Politics
OPINION: The North-South Political Alliance and The Unending Intrigues of Power by WOLE ARISEKOLA
Frantically, I have never been desperate for anything all my life. Never! And how I wish everyone can honestly say so about themselves.
Most Nigerians are very desperate to acquire money, fame and political power.
I think the idea of getting something at all cost can drive one crazy, leading someone to take decisions that can stop him or her from making heaven and drive out all the rational thoughts from a person’s brain.
I appreciate the word ‘consistency’ and I am conscious of the word ‘loyalty’.
But to be frank, the politics of alliance with our brothers in the Northern part of Nigeria always comes with a price. Let me take you down memory lane; when Chief S.L Akintola formed an alliance with the Northern Party, National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) against Chief Awolowo’s Action Group, majority of the people in Awolowo’s camp incited the Yorubas against him. They turned his people against him.
All the good things he was known for were forgotten. He was assassinated in the coup that followed that election.
Another example was Alhaji Lateef Jakande; he was the most popular among the governors elected on the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic. He was referred to as “Baba Kekere”, meaning second in command to Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
When the Military took over and he was nominated as a Minister, many Yoruba people went against it. He was told not to have anything to do with the military government. He went against the opinion of the Yorubas and his political career was destroyed till today. He lost his relevance in Yoruba politics.
Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola will serve as my third example.
Late Chief MKO Abiola was a successful businessman and a detribalized Nigerian. As a philanthropist, he was unrivaled. He was generous to a fault. His sin in Yorubaland before he died was that he associated himself with the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) which was seen by many in the South West as a Northern party against their beloved UPN.
Chief Abiola was not accepted politically in the South West before the military annulled his election.
National Democratic Coalition, NADECO was formed after Chief Abiola’s election was annulled by the General Babangida regime.
Chief Abiola eventually died in military custody in 1998 while fighting for both his freedom and the actualization of his mandate.
Aare Abdulazeez Arisekola Alao makes the fourth example and what actually happened to Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu last week is like child’s play compared to what Arisekola went through during his lifetime for being in support of Northerners in the South West.
Late Aare Arisekola was nearly killed at the University of Ibadan by the well-organized political thugs who infiltrated the students on the campus of University of Ibadan. About 23 of his exotic cars were burnt to ashes. Despite being guarded by the best security operatives in the world, he sustained a deep cut on his head.
Not satisfied, the mob went to his companies in Ibadan and Lagos and burned them down.
A month before that incident, Aare had sent a message to Akolad, his contractor and father of former Commissioner of Finance under Senator Ajimobi, Bimbo Adekanbi.
He asked Akolad to go and renovate and fortify his office.
It was as if he knew that something of that nature would happen. He travelled abroad and over 100 exotic cars were parked inside his office. His business partner, Mr Tribute was around and some cash were kept in the office for day to day activities of running the business. All these were burnt down to nothing.
Arisekola Alao lost over 150 cars and property worth billions of Naira as his properties were torched.
When his friend, realized this monumental loss, he ordered the Federal Government to pay him a compensation of ₦ 100 million. The money was paid and lodged in United Bank for Africa.
Trust Aare Arisekola Alao, he did not touch it. He kept it with the bank. When Chief Obasanjo came to power and he was investigating the Sani Abacha regime, he sent security agents to Arisekola in Ibadan to demand for the ₦ 100 million Naira the Federal Government paid him when his properties were burnt.
Aare instructed me (Wole) to follow his brother, Akeem to UBA at Dugbe in Ibadan to prepare a ₦ 100 million naira draft in the name of the Federal Government and give it to the security agents who came from Abuja.
Not yet satisfied, they told Aare that they have instruction from the Presidency to bring his International Passport and all his travelling documents, he went inside and when Aare came out, he handed them over.
It will be in history that President Obasanjo kept Aare’s travelling documents with him all through his 8 years in office.
When he left office as President, he brought it back to him and he told Aare jokingly that “I just want you to be in Nigeria with me throughout my stay in power. I kept your passport inside my drawer for eight years!”
Till today, no one has thought of returning this money to Arisekola Alao’s family. Strange, isn’t it?
There is always a price to pay if you are a Yoruba politician associating with Northern politicians.
But now that, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu is on the hot seat. He is the one who sold Buhari to Yorubas. Some Yorubas don’t like that idea. The Afenifere didn’t want to hear anything about Buhari because of his past record. How Asiwaju muscled down this group and gained trust among Yorubas to support Buhari is still a mystery to me.
