Meet Joseph Onosolease, also known as PJO, the next chairman of Somolu Local Government Council
…A forward-thinking visionary leader for Somolu’s transformation

~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

*What is Honorable Pastor Joseph Onosolease’s position in Somolu, Bariga Lagos politics?*

Pastor Joseph Onosolease, also known as PJO, enjoys a reputation for exemplary character, integrity, and loyalty. He provided selfless service, worked diligently, and played a pivotal role as a Lagos grassroots politician in that struggle

In the rapidly evolving context of Lagos politics and development, a select few demonstrate remarkable leadership and foresight, among whom Hon. Pastor Joseph Onosolease is especially prominent

His journey exemplifies a dynamic fusion of politician, entrepreneur, and urban planner, offering a compelling narrative of leadership driven by purpose, service, innovation, and community empowerment. PJO’s early life was defined by a diverse educational background that encompassed the Southwestern regions of Nigeria and Africa. His formative years in Lagos State foretold the national influence he would later wield. His foundational years displayed a synthesis of cross-cultural experiences and academic excellence.

His dedication to structured societal growth led him to a life-changing, impactful position in God’s vineyard within his jurisdiction in Nigeria and abroad. His academic background proved instrumental in his subsequent contributions to land administration and urban development as a grassroots politician in Lagos, demonstrating a commitment to excellence as a dedicated politician focused on transforming Somolu local government for the better

The political trajectory of Joseph Onosolease, alias PJO, is a testament to his strategic approach to governance, marked by thoughtful appointments and an unwavering commitment to creating a lasting impact. His rise to prominence within the Somolu/Bariga axis of Lagos State has been swift and decisive, driven by his astute grasp of grassroots politics. This expertise has enabled him to institute meaningful reforms, reshaping institutional frameworks and urban policy implementation to better serve Somolu’s residents

His 2023 gubernatorial bids, aimed at securing a position in the Lagos State House of Assembly within the ruling party (APC), did not yield electoral victories; however, they showcased a persistent aspiration to contribute to and reform governance at the state level. On this occasion, PJO has secured the affection of the Somolu community, who are now rallying behind him in his bid to emerge victorious as the next Somolu Local Government Chairman, a move that signifies a new dawn, one that is divinely ordained by God

PJO’s leadership extends beyond politics, thriving in the non-profit and private sectors, while also serving as a pioneering force in God’s vineyard, untainted and embodying entrepreneurial vision with social impact

What most distinguishes Pastor Joseph Onosolease popularly known as PJO is his passion for community development.Through his political name, PJO, he spearheads humanitarian initiatives that touch lives across Somolu/Bariga, Lagos State. His recognition, including being a servant of God (Pastor), is a testament to his national influence and religious integration

PJO serves as a resounding testament to the transformative potential of leadership, countering widespread skepticism in an era where leadership is frequently questioned. By exercising political power with sagacity and compassion, he has demonstrated that meaningful change is achievable. His experience underscores the notion that the future trajectory of Somolu local government is contingent upon the vision, values, and character of its leaders, distinguishing him as an exemplary leader. PJO’s exceptional qualities make him an ideal candidate for the position of chairman of Somolu Local Government, warranting consideration based on merit alone.

Watch for his achievement in part 2 of this political article.

*Nigeria on the Path to a One-Party State Under Tinubu and the APC:* The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Nigeria, is drifting perilously close to what analysts fear may become a one-party state under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The signs are glaring, the tactics aggressive, and the implications for national cohesion and democratic plurality are both ominous and disturbing. How did the nation that once celebrated the peaceful handover of power from one political party to another in 2015 fall so quickly into the hands of what increasingly resembles a democratic autocracy?

*How Did We Get Here?*

The seeds of one-party dominance were sown in 2015 when the APC, a coalition of opposition groups and defectors from the then-ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), defeated Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. For the first time in Nigeria’s history, an incumbent president lost an election and conceded defeat peacefully. It was hailed as a democratic triumph, but it masked a deeper problem Nigeria’s political elite were not changing values; they were changing jerseys.

Since then, the APC, especially under the baton of Tinubu who was widely regarded as the party’s kingmaker before ascending to the presidency has worked tirelessly to consolidate power not only through elections but through intimidation, co-optation, and manipulation. The weakening of opposition parties through defection inducements, selective prosecutions using anti-corruption agencies, and calculated political appointments has deepened concerns.

Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, a renowned political scientist, warned in 2024 that, _”Nigeria is not witnessing democratic consolidation but rather democratic contraction. The shrinking of political space is deliberate and dangerous.”_ His warning rings louder today than ever.

*The Good* : Is There Any Benefit?

In theory, one-party dominance can offer some benefits a streamlined policy agenda, reduced political gridlock, and faster implementation of development projects. Some proponents argue that in a country as divided and chaotic as Nigeria, the centralization of authority could bring stability. The Tinubu administration points to its push for fuel subsidy removal, infrastructural upgrades, and a unified foreign exchange regime as examples of decisive action made possible by its political leverage.

However, even these policies have triggered severe economic dislocations, including hyperinflation, job losses, and the devaluation of the naira. In essence, speed without deliberation has proven counterproductive.

Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education and co-founder of Transparency International, put it succinctly: _”Efficiency without accountability is the fast lane to elite capture and mass disempowerment.”_

*The Bad*:Collapse of Opposition and Press Freedom

One of the worst signs of democratic erosion is the annihilation of viable opposition. The PDP, once the continent’s largest party, is now a shell of its former self, divided by internal strife and weakened by state-backed pressure. Smaller parties like the Labour Party and NNPP are routinely harassed, with their rallies disrupted, finances scrutinized, and leaders vilified.

The 2023 general elections, which brought Tinubu to power, were marred by widespread reports of voter suppression, ballot box snatching, and electoral malpractice. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), once seen as a beacon of reform, suffered a credibility collapse.

Additionally, the media is under siege. Critical journalists are detained under archaic laws, and media houses are threatened with closure. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Nigeria in 2024 ranked among the top five countries in Africa for press intimidation.

*The Ugly* : Democratic Autocracy in Action

Bola Tinubu’s presidency is increasingly resembling a civilian dictatorship. Political dissent is stifled, civil society groups are under surveillance, and judicial independence is being eroded. The president’s frequent foreign trips amidst domestic turmoil signal a troubling detachment from the realities faced by everyday Nigerians.

What is worse is the normalization of autocratic behavior under the guise of reform. Appointments are no longer based on merit but on loyalty. State institutions from the EFCC to the DSS are weaponized against political opponents.

_”Democracy is not merely the right to vote every four years,”_ warned Kenyan legal scholar P.L.O. Lumumba, _”it is the right to participate meaningfully in a free society.”_ Nigeria, unfortunately, is veering away from this principle.

*The Nemesis:* Consequences of Centralized Power

The consequences of a de facto one-party state are devastating. First, it breeds apathy among citizens. Voter turnout in the 2023 elections was just 27%, the lowest since 1999. People have lost faith in the system. Second, it marginalizes minority voices, both ethnically and politically. Nigeria is too pluralistic to be ruled by one ideology.

Third, it creates a patronage system where only the connected thrive, further widening the inequality gap. A World Bank report in late 2024 noted that over 70% of Nigeria’s wealth is concentrated in the hands of just 5% of the population.

Professor Wole Soyinka, Nobel Laureate, lamented recently, _”A nation that surrenders its democracy to a single party loses its soul.”_

*What Can Be Done?*

The path forward requires courageous, collective action:

Strengthening Institutions: INEC must be depoliticized and granted full autonomy to conduct credible elections. Electoral reform is non-negotiable.

Opposition Unity: The PDP, Labour Party, and others must forge alliances, not just to win power but to restore democratic balance.

Civic Education: Citizens must be educated on the dangers of political apathy and the importance of participatory governance.

Media Protection: Journalists must be protected under law, and press freedom must be sacrosanct.

International Oversight: ECOWAS, AU, and global watchdogs must speak out and intervene diplomatically where necessary.

*The Price of Silence*

Nigeria stands at a dangerous crossroads. The allure of stability through one-party dominance is a mirage. It sacrifices accountability, pluralism, and ultimately peace. If history has taught us anything, it is that centralized power always turns predatory.

Thomas Sankara once said, _”You cannot carry out fundamental change without a certain amount of madness. It takes the madmen of yesterday for us to act with clarity today.”_ Let Nigeria’s youth, civil society, and true patriots be that change.

If the current trend continues unchecked, we may wake up in a country where elections are rituals, opposition is symbolic, and freedom is fictional. That is not the Nigeria we deserve.

It is time to resist the creeping autocracy. It is time to reclaim our democracy.

‘Sylvester is a political analyst, he writes from South Africa’

Backlash of Atiku’s Coalition Visit to Buhari: Tinubu Scrambles to Contain a Political Earthquake

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

In what can only be described as a strategic masterstroke or a thunderbolt in Nigeria’s murky political terrain, the unexpected visit of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura on Friday has sent shockwaves through the nation’s political establishment. The sight of both men riding together to the Jumaat mosque in the same vehicle was not just symbolic, it was a loud and clear message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: the opposition is not only regrouping but forging an alliance that could dismantle his shaky hold on power ahead of 2027.

The fallout from this dramatic political event is now compelling Tinubu to make desperate and sweeping changes in a bid to retain control of his party and avert what could become an unstoppable coalition of discontent, united by a common goal — unseating him.

1. Cabinet Reshuffle on the Horizon: A Move of Political Survival
Sources within Aso Rock have hinted at an imminent cabinet reshuffle. The reason is not far-fetched. Tinubu is under immense pressure to inject new life into his administration and consolidate power by bringing in politicians with real electoral value. The current cabinet, largely filled with technocrats and loyalists with little grassroots reach, is now being re-evaluated. The goal is clear: replace the weak links with seasoned political gladiators who can command votes and loyalty across geopolitical zones.

The plan includes rewarding disgruntled CPC (Congress for Progressive Change) members, many of whom have been quietly engaging Atiku’s team, with ministerial appointments to prevent mass defections. For Tinubu, this is not about governance anymore. It is about political survival.

