Politics

2023: Tinubu, Osinbajo Divide South-West Governors

Published

3 years ago

April 10, 2022

The aspirations of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for the 2023 presidency as reportedly divided governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, even as the party prepares for its primary.

Supporters of the duo were locked in claims and counter-claims, yesterday, over who has more support among APC governors.

Dismissing as balderdash claims that Osinbajo is a threat to the aspiration of Tinubu, a two-time governor of Lagos and National Leader of APC, his supporters said he has the backing of 13 of the 22 APC governors and support of delegates from non- APC states.

Countering, supporters of Osinbajo said the Vice President enjoys the backing of 14 APC governors, especially from the North, and would shock his opponents.

In the South-West, where APC has five governors, Sunday Vanguard learned that three are for Tinubu, one for Osinbajo and another is undecided.

Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the South-West Agenda for Asiwaju, SWAGA, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, has boasted that Tinubu is the candidate to beat in the APC presidential race because he is the most experienced and front runner.

Asked if the consensus arrangement won’t hurt Tinubu, Adeyeye said: “Consensus is provided for in the Constitution but will only work where all the candidates agree.”

Another staunch supporter of Tinubu downplayed Osinbajo’s threat to the former Lagos governor, saying: “We don’t believe Vice President Osinbajo is a threat to Asiwaju Tinubu’s presidential ambition. There is no convincing proof of people asking Osinbajo to declare. President Buhari is a critical factor. There is no indication that President Buhari is backing or will support Osinbajo who, as acting President, sacked his cousin when he was on his sick bed in London.

“Going for the presidency is not mere grammar. Where is his support base? Where is the structure? In Ikenne, Ogun State, Osinbajo does not know his Ward Chairman. How many party people does he know even in Lagos? He is not a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC. If he is formidable, he will be a member of the GAC. What has he used the position of the Vice President to do for the South-West?

“Tinubu has fought many battles even against the military. Osinbajo has not fought any battle. Tinubu was behind the Local Government battle he fought in Lagos as Attorney General. He has not learned the ropes. He may have the support of two governors. What does that amount to?

“In APC, Tinubu has the support of 12 APC governors who are solidly behind him and almost all the South-West states apart from Ekiti. But if Governor Kayode Fayemi is not contesting, Ekiti will go for Tinubu.

“Ogun State may be split between Tinubu and Osinbajo. Edo State, parts of Delta and Rivers are for Tinubu. He has been catering for states without APC governors. You will be shocked that Katsina, Sokoto, Borno, Anambra, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states will go for Tinubu, who is a good negotiator and strategist.”

13 APC governors’re behind Osinbajo — VP supporter

Countering, a supporter of Osinbajo, who said he may declare for the presidency this week precisely by Wednesday, boasted that Osinbajo would shock those who are underrating him.Said the source: “The VP will shock many people. All things being equal he will declare his intention this week, latest Wednesday.

Buhari’s greenlight

“Vice President Osinbajo has been waiting for President Buhari’s greenlight. He has got that now. Osinbajo is working silently and has the support of 13 to 14 APC governors. Two South-East governors and one South-West governor and many northern governors have sympathy for Osinbajo.

“The governors are sponsoring his activities and most of the meetings are held in the governors’ lodges. The governors are supporting him because the Vice President has age and experience on his side. He has been part of this government, so they believe he will consolidate on the achievements of President Buhari.”

Support groups speak

Speaking on Osinbajo’s perceived threat to Tinubu’s ambition, Mr. Tolu Babaleye, Director-General of Ondo State Network for Bola Tinubu, said: “We at Tinubu Support Group, Ondo State are not scared of Osinbajo, Emefiele or Amaechi joining the presidential race. “This is democracy and the more the merrier. Their joining will only present the delegates that will vote at the primary with more options.

“We believe that Tinubu will win because he has worked and has a clear goal of what he wants to achieve if elected as President.

“He has been planning for this for close to 25 years and knows what he is out to achieve and what that office entails.“Nigerians in APC during the primary will not want to toy with the future of the party by electing any other person as these people are not as prepared as Tinubu and are even afraid of the contest and hence they are busy looking for endorsement.

“As for us in Tinubu camp, our principal is prepared for the primary and he is good to go. On the contrary, Osinbajo, Emefiele and Amaechi are the ones that are afraid of the profile and preparedness of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Reacting, Adeyeye said: “I don’t react to speculation, I have not seen any move. Up till now, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has not made his interest known. Until he does, nothing to say for now.

