By Ibrahim Kegbegbe, Lawal Abdullahi
IPERU-REMO, Ogun State — The Arewa Community in Ogun State on Friday demonstrated its growing political engagement in the South-West as it donated the sum of ₦20 million to Governor Dapo Abiodun in support of his Ogun East APC Senatorial ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Merit Newspaper reports that donation was made during a Christmas Carol celebration held in Iperu-Remo, the governor’s hometown, and was led by the Director General of the South-West Arewa Community Renew Hope for Asiwaju 2027, Alhaji Shehu Usman Jibril, popularly known as SAMPAM.
Other prominent members of the delegation included the Senior Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor, Alhaji Sani Hadi; the Sarkin Hausawan Egba Land, Alhaji Hassan Hassan; and several leaders of the Arewa community across the state.
Presenting the donation, Alhaji Shehu Usman Jibril described Governor Abiodun as a leader whose governance style has fostered inclusion, peace, and development across ethnic and religious lines.
“This donation is a token of our appreciation and confidence in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s leadership. He has shown that governance can be fair, inclusive, and people-oriented,” Jibril said.
“The Arewa community in Ogun State stands firmly with him, not only because of his senatorial aspiration, but because of his consistent support for unity and development in the South-West.”
Speaking on behalf of the Arewa leaders, Sarkin Hausawan Egba Land, Alhaji Hassan Hassan, said the gesture reflected the community’s belief in peaceful political participation and national cohesion.
“We are Nigerians first. Governor Abiodun has created an environment where all ethnic groups feel safe, respected, and heard. Our support is based on trust and shared progress,” he stated.
Receiving the donation, Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed profound gratitude, describing himself as “speechless” at the show of support.
“I am truly overwhelmed and deeply grateful. I am at a loss for words,” the governor said.
“This gesture from the Arewa community is not just about money; it is a powerful statement of trust, loyalty, and belief in what we represent.”
Governor Abiodun specifically commended Alhaji Shehu Usman Jibril for what he described as “remarkable grassroots mobilisation and bridge-building across the South-West,” adding that his efforts have strengthened inter-ethnic relations in the region.
He also praised his Senior Special Adviser, Alhaji Sani Hadi, for promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse communities in Ogun State.
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“Sani Hadi has been a strong pillar in ensuring harmony and understanding among our people. Ogun State remains a home for everyone, regardless of ethnic or religious background,” Abiodun said.
The governor further noted that the donation aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said prioritises unity, economic growth, and inclusive governance.
“This support reinforces our collective resolve to build a future anchored on hope, fairness, and shared prosperity,” he added.
Political observers see the donation as a significant signal of widening support for Governor Abiodun beyond his traditional political base, especially as alignments ahead of the 2027 elections gradually take shape.
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The event, which combined festive celebration with political symbolism, attracted party faithful, community leaders, and residents from across Ogun State, underscoring the growing intersection between grassroots engagement and electoral politics.
