AMOSUN: A POLITICAL WARLORD

Amosun 

Before the 2019 governorship election in Ogun State, many analysts had predicted the APM would come distant third or fourth in the race.

To some, they believed the battle was simply between APC and PDP; while to some, it was between APC and ADC. 

But the whole world was taken aback when a political party launched in less than three months keenly contested with the much glorified APC, keeping other parties behind it. 

In fact, the APC in Ogun State foresaw danger and it started manipulating figures to subvert the will of the good people of the State. 

Remember the Vice President had to fly into Ogun State to orchestrate the rigging, which put the APC ahead of the APM with a paltry 19,517 votes margin. This is despite their alignment with all political bigwigs in Lagos and Ogun State to fight Amosun alone. 

Let me say this, In Oyo State where Tinubu spent a whole lot of money, the APC lost to PDP. If you think the APC is popular in Ogun State, it was because Amosun has done well and he managed the party well. Kudos to him. 

Today, the APM can bold of one House of Reps member and seven House of Assembly members, despite all the rigging. Give it to Amosun. If the APM had not come, he wouldn't have had any elected member in his camp. Those who hijacked their tickets in the APC primaries would have had it all. 

When I looked at the whole scenario, I doffed my hat for Gov. Amosun. He is truly a political juggernaut. 

Amosun believes so much in the people. He warned the youths against violence. He was sure of victory. He achieved victory, but those who thought they are gods manipulated figures because they have federal might. God will surprise them. Worry not!

It is surprising that political bigwigs in Lagos State joined those in Ogun State, including former governors, former deputy governors and others to fight one man, Amosun. They didn't win. They rigged the election and all they had as margin was just 19,517 votes.

Their candidates contested with the well-known APC, while Amosun's candidates contested with a 'zero party', the APM. Isn't it shameful that the almighty APC had to rig to defeat a party like the APM? Amosun deserves some accolades.

You will agree with me that Amosun is indeed a political warlord; popular and loved by the good people of Ogun State.

KLM's police escort dies after ambush by APC thugs

KLM

A police corporal, Sunday Idoko, who was attached to the Allied Peoples Movement’s candidate, contesting for the House of Representatives’ seat in Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, Kolawole Lawal, has died after they were ambushed by armed men suspected to be loyalists of the APC, on their way to Ilaro. 

It has earlier been reported by reputable national dailies that KLM's police escorts, electoral officers and some security personnel escorting election results from Ipokia to Ilaro, were attacked by armed men in the Eredo area of Yewa South Local Government, Ogun State.

Idoko died after he was rushed to the hospital.

It was gathered that the armed men were on a mission to either kill KLM or to snatch the result from the electoral officers.

The armed men allegedly loyal to some APC candidates in Ogun West, ambushed vehicles of the victims at Eredo village, situated between Owode and Ilaro and shot sporadically at them leading to the death of the police escort while others sustained various degrees of bullet injuries.

They were on their way to Oronna Town Hall, where they were expected to deliver the local government‘s House of Representative and senatorial election results.

One of the electoral officers who followed the team said they were coming from Ipokia Local government with the results when they were attacked.

The EO said ”they ran into an ambush when they were waylaid at Eredo village”.

The Executive Chairman, Ifekowajo LCDA, Adejumo Adewale, who was among those attacked said he was lucky to had survived the attack.

He said, “We were coming from Ipokia Local Government with the INEC officials, who were coming with the results of the election for the Senate and House of Representatives.

“We accompanied them with security men which included the Divisional police officer of Ipokia, the NSCDC officers and military men, with two vehicles, one at the front and back. When we got to Eredo, we heard gunshots, armed men were firing indiscriminately at us and we didn’t know what was happening.

“We were lucky to have escaped; when we got to Iwoye, we heard from people that were before us that they had shot at them. Bullets have hit the driver of the APM candidate, Kolawole Lawal, and the police that always escorted him, but he (Lawal) is alive.

Ipokia is the local government area of the Ogun State APM governorship candidate, Hon Adekunle Akinlade and his party had won the Senatorial and House of Representatives elections in a landslide on Saturday. 

Reports say that the result later arrived the collation Centre in Ilaro amidst heavy security.

