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‘The failed assassination attempt on my life spur me to run for senate’ –Prince Lanre Tejuosho

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Prince (Dr.) Lanre Tejuoso is the former Commissioner for Youth and Sports under the Ibikunle Amosun-led administration in Ogun State. He was also Commissioner for the Environment as well as Special Duties. He recently resigned his appointment to contest the Ogun Central senatorial seat, under the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the forthcoming general elections. He opened up on his foray into Politics, his Senatorial ambition and the assassination attempt on his life among other sundry issues.

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You are a successful businessman and a Prince from the Tejuoso royalty of Oke–Ona Egba in Abeokuta. Why are you seeking an elective position at this time? 

God bless you for that question. Do you realise that Nigerian democracy would have grown and be more matured than what we have now, if people from the Private Sector as well as sons and daughters of traditional rulers, like you put it had been occupying elective positions in this country? The reason is that such elected persons would not want to bring disgrace to the Royal family or whichever Establishment such people came from.

They would be conscious of the fact that if they fail to perform or embezzle funds meant for developmental projects in their constituency, the electorate would cry out and before you know it, such traditional ruler would have called him or her to accountability and order. But look at what we have today.

We have situations where some politicians would misappropriate funds meant for their constituency projects and they get away with the impunity. My vying for the Ogun Central senatorial seat, is to bring about a remarkable difference in my constituency and therefore will not be ‘business as usual,’ I can assure you of that.

Many of you, my friends in the Pen profession, were quick to refer to Abeokuta as a glorified village, in your past write ups, but look at what Amosun has turned everywhere to now. We are now very proud indigenes of Ogun State, happy to show off the various developmental projects to our friends and prospective investors, when they come calling.

Back to your question, in my own case, let me quickly tell you that the main issue is that this is the first time the Egba Traditional Council will be represented in politics at least in Ogun State. This is the first time the Egba Traditional Council will be having a candidate from the royalty, coming out to say that he wants to represent them. And that is why I have been consulting and seeking our royal fathers’ blessings on this journey to the hallowed chamber. If there is no success in this journey, it will be a failure for the council in its entirety. My God forbid.

A lot of people are of the opinion that you just came to snatch the ticket from politicians who are older than you in the party. How true is that?

I have been on this project for ten years. I was with Senator Amosun in the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, in 2006. That was when I contested for the senate under the ANPP. Then, nobody believed in ANPP, not only in Ogun State, but throughout the Southern part of Nigeria. Majority of the politicians believed we were on a suicide mission, saying ‘how can you bring a political party that belonged to a Hausa man from the North to us here in Yoruba land?’ It was only in his house that we were making some little noise and I was a senatorial hopeful. We did what we could, but the rest like they say is history.

Around that same period, some hoodlums came to attack me in the hotel where I lodged.     It was some minutes after 2am, when I saw five people; they invaded my room and brought out their guns. They asked how I dared had the effrontery to run for Senate.

They started slapping me; they said they were asked to come and assassinate me. They ordered me to lie down on my bed; that they were going to kill me. It was a horrible experience. You see my forehead? (pointing at a scar on his forehead). Honestly, I don’t know how I survived. Blood was everywhere. God just gave me that power to live and saved me.

I then said to myself, that if I didn’t die then, God must have spared me for a purpose; I shall serve Him and serve my people. Hence my resolve to pursue this ambition and that is why I am here for the Ogun Central senatorial contest. There have been so many gladiators along the line, but people do not know how far I have come.

What plans do you have for the people of Ogun Central senatorial district if you are eventually elected?

I am confident of victory, by his grace. First of all, I think one needs to ask oneself about what the work of a senator in this dispensation actually entails. To me, a senator is to be a participant in developing policies that should benefit the people of Nigeria. After thinking about Nigeria, then you talk about your own constituency. How can I benefit my people in Ogun Central? What are their problems? How can we make national policies that will benefit them directly? Ideally, that is what we should be doing.

Then, you now talk about the constituency projects. Maybe, they give you money to execute projects that will benefit the people of the constituency where you come from. Of course, that money they give you must be judiciously spent in that area where you represent. But these days, many senators receive such money and they don’t even care about the people and the authority does not even see what they are doing. God forbid that kind of a senator in my own situation.

Again, there are so many employment opportunities for our people at the federal level, in addition to drawing federal presence to our State. Without being immodest, a lot of the people at the top are mostly one’s friends or business associates. All of these contacts would be used to better the lot of our people.