2. Tanko Al-Makura to Replace Ganduje: CPC Bloc’s Last Hope
The CPC faction of the APC — once Muhammadu Buhari’s core base — has long felt marginalized since Tinubu took power. Tensions have reached a boiling point, and to pacify the bloc, the President is considering the removal of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as National Chairman of the APC. His potential replacement? Senator Tanko Al-Makura, the first and only CPC Governor in Nigeria.

This move is calculated. Al-Makura still commands deep respect within the northern political landscape, and his appointment is expected to quell the CPC rebellion before it metastasizes into a full-blown defection to Atiku’s camp. Ganduje, already embattled with corruption allegations and declining popularity, may be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.

3. Ambassadorial Appointments: Carrots for the Disgruntled
In another desperate measure, the Tinubu administration is reviewing the long-awaited ambassadorial list. The aim is to accommodate CPC loyalists and other core political operatives who feel sidelined. These positions, though largely symbolic, will be used as compensation to calm tensions within the ruling party.

This reconfiguration of foreign postings is not just about diplomacy—it is a political maneuver to buy loyalty with titles and postings in far-flung embassies.

4. Ministerial Appointments for Diplomats: Politics Over Protocol
In an even more audacious twist, some ambassadorial nominees may now be converted to ministers in the new cabinet reshuffle. This unusual crossover is a deliberate political calculation to elevate party stalwarts who still hold sway over key voter blocs. For Tinubu, titles and offices are tools — not of governance, but of political chess.

5. Heads Will Roll: CEOs of MDAs to Be Fired
Several Chief Executives of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) may soon find themselves unemployed. Despite ongoing tenures, those perceived as politically useless or liabilities to Tinubu’s 2027 ambition will be axed. Public criticisms and poor performance records are being used as the justification, but make no mistake — this purge is political.

This action aims to create space for political allies with grassroots structures and loyalty to Tinubu, not necessarily technocrats who deliver results.

6. Tinubu Eyes Kwankwaso: The Power of the Red Cap
Perhaps the boldest move yet in Tinubu’s playbook is the silent courtship of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement. With his cult-like following in the North West, particularly Kano, Kwankwaso remains one of the few individuals who could tilt the balance in 2027.

Tinubu’s emissaries have reportedly offered him a grand bargain: rejoin the APC and nominate ministers, ambassadors, and agency heads. In return, he could be positioned as Tinubu’s running mate in 2027 — a move that would sideline Vice President Kashim Shettima and spark a fresh intra-party war.

The goal? Neutralize the Atiku-Buhari coalition with an equally fearsome northern political titan. It is a gamble, but one Tinubu appears willing to take.

7. Kano Emirate Crisis: A Political Bargaining Chip
To sweeten the deal for Kwankwaso, the federal government is reportedly weighing in on the long-running Kano Emirate tussle. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (SLS), a known Kwankwaso ally, may be reinstated as Emir, while the current Emir Aminu Ado Bayero could be persuaded to resign quietly and offered an ambassadorial post in Qatar, Kuwait, or Saudi Arabia.

This potential realignment in the traditional institution is more than cultural—it is deeply political. By restoring SLS, Tinubu hopes to earn Kwankwaso’s loyalty and, by extension, the votes of millions of Kano citizens.

8. Retired Generals Reunite: A New Power Bloc Emerging
Perhaps most disturbing to the presidency was the clandestine meeting of retired military rulers — Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Theophilus Danjuma, and Aliyu Gusau — held on April 12, 2025. Atiku and other high-level political operatives were said to have attended.

Though shrouded in secrecy, sources say the retired generals discussed forming a new political front to restore national unity and stability. This is no ordinary meeting. When the military godfathers of Nigeria converge, it is usually a precursor to seismic political shifts.

Their goal? To craft a formidable alliance capable of taking on Tinubu in 2027 — not just for power, but for the survival of democracy in a country gasping under the weight of economic chaos and political polarization.

9. PMB Flees to the UK: Silence as a Political Statement
In the aftermath of the Atiku visit, Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly jetted out to the United Kingdom on “private engagements.” But insiders say the timing is not coincidental. The former president’s departure is a tactical withdrawal, designed to reduce political temperature and avoid accusations of fueling anti-Tinubu sentiment.

However, the damage has been done. Buhari’s silence speaks volumes. His body language suggests endorsement, or at least tolerance, of Atiku’s overtures, sending a chilling signal to Tinubu that the CPC patriarch may no longer be in his corner.

A Nation on the Brink of Another Political Earthquake

The backlash from Atiku’s visit to Buhari is more than a media spectacle. It is a political tsunami that has shaken the foundation of Tinubu’s presidency. With the CPC bloc restless, the Kwankwasiyya movement being courted, and the retired military elite reactivating their networks, Tinubu now finds himself encircled.

He may reshuffle the cabinet, sack agency heads, appease political warlords, and even sacrifice his vice president, but the writing is on the wall: Nigeria is headed for another bruising political battle in 2027.

And for the first time since his ascension to Aso Rock, Tinubu is not in full control of the narrative. The backlash of Atiku’s coalition visit to Buhari is not just a political drama, it is a warning shot of what lies ahead.