We promise you our supports, Ijebu Obas tell Akinlade

Traditional rulers in the Ijebu axis of Ogun State said they would give the governorship candidate of the Allied People's Movement (APM) in Ogun State, Adekunle Akinlade, maximum supports to become the next governor of Ogun State. 

The Obas, under the aegis of Ijebu Progressives Obas said this Monday when Akinlade made a courtesy call on them at the palace of the Gbegande of Ososa, Oba Dr Adetoye Alatishe.

The Obas included Alaporu of Ilaporu, Soponlukale of Ijebu Igbo, Alaye Aba of Aiyepe, Alakan of Ayepe, Oligun of Ilugun North, Elerunwon of Erunwon, Sadereren of Isonyin, Ogirimadagbo of Ilodo and Abijaparako of Japara.

Others were Onirokun of Irokun, Elefire of Efire, Ayanyelu of Ijebu Ijesha, Olowu of Ayepe, Onitansin of Itasin Imobi, Ojotumuru of Abigi, Ajalaye of Ilugun North, Magusen of itamarun, Akalako of Ayepe, Aladeken of Oke Ako and Oliworo of Iworo.

Speaking on behalf of the Obas, the Gbegande of Ososa disclosed that he and other Obas are more convinced than ever before to support Akinlade to become Gov. Ibikunle Amosun's successor. 

Oba Adetoye said Akinlade had shown signs of good sportsmanship, and had demonstrated that he would be a listening governor; saying the Obas are fully  behind him.

"We have invited Hon. Adekunle AbdulKabir Akinlade, called Triple A, to come to talk to us Kabiyesis in Ijebu land, despite the dispensation of our baba; and that we really need a one-on-one with him, and he has demonstrated good sportsmanship, he has demonstrated he is a son that would listen to his father. 

"He has come today. We are happy and satisfied with everything he has said and promised. We have also promised him our supports nitori omo to ba sipa ni a ma n gbe. May God take us to the promised land." Oba Adegboyega said. 

The Obas said they have created a document to serve as a seal of their agreement with Akinlade, as they took turns to pray for him. 

The monarchs expressed optimism that Akinlade would emerge victorious in the coming polls; while appealing to him to ensure an Ijebu man takes over from him. 

Speaking, Akinlade appreciated the monarchs, he said he and his team have been enjoying relative peace in Ijebu since his campaign tour started. 

He added that he was at home having lived years in Ilese when his father was serving in Nigerian Army. 

The lawmaker said his government would be for all; while promising to continue seeking their wise counsel at all times.

How Dapo Abiodun deceived Afolabi Afuape Afoo and Abiodun Akinlade

Afoo

I said it sometimes last year that if you are still trusting Dapo Abiodun or former governor Segun Osoba and their supporters for anything, then you may need to get ready for high blood pressure.

They deceived a whole Baba Adinni, a three-time member of the House of reps. They lied to him and play pranks on his head. Abiodun Akinlade was not expecting it, he thought he would be the running mate to Dapo Abiodun. Fake! All na sakamaje.

The only  thing they could give Abiodun Akinlade is campaign's Deputy Director General. Deputy na deputy nao. His own is even DDG, not DG. Baba Adinni cried o; his followers wept too. Many of them have not recovered from the pain till now. After then, some of his supporters joined ADC, some are now in APM, just a few are still with him in the APC, while some are currently on recess. Abiodun Akinlade betrayed the Ogun West agenda which he once promoted. Too bad!

He is still with them because they have promised him juicy positions if Abiodun won. Maybe Abiodun would win in Iperu; but you know Lado said customer dada ni. No be me talk am o.

Afolabi Afuape, Afoo, the former Commissioner for Youths and Sports betrayed Gov. Ibikunle Amosun. He joined Dapo Abiodun group because they deceived him that he would be given a ticket to contest with.

Remember Afoo was one of the 26 assembly candidates whose mandates were stolen by Dapo Abiodun group. They won the primary in the APC, but they were not given the ticket.

When those 26 assembly candidates were running up and then to regain their stolen mandates, Afoo was among; they addressed a press conference, Afoo was there. But no one knew he was a mole among them. At this same time, he was meeting Dapo Abiodun secretly. Dapo Abiodun told him to forsake Amosun with a promise to give him House of reps ticket for Abeokuta South.

