Abiodun thanks GNI for working against Ogun West agenda by rejecting collaborations with Akinlade

Gov Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has reportedly appreciated Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka for refusing to collaborate with Hon. Adekunle Akinlade of the Allied People's Movement (APM) in the March 9 governorship election in Ogun State, Tribune newspaper reports. 

Abiodun, it was learnt, said this while hosting Isiaka and leaders of the African Democratic Congress, ADC in his office on Monday.

Tribune newspaper said, "Reliable sources within the meeting quoted Governor Abiodun to have expressed great satisfaction with the development.

"While addressing the group, the governor said “Isiaka displayed great sportsmanship in the last election” describing him as a “man of integrity and character.”

"Abiodun commended the ADC stalwart for resisting offers to collaborate with the Allied People’s Movement (APM) or the Ladi Adebutu faction of the PDP in the last election, noting that this singular act was crucial to his own eventual victory at the polls."

Abiodun's comment, as reported by Tribune newspaper, is an indication that Isiaka was in the race to make Abiodun win, thereby spoiling the chances of Ogun West. 

Abiodun recently boasted during Sagamu Day Festival that his tribe Remo would continue to lead Ogun State, praising God for giving Remoland another chance another rare privilege to rule Ogun State again after former Governor Gbenga Daniel, who ruled from 2003 to 2011. 

African Advocate reports that Akinlade and Isiaka are from Ogun West, the only geopolitical zone that has not ruled Ogun State since it was created 40 years ago. 

During the election, Isiaka, on a radio programme, said he rejected offers from the then Gov Ibikunle Amosun to join forces with Akinlade, even after Hon. Ladi Adebutu, has declared his support for Ogun West. 

Political observers in Ogun State have since opined that the refusal of Isiaka to team up with Akinlade was the reason why Ogun West lost another brighter chance to rule Ogun State. But his followers have given different reasons for his refusal to work with Amosun.

In the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission said Abiodun polled 241,670 votes, Akinlade scored 222,153 votes and GNI came third with 110,442 votes. 

Meanwhile, Isiaka has hinted that he would officially announce his defection to the APC soon with his Believe Movement members. 

This would mean that Isiaka, who has contested to be governor of Ogun three times, has given up on the race.