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Minimum Wage: Striking Union Shuts Airports, Ports, Banks

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The Nigerian economy has experienced a partial paralysis on Monday following the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.

Following the labour union strike, the country’s banks, ports, hospitals, schools, ministries, departments, and agencies that dealt with government business were all closed.

After failing to come to an agreement with the Federal Government about the increased minimum wage, the trade unions declared a walkout.

It was earlier reported that the organised labour on Friday declared a nationwide strike, which would begin on Monday over the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000 and reverse the Band A tariff to N65 per kilowatt-hour instead of N206/KWh.

The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, stated that the indefinite strike would begin by midnight on Monday.

The NLC leader, who read from a jointly prepared speech alongside his TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo, expressed what he described as “grave concern and disappointment” over the Federal Government’s failure to conclude and pass into law a new National Minimum Wage Act, and reverse the hike in electricity tariff to N65/kWh.

As the Presidency and the National Assembly failed to pacify the workers on Sunday, members of the National Union of Electricity Employees swung into action by shutting down the national grid, plunging the nation into darkness.

Some NUEE members who were on duty were reportedly forced to comply with the industrial action.

Report has it that there was no trace of power generation on the national grid as of 8am on Monday. The distribution companies received no power allocation, except the Abuja disco which had only 10 megawatts later in the day.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria said its workers on duty were beaten and wounded by union leaders who stormed its offices to send them out.

TCN spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, said, “At about 1:15 am this (Monday) morning, the Benin Transmission Operator under the Independent System Operations unit of TCN reported that all operators were driven away from the control room and that staff that resisted were beaten while some were wounded in the course of forcing them out of the control room and without any form of control or supervision, the Benin Area Control Centre was brought to zero.

“Other transmission substations that were shut down, by the Labour Union include the Ganmo, Benin, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba and Osogbo Transmission Substations. Some transmission lines were equally opened due to the ongoing activities of the labour union.”

But the National President of the NUEE, Adebiyi Adeyeye, debunked the allegation, saying the union only withdrew its members in compliance with the directive of the organised labour.

“Does the TCN have evidence on that? You and I know there was a directive from the NLC and TUC to withdraw services, and not to come to work, and that’s what we did. It is a false claim if anyone claims that they came to their facility to beat them up. It is not true. Don’t come to work, that’s what we heard, and we obeyed it,” Adeyeye stated.

  • Blackout As Grid Remains Shut

The NUEE said its members would not return to their duty posts until the organised labour calls off the strike.

Asked if the union was considering the impact of the grid shutdown on the economy, the NUEE boss replied, “What have we done differently? They said Nigerian workers should withdraw their services and that’s what we did. No one should see us as either saboteurs or traitors, we are not one. We love our dear country, and we want Nigeria to succeed.”

On whether the union would return to work if the Federal Government reached an agreement with labour on the minimum wage while retaining the Band A tariff hike, he retorted, “All of us are into it together. Your N10,000 cannot buy you just 500 units of electricity now.

“If the government pays the minimum wage and fails to reverse the tariff, all of us will be there to see what will happen at the end of the day.  But I won’t confirm to you if we are going to take further action on it or not now. But what we are talking about now is a directive from the TUC and NLC which is crucial at this particular hour. We have to obey the leadership of the union. That’s what we are doing at the moment.”

  • Labour Pickets Banks

Members of the labour unions picketed some banks on Lagos Island on Monday, even as many banks across the country ran skeletal services.

It was observed that union leaders picketed the headquarters of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), denying entry to some employees working in the building.

The Wema Bank headquarters was also locked to the public same as some branches of FirstBank, Polaris Bank on Marina, and Broad streets in Lagos.

At the First Bank branch on Customs Street, opposite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s office in Lagos, the doors were shut and their four Automated Teller Machines were out of service.

A bank security guard revealed that the picketing by labour unions made them close the branch although they were discreetly letting in customers in batches.

Speaking with journalists at the access gate of the UBA, the General Secretary, of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, Sheikh Muhammed, lamented that the FG’s offer was worthless and not enough to feed dogs.

He said, “What they are offering is not enough for the breakfast of their dogs for those of them who have dogs as pets. The money that they are placing on the table and asking Nigerian workers to accept, a lot of them in government, both at the executive and legislative arms, is not even enough to pay for their pets’ food. They spend more money on their pets than they are offering as minimum wage.

“Under the current situation, a reasonable government that has come in, taken some economic steps that have now affected Nigerians cannot have that empathy to bring a reasonable and legitimate offer to the table that will not only take workers to the bus stop but to their homes and fend for their families. For these people, rather than having an open mind, that empathy, they are offering what’s not enough to feed their pets.”