His secret was revealed when other affected candidates wanted to defect to the APM. Afoo refused moving with them. He went back to join those who stole his mandate because of the promise that he would be given his ticket. A selfish man like him only cared about himself; he didn't consider whether the remaining 25 made it or not. Imotaraeninikan


But when the National Assembly list of candidates came out, Afolabi's name was not there. They told him to wait, with a promise to grant him the house of assembly ticket for Abeokuta South 1.

When that list came out in December, his name was there, he didn't know it was another sakamaje.

Afoo cried on Thursday when INEC released the final list and his name was nowhere to be found. Adejojo has taken over. Awon omo Yayi/Osoba da ara won mo. Won ti gba Afoo danu. They even said they can't trust him, that he once betrayed Dimeji Bankole, he recently betrayed Amosun.

That's why it is not good to be betrayer. Adejojo, who did not even partake in the primary at all now has the ticket. But Afoo, who actually won the APC primary is crying up and down like a baby.

O ma se o.

If you trust Dapo Abiodun, ti e ba e niyen o. Don't say I didn't tell you o.

Probe Dapo Abiodun now, court orders Ogun CP

Dapo Abiodun 

A Federal High Court sitting in Abeokuta has ordered the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, to investigate, invite and prosecute the governorship candidate of the All progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Mr Dapo Abiodun, over allegations of perjury and NYSC evasion.

Justice Shittu Abubakar granted the order of mandamus on January 23, in an exparte motion filed by the Labour Party Chairman in Ogun State, Abayomi Arabambi, in suit no: FHC/ABCS/4/2019.

Arabambi had earlier petitioned the Ogun police command to probe Dapo Abiodun over the allegations that he lied in an affidavit he submitted alongside his INEC form; and that he did not partake in the NYSC scheme.

It was learnt that the refusal of the state police command to act on Arabambi's petition was the reason why he went to court for an order directing and compelling the police to investigate the Ogun APC governorship candidate.

"Dapo Abiodun is expected to be in the police net, anytime soon." A source told African Advocate.

More troubles for Dapo Abiodun as Anisulowo drags him to court over NYSC certificate

It cannot be ascertained whether or not  the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, would contest the coming governorship election, considering the number of court cases challenging his candidacy.

There are reports that Sen. Iyabo Anisulowo has filed fresh charges against Abiodun over allegations that he evaded the NYSC scheme.

Dapo Abiodun, in his bids to escape being prosecuted, had hidden his university qualification as he filled in his INEC form that he holds only a secondary school certificate.

On a Channels TV interview, Abiodun denied holding a degree from Obafemi Awolowo University; claiming he dropped out.

But Anisulowo in her charges said Dapo Abiodun actually graduated from Kenesaw University in USA in the year 1989 at the age of 29.

It has been confirmed from the university that Dapo Abiodun truly obtained a BBA in Accounting in 1989.

The NYSC law mandates all graduates to serve the nation provided he graduated before 30.

NYSC evaders risk jail terms and fines if prosecuted.

As a result, Anisulowo asked an Abeokuta  federal high court to disqualify Dapo Abiodun from participating in the March 2 governorship election.

Recall that there have been two separate summons against Abiodun over his refusal to participate in the NYSC scheme.

Also, an APC governorship aspirant, Jimi Lawal is in court over the controversial primaries that returned Abiodun.

The development has  since generated tension among Abiodun's supporters.

An APC member in Abeokuta, John Shodipe  said he might drop his supports for Abiodun; adding "I don't want the PDP experience."

I'll do everything to ensure Akinlade wins - Wale Saranda

Akinlade addressing a crowd of supporters 

The Babalaje of Yewa land, Chief Adewale Adesina, has vowed that he would do all within his power to ensure the candidate of the Allied People's Movement (APM) in Ogun State, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade wins the 2019 governorship election.

Adesina, who is also the Adele of Iwoye land, made this vow while speaking at a campaign rally of the APM held at Iwoye, Yewa South Local Government area of the state on Thursday. 

