GBELEYI EMERGES FRONT-RUNNER FOR OGUN WEST SENATE 2027, LEVERAGING EXPERIENCE, GLOBAL IMPACT

GBELEYI EMERGES FRONT-RUNNER FOR OGUN WEST SENATE 2027, LEVERAGING EXPERIENCE, GLOBAL IMPACT

 By Temidayo Babalola 

For many observers, the emerging narrative is clear: in a race that demands competence, credibility and proven impact, OGB is not just a contender but a candidate whose track record positions him as a leading choice to redefine representation for Ogun West at the National Assembly.

A former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Olusegun Bolanle Gbeleyi, popularly known as OBG is rapidly consolidating his position as a leading and formidable contender for the Ogun West Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.

With a career spanning legislative leadership, governance, international representation and grassroots mobilisation, Gbeleyi is increasingly being viewed by political observers as one of the most experienced and best-prepared aspirants in the race.

Having served as Deputy Speaker between 1999 and 2003, during Nigeria’s transition to democratic rule, Gbeleyi distinguished himself as an active and influential lawmaker. He contributed significantly to legislative development through his roles in key committees such as Finance and Appropriation, Public Accounts, Works and Housing and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Beyond the state legislature, Gbeleyi has maintained a consistent and impactful presence in public service. His tenure as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Digital Bridge Institute, Abuja (2021–2025), an international ICT centre established by the Nigerian Communications Commission, saw notable advancements in digital capacity building and youth-focused technology training across Nigeria.

In the area of infrastructure and energy, his role as a power consultant to the Ogun State Government between 2016 and 2019 further demonstrated his policy depth and technical competence. He was instrumental in key initiatives including the development of an Independent Power Project and the supervision of a 203-kilometre transmission line project executed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria, projects widely regarded as critical to the state’s economic growth.

However, what continues to set Gbeleyi apart is not only his local experience but also his global outlook and historic contributions on the international stage.
At the 46th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference in 2000, held in London and Edinburgh, Gbeleyi represented Nigeria as an official delegate and delivered a landmark paper titled “Debt Cancellation as a Tool for Sustaining Democracy in Developing Nations.”

In what many describe as a defining moment of visionary leadership, his motion was unanimously adopted by participating countries, helping to galvanise international momentum for debt relief for developing nations. This intervention is widely believed to have contributed to the eventual historic debt relief secured by Nigeria under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Through that singular act, Gbeleyi projected Nigeria’s voice on the global stage and championed the cause of economic justice for millions in developing economies earning recognition as a leader capable of thinking beyond borders while remaining grounded in people-focused governance.

His political journey also reflects resilience and consistency. Having contested for the Ogun West Senatorial seat in previous elections under the Action Congress (AC) in 2007 and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) in 2019, Gbeleyi has built a formidable political structure and a loyal grassroots support base across the district.

A seasoned political strategist, he has also played critical behind-the-scenes roles in electoral processes as a resource trainer, campaign planner and party agent, with strong expertise in election management and vote protection.

Academically, Gbeleyi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Media from the Kent Institute of Art and Design, United Kingdom, alongside qualifications in business and financial studies. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at The Open University, UK, further reinforcing his commitment to continuous personal development and public service excellence.

A member of the British Association of Journalists and the Institute of Directors, London, as well as a respected traditional title holder, Gbeleyi maintains strong ties to both professional institutions and grassroots communities.

As political momentum gradually builds toward 2027, stakeholders across Ogun State, particularly in Ogun West are increasingly rallying around Gbeleyi’s candidacy, citing his rare combination of legislative experience, administrative capacity, global exposure and people-centered vision.