He added that the unions in the oil and gas sector of the economy would comply with the labour’s directive and join the strike, leaving the filling stations empty.

“I can assure you that all the industrial unions under the NLC and TUC will comply with the strike action. This is day one and there may have been hiccups here and there, but I can assure you that NUPENG, being one of the active unions of the congress will comply. It is a matter of time. If by evening and government hasn’t responded, you will discover that beyond NLC and TUC, Nigerian masses will join this protest.

“This is day one and barely afternoon, before evening, you will find that in some of the filling stations, you will not see anyone there again,” he concluded.

  • Port Agents Stranded

Port workers including licensed customs stranded on Monday following the lockup of of the ports by members of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria in compliance with the directive of both the organised labour.

It was gathered that due to the strike, many workers and truck drivers were denied entry into the Apapa and Tincan Island ports in Lagos.

Confirming the development, the Vice President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Mr Nnadi Ugochukwu, said that all the entry gates to Tincan Island ports were under lock and key.

“I don’t know who locked them up,” Nnadi said.

Also speaking, the former acting President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Mr Kayode Farinto, said that there is a total shutdown at the ports.

Farinto also lamented that they were denied access to the ports.

“Nothing is working, we don’t even have access to enter the port, they didn’t allow us to access the ports. But we have been doing our documentation, we can’t do examination and delivery, that is the situation of the whole thing,” he said.

According to Farinto, development means negative for the economy.

“It means negative for the economy; it is not too good. The government should listen to their complaints. The rate of inflation is very high, the government should consider that too. The MWUN were the people that shut all the ports of Tincan and Apapa,” Farinto said.

Recall that members of the maritime union over the weekend, vowed to comply with the directive to join in the indefinite nationwide strike.

The President General of MWUN, Adewale Adeyanju, said the indefinite nationwide strike has become very imperative, “given the failure of the Federal Government and the inconclusive national minimum wage negotiation and refusal to reverse the hard-biting hike in electricity tariff”.

  • Healthcare Workers Withdraw Services

Meanwhile, healthcare workers at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital withdrew their services on Monday, resulting in some patients being left without care.

According to The Punch, witness says that the hospital gate was locked, preventing entry for both patients and members of staff from noon to about 4 pm.

It was also observed that the hospital’s gates across from the Conoil filling station were locked and only allowed access by foot, while the second gate at the intersection of Medical Road was accessible for both cars and pedestrians.

Also, there was a presence of some policemen from Area F at the main gate of the hospital.

A doctor under anonymity stated that the doctors had been chased to their lodge as a result of the strike.

“We are not on duty today. They chased us out of the hospital, and we cannot attend to patients. We are currently at our lodge because of the national strike.”

A nurse, simply identified as Bola noted that the strike would also impact not just the patients but also the hospital’s income.

She said, “The strike is needed, but the sad thing is that we are not allowed to work, and patients are currently stranded. Although some departments are open, not all are, and I am sure it will not only affect the patients but also the revenue of the hospital.”

A security officer who also pleaded anonymity because he is not authorised to speak on the issue added that only surgeons are permitted to attend to patients in the surgical department, and nurses have been driven out of the clinic.

“The only wards that are open currently are the emergency ward and the surgical ward, and that is because of people who have emergency cases. Also, the female ward is opened in case a woman wants to give birth.

“All the doctors parked their bags at their lodge because they were not allowed to stay in their offices. Some doctors are still around, but nurses are not available. You can only see a doctor for other reasons if you have a personal person that you know before coming in,” he stated.

The NLC Chairperson in Lagos, Funmi Sessi, added that the nationwide strike will not end unless the government raises the minimum wage.

“Everything is out of reach for salary workers. Labour and NLC are very much awake. Nigeria will say they are the giants of Africa, but is it really that? The money they are insisting on paying cannot be compared with the current socio-economic situation in Nigeria,” she stressed.

The NLC Public Relations Officer in Lagos, Ishola Adejuwon, noted that the strike will continue peacefully, urging the public to return home until the government intervenes.

“The banks were shut down today as a result of the strike. We are coordinated, and we are peaceful. What we are doing here is ensuring that all our members comply with the strike, and God willing, we hope the result will come out in favour of the masses. What we gave was an ultimatum of May 31st, and nothing has been done. We already stated that we would withdraw our services if nothing was done.