“The speculation has been on for a while now, social media is awash with the speculation and the Vice President has not told anyone, neither has he gone public with any interest. The rumored ambition exists only in the realm of speculation and I don’t react to speculation. “The same applied to others in our great party rumored to be interested in the office of the President but they are yet to come out with it. The only person that has gone public with his interest in the race is the Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yahaya Bello.”

On his part, Dr Ayo Owoade, Director General, Osun, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Our Choice 2023 (BATOC 23), said: “We are not bothered by anyone declaring intention for the Presidency. We are in a democracy and everyone has the constitutional right to express interest and even contest for the office but for us, we are for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.“The former Lagos State Governor has paid his dues before this democratic dispensation with his struggles with NADECO, his re-engineering of Lagos government and his continuous engagement in the nation’s political process, so he has the capacity and ability to confront anyone.

“Concerning Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, we believe that considering the impact Asiwaju Tinubu had in his life, he may not declare for the presidency and if he does, we are battle ready for anyone.” ‘APC ticket not a Yoruba affair’

However, former Minister of Communication, and, chieftain of the APC, Mr Adebayo Shittu, said the battle for the APC ticket and the presidency are not a Yoruba affair alone as many party chieftains across the country are vying for the exalted post.

“Osinbajo has the right like any other interested person. At the appropriate time, party members will decide who gets the ticket. And mind you, it is not even only in Yorubaland alone. There will be competition across the country. I only hope the party will allow a proper primary election to hold. That is my hope,” Shittu said.

In like manner, former Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly and a chieftain of the APC, Mr. Abiodun Adigun-Hammed, said: “All I want is the best for this country. The President must come from the South. That is what we have been clamouring for. Let southerners come on board. Whoever gets the ticket from this zone will get our support. Whoever is taking over from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 must be a southerner.”

Meanwhile, the Coordinator for Senator Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (SABAT) in Osun State, Wole Alawode, said every other intending aspirant should be wary of Tinubu and not the other way round.

“Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is a product of the Bola Tinubu school of politics, so for us, we are not afraid of anyone coming forward to show interest in the presidency. We have been around for a long time and the Tinubu project is universal, though, every other person with interest should not be discouraged from doing so. But they should know that Asiwaju is the one to beat,” Alawode said.

“We are not into rivalry with anyone. The space is wide for anyone with intent to contest but whoever is coming on board must realise that Asiwaju’s acceptability and project cannot be compromised.”

VANGUARD

Related Topics:Asiwau Bola Tinubu Yemi Osinbajo

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Politics

LP Candidate Warns Of Plot To Disrupt Lagos LG Poll

Published

3 days ago

July 10, 2025

Editor

The Labour Party, LP, chairmanship candidate for Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Engr. Seyi Ipinlaye, has raised concerns over alleged plans by certain individuals to incite violence and disrupt the upcoming Lagos State local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025.

In a statement made available to journalists, Ipinlaye warned of attempts to replicate the “ugly menace” of the 2023 general elections, which he described as being marred by threats, ballot box snatching, and voter intimidation.

Ipinlaye called on the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LAISEC, to ensure a free and fair election, urging law enforcement agencies to be proactive in preventing possible violence and protecting voters in Amuwo-Odofin.

“We are already seeing signs of desperation as Labour Party campaign posters and banners are being torn and defaced. If this continues unchecked, it may lead to voter suppression and possible anarchy,” he said.

Recalling LP’s victories in the 2023 general elections in both state and federal constituencies in Amuwo-Odofin, Ipinlaye expressed confidence in the party’s support base, warning that any attempts to manipulate the outcome could backfire.

He also appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State government to resist any interference in the electoral process, urging them to promote peace and transparency.

“We want the votes in Amuwo-Odofin to count, just like in Abia State where the governor allowed free and fair LGA elections without interference,” he said.

Ipinlaye concluded by calling on security agencies to remain neutral and act professionally before, during, and after the election to safeguard lives and property.

Politics

Protest Rocks Abuja Over Osun LG Polls

Published

4 days ago

July 9, 2025

Editor

Protesters under the aegis of the Nigeria Society for Democracy and Good Governance (NSDGG) and the Coalition of Civil Society for Justice and Equity (CCSJE) took to the streets of Abuja on Wednesday, demanding that the Federal Government enforce court judgments declaring the occupation of Local Government Council Secretariats in Osun State by All Progressives Congress (APC) officials as illegal.

The protest, which began at the Unity Fountain and proceeded to the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Finance, highlighted the escalating tension over the alleged disregard for judicial authority and its threat to democratic governance.

