Politics

The Battle For The Soul Of Alausa In 2023, Major Contenders To Watch Out For By Niyi Oladipupo

Published

4 years ago

January 4, 2021

The Battle For The Soul Of Alausa In 2023, Major Contenders To Watch Out For By Niyi Oladipupo- There is no gainsaying the fact that the political permutations and re-engineering of how the political jigsaw in Lagos state governorship election in 2023 will turn out to be is already unfolding.

Gomez

There has been clandestine political meetings of sorts by some of the big political parties in the state; and the major issue on the burner is who becomes the next governor of Lagos come 2023.

It will be recalled that in the last dispensation, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was denied the ticket to contest for second term under the banner of All Progress Party (APC) by Bola Ahmed Tinubu who virtually controls the party structure in the state.

Ambode was “politically ambushed” and had to succumb to the pandering and over-bearing influence of Tinubu, while the current governor of the state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu became the preferred bride.

Political pundits believe the same fate that befell Ambode could still rear its ugly head as we inch closer to the year 2023

For instance, keen political watchers in Lagos also believe that the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state will be full of intrigues and surprises as there are other powerful candidates eyeing the Government House in Alausa.

To keep the readers abreast of what could happen in the nearest future, we shall be analyzing the likely candidates to look out for and possibly their chances.

HAKEEM MURI-OKUNOLA: Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola who is generally known as HMO, is a Lagos socialite. Loved and admired by many.

He is a Lawyer, who followed the footpath of his late father, Justice Muri Okunola. He is also a public administrator, technocrat and current Lagos state Head of Service.

He has over the years grown to be a man loved by many for his uncommon calmness, intelligence, loyalty and astute brilliancy.

Muri-Okunola was also the former permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development in Lagos state. He began his fast rise through the rungs of public career at Ibile Holdings, an investment arm of the Lagos state Government.

Being the first son of the late respected Justice Muritala Okunola, he caught the eye of the then Lagos governor Bola Tinubu and who made him his personal assistant.

With his educational and family background, there are rumours that Hakeem Okunola believe that the time is ripe for him to throw his hat into the political mainstream arena in the state.

Consequently, he is of the opinion that he has come of age politically to take a shot at the Lagos state seat of power come 2023. His closeness to Tinubu and other political gladiators in the state is seen as a big advantage for him by political watchers.

But others who tend to tread with caution, believe his major drawback is lack of experience and that he may just need to bid his time for the appropriate time.

But in the fiery game of politics especially n Nigeria anything can happen!

WALE GOMEZ: Mr Wale Gomez is ultimately the new toast in town. A man of excellence and impeccable character; and a well known Lagosian in the social circle.

A man of considerable means, a successful businessman and an investment guru. Mr Wale Gomez is married to the beautiful former Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Titi Oseni, now Mrs Titi Oseni Gomez and he enjoys a lot of political support from some key political gladiators in the state.

He is educated in some of the best known schools both home and abroad, and he is widely travelled.

Some keen political watchers see him as the ‘star boy’ to look out for as the political permutations of who becomes the next governor of Lagos state thickens up.

Rumour has it that most political parties in Lagos are already rooting for him to join their political party. This is the reason political observers believe that he is the most sought-after politician in the state.

In the run up to the last Presidential election, Wale Gomez was a major pillar politically and key ally of former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku and the PDP presidential candidate in the election.

His support group, ‘Re-build Nigeria Initiative’ became a formidable force during the 2015 presidential election in Lagos. The group made so much in-roads in the political horizon of Lagos and other adjoining states with million of supporters.

The group activities were so profound at that time that the opposition became jittery.

The handsome looking Wale Gomez is currently in the fore-front of a popular group known as “Iya yi to” L’eko. The group is leading a campaign for a new and better Lagos. Most political watchers believe Wale Gomez has all it takes to occupy Alausa House come 2023.

He has been a-behind-the scene political strategist and an ally of most of the big political gladiators in the state.

He is cool, calculative, forward-looking and extremely industrious. If he emerges as a governor in 2023, some political observers predict that Lagos will be better for it. But time will tell on which political platform he will be actualizing his dream as we inch closer to 2023.

But he sure remains a candidate to watch-out for!

MR DEJI DOHERTY: Mr Deji Doherty was born into the Doherty dynasty of Popo Aguda in downtown Lagos Island in the 60s.

Upon graduation from C.M.S Grammar School, Bariga, Lagos, he proceeded to Chicago, Illiniois in the United States of America where he bagged a degree in Industrial Engineering.

Doherty is the chairman of DAIN Group, which includes Dohagro Industries and 10 Degrees Event Center, among others.

He has tried unsuccessfully to become the governor of Lagos State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, without luck.

He has previously contested under the PDP platform in 2007, 2011, and 2015 respectively.

In the political circle he is seen as a serial governorship contester in Lagos state.

Political observers believe Doherty is not done yet, he still has his eye fixated on the Lagos State Government House in Alausa come 2023.

How he is going to achieve this lofty dream remains in the realm of political permutations and Horse-trading that are going to characterized the political space in the coming days and years!