“When it will end, we cannot determine. The national body will meet with all the organs of the NLC and TUC today to pass a resolution based on the discussion they had yesterday with the government. If the directive is acceptable, we will give it a call, but if it’s not acceptable, we will continue.

“We are the ones that generate the funds and create the wealth of the nation. We are privileged to have the financial strength of the nation. If what we are asking for is outrageous, then the government should leave their books open. We all know that since the fuel subsidy, the revenue of the state and local governments has tripled. When we, the workers, are well paid, we can have a higher purchasing power. We are hungry and angry, so we are pleading with the government to heed our demand. We don’t just declare a strike. The only solution to the problem is for the government to increase the 60,000 a bit,” Adejuwon noted.

It was gathered that healthcare workers under the aegis of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives and the Joint Health Sector Unions rendered skeletal services in Abuja hospitals on Monday.

It was also observed that the First Bank branch along Okota Roundabout opened and banking transactions went on seamlessly. Customers were going in and out to carry out their banking activities.

The Access Bank branch along Apata opened for business, but there were staggered operations. A few customers were sighted using the Automated Teller Machines.

Also, the Sterling Bank branch located on Ire-Akari Road opened for customers. The Fidelity Bank along Okeho Road had few customers in the banking hall.

The Parallel Bank office along 7&8 Road Gate was closed, but a few customers were using the ATM outside.

Meanwhile, FCMB had customers going in and out of the banking all. There was no disruption at the time of filing this report.

  • Airlines Suspend Operations

Aviation unions at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos brought all activities to a halt on Monday.

The striking aviation unions include the National Union of Air Transport Employees, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers.

The unions had notified Nigerian local airports that they would be shut by 00:00hrs on Monday, June 3rd, 2024 while the closure of the international airports commences on Tuesday, June 4th, 2024.

Passengers who had hitherto planned to board flights to different destinations on Monday were barred from boarding as aviation unions locked the entrance gate to the domestic terminal of the Lagos airport.

According to The Punch, it was observed that at 7:10 am, workers had strategically positioned themselves, shutting various gates within the airport.

Entrances of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria were also seen to be under lock and key with police presence.

Many of the travellers were told to return home, pending when the organised labour and the Federal Government would reach a truce on the figure for minimum wage.

However, activities were not disrupted at the international wing of the airport as aviation unions gave operating airlines another 24 hours to conclude their flights.

The unions in their numbers were seen in different strategic locations with various flags and banners to press home their demands.

Also, airlines have begun to suspend their operations.

On its part, Ibom Air through its X (formerly known as Twitter) account announced the suspension of its flight operations until further notice.

The airline noted that it was unable to dispatch any of its scheduled flights to their various destinations because of the disruption by the workers.

Also, Arik Air, in its travel advisory to its customers, said affected stranded customers have an option of rebooking or rescheduling the flights at no additional cost.

The airline said, “Customers whose flights may have been affected by the NLC action will have the option of rebooking/rescheduling the flights at no additional cost.

Speaking with journalists, the General Secretary, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Francis Akinjole, emphasised that activities at the international wing would be grounded on Tuesday.

He had earlier told passengers to return to their various homes because there was no sign that the strike could be called off soon.

He added that the workers were left with no other option than to grand the airport, adding that until the government accedes to their demand, there will be no air transportation in the country.

“We just do not have any choice but to embark on what we are doing and it is clear. If the Federal Government signs the new minimum wage today, we will leave; but if they do not, we are starting here today as the commencement day.

“Tomorrow, as we said in our notice to the general public, we are going to ground activities at the international wing.

“The only reason why we are not starting the international wing today, is because we are aware that some flights were already airborne, so we are not as insensitive as some people might want to think,” he said.

Akinjole further said the union was prepared for the length of time the strike would last, but called on the Federal Government to consider the yearnings of Nigerians.

“We are prepared to go the whole length. Government should pay the Minimum Living Wage, that is what they should do,” he noted.

The National Chairman of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency branch of the Association of Nigeria Airport Professionals, Patrick Evuarhehe, also said that no skeletal activities were permitted.

Evuarhehe stated that it was a fight for all and not of selfish interests because ‘an injury to one, is an injury to all’.

Meanwhile, NUATE has said that all international flights will be put on hold starting from Tuesday, pending when the federal government addresses their demands concerning a minimum wage increase. This move follows the union’s shutdown of local flights.

Deputy National President of NUATE, Uzor Oluchi, disclosed this during an interview at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday.

Oluchi stated his position saying, “We are working with the directive of Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress. Our headquarters is in Lagos, and we are getting directives from them. This is not only about Aviation, the prices of commodities today are going high.