Take for instance, the recruitment for the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, which they had last time. A senator must be able to establish good rapport with those that matter particularly with members of the cabinet; the ministers, the Permanent Secretaries and so on to enable him fix unemployed members of his constituency at such vacant positions and others that may open up. For the past four years, such opportunities have eluded us in this state because all our senators were busy fighting the governor. How many federal projects can you point at here, by our Senators?

How would you react to the notion that you are not too close to the people and not accessible to the people of your constituency?

You have said it that it is a perception and perception is nothing but perception. The people know that I am close to them and that I am very accessible. Ogun Central senatorial district has a vey large population and it all depends on whom you’re talking to. Presently, we are on a “meet-the-people” drive. Every day, we keep on consulting with the people, because we want to hit the ground running. We must bring smiles to their faces.

What is important is for one to nurture and maintain the good relationship which has already been established with the people. Recently, in partnership with a Lagos based microfinance bank, FinaTrust Micro Finance bank, I facilitated loans for the funding of small and medium scale businesses in my constituency.

There are however, some people who have made up their minds even before you meet them and their perception about you is negative. Many would say “oh, he is a prince, all princes put their shoulders high”! They therefore expect you to be very proud.

Even before they meet you, that is the impression which they had already formed. But by the time you move close and talk with them, they now calm down and express surprise. I have gone through all that many times.

Take for instance, some people whom I have never met before would tell me that they’re afraid of shaking hands with me because they see me as Kabiyesi. But I often tell them that my father is the Kabiyesi and not me. I am just like you too. If I hold their hands, they would then exclaim “ah, see him, holding my hand”.  In the summary, those who hold that perception are the ones who feel that as a prince with all the royalty, one should be arrogant whereas it is not so and I am not.

How true is it that one of your younger brothers from the Tejuoso royal house, will be squaring up to you in the senatorial election in 2015?

That is the beauty of democracy. It is not a problem but first of all, I want you to know that what every contestant needs to do is to perfect his or her homework very well. All I have to say about that for now is that when we get to the bridge, we will look at how to cross it but I don’t see that as a problem for now.

Other aspirants for the ticket on APC platform are aggrieved over the conduct of the senatorial primary election that produced you as the standard bearer of your party. How do you intend to placate those that contested and lost the ticket to you?

Of course, I am going to reach out to them so that all of us would have to work together as a team and win this election for our party. At the appropriate time, we will definitely do the needful after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, may have released the final list of contestants.

All of us have to work together because it is such that only one person would emerge as the winner. And if indeed all of us have the spirit of fair play and the overall interest of our Party at heart, then I believe we’ll all resolve our differences and work for the success of our great Party. Just like the way you saw General Buhari being supported by other contestants who lost the ticket after the presidential primaries.

That is the spirit I believe all of us must have because that is exactly what I would have displayed if I had lost the ticket. It is not a do-or-die affair. If it were to be a do-or-die matter, by now, I would not have remained steadfast, even after the attempt on my life. I forgave the assailants and their sponsors and I have decided to run again. And this time, by His grace because He spared my life then, I shall be victorious.

Is it true you are Governor Amosun’s anointed candidate?

Is the governor a pastor or what kind of an anointing are you talking about? (Laughter)

The rumour in town is that the governor influenced your emergence as the APC senatorial candidate for Ogun Central. Is it true? 

If that is what they meant, then it means that I had been anointed over 10 years ago when the governor and I had been weathering the storm.

We have been contesting together. I have been with him for the past 10 years, through thick and thin, so what is the meaning of being an anointed candidate?

 

 

Dr.-Lanre-Tejuoso

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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“No Shettima, No APC”: 2027 Power Struggle Sparks Chaos in North-East Meeting

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"No Shettima, No APC": 2027 Power Struggle Sparks Chaos in North-East Meeting

“No Shettima, No APC”: 2027 Power Struggle Sparks Chaos in North-East Meeting

 

GOMBE — With the 2027 general election still two years away, a suspected plot to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima on President Bola Tinubu’s ticket has ignited internal tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC), culminating in a violent outburst during a party stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe on Sunday.

The North-East zonal meeting, initially convened to rally support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, descended into chaos when party leaders failed to reaffirm Shettima’s place on the 2027 ticket — sparking outrage among his supporters.

A viral video from the event captured the moment the APC’s Zonal Vice Chairman (North-East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu, was physically attacked, with an angry delegate striking him with a chair and another hurling a black plastic bucket at him. Salihu fled the stage as chants of “Shettima! Shettima!!” erupted from furious delegates.

Tensions flared when Salihu, during his speech, endorsed Tinubu as the sole candidate for 2027 but made no mention of the Vice President. His omission was interpreted as a deliberate slight, especially in Shettima’s home zone.

