Politics

How I Defeated Bola Ige In 1999 To Get AD’s Presidential Ticket — Olu Falae

Published

2 months ago

March 21, 2026

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and elder statesman, Chief Olu Falae, has revealed how he emerged as the presidential candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1999, defeating the late Chief Bola Ige in what he described as a surprising but hard-earned victory.

Falae, in excerpts from his forthcoming autobiography, The Triumph of Grace, said his emergence followed an intense lobbying effort, strategic consultations, and what he termed a miscalculation by his opponent.

According to him, the process began when Afenifere constituted a 23-member committee to select a consensus candidate for the AD/APP alliance presidential ticket.

The committee comprised elected governors of the AD, party chairmen across the South-West, Kwara and Kogi states, as well as key Afenifere elders.

Falae noted that the composition of the committee was, in his view, “unfair,” particularly as he was neither informed about the meeting that set it up nor given the opportunity to influence its structure. Despite this, he chose not to challenge the decision.

Both aspirants were asked to pay a nomination fee of N500,000. Falae said he promptly submitted a bank draft, while Ige also paid the same amount with “a post-dated cheque.”

Determined to secure victory, Falae embarked on an extensive campaign, visiting each member of the committee individually to solicit support.

“It would be very boring to bring into this autobiography the details of my conversations,” he wrote, “but I went round and saw everybody.”

He recounted visits to key political figures, including Chief Adebodun in Kogi State, who, despite being a long-time ally of Bola Ige, acknowledged Falae’s broader acceptability in Northern Nigeria.

Falae said he leveraged his experience in public service having served as Permanent Secretary, Managing Director of Nigeria Merchant Bank, and later Secretary to the Government of the Federation to convince members of his capacity to lead the country.

He also met with influential elders such as Chief J.O. Odebiyi, former Minister of Education, who subjected him to rigorous questioning on his plans for key sectors.

“I had a blueprint titled The Way Forward for the Third Republic, and I was able to respond to all his questions,” Falae said.

In addition, he reached out to figures considered close to Bola Ige, including Archdeacon Emmanuel Alayande and Justice Adewale Thompson, even though he admitted he did not expect their support.

“I did not want them to feel ignored,” he explained.

Falae contrasted his approach with that of his rival, noting that Ige travelled abroad during the critical period leading up to the decisive meeting at D-Rovans Hotel in Ibadan.

“While I was approaching members of the panel with arguments and logic… I learnt that Chief Bola Ige was away in London. He did not campaign at all, presumably because he was sure of victory.

“The day before the D-Rovans meeting, I went to Ibadan, to be as close as possible to the venue of the meeting, because the meeting was very important to me. To be nominated as Presidential candidate is the highest honour any political party can accord any of its members. It is the nation as a whole, in a general election that could convert that candidate into President. As far as the Party is concerned, it is the highest honour which they gave to Baba Awolowo and which I was now seeking. So, I went to Ibadan a day before to stay with my cousin, Chief Tayo Daniel, in Apata area of Ibadan. From there, I monitored what was going on; to confirm that the meeting was on and to know the outcome of the meeting, as soon as a decision was taken.

When the voting ended, an announcement was made that Chief Bola Ige scored nine votes and Chief Olu Falae scored fourteen votes and, therefore, Olu Falae was declared the candidate of the AD/Afenifere, to be recommended to the National Working Committee of the AD/APP alliance for adoption and ratification.

“I was naturally very happy. It was a major progress in my political career. To have succeeded against such a formidable and experienced politician like Chief Bola Ige was close to a miracle,” he said.

While he described the victory as “close to a miracle,” Falae admitted that the outcome triggered controversy, with allegations that money influenced the process claims Falae firmly denied.

“There were allegations that money changed hands during the D-Rovans election. I pray that God will forgive those who made such false and wicked allegations.

“In the circumstances, it would be a sacrilege to offer money to respected elders like Chief Adekeye who was then in his nineties, Chief (Jonathan) Odebiyi who was a Minister in the 1950s, Chief Adebodun, retired Justice Adewale Thompson and newly elected governors. To think of giving them money would be obscene, and I want to state categorically in this autobiography that I have never offered a bribe to anybody to do me a favour and I have never accepted a bribe from anybody for doing my duty…”

Falae attributed part of his success to lingering resentment among some party elders over Ige’s past political decisions, particularly his refusal to step down for Archdeacon Emmanuel Alayande during the 1979 governorship race in Oyo State.

Following his emergence, Falae said he made efforts to reconcile with Ige, sending emissaries and eventually meeting him in Ibadan in the presence of prominent figures.

At the meeting, he said Ige acknowledged his (Falae’s) qualities and agreed, at least verbally, to support his campaign in the South-West.

However, the fragile truce soon showed cracks when Ige publicly distanced himself from claims that he would lead Falae’s campaign.

Despite the tensions, Falae maintained that his victory was the product of strategy, persuasion, and what he described as divine grace.

“The Yoruba say, bo se wu Olorun lo n sola e God bestows His grace as He pleases,” he wrote.

