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Ekiti Governorship: Factors in favour of Babafemi Ojudu

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“If we don’t tackle this problem now, help this people out, our children
will not be able to visit this place, not to talk of live here in the
future.” These were the exact words used by Senator Babafemi Ojudu in a
prose elegy he wrote for late Olufunmilayo Adunni Olayinka, who died
while serving as deputy to the immediate past governor of Ekiti State,
Dr John Kayode Fayemi.
Ojudu titled the elegy ‘Adunni: The journey of an accidental
politician’. Though he claimed the words were not his and he credited
them to the late deputy governor, who happened to be a native of Ado
Ekiti like him, they could as well be described as a retrospection of
sort. Due to some characters displayed by Ojudu over time, which people
have described as alien to political conducts, it might not be wrong for
the Senator and Special Adviser to have on different occasions asked
himself why he was venturing into the rough tidal terrain of Nigerian
politics. But, again, Senator Ojudu is a resolute fighter, who would not
give up on his conviction. He would have consoled himself with the words
of the legendary Plato that one of the penalties for refusing to
participate in politics is that one ends up being governed by one’s
inferiors.
From being a journalist to a human rights activist to a pro-democracy
activist to a reformer, then a Senator and currently a Special Adviser
to the President of Nigeria on Political Matters, Ojudu’s journey of
becoming a politician is a highly inspiring one. Though he is neither an
infantile democrat nor a rookie progressive, his venturing into politics
must have been informed by the belief that politics was too serious a
matter to be left to the politicians. His mindset has always been that
whenever the rights of one man are threatened, the rights of every man
are diminished. This explains why he has contested and won an election
before, and has, as well, been appointed a political adviser. He is
well-known for his innovative ideas and initiatives raising
revolutionary consciousness in people.
As Ekiti State goes in search of a governor that will right all the
wrongs of the incumbent Ayodele Fayose, and as the progressives in the
All Progressives Congress jostle for the single ticket, which would
serve as the ace, certain factors must notch an aspirant above others.
And when one thinks of the character traits that make a good politician
like integrity and optimism, Senator Babafemi Ojudu soars shoulder high
above the rest aspirants, especially considering the following factors
that can just not be overlooked:
History of political activism: Senator Babafemi Ojudu rates very high
among those who fought for the return of democracy in Nigeria as
currently being enjoyed. Even as a journalist, Ojudu played a very
active part in not only reorientating journalists in the country towards
emancipation from dictatorship, but confronting the military
dictatorship headlong. He was unfairly incarcerated for fighting for the
entrenchment of democratic rule in Nigeria. He suffered other forms of
persecutions, but his spirit remained non-shattered until democracy was
achieved.
Boldness: In everything he does, Ojudu puts boldness into it. Boldness
in this contest doesn’t mean being rude, obnoxious, loud, or
disrespectful. Rather, Ojudu’s boldness makes him to be firm, sure,
confident, fearless, daring, strong, resilient, and not easily
intimidated. It means he is ever willing to go where he has never been,
willing to try what he has never tried, and willing to trust the team he
leads that they will always trust his leadership. Ojudu’s boldness is an
honest one, and it comes to him naturally. It is roused by the assurance
that he is always doing his best to right the wrongs. For instance, when
Babangida said he was interested in running for president in the 2011
democratic elections, Ojudu, yet a journalist, boldly said that the
second coming of Babangida to rule the nation should be resisted by
every Nigerian who wanted progress for the country. In his words,
“Babangida does not have anything good to offer us. We have suffered
enough in his hands… He is a trickster. Look at how many journalists
were killed during his time. Look at what he did to our colleagues
(journalists)… Look at what happened to our institutions when he was
around. He destroyed the system and he is now seeking to come back”.
Doggedness: Everyone who has ventured into pursuing a course alongside
Ojudu will attest to his doggedness and tenacity. According to Malcolm
Gladwell, success is a function of persistence and doggedness and the
willingness to work hard for twenty-two minutes to make sense of
something that most people would give up on after thirty seconds. That
is Babafemi Ojudu for you. He is determined. Even in the face of
setbacks, you will find him displaying a high dose of enthusiasm and
persistence. His never-say-die spirit is not only legendary but
contagious, as he would always encourage those around him never to give
up. Ojudu remains the only person within the progressive fold that has
beaten Fayose hands down in a political contest. In the April 2011
election for the Ekiti Central Senatorial seat, Ojudu polled 67,747
running on the ACN platform to beat Ayo Fayose, then Labour Party (LP)
candidate and former Ekiti State Governor to a distant third with 29,773
votes. This is the only political dent that Fayose has to date, and
which has kept him shut from boasting that he is unbeatable in Ekiti
politics.
Integrity: Ojudu is straightforward and has come to challenge the
assumption that an honest politician is one of those oxymoron that
people don’t dare fantasize about. Alongside the first two traits, he
displays a high sense of integrity, which may have been his source of
boldness. One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to
be compromised. With integrity, Ojudu has not and cannot be compromised.
He has nothing to fear, and he has nothing to hide. His character reads
like an open book. Like Bob Marley once observed, the greatness of a man
is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his
ability to affect those around him positively.
The Ado Factor: If indeed tyranny of the majority counts as an inherent
weakness of direct democracy and majority rule in which the majority of
an electorate can and does place its own interests above, and at the
expense of, those in the minority, then one would need to take the
voting demography of Ekiti, with the domination of Ado Ekiti, serious as
the state approaches the next governorship election.
More than 60 people are jostling for the Ekiti governorship seat just in
all the political parties fielding candidates. 33 of them are vying for
the single slot within the APC. Yet among all of them, only Senator
Babafemi Ojudu is contesting from Ado Ekiti, the one-town local
government area and state capital, with the highest voting capacity of
180,000. Ikere, which comes next to Ado with 55,000 voting capacity, has
the highest number of aspirants for the coveted seat, including Fayose’s
deputy and surrogate, Professor Kolapo Olusola Eleka of PDP. Segun Oni
is from Ifaki in Ijero Local Government and he has other aspirants to
contest with from his LGA. Fayemi, who is from Oye Local Government will
be slugging it out with no fewer than five other aspirants from his
local government. So are all others, except Ojudu who is standing as the
lone runner from Ado Ekiti. This cannot be explained off as a mere
coincidence, but as a deliberate attempt by the people of Ado to pack
their political strength behind their courageous son, thus may have
discouraged any other indigene from pitting against Ojudu.
Apart from these factors that may count in the build up to the 14 July
governorship election in Ekiti State, Senator Babafemi Ojudu also has
some character traits that should be taken into consideration in
determining who the governorship cap fits. They include honesty,
intelligence, good instincts, diplomacy, loyalty, passion, team spirit,
listening skills and empathy.

