Politics

Ekiti PDP Governorship candidate, Kolapo Olusola rejects results, heads to court

Published

8 years ago

July 16, 2018

Deputy Governor of Ekiti State and candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Saturday governorship poll, Kolapo Olusola has rejected the results of the poll as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which declared All Progressive Congress (APC) Kayode Fayemi as winner.

Olusola justified his claims with allegations of intimidation, oppression and inducement by security agents which he claimed aided and abetted APC’s alleged manipulation of the electoral process that all gave Fayemi the victory.

He declared his rejection of the poll’s result to Nigerians, Ekiti people and the international community, saying: ” You are all aware of the unfortunate and dangerous events of the past 24 hours, in which our governorship election was hijacked by political desperadoes leveraging on “Federal might” to pervert the electoral process, subvert the will of Ekiti people, and viciously steal the mandate willingly and freely given to me on a massive scale by our people. PDP and I won the election overwhelmingly, receiving more than 70% of lawful votes cast and winning in almost all of the State’s 16 local government areas. I therefore reject the falsified results being bandied by the Independent National Electoral Commission, which purportedly gave the election to the All Progressives Congress and its Candidate; Dr. John Kayode Fayemi,” he said.

Olusola described the alleged manipulation of the poll as:” most audacious electoral robbery of our recent history”, which: “shall not stand”.

He alleged further that APC rigged the poll by leveraging on: ” its well-advertised but patently obnoxious and anti-democratic “Federal might” to intimidate, harass, victimize, oppress, and brutalize PDP leaders, members, and the voting public all over Ekiti “, saying; “This brutal and barbaric process, which started well before the election, did not spare Governor Ayo Fayose and me; as the whole world had seen and had condemned. It is quite unfortunate that the harassment has continued even after the election. ”

Taking on the INEC, Olusola said:”On Saturday, July 14th, the security agencies and INEC upped the ante, threw all caution to the wind, went back on their promises to be impartial and to conduct credible elections; they sided with APC and Fayemi to the chagrin of our party, myself, and the good people of Ekiti State. Despite the alarm we had earlier raised, the security agencies not only supported but also supervised the indiscriminate arrest of our party leaders and agents, the harassment and brutalization of voters on a massive scale, especially in Ado-Ekiti, Ikere and the suburbs, giving cover, tacit as well as active support to thugs imported into Ekiti by APC to snatch ballot boxes, create confusion, cause mayhem, and drive away voters in PDP strongholds, giving cover to APC agents as they financially and openly induced voters and bought votes at polling stations; and driving away our polling agents from collation centres and illegal seizure of documents and materials in their possession, among many other infractions.”

“INEC on its own part reneged on its promise to have results counted, declared, and pasted on the wall of each polling station. There was nowhere INEC transmitted results from the polling centres as earlier promised. Ballot boxes were illegally moved to INEC offices while our agents were disallowed from following the process.

” INEC also allowed late voting by APC in hideouts when it was obvious the figures still would not add up after all the infractions mentioned above. Still, when all of these shenanigans still failed to give them the figures they needed, they stopped the announcement of results ward-by-ward, caused a deliberate power outage at the collation centre, with no alternative source of power provided for a long time, and then wrote results in favour of APC and its candidate.

“Without doubt, what has played out in Ekiti is the APC template for the 2019 General Election, where they have mapped out Rivers and Akwa Ibom as States they must capture at all costs, like they are now trying to do Ekiti. It is now left for the opposition and opposition figures, most especially presidential hopefuls in 2019, to stand up to be counted in the struggle to roll back President Muhammadu Buhari’s creeping fascism, or throw in the towel without a fight.

” This is not just a sad day for Ekiti but also for democracy in Nigeria. Nothing demonstrates this better than the gloom that has enveloped our dear State since they announced their convoluted result. Ekiti mourns! But I ask our people not to be despondent but to keep hope alive, quoting the inimitable Chief MKO Abiola. This is another battle we will fight and win.

