The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has unveiled Alhaja Kudirat Adegunwa-Balogun, a chartered accountant and daughter of an industrialist, Alhaji Adebola Adegunwa, as the party’s deputy governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

Governor Dapo Abiodun announced her emergence on Sunday during the APC Strategic Caucus Meeting held at the party secretariat in Abeokuta.

Abiodun said the decision followed extensive consultations with party leaders and stakeholders across the state.

Adegunwa-Balogun will run alongside the APC governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

Her emergence follows the zoning of the deputy governorship position to Ogun East Senatorial District and its subsequent micro-zoning to the Ijebu Central Federal Constituency.

The 51-year-old finance expert currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, Finance and Administration, at Rite Foods Limited.

Political observers view her nomination as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the APC’s appeal among professionals, women and voters in Ogun East ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

Speaking at the event, Abiodun commended party leaders and members for maintaining unity throughout the recently concluded primary elections, describing the process as unprecedented in the state’s political history.

According to him, the APC successfully produced candidates for elective positions without major disputes, litigation or factional crises.

“I have never witnessed anything like this in my years in politics in Ogun State. For the first time, leaders across generations came together to collectively endorse a successor, and that decision was accepted peacefully by all stakeholders,” Abiodun said.

He added that the consensus approach adopted during the governorship primary contributed to the smooth conduct of other primaries across the state.

“What we achieved reflects the true Ogun spirit. History will be kind to all of us because we have demonstrated that peaceful succession and consensus-building are possible in our politics,” he said.

The governor also praised aspirants who stepped aside for the sake of party unity, describing their sacrifices as critical to the APC’s stability and readiness for the 2027 elections.

Explaining the choice of Adegunwa-Balogun, Abiodun said the party considered equity and fairness in allocating the deputy governorship slot.

“If the government is coming from the West, we felt that for equity and fairness, the government should come from the East,” he said.

“So today, it gives me great pleasure to announce to us who our deputy governor will be by the grace of God. Today, we have amongst us Mrs. Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun and by the grace of God, Mrs. Adegunwa-Balogun will be our deputy governor.”

Also speaking, Adeola expressed confidence in Adegunwa-Balogun’s capacity to complement his administration if elected, citing her professional achievements, leadership experience and commitment to public service.

In her acceptance speech, Adegunwa-Balogun described her nomination as a call to service and pledged to deploy her experience in support of Ogun State’s development.

“I see this nomination as a call to duty and a privilege to serve. My over three decades of experience in various leadership and governance roles in the corporate world have prepared me for this moment,” she said.

She noted that her exposure to governance dates back to 1999 and said those experiences had given her valuable insight into public administration and service delivery.

“Since 1999, I have been closely associated with governance. These experiences have given me valuable insight into public service, its challenges, its impact and its sacred responsibility,” she stated.

The APC deputy governorship candidate said her emergence symbolised greater inclusion of women, youths and grassroots communities in governance.

“This nomination is not about me. It is about our shared responsibility. It is about the inclusion of women, youths and all citizens in shaping the future of Ogun State,” she said.

“Our goal is simple: a state where governance responds to the needs of its people, where development leaves no one behind, and where prosperity is shared by all.”

She also pledged to serve with integrity, transparency and accountability while working closely with Adeola to deepen grassroots participation in government.

“I commit to serving with integrity, accountability and deep respect for every citizen. I will work to bridge the gap between government and the grassroots, ensuring that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of our communities,” she added.

Germany reminded the football world of their pedigree with a ruthless demolition of Curacao in today’s World Cup fixture. The match, played under the bright lights of a packed stadium, ended as a showcase of German efficiency and attacking brilliance.

From the opening whistle, Germany seized control. Their midfield dictated the tempo, recycling possession with precision and launching wave after wave of attacks. Curacao, making their World Cup debut, struggled to settle into the game as Germany pressed high and forced errors.

Early Breakthrough
The breakthrough came within the first quarter-hour. A slick passing move sliced through Curacao’s defense, leaving the goalkeeper exposed. Germany’s striker calmly slotted home, setting the tone for what would become a long evening for the Caribbean side.

Curacao attempted to respond with counterattacks, relying on pace down the flanks. For a brief spell, they threatened to catch Germany off guard. But the European giants quickly adjusted, closing spaces and regaining control.

Ruthless Finishing
Germany’s second goal arrived before halftime, a thunderous strike from outside the box that left the Curacao goalkeeper rooted. The crowd roared as Germany doubled their lead, and from that moment, the contest tilted heavily in their favor.

