Politics
Oyo APC Guber Primary: Who Wears The Crown Part 3 || By Akinyode Ishola
THE closure of the voters’ registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) further indicates that 2019 general elections is a matter of days after this year.
What next is for the political parties to pick their standard bearers running for their preferred elective positions come 2019.
The battle on who picks the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Oyo State and the eventual successor of Governor Abiola Ajimobi continues.
The battle for the soul of regards to who will succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi by clinching the APC Governorship ticket.
Privileged information reveals that direct primary has been adopted by the APC to select its Presidential candidate while some states may likely follow suit in selecting their respective candidates
Akala
No doubt, Otunba Alao-Akala remains a significant factor to reckon with as far as Oyo politics is concern.
Having contested the seat in 2007, 2011and 2015 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party (LP) respectively, former Governor Alao-Akala is indeed ready for the coming back to Agodi Government House except last minute political consultation and change of mind.
Plus or Minus
Alao-Akala has the most formidable group among the APC governorship aspirants and his political experience as a former council boss, Deputy Governor and state Governor is a greater advantage.
Presently, his son Olajuwonlo Alao Akala is the council gaffer of Ogbomoso North Local Government and age factor; as well as zoning arrangement may fault Otunba Alao-Akala’s chances of becoming the Governor of Oyo state again.
Asides this, former Governor Alao-Akala is constitutionally qualified to contest.
Amiable SSG for Governor.
Alli
Mr Ismael Olalekan Alli joined Governor Abiola Ajimobi led administration over 4 years ago as a seasoned administrator and strategist.
Alhaji Alli’s contributions to the sustainability of the present administration is noticeable, hence the need for people to accord him respect.
The declaration of the incumbent SSG has truncated the initial political calculations and permutations of some chieftains, especially some cabinet members eyeing the most exalted seat in the state.
Plus or Minus
Any aspirant from Ibadan has brighter chance to be the standard bearer of the APC while loyalty to Governor Abiola Ajimobi is an advantage for Alli. The amiable SSG who was Governor Ajimobi’s junior in secondary school at Lagelu Grammar School also maintained a worthwhile relationship with his boss, but he lacks vibrant political mobilizers and strategists.
BAYO We Can Trust
Shittu
Barrister Adebayo Shittu who is the current Minister of Communications is not new in the political game of Oyo state, he’s familiar with the terrain.
Having served as member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Shittu was the governorship candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011 and APC guber aspirant in 2015.
Although, the governorship ambition of Bayo Shittu was opaque until his recent leave of Absent was granted by President Muhammadu Buhari
Plus or Minus
Presently Barrister Adebayo Shittu has a shaky relationship with Governor Abiola Ajimobi which may truncate his chances of winning at the primary but his closeness and relationship with President Buhari seems to be a great strength.
With Shittu, Omodewu, Fatai Buhari and Alao- Akala coming out from the same senatorial district – Oyo North will not only polarized their interests, but pave way for any aspirant to emerge from other districts.
#ERUOBODO 2019#
Ayandele
Dr Olusola Ayandele is an Ibarapa born industrialist who has administrative and managerial skills in both public and private sector
Since joining the guber race, Dr Ayandele had enjoyed warm reception from the leaders and members of the APC which has indeed boosted his morale and energized his aspiration towards the realisation of Agodi Government House dream.
Dr Ayandele popularly addressed as Eruobodo by his numerous followers is the second guber hopeful from the Ibarapa zone after Dr Ismael Adewusi .
Plus or Minus
Dr Olusola Ayandele is the only APC governorship aspirant from Ibarapa and if the primary election is a direct one, the block vote from his zone is a plus for Ayandele.
Meanwhile, it is also a minus for him because, Dr Ayandele is from the minority zone and taking cognizance of the Ibadan factor, it may be a gap needed to be filled on time. Asides this, Dr Ayandele ‘is a goal’
Eni Tia De 2019
Eniade
Mr Soji Eniade is the immediate past Head of Service in Oyo state and presently the Executive Assistant to Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Mr Eniade who is the son of an APC Chieftain in Ibadan North East Local Government, Chief Ayo Eniade played prominent role in this government as a bridge builder especially during the face off between government and labour leaders in the state.
Plus or Minus
When its comes to party politics and grassroot mobilization, Eniade is not a novice. His experience as Head of Service is an added advantage.
But his inability to reach out to wards, local government areas and lack of media hype may affect his quest.
Omodewu 2019
Omodewu
Mr Isaac Ajiboye Omodewu is the only governorship aspirants from Oke-ogun zone asides Barrister Adebayo Shittu and with the tactical withdrawal of the state Deputy Governor, Otunba Moses Adeyemo from the race and defection of Professor Adeolu Akande, Engr Rauf Olaniyan to the ADP. It is indeed, an opportunity for him.
In the last few weeks, the aggressive campaign by Team Omodewu has enhanced his chances.
Plus or Minus
The Otu born politician, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, Omodewu is an established aspirant having served with Governor Abiola Ajimobi since 2011 till date. The former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters is a kitchen cabinet member and an age long associate of the governor.
Can Omodewu, who now seats on the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development garner the votes of APC members in Oke-Ogun? If yes, then positive result is possible, otherwise the chance to succeed his boss is tiny.
Why Olaosebikan for Governor?
Olaosebikan
Kehinde Olaosebikan is not a novice in the Oyo state politics, having served as Oluyole local government chairman and chief press secretary to late Governor Lam Adesina. He’s an experienced man for the job.
The Onipe born politician is a journalist and grassroot mobilizer who knows where shoe pinches.
Plus or Minus
Kenny’s political awareness is a gradual process and not aggressive like his fellow governorship aspirants, which may as well affect his aspiration. But his passion for good governance and his charismatic leadership coupled with youth inclusive is an added advantage for Olaosebikan.
Fatai Buhari For Governor
Buhari
Dr Abdulfatai Buhari is the current senator representing Oyo North senatorial district in the upper legislative chamber.
His contribution to the district is unprecedented compared to previous senators who had earlier represented Oyo North at the Senate.
Dr Fatai Buhari’s governorship ambition is borne out of passion he had for good governance and development of Oyo state.
Plus or Minus
Dr Fatai Buhari has the grassroot APC especially some local governments in his district which is a plus for him. Meanwhile, the declaration of former Governor Alao-Akala may jeopardise his gubernatorial ambition and Ibadan factor is another issue to be considered.
Another strong governorship aspirant is Chief Adeniyi Michael Akintola SAN. The legal luminary is among the highly cerebral and experienced aspirant jostling for the number one seat in the state.
Akintola
The legal colossus, who has maintained a rhythmic success story in his legal business was a former member and Deputy speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Now, Akintola is back to contribute his quota to the development of the state.
Plus or Minus
Chief Akintola, a native of Ibadan with his village situated in Ido Local Government has greater advantage in terms of connections, network and past political experience. However, his campaign process is seemingly slow and not enticing.
Dr Moronkola Thomas is an household name in Oyo politics having served governments in various capacities.
Thomas
The ‘Commissioner Emeritus’ is currently serving as Executive Assistant to the Governor on Politic Matters.
Plus or Minus
Dr Moronkola Thomas is among the Governors’ aides who worked for the sustainability of this administration which is a plus for him but Dr Thomas campaign has remained static, not really spreading across unlike other aspirants.
The highly cerebral and experienced lawyer is a political strategist, but, he lacks the financial strength to fight the battle before him.
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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