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Edo 2020 Election: Observations, Lessons And Recommendations For APC

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The year 2020 gubernatorial election in Edo state has come and gone.  Incumbent  Governor Godwin Obaseki has been declared winner by INEC, the electoral umpire. Since he won convincingly, his victory has been accepted by his closest rival, Ize Iyamu, Iyamu’s party,  the APC and the crux of the opposition party leaders- Messrs Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Godfatherism was dealt with:  In the September 2020 gubernatorial election, attempts by APC’s Adams Oshiomole and Bola Tinubu to foist their person on the people of Edo State was strongly resisted. The lesson for APC is that issue of godfatherism, imposition of candidate and frustration of eligible candidate is no longer in vogue, as the democracy of Nigeria leaps forward. It is recommended that while there can be fair internal screening of candidates, manipulation of candidates’ thirst to serve their people by arm-twisting them to step down should be discouraged.

2023 Presidential Election: Obviously, there are camps towards the struggle for the APC Presidential ticket, each trying to stifle the other camp’s ambition. The lesson is that in politics it is most unwise to underrate internal conflict, schism and the disgruntled. If the wall is not broken, the lizard cannot enter. In the September 19,2020 gubernatorial election, there were compromises and betrayals, perfected from inside the APC top hierarchy and manifested on the electoral fields.

How many sitting or past APC governors campaigned for the party and the candidate? What logistics for winning were made available for Ize-Iyamu? The recommendation is that within the South enclave of the party, certain people needs to be called to order to shelve their Presidential ambition. Unless, through hatred,  jealousy and envy for certain people, the party will be torn into shreds before the Presidential primaries by which time to hold the center together, may be too late.

INEC, Police : These umpires could conduct a fair, free and credible election if they really want to. There were marked improvements in the performance of these bodies pre, during and after the 19/9/2020 election in Edo state. Former American President, Obama said ‘ Africa needs strong institutions, not strong men’. The onus is on Nigeria’s leadership to strengthen and support these institutions as Nigeria’s democratic growth and development progresses.

APC should prepare itself as a political party through selection of candidates, campaigns, funding, party cohesion to participate in fair, free and credible elections.

Buhari and APC: The body language of Nigeria’s incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari is not showing that he intends to trade his statesmanship, leadership credibility identity, integrity, posterity  for the APC, going forward. Recently, he supported a factional Chairman against erstwhile sitting National Chairman Adams Oshiomole, stating unambiguously that the rule of law was on the side of the factional Chairman.

Buhari was one of the first set of people to congratulate Obaseki for winning the September 19 elections. Clearly, he does not seem fastidious or elated about the Tinubu/Oshiomole grandstanding and he can use his enormous presidential powers, political clout to checkmate them anytime suddenly.

Given this, where their interests matter, Tinubu/Oshiomole can not rely on the presidential support as currently situated. More work, outside reliance on Buhari will need to be done by the APC and founders of the party.

South Presidential Ambition: The South East which should justifiably lay claim to the South President slot in the APC have not embraced it as a political platform since inception of the party. The party  has not perform well in the region as South East has always voted for the PDP. So, they should struggle for PDP Presidential ticket ditto for the South South.

With the capture of Edo State, the entire South South region is being controlled by PDP Governors under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike.

The South South PDP can justifiably lay claim to contest in PDP presidential primary, not in the APC which they have not embraced politically. By loyalty, sacrifices and service in the APC as a party , the South West APC has done well for the political party than any other region in the South.

Searchlight for APC Presidential candidate should be beamed towards a credible candidate in the Southwest, as they are bringing block votes.  In my opinion, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (BAT) may want it, desire it, long for it, qualify eminently for it but with serial losses of his hold as a national leader in the party as being orchestrated by ‘Fulani hegemony’, treatments earlier  given to late Obafemi Awolowo, Moshood Kasimawo Abiola (MKO) may just be the ‘reserved master cards’ for him. It is recommended that same BAT, shops for credible , sellable presidential candidate who can command the trust of the Hausa Fulani from the North West, North Central and North East regions.

BAT should join Buhari in the political shopping.

Welfarist Policies of Buhari’s APC: Costs of living cannot be going on like these, in high and astronomical fashion and APC would have any good hope in future elections. Masses of our people are suffering. Staple foods such as rice, bread and soup condiments are unaffordable. Farmers are being kidnapped and killed by Fulani herdsmen, their wives and children being raped.