Adesina, fondly addressed as Wale Saranda, reiterated that he would not relent in his efforts to achieve the Ogun West Agenda in 2019.

In his words, Adesina said, "Akinlade and I have been together since we were young. By the grace of God who owns heaven and earth, I will use all my strength, I will do everything, to make sure Akinlade wins. Our votes in Iwoye is for APM. Even if they bring N1 trillion, they will lose."

The billionaire businessman urged other political parties in the state not to waste their resources on a mission he said would end in futility, expressing his belief that Ogun West would get the coveted post this time with Akinlade. 

"If you are not in APM, don't waste your money in Iwoye and Ogun West. Those who brought millions during the APC primary lost. Once you are able to capture Egnr Akintomde and me, you are good to go. Everybody you see here today are not rented. You can't penetrate Iwoye with money."

In his advice to the APM guber candidate, Adesina said:

"Just copy Gov. Ibikunle Amosun in infrastructural development. Copy what he has done across the state. We know how many lives he saved in Ijebu-Ode. Look at Egbaland; Alake was almost removed for complaining about the roads. Now Amosun has turned around everything for good in Egba."

Similarly, the Onitoro of Itoro, Oba Fasina Elegbede said he was the happiest man on earth for having a Yewa man as the governorship candidate in Ogun. 

"Oba Elegbede disclosed that he would support Akinlade to win the governorship election, saying "why won't I support a governor that will be at my doorstep here. 

"I know with you as governor, the problems we have with roads here are over. You shall get there."

Speaking, Akinlade informed that he would hit the ground running once elected as governor. 

The lawmaker informed that he would start putting efforts in top gear the moment he becomes governor-elect; this he said would be made possible as a result of the cordial relationship between him and the present government.

He assured the people of Yewa South Local Government of massive infrastructural development across the state when elected.

Exclusive: What Buhari told Dapo Abiodun, Osoba in Aso Villa

By Tunji Ajisafe, Abeokuta

The inability of the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to talk about the discussions he had with President Muhammadu Buhari when asked during an interview session on Channels TV has sparked up speculations among political observers.

It was gathered that what transpired inside the Aso Villa was different from what the APC faction made people to believe.

A former Governor of Ogun, Chief Segun Osoba, had taken Abiodun to the Aso Villa last week after various failed attempts to gain access to the President.

Osoba, it was learnt, had told Buhari he was coming to present to him a copy of his book; using that opportunity to take Dapo Abiodun along.

In their meeting, a source informed African Advocate that the President did not mince words while expressing his dissatisfaction with the way Osoba and other politicians handled the APC primaries in the state.

The President, who was angry with Osoba, said he had decided to play a neutral role in the whole process so that he would not be seen as favouring a particular candidate.

Buhari, according to our source, said Ogun was one of the states where the APC was enjoying remarkable peace until the rancourous primary elections.

He was said to have told them he had charged all aggrieved members to go to court to seek redress, adding that he would not influence court rulings in favour of any aspirant.

The President therefore told Dapo Abiodun to go and face his election as he would not involve in any form of election rigging, neither would he stop any candidate from pursuing his ambition.

Osoba, report has it, later urged the President to lift up Dapo Abiodun's hand as a show of endorsement before the camera.

Ogun APC may not have governorship candidate for 2019 elections

Dapo Abiodun in a chat with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. PHOTO BY DAPO ABIODUN CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) may not have a governorship candidate in Ogun  State in the 2019 general elections. This Day Newspaper article reveals.

In the article published by the newspaper, it was learnt that, Dapo Abiodun, who is the governorship candidate of the party might be consumed by the allegations of perjury and NYSC evasion levied against him in different courts.

The paper however asserted that Jimi Lawal could not benefit from Dapo Abiodun's disqualification since he did not believe in the October 3 primary election that produced him. 

Recall that Jimi Lawal had gone to court, asking for the cancellation of the primary election that produced Abiodun. He said no election was held that day.

In this report of This Day Newspaper , it was read:

Following the charge that Mr. Dapo Abiodun was economical with the truth in the latest details he submitted in INEC FORM 001, the chances that he might still fly his party’s flag in the governorship elections in Ogun State appears uncertain. 

