Governor Abiodun and the Politics of Stability in Ogun East Senatorial District
*by Olufemi Aduwo

The political developments presently unfolding within the Ogun East Senatorial District require sober reflection, honesty and historical perspective. I make these observations not as an outsider, but as someone who has maintained cordial relationships with both Gbenga Daniel (whom I respectfully call him Ẹgbọn till date) and Senator Ibikunle Amosun over many years, both during their respective tenures as governors of Ogun State and long after they left office.

I visited Otunba Daniel at his country home in Sagamu and met him on several occasions at his Lagos residence. Likewise, I visited Senator Amosun while he was governor. My relationship with both men was neither casual nor opportunistic. Indeed, I rendered substantial assistance and support to Otunba Daniel during difficult moments in his political journey after he left office, and he is fully aware of this.

There was a period during the tenure of Senator Amosun when relations between both men deteriorated severely. Otunba Daniel himself told me that he could scarcely enter Abeokuta freely due to the prevailing political hostility. His hotel in Abeokuta was sealed by the government of Senator Amosun.

Out of concern for reconciliation and political stability, I personally pleaded with Senator Amosun in his office regarding the reopening of the hotel. Senator Amosun explained his reasons and grievances at the time. Whatever disagreements existed then have now become part of history, and it is commendable that both men presently coexist within the same political platform, the All Progressives Congress.

However, present realities must also be confronted with sincerity rather than sentimentality. During the 2023 APC senatorial primary election, Otunba Daniel defeated the incumbent Senator, Olalekan Mustapha. It is difficult to deny that without the decisive support and political accommodation extended by Governor Dapo Abiodun, such a victory would have been exceedingly difficult.At the time, Senator Mustapha possessed the natural advantages of incumbency and deep roots within the party structure. Governor Abiodun nevertheless created an atmosphere of inclusion and reconciliation which ultimately enabled Otunba Daniel’s emergence.

What many party faithful found troubling thereafter were the widespread allegations that Otunba Daniel worked against the Governor’s re-election during the 2023 governorship election. Whether wholly accurate or partly exaggerated, such perceptions generated considerable resentment within sections of the APC and inevitably weakened trust amongst party stakeholders.

The recent caucus meeting held in Ijebu-Ode regarding the Ogun East Senatorial District has equally generated unnecessary controversy. From available accounts, Governor Abiodun emerged as the preferred candidate through a process conducted within established party procedures. Otunba Daniel attended the meeting accompanied by individuals who were not recognised members of the caucus. Those individuals were denied entry because they lacked the constitutional standing to participate in what was strictly an internal caucus gathering.

To subsequently suggest publicly that he himself was denied entry was, at best, economical with the truth.He decided not to participate. It was only the unauthorised individuals accompanying him who were refused admission. Such distinctions are important in political communication and public honesty.

More importantly, the APC constitution clearly recognises both consensus arrangements and direct primary elections. Therefore,if Otunba Daniel genuinely believed the process was unfair, nothing prevented him from canvassing openly for a direct primary.Yet political realities within Ogun State remain unmistakable. Many within the party leadership strongly believe that Governor Abiodun presently represents the safer, stronger and more strategic option for the Ogun East Senatorial District.

The reasons are neither sentimental nor accidental. Governor Abiodun played a significant leadership role in stabilising the internal structure of the APC and in the political negotiations that produced Senator Yayi as the party’s gubernatorial candidate. At a period capable of generating dangerous factional conflict, he chose conciliation over confrontation and party unity over personal ego.

If the issue is considered from the standpoint of political compensation and loyalty, there is a persuasive argument that the Governor deserves the senatorial ticket. If it is assessed on the basis of leadership performance, administrative stability and political maturity, the argument becomes even stronger. His administration has recorded measurable progress in infrastructure development and fiscal management.

What is deeply regrettable however, is the increasingly hostile rhetoric allegedly emanating from certain overzealous supporters of Otunba Daniel. Resorting to insults, name-calling and inflammatory attacks neither strengthens his political position nor advances democratic engagement. Politics should never descend into destructive bitterness. Every political actor possesses a history capable of public scrutiny, and mutual restraint remains essential.

Otunba Daniel has exercised his constitutional and political right by obtaining nomination forms. That right must be respected. Nevertheless, the ultimate responsibility now rests with the leadership of the APC to determine the most appropriate path forward in the broader interest of party unity, electoral stability and political continuity. The party must therefore place collective interest above individual ambition.

