Group Managing Director of First Katalyst Group, Ji Odedina, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, describing his ambition as a mission driven by service and grassroots development.
Speaking in an interview, Odedina said his decision to enter politics was informed by years of engagement in public life and a desire to contribute more directly to the development of his constituency.
On the recent adoption of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI) as the APC consensus governorship candidate for Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections, Odedina described the development as a major breakthrough for Yewa land.
He said the announcement was received with widespread excitement across Ogun West, noting that it reflects a long-standing aspiration for equity and political inclusion in the state.
According to him, “There is joy everywhere. For the first time in decades, Yewa people feel politically united around a common goal. This is something the region has waited for for nearly 50 years.”
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for their roles in the emergence of the consensus arrangement, adding that political leaders across the state also contributed to the outcome.
Odedina stressed that unity among Yewa stakeholders was key to achieving the political breakthrough, noting that past divisions had weakened the region’s chances in previous election cycles.
He explained that with a consensus candidate now in place, the focus should shift to strengthening internal cohesion within the APC ahead of 2027.
“We must stay united. That is the only way we can secure victory and ensure that the promises made to our people are fulfilled,” he said.
On his own ambition, Odedina said his alignment with the Yewa agenda remains strong, adding that he is fully committed to supporting the governorship project while pursuing his legislative aspiration.
He said his background in political science, student activism, journalism, branding, and business has prepared him for public service, noting that he has been involved in political processes behind the scenes for years.
“I have always been involved in one form of politics or another. I am not new to service; I am simply stepping forward now to serve more directly,” he said.
Odedina also highlighted key challenges in his constituency, including infrastructure gaps, lack of electricity in some communities, and limited industrial presence, pledging to prioritise development if elected.
He said his focus would include improving access to electricity, youth empowerment, and attracting investments to rural areas.
“In some parts of my constituency, there has been no stable electricity for years. That is unacceptable. Development must reach the grassroots,” he said.
He added that he intends to leverage his corporate experience in marketing and branding to drive development-oriented policies and improve service delivery.
On the political process ahead of 2027, Odedina said he remains open to either consensus or primaries within the APC, stressing that internal democracy must be respected.
“If there is consensus, fine. If not, we go to primaries. Democracy is about testing popularity and ideas,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in the APC’s chances in the next general elections, dismissing opposition coalitions as lacking cohesion and clear ideological direction.
Odedina further noted that he has begun consultations with traditional rulers, party leaders, and grassroots stakeholders across Ipokia and Yewa South as part of his political engagement.
He said his entry into politics is driven by a desire to “move from promise to delivery,” adding that his focus will remain on practical development rather than rhetoric.
The declaration adds to the growing political realignments in Ogun State ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly within the Yewa political bloc.
