2019: Who gets Oyo ADC governorship ticket?

African Democratic Congress (ADC) is among the recently registered political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party was believed to be conceptualized, organised and formed by former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and some of his political associates.

Since the formation of the party in the country, ADC has continued to woo some political big wigs in order to make the party relevant ahead of the 2019 elections.

In Oyo state, ADC is now considered by people as a formidable opposition even ahead of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) .

Although, the party is currently battling with challenges following its recently concluded congresses which prompted the Unity Forum, a breakaway faction of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state that formally joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC)
to call for nullification of the whole exercise. The Unity Forum had earlier alleged former governor Rashidi Ladoja and Chief Michael Koleoso of imposing their loyalists as key executive members of the party .

Meanwhile, this report will critically examine the chances of the ADC governorship aspirants ahead of its governorship primary.

SOLAN for Governor

Senator Solagbade Olufemi Lanlehin is a complete gentle man and grassroot politician who understands the politics of the state.

He was elected Senator for Oyo South Senatorial District in 2011 running on the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) platform but later defected to the Accord Party (AP) in the build up to the 2015 general elections under the tutelage of his political father and former governor of the state, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja.

The University of Nigeria trained lawyer also contested under the platform of the Accord Party (AP) in 2015 for his second attempt and lost the most populated Senatorial district in the state – Oyo South Senatorial District to the present occupant, Senator Adesoji Akanbi of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawyer turned politician was Special Assistant to Governor Bola Tinubu early in his first term in office.

Senator Lanlehin is among the major governorship aspirants that have the political experience to govern the state if given the mandate. In fact, he looks good to clinch the ticket of his party aims at occupying the plum seat.

Strengths & Weaknesses

The cordial relationship between Senator Lanlehin and High Chief Ladoja is a plus for him, while he may also enjoy ‘solidarity support’ from members of the Unity Forum based on past political relationship as an ex- ‘Lamist’, a political faith named after late governor Lam Adesina. But some leaders in the party may disagree over his choice.

Also, Lanlehin lacks the financial muscle to pursue his guber ambition to a logical conclusion.

Dr Yunus Akintunde

Alhaji Yunus Akintunde, was a former commissioner for works in Oyo state during the first term of Governor Abiola Ajimobi and later appointed as Executive Assistant to the Governor.

During his reign as the state commissioner for Works and Transport, some projects were executed such as roads either by direct or indirect labour.

Akintunde recently bagged his PhD at the premier University of Ibadan (UI) thus adding another feather to his political aspiration and educational attainment.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Dr Yunus Akintunde is from Oyo town comprising four local governments. The former council boss of Oyo West Local Government is the only aspirant from Oyo zone who has expressed interest in the Agodi Government House job. He’s representing the ‘Oyo Agenda’.

As an experienced politician, and former council gaffer, he may enjoy a wide grassroots appeal. Though, well connected, but his political aspiration is expected to be more challenging due to the ‘Ibadan factor’ that must be critically observed and filled; while lack of political awareness, a key component in empathy, which in turn is part of Emotional Intelligence (EI) is another factor that must not be neglected.

His inability to reach out to the wards, local government areas may also affect his aspiration.

Sarafa Alli for Governor

Barrister Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli is an Ibadan Senior Chief who is very familiar with the political terrain of the state.

The political veteran, Alli has wide political experience having served as Council Chairman,Chairman, Odua Group of Company, Secretary to the State Government .

No doubt, he’s qualified to clinch the ADC governorship ticket.

Strengths & Weaknesses

The former President, Ajorosun Club is a socialite that commands the grassroots especially in his local government which is an added advantage for him. Few weeks ago, the political strategist also engaged in an aggressive campaign which has positively boosted his chances.

Aside, last minute alliance which may not favour his aspiration, the former SSG lacks the financial muscle to prosecute his guber ambition.

 

To be continued…