Politics
Osun Guber Race: ‘Plus or Minus’ || By Akinyode Ishola
AFTER the Ekiti State Governorship election which was won by the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Kayode Fayemi, attention is now on September 22nd Governorship Election in the state of Osun.
Just like the Governor Ayodele Fayose’s tenure in Ekiti will be over in October, Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola will also bow out of office in November this year.
It is certain, except if the unfortunate incident happen, God forbid; Governor Fayose will definitely handover to the Governor Elect, Dr Kayode Fayemi, a replica of 2014 handing over ceremony.
https://iso.keq.mybluehost.me/ekiti-election-why-did-goliath-fall-by-olamiposi-ishola/
The question is, who will succeed ‘Baba Kabiru’, who is the next occupant of Abere government secretariat?
Without iota of doubt, the race is between the ‘Dancing Senator’ of PDP, Chief Ademola Adeleke, who is the younger brother of the first civilian Governor in the state of Osun, Senator Isiaka Adeleke and Gentle Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the current Chief of Staff to Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Political Associate of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Senator Ademola, who is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hails from Ede in Osun West Senatorial District, while Alh Gboyega Oyetola, a native of Iragbiji in Osun Central Senatorial district is the standard bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 22nd governorship election in the state.
Also considering the new Abere government secretariat occupant, another factor is the former Deputy Governor in the state under the government of Chief Bisi Akande, Senator Iyiola Omisore who is the controversial governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP).
If the leadership tussle in Osun state chapter of the SDP is settled on time and Senator Omisore eventually emerged, then the race is between the trio.
The Strongholds
THE APC Governorship candidate, Alh Gboyega Oyetola is from Osun Central that comprises Osogbo, Ikirun, Ila, Iree, Iragbiji, Orooruwo , Agbaa, Ada, Eripa, Obaagun among others.
Some of these towns, especially Ikirun, Ila, Iree and Osogbo, the state capital are the strongholds of the progressive fold.
Alh Gboyega Oyetola
In Osun West senatorial district, where PDP candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke was picked, housed town like Ede, Ejigbo, Ife -Odan, Ikire, Iwo, Ode – Omu, Gbongan and some other adjoining towns and villages.
The PDP stronghold remains Ede, Ikire, Apomu,Ife- Odan, Gbongan and Ode- Omu while other towns like Ejigbo and Iwo belongs to the progressive going by the results of the bye – election in the district.
Ademola Adeleke
In Osun East Senatorial District, the home base of Senator Iyiola Omisore, the factional SDP governorship candidate, and the Incumbent governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola comprises Ife, Ilesha, Ipetumodu, Ifetedo, Ijebu-Jesa, Iperindo, Esa- Oke, Ife-wara among others.
https://iso.keq.mybluehost.me/ekiti-election-why-did-goliath-fall-by-olamiposi-ishola/
Just like other candidates, Ife and its environ remains the stronghold of SDP while Ilesha, the home town of Governor Aregbesola and some parts of Ijesha land will likely vote for APC.
Other ‘influences’ considered by political analysts include the factor of Money, Power of Incumbency and Electorate who are the main determinant in the September 22nd Governorship election.
Omisore
Even in the 1993 general elections which is the most fair, freest and credible election, the three factors, especially money played prominent role.
Although the infrastructural turn around in Osogbo and ultra modern schools coupled with good road networks tagged ‘Ona Baba Ona’ in all the local government areas of the state under Aregbesola is a plus for his party’s candidate, Alhaji Oyetola.
On the contrary, irregular and half payment of salaries labelled ‘Hafusa’ is a Minus for the ruling party in the state.
Another Minus for the ruling APC is the defection of Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, the Secretary to the government under Aregbe’s administration to African Democratic Party (ADP) is a big blow because Iwo which Adeoti came from is the stronghold of progress Party.
Alhaji Moshood Adeoti
Of course, the major opposition party always capitalised on the weakness of the ruling party and carefully observed some of their programmes as a way of canvassing for votes.
Less than two months to the September 22nd governorship poll, if the backlog of salaries are not paid on time, workers may decide otherwise and this may be a Plus for the opposition parties.
Also, another Plus for the APC is the defection of Senator Omisore from PDP to SDP. This is because, most of the Chieftains in the PDP moved with Omisore, thus, this is indeed; a Minus for the party that promised to wrestle power from the APC.
Unlike Oyo state, where Ibadan, the state capital with 11 local governments including less city has 51 percent of the eligible voters, Osun state with 30 local governments housed strong cities such as Osogbo, Ede, Ife, Ilesha, Ila, Ikirun, Iwo, Ikire among others with appreciable votes.
If Aregbesola’s candidate wins, then it will be the first in the history of the state for Progressive Party to hand over to another Progressive Government. But if otherwise, it will be the replica of what happened in Ekiti state.
September 22nd is knocking and left for electorate in Osun state to determine who will pilot the affairs of the state for another four years.
On the side of the umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) the just concluded Ekiti governorship election is an improvement on the part of the commission, but there is need to intensify more effort, especially on the malfunctioning of card readers and collection of Permanent Voter cards ahead of the governorship poll.
No doubt, Nigerians are waiting and hoping for free, fair and credible election in Osun state and this will also serve as template for the forthcoming 2019 general elections.
By Akinyode Ishola
Mega Icon Magazine, Political Desk
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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