Politics
APC guber ticket: Pendulum swings toward Tegbe, as horse race to Agodi govt. house intensifies
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
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Adeolu Akande, has made a fervent appeal to factions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to reconcile and unite ahead of the forthcoming local council election.
Addressing party chairmen and chairmanship candidates from the 10 local government areas of Oke Ogun zone, Akande emphasised the critical need for solidarity within the party ranks to secure victory in the elections scheduled for this month.
Highlighting the significance of unity within the party, the former Governor Ajimobi’s aide underscored that Oyo State is inherently an APC stronghold, but internal conflicts hampered the party’s performance in the previous election.
He urged members to set aside their differences and focus on the common goal of delivering a progressive government to the people of the state.
Speaking during the gathering in Otu, headquarters of Itesiwaju Local Government area, Akande stressed the imperative of forgiveness and reconciliation, emphasising that the party’s success hinges on unity. He lauded the efforts of the national leadership in fostering reconciliation, urging members to embrace the spirit of unity.
As a gesture of support, the ex-NCC gaffer provided financial assistance amounting to N500,000 to each of the 10 local government areas to bolster their preparations for the upcoming April 27 election.
The event was attended by APC Chairmen and Chairmanship candidates from the Oke Ogun Zone, alongside 21 former local government chairmen, demonstrating a collective commitment to the party’s success in the forthcoming election.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state was in Ido town, headquarters of the Ido Local Government to campaign for himself on Monday.
Local Government Election have been slated for April 27 of this year and the Governor is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that he is declared winner by OYSIEC.
Do I sound confusing? Definitely not.
Governor Makinde is the contestant for the position of Local Government Chairman in the 33 Local Governments in Oyo state.
Reason? The Governor doubles as the State’s Chief Executive as well as the de facto Chairman of the 33 Local Governments while the 33 clowns parading themselves as the Councils’helmsmen are just Chairmen de jure.
What the Yorubas call “Esin inu iwe”.
I will use two incidents that happened simultaneously today to prove what is already known and accepted by the general public, albeit, arguably.
While Governor Makinde was dancing to some Fuji music in Ido town during the campaign rally, the chairman of Ibadan South West Local Government, one Hon. Kehinde Akande was in a live debate at Fresh FM with the APC candidate, Dr. Abogun and his statements were quite revealing.
A direct question regarding his view about autonomy and independence of Local Governments was put to him by the moderator, Isaac Brown and his response leaves a sour taste in the mouth.
The fellow, sadly and slavishly said that he has no problems with the decision of the Governor (Seyi Makinde) to directly monitor the expenditures of the Local Governments, since, according to him, it was for the purpose of probity and accountability!
This was coming from the Chairman of one of the most populous if not the most populous in Oyo state.
Like his peers who have one time or the other appeared on Radio, he could not point to any tangible project done by him and why would he?
The Governor calls the shots.
This is just on a lighter note, Hon. Kehinde Akande can not correctly identify the collation centre for ward 12 in a Local Government where he had been chairman for almost four years.
That underline the level of redundancy of this fellows parading themselves as Council Chairmen and on whose sake Governor Makinde incurred billions of Naira as judgment debts.
Now, to Governor Makinde’s campaign in Ido.
Is it not interesting that the Governor was in Ido and he didn’t Commission any project done by the Local Government?
In the times of his predecessors, such occasions were used to Commission projects done by the Local Government Chairmen but what will Governor Makinde Commission?
Nothing.
Nothing, because all the projects he mentioned during the campaign rally like the Omi Adio – Ido Road and others were attached to the state Government, even though, the funds were that of the Local Government.
Similarly, all the projects he promised to embark upon in the coming months within the Local Government like the modernisation of the Omi Adio market are projects he will usurp as usual, using the Councils’funds.
If not for the fact that Governor Makinde requires some pliant individuals who will sign out the Councils’funds for him to expend, I bet, there won’t be Local Government Chairmen during his tenure.
A lot of examples abound to confirm Governor Makinde’s illegal usurpation of the functions of the Local Government Chairmen.
Akesan Market is another typical example.
The April 27 Local Government Election is between Governor Makinde as grand Chairman of the 33 Local Governments and the opposition political parties.
The 33 gentlemen flying the tickets for the PDP are just necessary proxies.
I will not dissipate energy on the Governor’s uncharitable boasts that the opposition should wait for another three years, when he would still be the Governor to conduct another election.
I will rather call on the people of the state to be united in removing the “Ajeles” he has foisted on the Local Governments.
Oyo state can not afford another three years of Governor Makinde’s mismanagement of the Local Government resources.
He has bled the state enough through over bloated contracts and debts.
All residents of the state should consider the April 27 Local Government Election as an opportunity to at least salvage the 33 Local Governments from the suffocating hold of the Governor.
Like I said earlier, Oyo state can not afford another three years of continual looting of the Local Governments through the proxies of the Governor.
One would wonder what business the Governor has in the ” modernisation” of Omi Adio market.
Maintenance of the market is purely the responsibility of the Local Government Chairman but under Governor Makinde, even the Parks and abattoirs are directly run by the Governor.
That is the reason why the Local Governments have become comatose.
They have no means of generating IGR as all avenues have been taken away from them by the Governor.
Now, you tell me, Isn’t Governor Makinde not the one contesting on April 27?
Sola Abegunde writes from Oyo State
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, faces a tumultuous time as members of his ward, the Ganduje Ward in the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State, have suspended him.
It was announced by the Executive Council of Ganduje Ward, led by Haruna Gwanjo, during a press briefing in Kano on Monday.
The suspension comes amidst lingering corruption allegations, notably surrounding a viral video from 2017 depicting Ganduje allegedly receiving bundles of dollar notes as a bribe and stuffing them into his garments.
Despite Ganduje’s initial denial and maintenance of innocence, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) administration, under Governor Abba Yusuf, has reopened the case.
The Kano High Court is set to arraign Ganduje on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, on charges including bribery, diversion, and misappropriation of funds.
Mega Icon Magazine gathered that the allegations involve the purported acceptance of $413,000 and N1.38 billion in bribes. The State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Dederi, confirmed that Ganduje, along with his wife and six others, will face trial.
The Yusuf administration has vowed to present 15 witnesses to testify before Justice Usman Na’aba of the State High Court, indicating the seriousness with which the case is being pursued.
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