Governor Abiodun has consistently demonstrated composure, leadership, reconciliation, and administrative discipline. Supporting him is not merely about advancing one political figure; it is about preserving internal stability and ensuring the continued progress of Ogun State under the APC.

Politics ultimately, is transient. Offices come and go, but the long-term stability and prosperity of the state must remain paramount. The wisest course for all concerned is to embrace maturity, avoid needless acrimony and allow the party leadership to take its decision without intimidation, emotional blackmail or orchestrated division.

Lagos Assembly Endorses Tinubu’s Second Term Bid, Names New Clerk

The Lagos State House of Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office, citing landmark reforms and achievements recorded under his administration and pledging to mobilise resources to ensure his re-election.

The motion was moved by Hon. Oladipo Ajomale, representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, during plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Tuesday, April 28.

After Hon. Ajomale’s motion, the legislators, one after the other, rose to trumpet the significant strides made under Tinubu’s leadership. They pointed to the removal of fuel subsidy, a bold reform that has saved the nation trillions of naira annually and redirected funds into infrastructure and social welfare. They also commended the unification of exchange rates, which has boosted transparency and attracted foreign investment inflows, stabilising the economy and restoring investor confidence.

The lawmakers praised the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has expanded access to higher education for millions of Nigerian youths. They noted that this initiative has provided unprecedented opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their academic dreams without financial barriers.

Infrastructure development was also a major talking point. Members cited the rehabilitation of refineries and the expansion of major projects, such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto-Badagry corridor. These projects, they argued, are not only improving connectivity across the country but also creating jobs and stimulating local economies.

Economic diplomacy under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was lauded, with lawmakers referencing the billions of dollars in foreign direct investment commitments secured from the United Kingdom, United States, and other global partners. They stressed that these investments are critical to Nigeria’s long-term growth and industrialisation agenda.

Food security initiatives were equally acknowledged. The Assembly noted the removal of import duties on rice and wheat, alongside the release of grain reserves to cushion the impact of inflation on households. These measures, they said, demonstrate the administration’s responsiveness to the needs of ordinary Nigerians.

Speaker Obasa, in his closing remarks, affirmed that the resolution reflects Lagos’ leadership role among state legislatures nationwide. He declared that President Tinubu’s administration has delivered “tangible and impactful achievements” across sectors.

“From stabilising our economy through subsidy reforms to empowering our youths with education loans, President Tinubu has renewed the hope of Nigerians. Lagos, as a pace-setter, stands firmly behind his second-term bid. If other political parties want to contest, they must first tell Nigerians what they achieved when given the chance to govern,” Obasa stated.

The Speaker emphasised that the endorsement was not merely symbolic but a demonstration of the Assembly’s unity and commitment to progress. He noted that Lagos has always been at the forefront of legislative innovation and political leadership, and this resolution further cements its role as a trailblazer among state assemblies.

In a related development, the Assembly confirmed new appointments within its administrative ranks. Mrs. Adenike Oshinowo, formerly Deputy Clerk, was announced as the new Clerk of the House, making history as the first female to occupy the position. Her appointment was described as a recognition of her dedication and years of service to the Assembly.

Other confirmations included Mr. Olaosebikan Ebenezer, former Deputy Director, Legislative, as Deputy Clerk; Mrs. Latifat Ogbara as substantive Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission (LAHASCOM), Mr. Remi Bello as Commissioner in LAHASCOM, and Mrs Adeola Victoria Modupe as Secretary to the Commission. These appointments, according to the Speaker, strengthen the Assembly’s administrative capacity and underscore its commitment to effective governance.

The Speaker congratulated the appointees and urged them to discharge their duties with diligence and integrity. He stressed that the Assembly’s administrative reforms will enhance efficiency and ensure that the legislature continues to serve the people of Lagos effectively.

*Failing To Deliver In First Term Undermines The Case For A Second*
-Apostle Suleman assesses Tinubu’s four years performance

Apostle Johnson Suleman, the general overseer of Omega Fire Ministries, has criticized President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, citing poor economic performance and insecurity as justification for his stance.

In a sermon, the cleric argued that failing to deliver in the first term undermines the case for a second.

The firebrand pastor spoke during a Sunday service in Auchi, Edo State, where he delivered a sermon titled “Power to Get Wealth”, a video of which went viral on Tuesday.

The famous cleric said the current realities facing the country should prompt deeper reflection on the justification for another term in office for Tinubu.

Suleman delivered a scathing critique of the administration’s track record, arguing that a leader’s first term is typically their most productive period. He questioned the logic of seeking re-election after a perceived four-year period of inactivity, suggesting that if a government fails to deliver on its initial promises, it forfeits the justification for a second term. He further asserted that any leadership secured through electoral malpractice rather than popular vote would ultimately face divine or historical judgment.