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Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

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Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

 

Supporters of former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, have dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that the retired army general is working against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

In a statement issued on Friday by Engr. Hassan Mohammed, Sarkin Yakin Garkuwan Keffi, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin was described as a committed statesman who remains loyal to constituted authority and dedicated to Nigeria’s unity and stability.

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

The statement noted that Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff and later as ambassador, had throughout his career demonstrated discipline, professionalism and respect for constitutional authority.
According to Mohammed, the retired lieutenant general has consistently expressed support for the Tinubu administration and its Renewed Hope agenda, particularly in the areas of national security, youth empowerment and national cohesion.

 

He said, “Gen. Buratai remains a committed Nigerian statesman who has always placed national interest above personal politics.”
The statement further described reports linking Buratai to alleged anti-government activities as “baseless, politically motivated and aimed at creating unnecessary division.”

Mohammed urged Nigerians to disregard what he called attempts at blackmail and misinformation, insisting that Buratai’s public record and engagements reflect his continued support for the current administration.

“His actions and public record speak louder than online rumours,” the statement added.
The supporters also called on the public to remain focused on issues that promote national development and unity rather than social media speculation.

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General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

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General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has urged Nigerians to support young people in pursuing their dreams and taking active roles in politics, as he publicly endorsed the political ambition of his son, Tukur Buratai Jnr.

Buratai, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, made the call in a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, where he expressed support for his son’s decision to contest for the Biu Constituency seat in the Borno State House of Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress⁠�.

According to the retired military chief, Nigeria’s future depends largely on its youthful population, stressing that excluding young people from governance and leadership would hinder national growth and development.

He noted that Nigerian youths should not merely be regarded as leaders of tomorrow, but as active contributors and solution providers capable of shaping the country’s future today.

Buratai further emphasized the need to create opportunities and an enabling environment for young Nigerians to thrive politically, economically, and socially, describing youth inclusion as critical to nation-building.

The endorsement of Captain Buratai Jnr, a pilot, is being viewed by political observers as a symbolic transfer of leadership ideals, discipline, and patriotism from one generation to another.

His candidacy is also expected to inject youthful energy and fresh perspectives into legislative representation in Biu Constituency ahead of future political contests.

As preparations gradually begin towards the next electoral cycle, Buratai’s message is likely to resonate among young Nigerians seeking greater participation in governance and public service.

 

General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

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Buratai Celebrates Ex-Internal Affairs Minister, General Magoro, At 85

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Buratai Urges FG to Form School Safety Task Force

Buratai Celebrates Ex-Internal Affairs Minister, General Magoro, At 85

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has paid glowing tribute to retired Major General Muhammadu Magoro on the occasion of his 85th birthday, describing him as “a national hero and a general par excellence.”

 

 

 

In a congratulatory message issued on Thursday, Buratai hailed Magoro’s decades of service to Nigeria, noting that his military and political careers remained a model of patriotism, discipline, and leadership.

Magoro, who holds the traditional title of Mutawallen of Kebbi Kingdom, served as a commander during the Nigerian Civil War, later becoming Minister of Internal Affairs and a senator during the Second Republic.

 

Buratai said the retired general’s contributions to national development and security had earned him recognition both within and outside Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

He also acknowledged Magoro’s role in mentoring younger military officers, including himself, stressing that the elder statesman’s guidance and professional conduct had inspired generations of military leaders.

 

 

The former army chief recalled recently reconnecting with Magoro during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Arewa Consultative Forum in Kaduna, describing the meeting as symbolic of the enduring bond among those who had served the nation selflessly.

 

 

 

 

“As you mark this 85th birthday, I pray that Almighty Allah continues to bless you with good health, peace of mind, and many more fruitful years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

He further noted that Magoro’s legacy would continue to inspire future leaders across military and civilian institutions in the country.

 

 

 

Buratai concluded the message by wishing the elder statesman a memorable celebration, declaring that “Nigeria salutes” him for his sacrifices and enduring service to the nation.

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