But the big question is: can Mr. Jimi Lawal, Abiodun’s main traducer, who was believed to have exposed the scandal, profit from his predicament? 

For Mr. Dapo Abiodun, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, this is not the best of time, politically. A raging storm with the potential to engulf his political ambition and indeed career appears to be encircling him even as it stretches his political sagacity to the limits.

Matter-of-factly, if the allegations against him are true as it is looking like, only a political solution could save his skin. That is if the APC apparatchik and the federal government play by the rule and allow the course of law to run without the slightest interference whatsoever.

The latest political storm threatening to consume his ambition to govern the state is certainly fiercer than the one he weathered to clinch the Ogun State governorship ticket of the APC...

Dapo Abiodun supporters to join APM as he battles court cases

Indications have emerged that some supporters of Prince Dapo Abiodun have started retracing their steps back to join the Gov Ibikunle Amosun camp to avoid losing out.

Dapo Abiodun became the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State in a rancourous primary many said never held. 

The situation has since divided the Ogun APC into factions.

The inability of the Adams Oshiomhole led National Working Committee to address the controversies that trailed the primary caused the party's consensus candidate, Adekunle Akinlade to defect to the Allied People's Movement (APM)

But the rancour in the APC in Ogun took a new dimension recently with allegations of perjury as well as evasion of NYSC scheme levied against Dapo Abiodun. 

The inability of the Iperu-born politician to defend himself or react to pressmen seeking clarifications on the allegations has dealt a big blow on his supporters.

It was learnt that the oil magnate is currently battling with not less three different court cases filed against him by aggrieved APC members, in which they ask the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify him. 

As a result of this, many of his supporters have started realigning with the Amosun camp in order not to be caught napping, in case Abiodun loses out in court. 

Checks by our correspondent confirmed that there is panic as well as cold feet among Dapo Abiodun's loyalists as none of them could predict whether or not he would survive the charges against him. 

African Advocate gathered that efforts by leaders of the group, including Chief Segun Osoba to calm down their followers proved abortive as they are not sure of victory at the court, especially with the NYSC issue.

A source, who confided in our correspondent, said:

"Many of us with Dapo Abiodun will have to go back to Amosun and join the APM where we know there are no court cases. Court today, court tomorrow is not what we should be doing two months to election. 

"Before, we have some confidence that we are going to defeat Jimi Lawal in court. But when they came up with perjury, NYSC evasion and so on, we got discouraged .

"Just yesterday, another people filed another charges against us. For how long will that continue? As politicians, we can't be hang our fate under court uncertainties. We need to move on. 

"If we choose to stay, he can win and he can lose, but we know he cannot win all the court cases before him."

Meanwhile, some APC protesters from Ogun State were in Abuja yesterday, praying the INEC and the APC to disqualify Dapo Abiodun and stop him from contesting the Ogun 2019 governorship election.

In a related development, Akinlade's APM launched its campaign in a well-attended event, getting the endorsement of about 60 political parties. 

Ogun 2019: 60 political parties adopt Adekunle Akinlade as their guber candidate

At least, 60 political parties have adopted the Ogun APM governorship candidate, Adekunle Akinlade, as their candidate for the 2019 election in the state. 

Among the political parties are Labour Party, APGA, KOWA, Green Party, Accord, YES and others. 

Leaders of the political parties declared their supports for Akinlade today during the official flag off of his campaign at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta.

The flag off, according to observers, was the first of its kind in the history of Ogun State, considering the massive turn out it recorded.

The event was more or less a carnival as hordes of crowd thronged the ancient city of Abeokuta in their thousands to declare their supports for the Ipokia-born politician.

Traditional rulers, students, transporters, traders and other well-meaning individuals from all walks of life were at the occasion to identify with Akinlade.

Celebrities like Shefiu Alao, Small Doctor, 9ice, Oritsefemi, Q. Dot, Gbenga Adeyinka (The First), Musiliu Haruna Ishola, K.Flex and others were at the rock city to entertain the crowd.

57 new buses were distributed to campaign committees in each of the 20 local governments and the 37 LCDAs.

Leaders of the party handed the party flags to Akinlade and other candidates of the party as they launched the 2019 election campaign.