“In doing this, however, I appeal to all Ekiti sons and daughters to eschew violence. They will try and provoke you but the good Lord will help you to keep calm. Taking a cue from our great leader and democrat par excellence, ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, I wish to reiterate that my ambition is not worth the blood of a single Ekiti son or daughter. We are not cultists and bloody hounds like them and shall therefore not allow them turn Ekiti into a killing field like they have done in the Middle Belt.

“It remains for me to thank Ekiti for standing by me and our great party. Our royal fathers and the Oloris, teachers, civil servants, Okada riders, Labour leaders, market women, artisans, and students – I appreciate your unflinching support. We thank every Nigerian desirous to see the growth and defence of our renascent democracy.

“We thank the international community for their efforts and trust they will not let our people down in this their most trying moment. Those bent on setting this country on fire for selfish reasons must be restrained and turned back by the international community, mindful of the recent experience of Rwanda, Kosovo, Liberia, Sierra-Leone, Cote D’Ivoire, to mention but a few,” he said

Politics

2027: Team Makinde Will Take Governor, Senate, Reps, Assembly Seats — Ajadi

Published

1 day ago

May 8, 2026

Sahara Weekly

2027: Team Makinde Will Take Governor, Senate, Reps, Assembly Seats — Ajadi

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State have reportedly begun strategic consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with indications emerging that the party is working towards a consensus arrangement aimed at strengthening unity and consolidating its political dominance across the state.

This development was disclosed by prominent politician and gubernatorial aspirant, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, during an interaction with journalists on Thursday, May 7, where he expressed confidence that Governor Seyi Makinde and members of what he described as “Team Seyi Makinde” would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections.

Ajadi stated that PDP leaders, during a closed-door meeting attended by Governor Makinde, the state PDP chairman, and other influential stakeholders, unanimously resolved that he should contest for the Oyo Central Senatorial seat rather than continue with his gubernatorial ambition.

According to him, the leaders emphasized that his wealth of experience, political exposure, grassroots popularity, and developmental vision would make him a strong voice for Oyo Central at the National Assembly.

“They told me that the Senate remains a strategic platform where I can contribute immensely to the growth and integration of Oyo State and Nigeria at large through purposeful lawmaking and quality representation,” Ajadi said.

“We will take all political positions in Oyo State without leaving any behind in 2027,” Ajadi declared, expressing confidence in Team Makinde.

They said my passion for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, education, industrial growth, and infrastructural development would be better amplified from the Red Chamber. Their position was that Oyo State needs experienced and energetic leaders in the National Assembly who can attract federal presence and influence policies that directly benefit the people.”

Ajadi further revealed that the leaders stressed the need for party unity and collective sacrifice ahead of the elections.

“Politics is about service, loyalty, and strategic planning. The leaders made it clear that the interest of the party and the development of Oyo State must come first. I am a loyal party man, and I respect the decision of the leaders,” he added.

However, Ajadi also disclosed during the interview that he has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party and has concluded plans to contest for the Senate under another political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Although he declined to mention the name of the political party he intends to join, the politician hinted that consultations with political associates and supporters across Oyo State and beyond were ongoing.

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2027: Team Makinde Will Take Governor, Senate, Reps, Assembly Seats — Ajadi
The Merit Newspaper by THE MERIT NEWSPAPER May 8, 2026
Ajadi Resigns from PDP, Cites New Political Direction
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READ ALSO:Hamzat Gains Massive APC Support for 2027 Race

“We will take all political positions in Oyo State without leaving any behind in 2027,” Ajadi declared, expressing confidence in Team Makinde.

READ ALSO:Ajadi Resigns from PDP, Cites New Political Direction

“They said my passion for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, education, industrial growth, and infrastructural development would be better amplified from the Red Chamber. Their position was that Oyo State needs experienced and energetic leaders in the National Assembly who can attract federal presence and influence policies that directly benefit the people.”