“Performance is the best form of campaign. If you don’t perform, that’s why you are destroying the opposition because you fail. Is it a spell that you can’t talk? Are these good? Is the country good? The dollar rose from N460 to N1,500. See fuel. What do you want to come back and do? What are you coming back to do? I have followed the system. You see some of us now. They are going to the news house to analyse what we are saying.”

The cleric further clarified that his criticism was not directed specifically at the former Lagos State governor’s administration, noting that he had also spoken out during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He added that when he raised concerns about perceived wrongdoings under Jonathan’s government, some officials within the administration applauded his comments.

“These same people. When the Chibok girls were kidnapped, and I was speaking about Jonathan, you failed. They were clapping for me. Because they were attacking everyone just to lay hold of power. Performance is the best form of campaign. That’s the truth. You failed a class. You want to come back again? If you fail, go. Most of you are not in politics.

“Get involved. Again, how can you get involved when people have now occupied your space? You can’t be the local government chairman unless you’re in a clique. Local government chairman, chairman of the local people. You can’t be there unless you’re in a clique. They will pick you. It’s not by election. It’s by selection. They will pick you. So everything is corrupted”, said Suleman.

The cleric observed that the current administration has yet to record a definitive victory over any of the nation’s core challenges. While acknowledging that resolving every systemic issue simultaneously is unrealistic, he maintained that a successful leadership must be able to demonstrate a clear, tangible resolution of at least one primary concern to earn public confidence.

“Get one thing right. Nigerians are not asking for too much. If you can’t get power, give us security. If you can’t provide security, let us buy things cheaply. Just do one thing right. Light is zero. You even have solar in the Villa (Aso Rock). Go around the world as I do. I was talking to my friend; his battery was going down to 7 per cent. I said, ‘Charge your phone.’ He said, ‘When the battery goes out, I’ll charge it.’

“I suddenly remembered. Why was I telling him to charge his phone? Because I thought they would soon take light. He said, ‘When my phone is off, I will charge it.’ I said, ‘You wait for your phone to go off?’ He said, ‘If it goes off, I’ll charge it then.’ I said, ‘Hey.’ As I’m talking to you now, if you enter a supermarket anywhere, you’ll see a charging space. Madam, I beg. Glory to God,” he said.

More so, stated the man of God, wherever the the administration performed well, I’ll acknowledged and commended it.

He added that he was not a politician and did not belong to any political party, stressing that he spoke frankly and called things as he saw them.

“One December, they subsidised transportation. I said, ‘This is good.’ If it’s good, I will talk. If it’s bad, I will talk. I’m not at a party. I will say it. If you do well, I’m not an average Nigerian who, once they hate you, there’s nothing good you do. They don’t like you. You can’t be good in their eyes. If you do well, I will come out and commend you. When the Dollar dropped, and the Naira came up, I stood on this pulpit. I commended them.

“I said, now they are doing well. Also, when people are being kidnapped, I will come here. I will talk. When people are hungry, I will speak. It’s not biased. It’s so that you can step up. So far, you have failed. So far. It’s not biased. Everybody wants to lead. You are asking yourself, where are we going? I’m not standing anywhere. I’m standing on what is right.”

The cleric expressed optimism that God would transform the country for the better, adding that those currently alive would live to witness the Nigeria of their dreams.

“We will be alive, and at 1am, people will travel, and nobody will hurt them. God is not just about prayer. God will raise people somehow who will access power and show one act of selflessness.”

Apostle Suleman further stated that it is not out of pleasure that many people living abroad leave their home country.

He said they are not necessarily seeking greater wealth, but rather a better quality of life and personal security.

According to him, what is currently happening in Nigeria reflects a system that has broken down.

“There are people abroad today who are not abroad because they want too much wealth. It’s because they want safety. That’s why somebody can leave as a medical doctor and become a taxi driver abroad. You are laughing at him, but he is in a safe atmosphere.

He wants to be able to go out without worrying about being kidnapped. Today, to travel in Nigeria, you have to pray and believe in God for a safe journey. Is that the country?”

“So, we have to be very careful. Don’t mock them when they are abroad. How can somebody leave this place and go there? He is safe. I interact with people as I travel.

They tell me, ‘See, Apostle, I don’t like this place I am in. I want to go back home. But I am safe here.’ I don’t want too much. I want to be able to go to the farm and come back safely, but that is not what we have now,” said the popular cleric.