence.

Distinguished Leaders, Members, and Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State, NOTICE OF INTENTION TO RUN FOR THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA After deep reflection and wide consultation, I have decided to make myself available to serve as our party's candidate for Governor, Ogun State, in the 2027 elections. I chose this system of declaration deliberately to be public, honest, and focused on responsibility rather than spectacle. And I will speak plainly. Each generation is tested by history in different ways. Ours is being tested by how well we manage growth, equity, and continuity—how we ensure that Ogun State does not merely expand but truly develops; not just for some, but for all. Ogun State is blessed. Blessed with industry, blessed with intellect, blessed with culture, and blessed with strategic relevance to the nation. Yet we all know that blessings alone do not guarantee progress. Progress requires deliberate leadership, balance, and trust among our people. It requires continuity. Today, I want to share a vision rooted in unity, competence, and fairness. For many months, I have listened carefully — not just to social media noise, but to those of you who understand how Ogun State works, how power transitions succeed or fail, and what instability costs. The feedback has been consistent: “this cycle carries more risk than usual.” I am therefore writing you today because when risk rises, those who value continuity and institutional balance must not remain silent. Many of you know my political history. In 2022, I stepped forward to run for the office of the governor. I did not prevail. However, I did not destabilise the system. I accepted the outcome, preserved relationships, and stayed engaged. That experience clarified two things for me: ▪︎where the red lines are, and • what it takes to compete without fracturing the party or the state. This is, however, not a return driven by unfinished business. It is a response to a different political environment. Now, let me use my journalistic experience to guess and address what many of you may be quietly asking: 1) Relationship with Governor Dapo Abiodun. I have maintained a cordial and respectful relationship with the outgoing governor- the leader of our party. This is because I believe that continuity matters. Order matters. Transitions matter. I also enjoy a cordial relationship with other former leaders. This is, therefore, not a candidacy designed to undermine any of our leaders or rewrite the past. It is designed to protect what works and improve what must be improved — without rupture. 2) Ogun West — De-Escalation, Not Debate The agitation from Ogun West is real. It should not be dismissed. But unmanaged grievance is dangerous — especially when it is framed in moral absolutes. Our task is not to choose sides emotionally; it is to prevent a scenario where zoning becomes a blunt instrument that destabilises the entire state. What Ogun needs is inclusion without escalation. 3) Populism Risk We all know that loud politics can mobilise quickly — and collapse just as quickly, leaving damage behind. My concern is not electoral victory alone. It is governability after victory. Ogun State has always rewarded moderation, balance, and institutional respect. When politics becomes theatre, governance suffers — and so does party cohesion, public trust, and investor confidence. 4) Gender I am aware that my candidacy carries a gender dimension. I do not underestimate it, and I do not overplay it. Nigeria has never elected a female governor, and I'm aware of the weight of breaking that ceiling. To that extent, my aspiration isn't just about me; it's about paving the way for future generations of women leaders in Ogun State and Nigeria at large. However, this is not about symbolism. It is about capacity and competence.