Ajadi further revealed that the leaders stressed the need for party unity and collective sacrifice ahead of the elections.

READ ALSO:K1 De Ultimate Praises Okiki Bright’s Tribute Record

“I have moved on politically and consultations are ongoing with leaders and supporters. At the appropriate time, Nigerians and the good people of Oyo State will know the political platform on which I intend to pursue my senatorial ambition,” Ajadi stated.

He maintained that his political movement was driven by his desire to continue contributing meaningfully to governance, youth development, economic empowerment, and quality representation.

Party sources disclosed that the earlier consensus arrangement was designed to reduce internal friction, foster harmony among aspirants, and present formidable candidates capable of retaining and expanding the PDP’s political structure across the three senatorial districts.

According to the arrangement, the proposed consensus candidates for the Senate were said to include:

Oyo Central: Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo
Oyo South: Adedeji Stanley Olajide
Oyo North: Shina Abiola Peller

Sources within the party also indicated that former Commissioner for Finance in Oyo State, Bimbo Adekanmbi, is being considered as the party’s preferred governorship candidate.

Ajadi, while speaking on the future of governance in Oyo State, declared that the achievements of the Makinde administration had positioned the state for continued political and economic growth.

He praised Governor Makinde for what he described as visionary leadership, infrastructural transformation, reforms in education and healthcare, and efforts toward improving the economy of the state.

“Governor Seyi Makinde has changed the political and developmental narrative of Oyo State. The people can see the roads, schools, healthcare improvements, and economic reforms. Good governance will always speak for itself,” Ajadi stated.

He also assured his supporters that his political ambition remains focused on service to the people.

“Our goal is not just about elections but about sustaining development, empowering young people, supporting businesses, and ensuring that every part of Oyo State benefits from quality representation and good governance,” he said.

Political observers believe Ajadi’s growing influence, particularly among youths and grassroots supporters, has continued to strengthen his relevance within the political landscape of Oyo State.

Known for his philanthropic activities, support for entrepreneurship, and active involvement in community development initiatives, Ajadi has increasingly become one of the notable political voices in the state’s evolving political environment.

The latest development is expected to generate fresh political discussions and realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections in Oyo State.

Politics

Ajadi Resigns from PDP, Cites New Political Direction

Published

2 days ago

May 7, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Ajadi Resigns from PDP, Cites New Political Direction

A prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has officially resigned from the party, citing the need to pursue his ambition on another political platform due to the unresolved crisis at the national level of the PDP.

Ajadi said the lingering internal crisis within the party could pose legal challenges to his aspiration in the long run.

In a resignation letter dated May 6, 2026, and addressed to the Oyo State Chairman of the PDP at the party’s Secretariat in Molete, Ibadan, Ajadi said his decision followed “extensive consultations and careful reflection” on his political future and ideological direction.

The letter, routed through the PDP Ward Chairman of Ward 8, Osengere in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State, marks a significant political development within the party in the state.

“I am writing to officially notify you of my decision to resign from the membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effective immediately,” Ajadi stated in the letter.

The politician, who has remained active in political discourse and youth-oriented development initiatives across Oyo State, stressed that his decision was not driven by personal ambition but by the need to avoid possible legal disputes that could affect his gubernatorial aspiration.

This decision comes after extensive consultations and careful reflection on my political direction, particularly in relation to the broader state and national vision of unity, progress, and sustainable leadership that I remain deeply committed to pursuing,” he said.

Ajadi, known for his grassroots political engagements and philanthropic activities across Oyo State, expressed gratitude to the PDP leadership at the national, state, and ward levels for the opportunities and support he enjoyed during his time in the party.

“I wish to express my profound appreciation to the national leadership of the PDP for the opportunity to pursue my political ambition under the party’s banner, as well as acknowledge the unwavering support, guidance, and cooperation I received from the state leadership and the ward chapter throughout my political journey within the party,” he added.

