Politics

APC guber ticket: Pendulum swings toward Tegbe, as horse race to Agodi govt. house intensifies

Published

8 years ago

September 21, 2018

EVERY election has a central story which usually gets tailored by summary of voters’ intelligence based on ground reports as per their political ideologies and faith.

As the battle for the sole ticket of Agodi Government House heightens, different aspirants struggling for the coveted governorship seat in the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) are currently intensifying great efforts toward the realisation of their dreams.

Mega Icon Magazine obtained the recently conducted survey by the Independent Political Analysts on the disposition of the stakeholders in Oyo politics and general public on the political development in the state and who among the aspirants in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC ) in the state is likely to emerge as the party flag bearer.

The report signed by its Project Coordinator, Mr John Akinropo and Secretary, Idowu Ayobami informed that the survey was to ascertain the level of acceptability and popularity of these notable aspirants among the stakeholders at the grassroot and the delegates that will participate at the ‘delegates conference’ billed for September where a sole candidate would emerged as the standard bearer of the party and indeed; becomes the next ‘Constituted Authority’ (CA).

So far, no fewer than 8 aspirants are ready for the task, according to the survey.

Without any iota of doubt, all the 8 aspirants jostling for the party ticket are eminently qualified and enjoy supports from different quarters and have their group of canvassers mobilizing for them in all the nooks and crannies of the state, but the survey also revealed that only a few enjoys strong support base beyond Ibadan land.

Having obtained the APC nomination and expression of interest forms, the 8 prominent aspirants that are brave and courageous enough to succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi are:

Dr. Azeez Adeduntan

Barrister Adeniyi Akintola

Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala

Engr Olasunkami Tegbe

Chief Bayo Adelabu

Dr. Olusola Ayandele

Barrister Adebayo Shittu

Mr Ayo Kareem

Also, the survey says 5 out of the 8 aspirants are from Ibadan, the zone which houses the largest voting population, while the remaining 3 shared other geopolitical zones in the state, including Oke ogun , Ogbomoso and Ibarapa. This correctly indicates that the Oyo zone is not represented in the contest.

“Interacting with stakeholders during the survey, 3 out of the aspirants were at the forefront and considered to have a better chance above others based on popularity, cognate experience, political affiliation and relationship with the party. Since the delegates conference is not a tea party, the financial strength of the aspirants will also go a long way in determining who clinch the ticket”, the project coordinator, Akinropo noted.

Although they appear to have the same ambition of emerging as the governor of the state, they however, have different Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

According to the survey, the Ogbomoso born politician and former governor of the state, Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala, who joined the party in 2017 enjoys rhythmic popularity in the state. The political Juggernaut and city spender who maintains a sizeable number of followers in the state is known to be generous.

However, his political camp is not as strong as it was in 2015, but withers day by day as some of his loyalists, lieutenants recently joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while others remained in the PDP. Majority of Akala’s loyalists were unable to make the delegates list, but he is confident of securing some votes in Oke Ogun, Ogbomoso as well as few in Ibadan.

Chief Bayo Adelabu, an experienced accountant of repute who recently left the plum job as Deputy Governor of the apex bank in the country – the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is a young and dynamic personality. He is enjoying the support of the heirs and beneficiaries of the late Aare Arisekola Alao and Late Adegoke Adelabu. He has been consulting widely and making headway into the party through generous donations and financial support for the party at all levels.

His philanthropic gesture seems to be opening doors for him. Adelabu is more popular outside the party, especially among the ‘Ibadan establishment’ with a notion that he would be controlled by these personalities at the detriment of the hoi polloi (common people), which may negate the unitary intention of the party and the development of other zones, if he eventually becomes the next governor of the state.

The ex- CBN Deputy Governor, Adelabu, according to the survey, also lacks strong political backup at the party level, as most of his supporters and strategists are new breed politicians; while, a few of them – ‘ the self -acclaimed politicians’ are not participating directly in the selection of the party flag bearer. However, based on his financial strength as a ‘fat cat’, Adelabu may likely win some delegates in Ibadan, and probably gather, a few votes in Oke-ogun, Oyo and Ibarapa.

Joseph Olasunkami Tegbe is multi-skilled. His experience is diverse and varied having provided advisory services to states and federal government in Nigeria and West Africa on good governance, administration, quality assurance, policy formulation and implementation. He has also consulted for multinational organisations and non -governmental organisations. This is informed by his background as a first class civil engineer and a top rated chartered accountant.

His foray into politics started over a decade ago. Tegbe has been operating behind the scene. Some of the participants in the random sampling maintained that the silent philanthropist, Tegbe is one of the strong members of the SENACO group, whose members dominated the delegates list that will participate in the indirect primary. At least 80% of the SENACO members made the list, an edge over other aspirants. His background as a relationship expert and conflict manager has also enhance his acceptability as he parades experienced and highly cerebral political strategists.

Party members also posited that the next governor is likely to be an Ibadan Christian following the codified resolution of the major opposition parties in the state to present an Ibadan Christian, since the incumbent governor, Abiola Ajimobi who is billed to complete his second term tenure next year, is a Muslim, the survey observed.

From all indications, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is likely to present Engr Seyi Makinde, while Senator Olufemi Lanlehin is set to clinch the ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Only Engr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, Adeniyi Akintola SAN seem to be favoured by this tradition.