By Niyi Oladipo

Politics

NNPP Southwest Chieftain Ajadi Slams Ogun LG Polls, Calls for Judicial Review By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Published

18 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NNPP Southwest Chieftain Ajadi Slams Ogun LG Polls, Calls for Judicial Review

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

The local government elections conducted in Ogun State on November 16, 2024, have been marred by allegations of malpractice, delays, and voter disenfranchisement, according to Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, the Southwest Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

Ambassador Ajadi, an advocate for political stability and good governance, described the election as a sham, emphasizing that results announced by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) could not reflect the will of the people. Speaking to journalists in Abeokuta, he accused OGSIEC of bias and collusion with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Any numbers declared in Ogun State were fabricated,” Ajadi alleged. “No votes were counted at many polling units, and the exercise was riddled with irregularities. If OGSIEC announces any results, it is a fraudulent act that must be challenged in court.”

Voting Disruptions and Missing Officials

Ajadi recounted his personal experience at polling unit 027 in Adebimpe, where he waited until 4:15 PM without the arrival of OGSIEC officials. Similarly, his wife, Mrs. Oyindamola Ajadi, was unable to vote at polling unit 090 at Mr. Biggs in Ibafo due to the absence of electoral officers.

“The lack of organization was glaring,” Ajadi said. “How can we talk about credible elections when basic logistics were ignored? This is an affront to democracy and a betrayal of the people’s trust.”

Reports from NNPP Polling Agents

Ambassador Ajadi revealed that NNPP agents stationed across the state reported widespread delays and harassment. In Ofada Ward, OGSIEC officials arrived at polling unit 07 at 1:45 PM, but polling unit 08 saw NNPP agents intimidated by individuals allegedly linked to the APC, reportedly with the support of law enforcement officers.

In Orimerunmu, OGSIEC officials eventually showed up at polling units 012 and 013, but voters remained stranded due to missing materials. Meanwhile, polling units 035 in Ibafo and 019 at Asese Primary School were completely unattended throughout the day.

Ajadi added, “Our agents reported that at most locations, OGSIEC officials showed up as late as 2 PM with only 50 ballot papers for Councillors and 50 for Chairmen. Where are the missing ballot papers? This suggests rigging was already in motion before the process began.”

Accusations of Intimidation and Collusion

Ajadi further alleged that armed thugs, purportedly working for the APC, disrupted voting in several wards by chasing away NNPP members. “No results should be declared from polling units where elections did not take place,” he insisted. “Our party agents monitored the process diligently, and the evidence is clear—this was an exercise in futility.”

The NNPP chieftain accused OGSIEC of failing in its constitutional duty to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. “The commission’s incompetence and bias have disenfranchised countless voters and undermined democracy in Ogun State,” he lamented.

Call for Judicial Intervention

Ajadi called on the judiciary to ensure that justice is served and warned against the announcement of any manipulated results. “The good citizens of Ogun State deserve transparency and accountability. Announcing fraudulent results would amount to robbing the people in broad daylight,” he said.

Public Reaction

As reports of electoral irregularities continue to emerge, stakeholders and political observers have joined Ajadi in questioning the credibility of the election. Many are demanding a thorough investigation into OGSIEC’s conduct and immediate reforms to prevent a recurrence in future elections.

Efforts to reach OGSIEC for comments on the allegations were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, the NNPP has vowed to pursue legal redress to protect the integrity of the democratic process in Ogun State.

Politics

Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate

Published

4 days ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate

As the party campaigns for the 2024 Local Government election in Ogun State draws to a close midnight of today (Thursday), the All Progressives Congress, APC, has charged registered voters in Ogun State to go out and exercise their fundamentals rights on Saturday “without any fear whatsoever”.

Addressing the grand finale of APC in Odogbolu Local Government, the Publicity Secretary of the party in Ogun State, Tunde Oladunjoye said, “APC has done very well under the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, and we are poised to win the chairmanship and councilorship elections overwhelmingly come Saturday”.

Oladunjoye, who is also Senior Media Consultant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media, thanked the Odogbolu people for showing massive support to the APC in the local government.

“With what I have seen here, victory is sure. I want to thank you on behalf of the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON and the Chairman of APC in Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi. “Come out and vote peacefully on Saturday. It is your constitutional duty and obligation.”

Oladunjoye added that people should learn from the chairmanship candidate of the party in Odogbolu local government, Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya, who vied for the office about three and half years ago and did not get it, but remained faithful in the party and continued to reach out to people with his humanitarian efforts.”

Politics

Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration

Published

4 days ago

November 14, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration

Influential Edo State politician, Anthony Ojo has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo after being sworn-in as the new Governor of the State.

In his congratulatory message, Ojo expressed confidence in the abilities of Gov Okpebholo to bring the dividends of democracy close to the people of Edo State.

“The people of Edo State have total trust in your five-point agenda, capacity as a leader, and this is evident with their immense show of love. We have no single doubt that under you, this state will progress to the promised land,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, Anthony Ojo has confirmed his aspiration to contest the Edo Central senatorial seat under the flagship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a position previously held by Senator Okpebholo before he was elected governor.

He cited that sharing the same leadership ideologies with Governor Okpebholo, and the keen desire for transformative human and capacity developments in Edo State are the reasons behind his ambition.

He promised to work closely with the Governor to provide succour to Edo citizens.