The political landscape in Ogun State witnessed a dramatic shake-up after Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu secured a crushing victory over former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun during the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primaries.
The outcome stunned many political observers because Amosun remains one of the biggest political names in Ogun politics. Yet, despite his influence and years of political dominance, the former governor was overwhelmingly defeated by a man who once worked within his broader political structure.
According to party figures circulating within APC circles, Senator Shuaib Afolabi polled an astonishing 87,800 votes, while Amosun reportedly managed only 146 votes, a result many analysts have described as one of the most humiliating political defeats for a former governor in recent Ogun political history.
Who Is Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu?
Shuaib Afolabi Salisu is a Nigerian politician currently serving as the Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District under the APC.
Before emerging as senator in 2023, Salisu built his political relevance quietly through administrative and strategic roles within Ogun State politics. Unlike many loud political actors, he was widely viewed as a backroom strategist with strong organizational skills.
His rise to national prominence accelerated after serving as Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun between 2019 and 2023.
That position placed him at the center of government operations, policy coordination, and political negotiations within the state.
The Political Relationship Between Salisu and Amosun
Although Salisu became more publicly associated with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, many political observers note that his political evolution occurred during the years when Ibikunle Amosun dominated Ogun politics.
Amosun served as governor of Ogun State from 2011 to 2019 and later represented Ogun Central in the Senate. During those years, he built one of the strongest political structures in the South-West.
Several younger politicians who later became influential figures in Ogun politics either worked directly under Amosun’s political system or gained visibility during his administration.
However, after the emergence of Dapo Abiodun as governor in 2019, Ogun APC gradually became divided into rival political camps, with one faction loyal to Amosun and another aligned with Abiodun.
Over time, Salisu became one of the strongest figures within the Abiodun camp.
Shuaib Afolabi’s Portfolio Under Ogun Government
One of the key reasons Salisu gained political relevance was his strategic administrative experience.
Before becoming senator, he served as:
- Chief of Staff to Governor Dapo Abiodun (2019–2023)
- Political strategist within Ogun APC structures
- Legislative aide and policy coordinator in earlier political roles
As Chief of Staff, Salisu reportedly handled:
- Government coordination
- Executive policy management
- Political stakeholder engagement
- Internal administrative supervision
- Strategic communication within the governor’s office
Political insiders often described him as one of the most influential unelected officials in Ogun State during Abiodun’s first term.
That experience significantly strengthened his grassroots connections and political network ahead of the 2023 Senate elections.
How Salisu Rose Politically
Salisu’s political trajectory reflects a gradual but calculated rise through strategic positioning rather than aggressive public populism.
His rise can be broken into several phases:
1. Administrative Politics
He initially gained relevance through advisory and administrative functions within government circles.
2. Executive Power Exposure
His appointment as Chief of Staff gave him direct access to power structures and party stakeholders across Ogun State.
3. Senate Victory in 2023
In 2023, Salisu won the Ogun Central Senatorial seat after Amosun vacated the position.
That victory transformed him from a government insider into a full-fledged national politician.
4. Consolidation Within APC
Following his Senate victory, Salisu strengthened his relationship with APC leaders and grassroots structures across Ogun Central.
This consolidation eventually became critical in the latest APC primary election.
The APC Primary Shock That Changed Ogun Politics
Ahead of the 2027 elections, political tension rose after reports emerged that Amosun was considering a return to the Senate.
Many initially believed the former governor’s influence would make the contest difficult for Salisu.
However, events quickly moved in Salisu’s favor after Governor Dapo Abiodun and major APC stakeholders publicly endorsed him for another term.
That endorsement triggered resistance from some aspirants who demanded open primaries instead of consensus arrangements.
Despite the internal disagreements, Salisu eventually entered the primaries with massive institutional backing.
The final figures shocked many observers.
According to reports from APC circles, Salisu defeated Amosun by 87,800 votes to 146.
The margin immediately became one of the biggest political talking points in Nigeria.
Why Amosun Lost So Badly
Political observers have pointed to several reasons behind Amosun’s crushing defeat.
1. Loss of APC Structure
After leaving office as governor, Amosun gradually lost significant control of the APC structure in Ogun State.
Governor Abiodun’s camp successfully consolidated power within the party hierarchy.
2. Strong Incumbency Advantage
As the sitting senator, Salisu already had direct access to grassroots mobilization networks and party delegates.
He also benefited from visibility through constituency projects and Senate activities.
3. Stakeholder Alignment
Many APC leaders openly aligned with Salisu before the primaries.
That support weakened Amosun’s political momentum.
4. Changing Political Dynamics
Ogun politics has evolved significantly since Amosun’s peak years as governor.
Younger political actors and newer alliances now dominate much of the APC structure in the state.
Latest News About Shuaib Afolabi
Following the primary election victory, Salisu’s political profile has risen sharply across Nigeria.
Recent reports suggest he is now viewed as one of the strongest political figures in Ogun Central ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Within the Senate, he currently serves as:
- Chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security
- Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity
His growing influence inside both the National Assembly and Ogun APC has further strengthened speculation that he could become a major force in future state politics.
Public Reactions to the Result
The primary election outcome generated massive reactions across political circles and social media.
Supporters of Salisu described the result as proof that grassroots politics and institutional support matter more than political legacy.
Critics of Amosun, meanwhile, viewed the defeat as evidence that his influence inside Ogun APC has significantly declined.
Some analysts also argued that the result reflected the growing dominance of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s political structure in Ogun State.
FAQs
Who is Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu?
He is the senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District under the APC.
What position did Shuaib Afolabi hold before becoming senator?
He served as Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun from 2019 to 2023.
Did Shuaib Afolabi defeat Ibikunle Amosun?
Yes. He reportedly defeated former Governor Ibikunle Amosun during the APC senatorial primaries.
What was the reported vote margin?
Reports indicate Salisu polled 87,800 votes while Amosun secured 146 votes.
Why is the result considered shocking?
Amosun is a former governor and one of the biggest political figures in Ogun State, making the huge margin highly unexpected.
What Senate committees does Salisu currently lead?
He chairs the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security and serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity.
Conclusion
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu’s overwhelming victory over former Governor Ibikunle Amosun represents more than just a primary election win. It reflects a major power shift within Ogun APC politics.
ENigeria Newspaper reports that, from serving quietly behind the scenes as Chief of Staff to emerging as one of the most influential politicians in Ogun State, Salisu’s rise has been strategic and steady.
Meanwhile, Amosun’s crushing defeat signals the changing realities of Ogun politics, where old political dominance no longer guarantees electoral control.
With the 2027 elections approaching, all eyes will now remain on Salisu as his political influence continues to grow across Ogun State and beyond.