Further report emanating from the analysis and empirical study of the political arrangement and development among the party stakeholders, also submitted:

Ogbomoso: Former Governor Adebayo Alao Akala holds 40% of the delegates while the SENACO group can conveniently boast of 60%,

In Ibadan, the SENACO holds 80 % and LAMISTS 20%

Oyo – SENACO 90%, Others 10%

Oke Ogun – SENACO 85%, Others 15%

Ibarapa – SENACO 70 %, others 30%

Conclusively, the reviewed status and political rating of the aspirants, clearly shows that the pendulum is seemingly swinging towards Joseph Olasunkami Tegbe and he is likely to emerge as the next gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state and his emergence as the governor of the state lies in the ability of his team to consolidate on the strategy adopted to launder his image and manifestos, retain the commitment and loyalty of the party faithful and other aspirants, especially those that competed with him at the primaries amongst others

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Politics

Adeleke: I Had No Electoral Deal With ADC

Published

6 days ago

August 18, 2026

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OSUN State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has denied having any electoral agreement or partnership with the African Democratic Congress before, during or after the August 15 governorship election.

Adeleke made the clarification on Tuesday in a post on his verified X handle, saying his victory was achieved through the support of God and the people of Osun State.

The governor said the ADC was not part of the political coalition that campaigned and mobilised support for his re-election, describing the group of political allies that worked for his victory as a “rainbow coalition.”

He said, “I had no electoral deal or partnership with the ADC before, during, or after the governorship election.”

Adeleke added that it was important to put the record straight, stressing that the ADC was not part of the coalition that campaigned and mobilised support for his re-election.

“For the sake of history, it is important to clarify that the ADC was never part of the rainbow coalition that canvassed, mobilised, and supported our campaign in the battle leading to last Saturday’s election,” he said.

The governor thanked his political allies for their sacrifices and efforts during the campaign, noting that their commitment contributed to his victory at the poll.

Adeleke, who called for unity after the election, said he remained governor of all Osun residents regardless of their political affiliation, religion or tribe.

“Now that the election is over, I remain the Governor of all Osun people, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, or tribe. My commitment is to unite our people and continue working for the progress and prosperity of Osun State,” he said.

Adeleke defeated the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and the ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, in the keenly contested election.

The governor polled 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes, while Salaam secured 17,180 votes.

Adeleke won in 19 of the 30 local government areas in the state, while Oyebamiji won the remaining 11.

Politics

Adeleke Reaffirms Tinubu Endorsement After Osun Victory

Published

1 week ago

August 16, 2026

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Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has renewed his endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027, barely hours after he was declared winner of Saturday’s governorship election.

Adeleke, who secured a second term in office, also commended Tinubu for what he described as his support for a free, fair and credible electoral process.

The governor spoke in Osogbo on Sunday while reacting to his victory, which he dedicated to the people of Osun State.

“At this point, I must deeply appreciate Mr President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his strong support for a free and fair election,” Adeleke said.

“Mr President is a son of Osun State. And I hereby reaffirm my earlier endorsement of him for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.”

Adeleke thanked the people of the state for standing by him, saying their resilience and commitment to democracy had helped to produce the outcome of the election.

“In the last few months, Osun people have been under very intense pressure. Today, the issues are settled by the grace of God and the people.

“I therefore dedicate this victory to the good people of Osun State. I deeply appreciate your resilience, your strong will and your unwavering commitment to democracy,” he said.

The governor promised not to disappoint the electorate, saying his administration would build on its achievements and address areas where it had fallen short.

“As you have trusted me again for the second term in office, I will not disappoint you. To serve you better, I will reinforce my strong points and correct my errors,” Adeleke stated.

He also pledged to pursue accelerated development across the state under his renewed five-point agenda.

The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Adeleke the winner of the election in the early hours of Sunday.

The Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, announced in Osogbo that Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.

The candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Najeem Salaam, came third with 17,180 votes.

A total of 1,005,800 votes were cast across the 30 local government areas of the state, while 985,079 votes were declared valid.

INEC said 1,010,684 voters were accredited for the election, which was contested by candidates of 15 political parties.

Adeleke’s victory secures another four-year term for him and further strengthens his political position in Osun ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Politics

Tinubu tasks INEC, security agencies on credible Osun election

Published

1 week ago

August 14, 2026

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President Bola Tinubu has charged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible governorship election in Osun State.

Tinubu made the call in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, ahead of Saturday’s poll.

The President urged INEC to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that voters are allowed to freely choose their preferred candidate.

“As the people of Osun State head to the polling units to elect who will govern them in the next four years, I call on the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure orderly conduct of the election.

“The election must be transparent, free and fair. I urge INEC to ensure the integrity of the process,” he said.

Tinubu also urged the electoral commission to use the Osun election as an opportunity to demonstrate its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

“INEC must use this last off-cycle election as a test case to demonstrate to Nigerians their full preparedness for the 2027 polls,” the President added.

The President also charged the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and other security chiefs deployed for the election to provide adequate security at polling units and prevent attempts to disrupt the exercise.

“I have charged the Inspector-General of Police and other heads of security outfits taking part in the election to provide maximum security at polling units. No room should be allowed for troublemakers to disrupt the process,” Tinubu said.

He stressed the need to protect voters and electoral officials, urging residents to participate in the election without fear or intimidation.

“Electoral officials and voters must be protected so they can perform their civic duties without fear or intimidation. Voters should feel confident to go out in their numbers to vote for the candidate of their choice, as all measures necessary to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election have been put in place.

“Our elections must be credible, and the outcome of the Osun Governorship election must reflect the will of the people,” he said.

Tinubu further urged voters to exercise their civic responsibility peacefully and avoid actions capable of undermining the conduct of the election.

More than 25,000 security personnel have been deployed across the state for the poll, while INEC has said preparations are on course.

With 15 candidates on the ballot, the election is expected to be keenly contested as voters across the state’s 30 local government areas elect a governor for the next four years.