“This is a calculated attempt to sideline Shettima, and we will resist it with everything we have,” fumed one enraged Borno delegate.

Despite calls for calm from Deputy National Chairman (North), Alhaji Bukar Dalori, the unrest worsened, forcing security personnel to intervene as chairs were flung and dignitaries exited hurriedly. Police were later forced to fire teargas outside the venue to disperse the angry crowd.

Before the chaos, governors of APC-controlled states in the North-East — Babagana Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), and Muhammadu Yahaya (Gombe) — had voiced their endorsement of the Tinubu-Shettima joint ticket.

But a critical moment came when APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, while attempting to calm tensions, still avoided a clear commitment to Shettima. “We are proud of the North, proud of our Vice President,” Ganduje said, “It is one ticket, according to the Constitution.” His remarks, however, failed to pacify the aggrieved crowd.

In the aftermath, threats of defection surfaced. “If Shettima is dropped, I will personally lead my people to vote for Atiku,” warned an APC chieftain from Adamawa.

Observers say the uproar may signal deeper cracks in the ruling party, particularly in the North-East where Shettima commands strong loyalty. “This isn’t just noise — it’s a warning shot,” said eyewitness James Abass. “If the APC doesn’t resolve this quickly, defections or a serious counter-movement are very likely.”

Notably, while some figures remained neutral, others from the region firmly endorsed the Tinubu-Shettima ticket. These included Hon. Usman Kumo (House of Reps Chief Whip), Senator M.T. Monguno (Senate Chief Whip), and several National Working Committee members from the North-East.

Meanwhile, APC’s South-East Vice Chairman, Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, dismissed the rumours as political distraction: “There’s a strong, respectful relationship between Tinubu and Shettima. These rumours are mere noise.”

Still, with emotions raw and divisions exposed, Sunday’s incident has thrown open a new chapter in the internal power games of the APC — and raised the stakes for 2027.

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2027 Realignment? Tinubu Meets PDP Heavyweights as Political Tides Begin to Shift

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2027 Realignment? Tinubu Meets PDP Heavyweights as Political Tides Begin to Shift

2027 Realignment? Tinubu Meets PDP Heavyweights as Political Tides Begin to Shift

ABUJA — In a move stirring speculation of early political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday evening hosted prominent members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

The closed-door meeting was spearheaded by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike — a key political figure and former governor of Rivers State — and attended by his close allies, including notable former members of the defunct G5 Governors bloc. This faction famously broke ranks with the PDP during the 2023 election cycle.

Wike and the G5 — which included then-governors of Benue, Abia, Enugu, Oyo, and Rivers States — openly opposed PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and instead threw their weight behind Tinubu, then flagbearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Since the election, Wike, still a card-carrying PDP member, was appointed Minister of FCT — a move that raised eyebrows and hinted at deeper political crosscurrents.

Saturday’s meeting included former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose, as well as ex-governors Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), all known Wike allies.

Though details of the discussions remain under wraps, insider sources suggest the talks focused on forging future political collaborations and possibly integrating the former governors more formally into the current power structure.

With shifting alliances and strategic dialogue already underway, the race to 2027 may have unofficially begun.

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GOV AIYEDATIWA NOMINATES 12 COMMISSIONERS

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AIYEDATIWA’S ALLEGED RESULT CASE: POLICE UNAWARE OF CIRCULATED REPORT ON ONDO GOVERNOR

GOV AIYEDATIWA NOMINATES 12 COMMISSIONERS

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has forwarded to the Ondo State House of Assembly a list of 12 nominees for the position of Commissioner in the State Executive Council for confirmation.

A letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, on Thursday, read:

REQUEST FOR CONFIRMATION OF COMMISSIONER NOMINEES

In exercise of the power conferred on me by Section 192 (1&2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I wish to forward to your esteemed office the following Commissioner nominees for your kind consideration and confirmation of the House of Assembly.

1. Professor Igbekele Ajibefun

2. Engr Aycrinde Abiola Olawoye

3. Hon. Ayodele Akande

4. Engr Alabi Johnson

5. Alhaji Amidu Takuro

6. Otunba Adewale Akinlosotu

7. Mr. Idowu Ajanaku

8. Dr Oluwaseun Abosede Osamaye

9. Dr Tob Loko

10. Mr. Olaolu Akindolire

11. Hon. Sunday Olajide

12. Mr. Omoyofunmi Segun Henry

I shall be most obliged to the Honourable House for your expeditious action on this request in the overall interest of our dear State.

Please accept, as always, my highest regards for your esteemed self and other distinguished Members of the House.”

 

Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
June 12, 2025.

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