Distinguished Leaders, Members, and Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State, NOTICE OF INTENTION TO RUN FOR THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA After deep reflection and wide consultation, I have decided to make myself available to serve as our party's candidate for Governor, Ogun State, in the 2027 elections. I chose this system of declaration deliberately to be public, honest, and focused on responsibility rather than spectacle. And I will speak plainly. Each generation is tested by history in different ways. Ours is being tested by how well we manage growth, equity, and continuity—how we ensure that Ogun State does not merely expand but truly develops; not just for some, but for all. Ogun State is blessed. Blessed with industry, blessed with intellect, blessed with culture, and blessed with strategic relevance to the nation. Yet we all know that blessings alone do not guarantee progress. Progress requires deliberate leadership, balance, and trust among our people. It requires continuity. Today, I want to share a vision rooted in unity, competence, and fairness. For many months, I have listened carefully — not just to social media noise, but to those of you who understand how Ogun State works, how power transitions succeed or fail, and what instability costs. The feedback has been consistent: “this cycle carries more risk than usual.” I am therefore writing you today because when risk rises, those who value continuity and institutional balance must not remain silent. Many of you know my political history. In 2022, I stepped forward to run for the office of the governor. I did not prevail. However, I did not destabilise the system. I accepted the outcome, preserved relationships, and stayed engaged. That experience clarified two things for me: ▪︎where the red lines are, and • what it takes to compete without fracturing the party or the state. This is, however, not a return driven by unfinished business. It is a response to a different political environment. Now, let me use my journalistic experience to guess and address what many of you may be quietly asking: 1) Relationship with Governor Dapo Abiodun. I have maintained a cordial and respectful relationship with the outgoing governor- the leader of our party. This is because I believe that continuity matters. Order matters. Transitions matter. I also enjoy a cordial relationship with other former leaders. This is, therefore, not a candidacy designed to undermine any of our leaders or rewrite the past. It is designed to protect what works and improve what must be improved — without rupture. 2) Ogun West — De-Escalation, Not Debate The agitation from Ogun West is real. It should not be dismissed. But unmanaged grievance is dangerous — especially when it is framed in moral absolutes. Our task is not to choose sides emotionally; it is to prevent a scenario where zoning becomes a blunt instrument that destabilises the entire state. What Ogun needs is inclusion without escalation. 3) Populism Risk We all know that loud politics can mobilise quickly — and collapse just as quickly, leaving damage behind. My concern is not electoral victory alone. It is governability after victory. Ogun State has always rewarded moderation, balance, and institutional respect. When politics becomes theatre, governance suffers — and so does party cohesion, public trust, and investor confidence. 4) Gender I am aware that my candidacy carries a gender dimension. I do not underestimate it, and I do not overplay it. Nigeria has never elected a female governor, and I'm aware of the weight of breaking that ceiling. To that extent, my aspiration isn't just about me; it's about paving the way for future generations of women leaders in Ogun State and Nigeria at large. However, this is not about symbolism. It is about capacity and competence.

Distinguished Leaders, Members, and Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State, NOTICE OF INTENTION TO RUN FOR THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA After deep reflection and wide consultation, I have decided to make myself available to serve as our party's candidate for Governor, Ogun State, in the 2027 elections. I chose this system of declaration deliberately to be public, honest, and focused on responsibility rather than spectacle. And I will speak plainly. Each generation is tested by history in different ways. Ours is being tested by how well we manage growth, equity, and continuity—how we ensure that Ogun State does not merely expand but truly develops; not just for some, but for all. Ogun State is blessed. Blessed with industry, blessed with intellect, blessed with culture, and blessed with strategic relevance to the nation. Yet we all know that blessings alone do not guarantee progress. Progress requires deliberate leadership, balance, and trust among our people. It requires continuity. Today, I want to share a vision rooted in unity, competence, and fairness. For many months, I have listened carefully — not just to social media noise, but to those of you who understand how Ogun State works, how power transitions succeed or fail, and what instability costs. The feedback has been consistent: “this cycle carries more risk than usual.” I am therefore writing you today because when risk rises, those who value continuity and institutional balance must not remain silent. Many of you know my political history. In 2022, I stepped forward to run for the office of the governor. I did not prevail. However, I did not destabilise the system. I accepted the outcome, preserved relationships, and stayed engaged. That experience clarified two things for me: ▪︎where the red lines are, and • what it takes to compete without fracturing the party or the state. This is, however, not a return driven by unfinished business. It is a response to a different political environment. Now, let me use my journalistic experience to guess and address what many of you may be quietly asking: 1) Relationship with Governor Dapo Abiodun. I have maintained a cordial and respectful relationship with the outgoing governor- the leader of our party. This is because I believe that continuity matters. Order matters. Transitions matter. I also enjoy a cordial relationship with other former leaders. This is, therefore, not a candidacy designed to undermine any of our leaders or rewrite the past. It is designed to protect what works and improve what must be improved — without rupture. 2) Ogun West — De-Escalation, Not Debate The agitation from Ogun West is real. It should not be dismissed. But unmanaged grievance is dangerous — especially when it is framed in moral absolutes. Our task is not to choose sides emotionally; it is to prevent a scenario where zoning becomes a blunt instrument that destabilises the entire state. What Ogun needs is inclusion without escalation. 3) Populism Risk We all know that loud politics can mobilise quickly — and collapse just as quickly, leaving damage behind. My concern is not electoral victory alone. It is governability after victory. Ogun State has always rewarded moderation, balance, and institutional respect. When politics becomes theatre, governance suffers — and so does party cohesion, public trust, and investor confidence. 4) Gender I am aware that my candidacy carries a gender dimension. I do not underestimate it, and I do not overplay it. Nigeria has never elected a female governor, and I'm aware of the weight of breaking that ceiling. To that extent, my aspiration isn't just about me; it's about paving the way for future generations of women leaders in Ogun State and Nigeria at large. However, this is not about symbolism. It is about capacity and competence.