The well-fortified Yoruba regional party, Alliance for Democracy, AD, was annihilated to pave way for smooth alliance with Buhari’s party.
The Progressives were not happy. They didn’t like to join a Northern party. They saw Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as a traitor and they have been waiting for the day they would take their pound of flesh from him.
The opportunity came, when there was a crack among the new political family of Asiwaju Tinubu. They watched, arms folded, faces turned to the other side as Tinubu faced his fate alone. No single press release from Afenifere and Yoruba Elders. They simply maintained their “we warned him” stand. To them, he drove himself to the belly of vultures and he must pay the price like his past leaders who dared to against their will.
What happened last week was more than a protest. It was a repeat of history.
If you are a Yoruba man and you are into politics, be careful. Read Yoruba politics before you jump into any alliance. And if you are to do so, consult widely.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has entered the political ocean of the SouthWest -North. He is in the middle now, only God knows where it will lead him to.
As for me, and my family, we will continue and continue to pray for him; for turning boys to men, for bringing some development to our region. Although to many of us, he is not perfect, neither is any of us.
But I am pleading with our fathers and brothers to PLEASE forgive him of any sin – big or small – he might have committed as person in the name politics. We should please follow our fathers’ proverb; “TI A BA FI OWO OTUN BA OMO WI, A MA NFI ISI FA MO RA NI” (if we reprimand a child with the right hand, we should embrace him with the left).
IRE OOO
Emi ni omo yin ni tooto
Wole Arisekola, a journalist and publisher of Streetjournal.com
Politics
Ogun 2027: Senator Adeola Yayi Promises Inclusive Governance, Says, Ogun APC Primaries Peaceful, Transparent
Ogun 2027: Senator Adeola Yayi Promises Inclusive Governance, Says, Ogun APC Primaries Peaceful, Transparent
…Dismisses Claims of Discontent Over Emergence as APC Consensus Candidate
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate for the 2027 governorship election, distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has assured the people of the state that he would run an all-inclusive government if elected governor in 2027.
Fondly called Yayi, the senator currently representing Ogun West in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly made this known on Thursday, May 21, 2026, shortly after participating in the governorship primary at Pahayi, Ilaro Ward 1.
Speaking with journalists, Senator Adeola Yayi assured party members that he would not disappoint them if elected governor, pledging to deliver good governance while sustaining the developmental strides of the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
According to him, “I want to assure the people that I will run an inclusive government and carry everyone along. It will be an administration that leaves no group or interest behind.”
The senator commended party faithful for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the governorship primaries, noting that the exercise reflected the unity and cohesion within the party.
Senator Adeola Yayi further expressed delight that the primary election was conducted peacefully across the state, describing the turnout of party members during the direct primary exercise as a strong indication that the APC remains formidable and well-positioned to record landslide victories in the 2027 general elections.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun for sustaining the internal democracy for which the ruling party is reputed, while reiterating his readiness to run an open and inclusive administration.
Fielding questions during the press interaction, the Ogun State APC consensus governorship candidate dismissed claims that some aspirants were aggrieved over his emergence as the party’s consensus candidate.
According to him, his emergence was not imposed on the party but was the outcome of extensive consultations and consensus among stakeholders and party leaders across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“I am not aware of any aggrieved aspirants over my emergence as the governorship consensus candidate of our dear party. The decision to present me as the consensus candidate was not foisted on the party.
“Rather, it was the result of far-reaching consultations and agreements among stakeholders and leaders of the party across the three senatorial districts of the state.
“To my knowledge, nobody was cheated and nobody was disenfranchised. I received overwhelming support at the Ogun State APC strategic meeting held at the party secretariat. Thereafter, I met with other aspirants, and we are all committed to working together for the betterment of the people of Ogun State”, he stated.
The senator, who was widely cheered across Ilaro metropolis, polled 3,023 votes at Pahayi Ilaro Ward 1, 2,601 votes in Ilaro Ward 2, and 2,419 votes in Ward 3. He later monitored the exercise in Ilaro Ward 2 and Ward 3, where party members and supporters hailed him enthusiastically at every stop.
The massive turnout of APC members across polling units in Ogun West, and indeed across Ogun State, was seen by observers of the scene as a demonstration of the widespread acceptance and popularity of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations among the people, without any form of inducement.