The civil society organisations urged the Attorney General, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Minister of Finance to intervene by recognising and funding only the duly elected officials of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to the protesters, the PDP Chairmen and Councillors were validly elected on 22 February 2025, in an election conducted by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

However, despite court rulings voiding the appointments of APC officials, the party’s functionaries allegedly continue to occupy council offices across the state.

Speaking to journalists during the protest, Chairman of the CCSJE, Comrade Collins Idowu, described the situation as a ‘profound threat’ to the rule of law and democratic governance.

He emphasised the financial and constitutional dangers of the ongoing crisis, calling on the Minister of Finance to withhold further allocations to illegally occupying APC officials and instead channel funds to the duly elected PDP Chairmen and Councillors.

“The current situation in Osun State is not merely a political issue; it is a profound threat to the rule of law and democratic governance.

“Despite clear court judgments that have invalidated the APC officials’ claims to their positions, they continue to occupy Local Government Council Secretariats, undermining the very foundation of our democracy. This blatant disregard for judicial authority and electoral integrity is alarming and poses significant financial implications for the state and its citizens,” Idowu said.

On his part, the spokesperson for the NSDGG, Ambassador Usman Saidu Calculus, also described the situation as a threat to democracy.

He warned that continued financial support to those without a legal mandate sets a dangerous precedent and may trigger instability and chaos at the grassroots level of governance.

“The NSDGG stands firm in its commitment to promoting democracy and good governance in Nigeria, and we believe that your actions in this matter will reflect the government’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and the principles of democracy.

“We demand that the government act decisively to rectify this situation by recognising the rightful representatives of the people and ensuring that public funds are allocated accordingly. The citizens of Osun State deserve to have their voices heard and their choices respected,” he said.

The protesters submitted letters to the offices of the Attorney General and the Minister of Finance, demanding strict adherence to the rule of law and the full implementation of valid court rulings.

Politics

ADC Unveiled In Benue, Woo Gov Alia

Published

4 days ago

July 9, 2025

Editor

The Protem State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Benue State, Chief Terngu Tsegba, has said Governor Hyacinth Alia is welcome to join the party if he so desires.

Speaking to newsmen Wednesday in Makurdi shortly after the unveiling of the party and his emergence as the Protem State Chairman, Chief Tsegba stated that members of other political parties were already collapsing their structures into the ADC and more were being expected.

He said: “Members of other parties are collapsing into the ADC, and anybody from any party that wants to join the ADC is welcome,e including the Governor of Benue state. If he wants to join the ADC, he is welcome provided he satisfies the requirements of the party.”

The former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Speaker Pro tempore of the House of Representatives explained that they had already resigned their membership of the PDP and were in the ADC to change the fortunes of the people of the state and Nigerians at large.

While expressing optimism that the ADC would take Benue State, Chief Tsegba said an ADC-led government in the state would frontally address the issues of insecurity in the state.

“For us in Benue state, if there is security,y the farmers can go to their farms, small businesses will thrive, and of course, everything will go as planned. So the first issue we are going to confront as a party and as a government is to arrest the insecurity in the state, return our people to their ancestral homes and then grant autonomy to local governments.

“If the Local Government are receiving their allocation directly from the Federal Government I believe most of the things the state cannot do at the local government level, the Local governments would be able to handle them.

“And to do that we will scrap the Bureau for Local Governments and return the allocation to the local governments.”

Unveiling the party earlier, former Governor of the State, Senator Gabriel Suswam stated that the coalition was born out of necessity, as the PDP, APC, Labour Party, LP, and other parties had been plagued by perpetual internal crises prompting the coming together of like minds in the ADC.

Meanwhile the PDP has described its members who joined the ADC as nomadic politicians seeking to destabilise the PDP for personal gains.

The party in a communique at the end of its Benue North West Senatorial District or Zone ‘B’ Stakeholders meeting held in Makurdi cautioned its members against joining any coalition.

Part of the communique read: “On the excitement over the new political platform, the PDP leaders describe former members of the party who have joined the coalition as an assemblage of nomadic politicians who are only seeking to destabilize the party for their personal and political gains.

“They are aggrieved because they were out manoeuvred when they attempted to seize the structures of the PDP for merchandise. They have no capacity to rescue anyone from anywhere. It is a truism that the PDP remains the only party committed to protecting our heritage, land, and people.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP in Zone B remains one and indivisible and rooted in the ideals of our founding fathers. We have no dealing with any coalition or the purported new political party in the name of ADC.

“We are not in any coalition with any political party or parties. We therefore encourage our members to disregard any speculations of any coalition at any level. Those championing the coalition are the disgruntled and self-serving elements amongst us who have long enjoyed the support of PDP but now seek to undermine the party’s unity and progress.”
(VANGUARD)