Sports Journalist
, Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, Declares For Ogun 2027 Governorship, Discards Ogun West Agitation
OpenLife Nigeria reports that Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, a marketing communications expert, has declared for Ogun State governorship race.
Often referred to as a “sports girl,” Modele Sarafa-Yusuf was involved in the 2023 governorship in Ogun on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Making the announcement, the mother and grandmother highlighted her reasons and developmental imperatives
Dear Friends,
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO RUN FOR THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA
I’m pleased to share, below, my statement of intent to run for governor, Ogun State.
I’m committed to serving our great state with integrity and competence, and I’d appreciate your support and feedback as we embark on this journey.
Modele
Distinguished Leaders, Members, and Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State,
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.
Let me also be clear about what else this candidacy is not.
It is not a rebellion.
It is not opportunism.
It is not an emotional project.
It is a managed transition option.
If this path proceeds, it will do so within party structures, with respect for elders, and with sensitivity to all zones without allowing grievance to become destabilisation.
So, Why Me?
I am not presenting myself as the loudest option. I am presenting myself as the safest option. I bring:
– experience working with government institutions and processes
– broad appeal and acceptance across different parts of Ogun State
– a gender advantage without entitlement
– fresh perspective and enthusiasm for bringing positive change
– calm under pressure and the ability to absorb political heat without transferring it to the system.
If I get the party’s ticket and go on to be elected, I will drive result-oriented governance by leveraging on my Master’s degree in Public Administration; the vast knowledge gained from my years as an award-winning journalist; and my successful careers in both the public and private sectors.
I will govern as an administrator — consultative but firm and disciplined. Those who work with me will know where they stand. Institutions will be respected. Power will be exercised with restraint.
Sirs/Mas, I am by this open letter asking for measured consideration.
Over the coming weeks, I will continue to consult quietly. I will listen carefully. And I will move deliberately.
Those who choose to engage with this project will find predictability, discretion, and respect.
This decision continues to be guided by a single question: What option best protects Ogun State’s stability, unity, and governability in the next cycle?
I believe this option deserves serious consideration.
Again, my aspiration to serve as governor is not driven by sentiment. It is driven by preparation, by experience, and by a clear understanding of the economic, security, and social priorities before us: Ogun State must consolidate its industrial advantage, empower its youth, modernize its infrastructure, deepen trust between government and citizens; and yes, build those roads!
My vision is to provide transformative and inclusive leadership and make Ogun the state of choice for people to live, work, and play because of its economic, educational, and social opportunities. And because of its livability, vibrancy, and connectedness.
In conclusion, transitions succeed when fear is managed early. They fail when emotion is allowed to outrun structure.
I believe Ogun State is ready for a future built on balance, unity, and effective leadership. I am ready to serve.
I look forward to a primary process that is orderly, credible, and unifying. And I hope, with your wisdom and support, we can walk this path together.
I thank you, our dear leaders, for your time, your consideration, and your continued commitment to Ogun State
Yours truly,
Mọdele Sarafa-Yusuf, FIMC
February 26, 2026
Born in Ibadan into the family of Alhaji Buhari Osinaike, a public servant in the old Western Region and Ogun State and Alhaja Sifawu Osinaike, a textile merchant, Modele Sarafa-Yusuf, FIMC, is a prominent Nigerian marketing communications professional, broadcaster, and politician. She is known for her background in sports journalism and her foray into Ogun State politics.
She had her primary and post primary education in Ibadan before proceeding to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) where she obtained a Bachelor of Education degree in English in 1986. She later obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Lagos in 2002.
In 1987, Modele was deployed to Oyo state for her National Youth Service.
For her primary assignment, she was posted to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Ibadan where she quickly mastered the art of television news gathering, processing and presentation; and became the first woman sports caster in Africa.
She was not only the first, she distinguished herself thereby becoming an asset to the station; and not surprisingly, she was retained by NTA Ibadan after her service year.
Modele was later posted to the NTA headquarters in Lagos where her presentation became synonymous with confidence and excellence. Even though she was primarily a sports caster, Modele Sarafa-Yusuf took on assignments in other areas including business, politics and crime.
She was also a columnist in newspapers and magazines; and a scriptwriter for television programs in fields as diverse as culinary and education.
For many years on NTA, she radiated confidence and charm which brightened many homes.
Modele Sarafa-Yusuf joined telecommunications company – Globacom in January 2004 as Senior Manager Sponsorships.
In the more than seven years she was at Globacom, she helped develop the company’s sponsorship strategy, which led to increased brand awareness and subscriber loyalty; and was credited with helping to build and manage strategic relationships between the company and the media.
Later as Globacom’s Head of Sponsorships (West Africa), she worked with a team of very talented people contributing to projects such as the Glo-CAF Awards. She also led other projects such as The Lagos International Half Marathon, The Glo-Premier League in Nigeria and Ghana, and the first-in-Africa relationship with Manchester United Football Club.
She went on to become Director of Marketing of the American University of Nigeria in 2013 from which position she retired to set up Formart Multi Services Nig. Ltd, Marketing Communications consultants to several blue-chip companies.
For several years, she produced and presented the personality interview program View from the Top on Channels Television (4) The program ran over several seasons and always featured top decision makers and elites in business, public service, politics, philanthropy, religion and royalty.
The program View from the Top later aired on Arise News Networks for a few more seasons.
As Head of Lagos Operations in Arise News, Sarafa-Yusuf helped to transition the former London-based world news channel to an Afrocentric channel with a Nigerian DNA.
She helped recruit on-air and back-end personnel and worked with anchors, reporters, and producers on ways to make the newscast more appealing. In addition, she coached the anchors on vocal delivery, ad-lib skills, posture, and pacing.
Modele continues to contribute to political discussion programs including This Day Live on Arise News
Sports Career
As Africa’s first woman sportscaster, for over 17 years, Modele anchored sports broadcasts on the Nigerian Television Authority, during which time she was often the only female in the room.
She covered all the major national and international sports events including the Olympic Games in Atlanta and Sydney, the Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Canada and Manchester, England, the World Cup finals in the USA (1994) and France (1998), the 1st Women’s World Cup in China (1991), the Chess Olympiads in Novisad and Manilla, the African Games in Harare, Zimbabwe and Abuja, Nigeria, and numerous age grade sports competitions across the world.
As Globacom’s Head of Sponsorships, her team sponsored and raised the standards of many national and international sports events, including the Nigerian Professional Football League in Nigeria and Ghana; the Federations Cup in Nigeria and the CAF Awards which, with its glitz and glamour, became a benchmark for sports awards in Africa.
About Author