Politics
Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors Hails Rivers APC Over Peaceful Conduct of Guber Primaries
*Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors Hails Rivers APC Over Peaceful Conduct of Guber Primaries*
Charges Chinda to Be Magnanimous in Victory as a Patriot
The Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors (RCA) has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the peaceful and orderly conduct of its governorship primaries, describing the process as a shining example of political maturity and a departure from the state’s history of acrimonious contests.
In a statement signed by Comrade Jude Chuks and issued shortly after the declaration of Rt. Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election, the group praised the APC leadership and stakeholders for ensuring a rancour-free exercise.
The Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors, a prominent support structure aligned with the broader Rainbow Coalition political movement in the state, noted that the smooth conduct of the primaries reflects growing commitment to unity, dialogue, and collective progress ahead of the 2027 polls.
“We congratulate the Rivers State APC for conducting a credible, transparent, and peaceful primary. This achievement underscores the maturing democratic culture in our state and sets a positive tone for the political season,” Chuks read.
The group specifically hailed the withdrawals of key aspirants, including Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Tonye Cole, which paved the way for Chinda’s emergence, describing the moves as “statesmanlike decisions taken in the supreme interest of peace and party cohesion.
While celebrating the outcome, the Rainbow Coalition Ambassadors charged the new flag bearer to remain magnanimous in victory and demonstrate the spirit of a true patriot.
“Victory at the primary is not an end in itself but a call to higher responsibility. We urge Hon. Kingsley Chinda to extend a hand of fellowship to all other aspirants, stakeholders, and even those outside the APC.
“True leadership demands inclusivity, humility, and the ability to heal divides rather than widen them,” the ambassadors emphasised.
They further appealed to Chinda to prioritise broad-based consultations, youth and women inclusion, and the welfare of Rivers people in his campaign and future governance plans, noting his legislative experience and cross-party relationships as key assets.
The group, however, expressed optimism that, knowing Chinda’s antecedents as a seasoned lawmaker, bridge-builder, and consistent advocate for good governance, he will unify the party, foster inclusive development, and deliver people-oriented leadership that prioritises the welfare of all Rivers people across party lines.
Politics
Obasa Warns Dissidents as Agege Affirms Hamzat as APC governorship candidate
Obasa Warns Dissidents as Agege Affirms Hamzat as APC governorship candidate
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has issued a strong warning to dissidents within the All Progressives Congress, APC, that are spreading false reports about the House of Assembly primaries held Wednesday, May 20 across all the wards in the local government.
Supervising officers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the immediate past Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, High Chief Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, and Barrister. Azeez Oladapo Ninalowo as winners of Agege Constituencies I and II respectively. Egunjobi polled 10, 126 votes while Ninalowo scored 12, 455 votes. Both candidates had earlier emerged as consensus aspirants during a caucus meeting of the party presided over by Speaker Obasa last Tuesday.
Obasa spoke at the Agege Stadium earlier today, Thursday, May 21, as the APC faithful and stakeholders converged in their thousands to affirm incumbent deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, as the consensus candidate of the party in the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking on the outcome of the primaries, Obasa declared: “We’ve done everything according to the dictates of the party. Dr Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat is our governorship candidate. Senator Idiat Adebule is our candidate in the Lagos West Senatorial District, and Mudashiru Obasa is the candidate for Agege Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Collectively, we have decided and we are standing by the decision of our members.”
He commended INEC and security agencies “for helping us to have a free, fair, and transparent exercise devoid of violence and disorderliness.” The Speaker also praised party members for their loyalty and steadfastness, stating: “Agege is always here for the party. We are always present. When you are a member of a party, you should always participate in all its activities. Why will anyone who isn’t here claim to be part of us?
“You can’t be absent from all primaries and still claim that you are with us. We have conducted House of Representatives, Senate, House of Assembly, and Governorship primaries, yet some disgruntled party members have consistently stayed away. It is not possible. They are not part of us.”
Further, Obasa said: “We should be mindful of the people we send to represent us in any position. If they disregard us, we will wait until their tenure expires and remove them. The beauty of any political structure is continuity. Agege remains a shining example of a well-structured political organisation at the local government level.
“Nothing was done by subterfuge; everything was done in the open. INEC, DSS, Police, the media, and party leaders were all present. There’s nothing to fear. If anybody is initiating fake reports, let them continue. Anybody who has a problem should go and challenge the result in court. After the general election, maybe they will wake up,” he added.
With Hamzat’s candidacy sealed and Obasa drawing a hard line against internal dissent, Agege has sent a clear message: the APC’s fortress stands on loyalty and discipline, and those unwilling to march in step will be left behind as the party advances toward 2027.
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