Describing politics as a vehicle for service rather than personal rivalry, Ajadi emphasised his continued commitment to democratic participation and nation-building.

“Politics, for me, has always been a calling to serve humanity, not a contest of egos,” he declared. “I remain grateful for the trust reposed in me and for the platform the PDP provided to engage constructively in nation-building and democratic participation.”

Political observers in Oyo State believe Ajadi’s resignation could trigger fresh political alignments ahead of future contests in the state, especially considering his influence among youths and grassroots supporters.

Although Ajadi did not disclose his next political destination in the letter, sources close to the politician hinted that consultations are ongoing with associates and stakeholders across different political platforms.

The development is expected to generate reactions within the Oyo State political landscape, particularly among PDP loyalists and opposition blocs monitoring emerging alliances ahead of future elections.

In a conciliatory tone, Ajadi praised members of the PDP for their resilience and patriotism while praying for the continued success of the party in strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

“I salute the courage, resilience, and patriotism of all PDP members and pray that the party continues to play its vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and fostering good governance,” he stated.

He further noted that he was leaving the party with “no bitterness or regret,” describing his experience within the PDP as “fulfilling and memorable.”

“As I take a new path in my political journey, I do so with no bitterness or regret, but with sincere gratitude to every member of the PDP family who contributed to making my experience both fulfilling and memorable,” Ajadi reiterated.

Politics

Buratai’s Loyalty to APC and the Failure of a Viral Smear Campaign

Published

2 days ago

May 7, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Buratai’s Loyalty to APC and the Failure of a Viral Smear Campaign

By Femi Oyewale

The recent attempt to portray former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), as a critic of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and an admirer of the opposition coalition may have exposed more than just another fake news operation, it has exposed the contradictions embedded within modern political propaganda.

The viral publication, circulated by an obscure online platform, alleged that Buratai declared that President Tinubu had “failed to meet expectations” while commending the opposition coalition. Yet the report failed to provide the most basic ingredients of credible journalism: where the statement was made, when it was made, and who witnessed it.

Buratai’s swift denial was unsurprising. What is more striking, however, is the glaring irony surrounding the entire smear campaign.
At a time when the former army chief is visibly and actively participating in activities of the ruling All Progressives Congress, critics attempted to paint him as an anti-government figure. Only recently, Buratai reportedly served as a member of the security committee during the APC National Convention , hardly the role of a man allegedly plotting politically against his own party.

Even more revealing is the political aspiration of his son, Tukur Buratai Tukur, who is currently pursuing a seat in the Borno State House of Assembly to represent Biu Constituency under the banner of the APC.
Campaign posters promoting the younger Buratai’s ambition are already in circulation, carrying APC insignia and messages centered on “effective representation and quality service.” Recent public appearances equally showed the elder Buratai openly endorsing and supporting the aspiration.

This raises an obvious question: Why would a man allegedly opposed to the APC government simultaneously participate in APC national structures while backing his son’s political future within the same party?
The contradiction weakens the credibility of the viral publication and reinforces suspicions that the report was politically motivated.

In today’s digital political climate, fake news has become a weapon designed not merely to misinform, but to manufacture confusion, trigger division, and manipulate public perception. Public figures, especially those with national visibility and influence, increasingly find themselves targeted by coordinated misinformation campaigns.
Buratai’s response reflected not only personal outrage but also concern over the broader implications of unchecked falsehoods in Nigeria’s political space.

Reaffirming his loyalty to the APC and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the retired general maintained that his allegiance to constituted authority remains intact after over four decades in military service.

Whether one agrees with Buratai politically or not, the episode serves as another reminder of how easily fabricated narratives can spread in an era where sensational headlines often travel faster than verified facts.

And perhaps that is the greatest irony of all: while the authors of the smear campaign sought to create doubts about Buratai’s loyalty, the facts surrounding his recent political activities appear to tell an entirely different story.