Politics
Five reasons Ogun people deserve Ladi Adebutu as governor
By Victor Ojelabi
It is no longer news that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last governorship election in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, is fighting the legitimacy of the second term given to Price Dapo Abiodun at the election tribunal sitting in Abeokuta.
Adebutu is insisting that what happened on March 18, 2023 in the gateway state was not an election but an electoral heist, as the current governor was accused of several crimes ranging from ineligibility to stand for election, over-voting, ballot snatching, intimidation, and illegal collusion with electoral officers to declare false results.
Recently, both the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and the secretary to the Ogun State government, Tokunbo Talabi, were accused of gross abuse of power and conflict of interest.
The accusation was so indicting that the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Mike A. A. Ozekhome, submitted petitions to key anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria, namely the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), seeking urgent investigation and potential prosecution in relation to the electoral infractions.
Acting on behalf of the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA), a prominent non-governmental organization advocating for human rights and electoral integrity, the erudite legal practitioner raised serious concerns about the involvement of Superflux International Ltd, a security printing company belonging to Talabi, in the election process.
Aside from the above, it was obvious that the residents of the state were not happy with the administration of Abiodun during the first term and decided to replace him. And from the figures recorded as the outcome of the election, they tried but Shawn Michael Davids happened.
To this day, many still wonder how a sitting and an alleged performing governor could have won an election with a miserly approximate 13,000 votes! Abiodun polled 276,298 votes, while Adebutu scored 262,383.
While awaiting the outcome of the election tribunal, the public always finds a way to make known their displeasure with the governor’s style of leadership. Responses to the governorship’s contents on social media are witnesses to their annoyances.
Here are five reasons a typical Ogun indigene would still prefer Ladi Adebutu as the governor of the state if given the chance over Dapo Abiodun.
Experience
Ladi, as he is fondly called, has proven himself to be a seasoned politician with years of experience in public service. He served as a member of the House of Representatives, representing the people of Remo Federal Constituency in 1992. Then again in 2015, he was sent back to the National Assembly to represent the interests of the Remo, Shagamu, and Ikenne constituency. His knowledge and understanding of the political landscape in Ogun State make him well-equipped to lead as governor.
Development-oriented
He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the development of Ogun State. He has initiated and supported numerous projects aimed at improving the lives of the people, including infrastructure development, healthcare interventions, and educational programs. As governor, Adebutu would prioritize the needs of the people and work towards their overall progress.
Empowerment
Adebutu has a track record of empowering his constituents and creating opportunities for them. He has provided scholarships to deserving students, supported small-scale businesses, and initiated training programs for skill acquisition. With him as governor, the people of Ogun State can expect a government that actively supports and empowers them to succeed.
Accessibility
He has consistently demonstrated a willingness to listen to the concerns and needs of the people. He has held regular town hall meetings, engaged in grassroots campaigns, and maintained an open-door policy. Adebutu’s accessibility ensures that the people’s voices will be heard and their concerns addressed under his leadership.
Unity and inclusivity
Adebutu has shown a commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity among the diverse communities in Ogun State. He understands the importance of bringing people together, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or social backgrounds. Adebutu’s leadership would promote a sense of togetherness and ensure that all citizens are represented and included in the government’s decision-making processes.
With his leadership, Ogun State can expect progress, prosperity, and a government that truly represents and serves the people.
Politics
ADC’s Aisha Yesufu Issues Public Apology For Listing Yemi Adamolekun Without Consent
Prominent activist and African Democratic Congress (ADC) member Aisha Yesufu has issued a public apology to governance advocate Yemi Adamolekun following a controversy over her inclusion in the party’s Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee.
The issue emerged on Wednesday after Adamolekun, former executive director of Enough is Enough Nigeria, expressed surprise on social media at seeing her name listed among members of the ADC committee.
Tagging Yesufu and ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, Adamolekun questioned the party’s process in a blunt post on X.
“ADC! ADC! ADC! How many times did I call you? This is not how to build credibility o! Please show me evidence of when I joined your party! Na wa….” she wrote.