In many families, unemployment is a common phenomenon. Costs of fuel, transportation and epileptic electricity are unavoidable. Call of people to elections involving APC is a call for display of anger of the hungry against a party suffering  and harming them. If APC does not want to continue loosing elections, it should embrace populist welfarist policies as were done during late Muritala Mohammed regime, late Shehu Yaradua and current Governor Zulu of Borno state.

People are not being by rhetorics deceived; even if they were before,  hunger, more education, social media have opened Nigerians eyes. From mid-year 2021, people should start feeling in smiling and tangible ways, the President Buhari’s APC and not these facades.

Recommendations and Realities: Let us give it to him, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is primus inter pares among politicians in APC and Nigeria. Many do not want to give it to him. The top echelon of the party need to reconcile with him.

Many of the politicians in APC  being embraced by the ‘Cabals’ against him neither has his clout or can they make any meaningful impact. The Southwest will not betray Tinubu’s leadership. Kudos to the Buni-led Convention Committee that has been successful in many reconciliation efforts and making many aggrieved party members and leaders to return to the party.

Noticeably, Buni Committee brought back former Speaker Yakubu Dogara and his allies and made meaningful impacts in the reconciliation efforts of Oyo State APC members. However, more still need to be done. Buni was not successful in uniting the various interests in Edo State  and APC failed successful reconciliation by truth and fairness committee directly reflects on party successes at the polls.

The people is the party and the people cannot be ignored by a serious political party. The lesson from September 2020 Edo State elections is also that the mass of the people cannot be ignored. APC  needs more intense, fairer and deeper work by the various reconciliation committees setup throughout the length and breadth of the country.

Therein lies the future of the party. Therein lies APC successes in future elections.

 

Idowu Ayodele

Political Desk

Mega Icon Magazine

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Politics

APC knocks Makinde over UN probe call on Oriire abductions

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State yesterday faulted Governor Seyi Makinde’s call on the United Nations (UN) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent killings, abductions and rescue of 46 victims in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the move as “shameful, shocking and unbecoming of a leader.”

The opposition party accused the governor of politicising insecurity and attempting to internationalise what it called a domestic security challenge.

Makinde, while receiving the rescued victims at the Government House, Ibadan, on Monday, urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the incident, saying the circumstances surrounding the attacks and rescue operation were “grave and unusual.”

The governor’s position came days after he alleged during a visit to Bauchi State that the attacks on Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities were orchestrated by individuals opposed to his alleged 2027 presidential ambition.

But in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said the governor’s position was a demonstration of “ineptitude, cluelessness and grandstanding.”

The party urged Makinde to be “circumspect, decorous and statesman-like” as he prepares to complete his tenure.

It alleged that insecurity had worsened in Oyo State under the present administration, claiming the state had become the worst affected by banditry in Southern Nigeria.

The APC also criticised the governor’s appeal to the United Nations, arguing that Article 2(7) of the UN Charter discourages external interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations.
According to the party, rather than calling for an international investigation, the governor should focus on addressing the security challenges confronting residents of the state.

The opposition party further challenged Makinde to submit himself to investigations over allegations relating to local government funds, the Bodija explosion relief fund, surveillance aircraft procurement, airport and stadium upgrade projects, among other transactions.

The APC, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not responded to the APC’s latest claims

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2027: Bunvic Has Edge in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Reps Race – Agbomojo

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A political observer and public affairs commentator in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Oladejo Ezekiel Agbomojo, has said former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Olusegun Dokun Odebunmi, popularly known as Bunvic, is currently better positioned than other aspirants to reclaim the Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general election.

Agbomojo, who is from Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State, stressed that he is not a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his position was based on his independent assessment of the political atmosphere in the constituency and feedback gathered from residents, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Speaking on political developments ahead of the 2027 general election, Agbomojo said Bunvic’s experience, grassroots acceptance and long-standing relationship with the people had given him an advantage over other aspirants seeking to represent the constituency in the House of Representatives.

According to him, the former lawmaker’s previous tenure in the Green Chamber provided him with the legislative experience and understanding required to address the developmental needs of the constituency.

He also identified Bunvic’s relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of his major political strengths, expressing optimism that such ties could facilitate the attraction of more federal projects, appointments and developmental opportunities to Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency if elected.

Agbomojo further commended Yeyeluwa Toyin Odebunmi, wife of the APC candidate, describing her as a compassionate woman whose humanitarian interventions have continued to earn admiration across the constituency and beyond.