Curacao’s defense, already stretched, began to unravel. Germany’s forwards exploited gaps with ruthless efficiency, combining speed and intelligence to carve open opportunities. By the hour mark, the scoreline had ballooned, reflecting Germany’s dominance and Curacao’s inability to withstand the pressure.

Curacao’s Struggles
Despite the heavy defeat, Curacao showed flashes of resilience. Their captain rallied the team, urging players to keep fighting. A few half-chances emerged, but Germany’s defense remained disciplined, snuffing out danger before it could develop.

Curacao’s goalkeeper produced several saves to deny Germany further goals, but the relentless attack proved too much. Each German surge carried menace, and eventually, the resistance broke again.

Germany’s Statement
For Germany, the victory was more than three points. It was a statement of intent. Their attack looked sharp, their midfield controlled proceedings, and their defense remained organized. The performance sent a clear message to rivals: Germany are here to compete at the highest level.

The coach praised the team’s discipline and finishing, noting that the players executed the game plan perfectly. He highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum as the tournament progresses.

Lessons for Curacao
Curacao, though punished by Germany’s ruthlessness, gained valuable experience. Their debut on the world stage was a baptism of fire, but it offered lessons in resilience and the demands of elite competition. The players left the pitch disappointed but determined to regroup for their next match.

Their coach acknowledged the gulf in quality but insisted the team would learn and improve. “We faced one of the best teams in the world. This is part of our journey. We will grow from this,” he said.

Germany’s dismantling of Curacao was a masterclass in attacking football. Clinical, disciplined, and relentless, they punished every mistake and showcased their depth. Curacao, brave but overwhelmed, now face the challenge of bouncing back in their next fixture.

For Germany, the victory strengthens their position as tournament favorites. For Curacao, it is a reminder of the unforgiving nature of the World Cup stage. Both teams leave with different lessons, but the night belonged to Germany’s ruthless attack.

Real Madrid have once again made headlines in the transfer market, reaching a verbal agreement to sign Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella. The Spanish left-back is expected to move to the Santiago Bernabéu after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending his four-year stay in London.

A Defender’s Journey
Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton in 2022 for £55 million, a deal that reflected his rising reputation in English football. His time at Stamford Bridge, however, has been marked by turbulence. The dismissal of manager Enzo Maresca earlier this year and Cucurella’s public criticism of the club’s direction during the March international break fueled speculation about his future.

The 27-year-old Spain international has long expressed interest in returning to his home country. With Real Madrid now securing his services, Cucurella’s wish appears set to materialize.

Chelsea’s Setback
The transfer represents a blow to Chelsea’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, who reportedly wanted Cucurella to remain part of his plans. Alonso now faces the challenge of finding a replacement. Dutch defender Jorrel Hato is seen as the club’s primary option, but Alonso is believed to want additional experience in the position before the new campaign begins.

Chelsea’s decision to negotiate with a club outside the Premier League also closed the door on Manchester City, who had been monitoring Cucurella’s situation.

Madrid’s Ambitious Recruitment Drive
Cucurella’s move is part of a broader strategy by Real Madrid under Jose Mourinho. The Spanish giants are aggressively strengthening their squad, with reports linking them to Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. Madrid are also said to have launched a £129 million bid for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.

In addition, the club has reportedly secured free-transfer deals for Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate and Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva, both of whom are out of contract.

This recruitment drive signals Madrid’s intent to dominate both domestically and in Europe. Cucurella’s arrival adds depth to their defense and provides Mourinho with a versatile option on the left flank.

A New Chapter for Cucurella
For Cucurella, the move represents a chance to re-establish himself at the highest level. Returning to Spain offers familiarity and the opportunity to play under Mourinho, a manager known for maximizing defensive talent.

His ability to combine defensive solidity with attacking support makes him a valuable addition to Madrid’s squad. Fans at the Bernabéu will expect him to deliver consistency and energy, qualities that defined his rise in the Premier League.

Real Madrid’s agreement to sign Marc Cucurella is more than a transfer—it is a statement of intent. With Mourinho at the helm and a string of high-profile targets in sight, Madrid are positioning themselves for a new era of dominance.

For Chelsea, the departure leaves a gap that must be filled quickly. For Cucurella, it is the beginning of a new chapter one that promises both challenges and opportunities in the white shirt of Real Madrid.