Responding the same day, Abdullahi said the committee was designed to be expert-driven rather than strictly partisan.
“It is important to point out that not everyone on the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee is a member of the ADC. Many are not even politicians,” he said.
He added, “This is because the ADC believes that the task of developing workable public policies for the benefit of all Nigerians should not be left to politicians alone.”
Abdullahi maintained that the party had followed due process.
He said the ADC had undergone a “vetting process” and “took all necessary measures to ensure that everyone recommended to serve on this important committee was duly notified and had given their consent.”
Despite the disagreement, he expressed hope that Adamolekun would still participate, citing her “vast experience – even though she is not a member of our party.”
However, reacting on Friday, Yesufu, a member of the party’s Revalidation, Mobilisation and Registration Committee, acknowledged the error and apologised publicly.
She wrote, “This is inexcusable, and on behalf of my party, accept my apologies for this mix-up. We do not take you and your need to have a better Nigeria for granted.”
Yesufu admitted the process was flawed.
“Like you rightly pointed out, you ought to have been informed and your consent gotten before your name is published.
“This is well noted, and going forward we will continue to ensure due diligence,” she said.
She added, “Thank you for calling our attention to this. We can only get better when we get such feedback and improve accordingly.
“The work to rebuilding Nigeria is enormous, and in our eagerness to start off, we must never forget due process and diligence.”
Yesufu also extended an apology to others affected by the publication.
“For anyone that was also not contacted and consent gotten before publication, kindly accept my apologies for the mix-up,” she said.
Politics
Atiku’s Son Gives Thumbs Up To Tinubu’s Economic Policies, Backs Another Term
Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has attributed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid to what he described as the administration’s innovative and business-friendly economic policies.
He said President Tinubu’s economic initiatives are more favourable to businesses than those of previous administrations, adding that the reforms have reshaped his political alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abba made the remarks during a solidarity visit to the leadership of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Abuja on Monday evening, where he led members of the Haske Atiku Organisation, now rebranded as the Haske Tinubu Organisation.
He recalled that he formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on January 15, collecting his membership card at Gwadabwa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, where he publicly pledged support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
According to him, his decision to back the president was driven by admiration for the economic policies introduced since 2023, which he believes are positioning the country for stronger private-sector growth and investment.
According to him, “This administration has introduced policies that have every Nigerian in mind. If anyone says this government is not doing well, I will tell them they are lying,” he said. “I believe that if given another term, the government will do even more because it is focused.”
He explained that his long-standing experience in business has given him a clear perspective on economic governance in Nigeria.
“Since the return of democratic rule in 1999, I have been in business, and I am still in business today. The economic policies of Mr. President are favourable—not just to businesses, but to Nigerians in general, who are already benefiting from these reforms,” he stated.
He also explained that his decision to join the APC and align with the City Boy Movement was motivated by his passion for the Tinubu-led administration and his desire to serve.
“My joining the APC and the City Boy Movement is based on my belief in this administration. I also intend to use this platform to serve the people of Adamawa at the National Assembly level. Mr. President has made youth inclusion in politics a reality,” Abubakar added.
The Director General of the City Boy Movement, Mr. Oluwatosin Shoga reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to youth participation in governance and leadership.
He noted that one of CBM’s core strategic mandates is to ensure that young Nigerians are deliberately positioned for leadership roles while encouraging greater youth involvement in the political process.
Abba’s delegation was received by the Director General of CBM, Mr. Shoga, and the National Coordinator, Mr. Favour Abayomi.
Politics
Oriyomi Hamzat Formally Joins 2027 Oyo Governorship Race Under Accord Party
Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster and founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat has officially declared his intention to run for the 2027 Oyo State governorship under the Accord Party.
In a public declaration, Hamzat stated, “I am publicly declaring today that in 2027.
“I will not campaign for anyone or mobilise crowds for anyone.
“I will contest in the gubernatorial election under the Accord Party.”
The announcement signals Hamzat’s full commitment to his own political ambitions, stepping away from backing other candidates as he positions himself for the Oyo State governorship race.
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