The autobiography, The Triumph of Grace, is scheduled for public presentation in the coming days. Saturday Tribune got an advance copy during the week.
(TRIBUNE)

Politics

NDC Warri Fed. Constituency Candidate, Mulade, Pledges Inclusive Representation

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2026

Editor

The winner of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election for Warri Federal Constituency, Dr Sheriff Mulade, has
assured constituents of prioritising their interests through effective, people-oriented, and responsive representation if elected at the general election.

This was contained in a statement he signed and made available to newsmen in Warri on Saturday.

Chief Mulade, while expressing profound gratitude to party delegates, supporters, and constituents for the overwhelming support that secured him victory, described the outcome of the election as a demonstration of the confidence, trust, and acceptance reposed in him by the people of Warri Federal Constituency.

The environmental rights activist and peace advocate said he remains humbled by the mandate entrusted on him.

According to him, the victory belongs, not just to him, but to every resident of the constituency who believes in the ideals of good governance, unity, and sustainable development.

“I deeply appreciate all those who participated in the electoral process, especially the delegates, supporters, and well-wishers who stood firmly behind my aspiration. Your support, trust, and confidence mean a great deal to me,” he stated.

Comrade Mulade further called for unity, peaceful coexistence, and collective progress among the three major ethnic nationalities that make up the constituency—the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo—stressing that the future of Warri Federal Constituency depends on collaboration and mutual inclusiveness.

He noted that the outcome of the primary election reflects the people’s desire for inclusive leadership, grassroots-driven representation, and a renewed commitment towards addressing the developmental needs of the constituency.

“I dedicate this victory to God Almighty and all the people of Warri Federal Constituency whom I seek to serve. This mandate is a call to greater responsibility, and I assure you that I will not let you down. Together, we shall build a constituency where every community has a voice and every citizen has a stake in our collective progress,” Mulade added.

The NDC candidate also urged party members and supporters to remain united and focused as the party prepares for the next phase of the electoral process.

He emphasized that victory can only be sustained through solidarity, commitment, and a shared vision for the development of Warri Federal Constituency.

Politics

‘The Country Is Bleeding’ – Oba Olaitan On Why Nigerians Must Replace Tinubu In 2027

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2026

Editor

The leader of Afenifere, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, has explained why Nigerians, through the ballot, must as a matter of urgency, replace the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government in 2027.

He said Nigeria urgently needs a change of government to address insecurity, economic hardship, and threats to democracy.

Olaitan spoke this weekend at the SDP 2026 National Convention and Presidential Primaries held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi State.

Addressing delegates and party members, the Afenifere leader said Nigeria was currently “bleeding” under the All Progressives Congress, APC-led administration.

According to him, worsening insecurity across the country has left citizens living in fear.

“Our people can no longer sleep with both eyes closed because of the unrelenting wave of insecurity, banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and communal clashes that have turned farmlands into killing fields and turned hope into fear,” he said.

Olaitan also lamented the state of the economy, saying the rising cost of living had pushed many Nigerians into hardship.

“At the same time, the economy has been brought to its nadir. Prices of basic goods have gone beyond the reach of ordinary families. Our youths roam the streets without jobs, and our farmers and traders struggle daily just to survive,” he stated.

The Afenifere leader accused the APC government of weakening opposition parties and undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

“Nigerian democracy is under threat today with a government that is jittery about constructive opposition,” he said.

“As we are all aware, the APC government breaks any identifiable opposition into fractious factions, while destroying the very basis of the multiparty system.”

Olaitan maintained that the suffering in the country was a result of wrong policy choices and not an act of God.

“This suffering of many is not an act of God. It is the direct result of wrong choices and of neoliberal economic policies that put market forces and elite comfort above the welfare of the people,” he added.

He said the next general election should not be seen as a battle between ethnic or religious groups but between the ruling party and Nigerians facing poverty and hardship.

According to him, the SDP remains the party best positioned to deliver social justice, economic recovery, and democratic inclusion.

“SDP is not just another political party; it is the party that best reflects the values of social justice, equity, and a genuine concern for the masses and for democracy,” he said.

Politics

NDC Clears Air On Reports Of Aspirants Being Prevented From Participating In Primaries

Published

4 days ago

May 29, 2026

Editor

The Screening and Selection Committees of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has reacted to the reports that some aspirants are allegedly being prevented from participating in the ongoing party primaries across the country.

In a statement signed by Osa Director Esq., the National Publicity Secretary, NDC, the party said categorically that all aspirants who successfully completed the screening process have been duly cleared and are therefore eligible to participate in the primaries.

“Consequently, any action by any state chapter or party official aimed at preventing a duly cleared aspirant from participating in the exercise is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever,” the statement said.

“No aspirant should be denied the opportunity to participate in the primaries in any part of the country.”

The NDC said it remains a progressive and people-oriented political party firmly committed to the principles of accountability, transparency, fairness, and inclusivity.

It added, “It is therefore unacceptable for any arm of the party’s administrative structure to act contrary to these core values and guiding principles.”

The party said that members and officials at all levels are directed to ensure that the primaries are conducted peacefully, transparently, and strictly in accordance with the constitution, guidelines, and regulations of the party.

It said, “The primaries for the presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections will hold nationwide on May 29, 2026.

“Aspirants are further advised to note that, aside from the State Assembly primaries, which will hold within the respective constituency areas, all other primaries shall take place at the local government level as earlier communicated by the party.”