He said her empowerment and outreach programmes have impacted women, youths, students and other vulnerable groups in different communities, adding that her activities have complemented her husband’s political efforts and further strengthened his acceptance among the electorate.

He also attributed Bunvic’s growing political advantage to what he described as renewed unity within the APC.

According to him, the cordial relationship between Bunvic and respected party leaders, including Senator Ayo Adeseun, as well as the emergence of the APC deputy governorship candidate from Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency, had further boosted the party’s prospects ahead of the 2027 elections.

Describing Bunvic as one of the most accessible and generous politicians in the Ogbomoso zone, Agbomojo said the former lawmaker had remained close to the people and consistently demonstrated a willingness to support individuals and communities whenever the opportunity arose. He added that his interactions with residents across the constituency indicated a growing belief that Bunvic deserved another opportunity to represent them at the Green Chamber.

“I am not speaking as an APC member because I am not one. This is simply my personal opinion based on what I have observed and the views I have heard from many people across Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa,” he said.

“From my interactions with residents, many believe Bunvic has the experience, the political connections and the grassroots support needed to represent the constituency effectively once again,” he added.

While expressing confidence in Bunvic’s chances, Agbomojo urged the former lawmaker to place greater emphasis on tackling youth unemployment if elected. He acknowledged Bunvic’s previous empowerment initiatives but maintained that sustainable job creation should remain one of his major priorities.

“Hon. Bunvic has done well in supporting young people through different empowerment initiatives, and I acknowledge those efforts. However, I want him to place even greater emphasis on employment generation because many of our youths are still searching for jobs. Creating sustainable employment opportunities should remain one of his major priorities if elected,” he said.

Agbomojo also called for increased Federal Government presence in Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency through the establishment of more federal institutions, infrastructure projects and programmes capable of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. He said attracting more federal projects would not only improve residents’ standard of living but also create opportunities for young people and local businesses.

“I strongly believe Hon. Bunvic has what it takes to attract meaningful federal projects because of his experience, his relationships within government and his understanding of the needs of our people. What Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency needs now is greater federal presence, improved infrastructure and more employment opportunities for our youths,” he stressed  while maintaining that his views were entirely personal.

He, however, said the electorate would have the final say, urging political actors to conduct peaceful, issue-based campaigns that would promote the development and prosperity of Surulere/Ogo-Oluwa Federal Constituency.

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Oyo: Makinde presents staff of office to new Alakufo of Akufo

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The Oyo State Government on Friday presented the staff and instruments of office to the new Alakufo of Akufo in Ido Local Government Area,  Engr. Lamidi Taoreed Ayankojo Adefisoye.

The presentation, held at the Ido Local Government Secretariat, followed the approval of Adefisoye’s appointment by Governor Seyi Makinde.

A memo dated June 24, 2026, from the state Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, titled “Re: Filling of Vacant Stool of Alakufo,” conveyed the governor’s approval.

The memo, with reference number CB141/152/4T/119 and signed by the Director of Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Kola Abiola, on behalf of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, stated that the appointment took effect from October 23, 2023.

It read in part, “I am directed to inform you with great pleasure that His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, has graciously approved your appointment as the Alakufo of Akufo with effect from October 23, 2023.”

The staff of office was presented to the monarch by the Chairman of Ido Local Government, Sheriff Aderemi Adeojo, alongside Abiola, who represented the state government.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Head of Local Government Administration in Ido, Alhaji Sarafadeen; the Director of Chieftaincy Matters in the council, Mr Adelu; the head of the Adefisoye family, Mogaji Nurudeen Adegbola Adefisoye; the head of the Okekegan family of Akufo, Asiwaju Tunde Black; and Alhaji AbdulAzeez AbdulSalam.

Speaking after receiving the staff of office, Adefisoye expressed appreciation to Makinde, the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, and the Ido Local Government chairman for their support.

He also thanked the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and all those who contributed to the successful completion of the selection process.

The monarch expressed gratitude to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and members of the Olubadan-in-Council for their support throughout the process.

He pledged to work closely with the state and local governments while promoting peace and development in the community.

Adefisoye promised to prioritise infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, investment, security, transportation, and the preservation of Akufo’s cultural heritage.

He called on indigenes of the community, both at home and abroad, to unite in support of efforts aimed at accelerating the development of the town.

“I accept this honour with humility and a deep commitment to serve. This is not my vision alone; it is our collective mission. I invite all sons and daughters of Akufo, at home and abroad, to join hands with me in building a peaceful, united and prosperous community for future generations,” he said.

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