“Today, we allowed the international flights to move because people have already booked, and some international flights take about 12-13 hours to reach Nigeria. So, we have to let them land. But after today, if the federal government does not do anything, they will join, and we will shut down all the international flights like we did for local flights.”

President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representative in Nigeria, Kingsley Nwokoma, while reacting, hoped that the Federal Government and Labour would resolve the matter amicably.

 

Credit: The Punch

BIG STORY

No Effective Governance Without Full Local Government Autonomy — Femi Gbajabiamila

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The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has stated that governance at the local government level cannot be effective without complete autonomy.

He made the remark while addressing journalists after voting in the Lagos State local government elections in Surulere on Saturday.

When asked about the progress of implementing the LG autonomy ruling by the Supreme Court one year after it was delivered, Gbajabiamila described the process as ongoing and said it would be completed with time.

Gbajabiamila said, “The ruling was welcome by everybody. It’s the execution of that ruling and the implementation of that ruling that we are still trying to dot the Is and cross the Ts.

“I believe in a matter of time, we will realise full autonomy. There cannot be effective governance without full autonomy. That’s what we are working toward.”

In July 2024, the Supreme Court granted autonomy to all 774 local government areas across the country following a case filed by the federal government through the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation. However, the ruling is yet to be fully implemented.

Following the judgement, the Senate urged state and local governments to immediately adhere to the court’s directive, especially regarding local government accounts and direct fund disbursements.

The Senate also moved to amend relevant sections of the Constitution to ensure full local government autonomy nationwide.

The announcement was made by Deputy Senate President Senator Jibrin Barau, after lawmakers emerged from a closed-door session where they discussed alleged efforts by some state governments to bypass the Supreme Court’s ruling on July 11.

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DETAILED: Coroner Orders Prosecution Of Auxiliary Nurse Over Mohbad’s Death, Probe Into Police Inaction

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The Lagos State Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu has instructed the Director of Public Prosecutions to initiate legal action against Feyisayo Ogedengbe, the auxiliary nurse who gave the injection allegedly linked to the death of Nigerian artist Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

In her ruling delivered on Friday, Magistrate C.A. Shotobi stated that Ms Ogedengbe was not a registered nurse or licensed medical professional, and therefore acted outside the law by administering a tetanus injection that reportedly led to complications resulting in the singer’s death.

“This is not a case of foul play but one of medical negligence,” Magistrate Shotobi said. “While I cannot certify a definitive cause of death, I draw a link from the sudden reaction after the deceased was injected by the nurse.”

She further raised alarm about lapses in healthcare regulations, highlighting how unqualified individuals are allowed to operate as health practitioners.

In a related directive, the court ordered an inquiry into the failure of the Nigeria Police Force to act on a petition filed by the late singer before his death, asking relevant authorities to determine if negligence occurred.

Family members and their legal team—Wahab Shittu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, along with Kabir Akingbola and Abiola Kolawole from the African Women Lawyers Association—were in attendance when the ruling was delivered.

Testimonies and autopsy reports

According to the Coroner, 19 individuals, including relatives, doctors, and police personnel, provided testimony during the inquiry.

Based on the evidence of two independent pathologists who conducted separate autopsies, the court observed that the advanced state of decomposition of Mohbad’s body made it difficult to confirm an exact cause of death.

However, both experts agreed that a severe anaphylactic reaction to the tetanus shot was the most probable cause.

“The death is not linked to any evidence of foul play, but to medical negligence,” Magistrate Shotobi reaffirmed.

Criticisms of family and law enforcement

The court found no direct connection between Mohbad’s passing and the alleged harassment by his former label boss Azeez Fashola, known as Naira Marley, and associate Samson Eletu, also called Sam Larry, despite evidence of continued intimidation.

Nevertheless, the court condemned the manner of the singer’s burial, referring to it as “undignified.”

It criticised Joseph Aloba, the singer’s father, for not obtaining a death certificate or requesting an autopsy prior to the burial, despite receiving N2 million from fellow artist David Adeleke (Davido) to facilitate a proper funeral.

Omowunmi, Mohbad’s wife, was also faulted for failing to seek timely professional medical care for the singer over a 15-hour period and not adequately documenting the circumstances surrounding his death.

“She had a duty of care to her husband which was not sufficiently discharged,” the court said.

The court also condemned the police for ignoring the singer’s petition before his death, which included claims of assault and threats to life.

Describing the situation as “dereliction of duty,” the court ordered the immediate reopening of the case and instructed the police to question all individuals mentioned in the petition, including Naira Marley and Sam Larry.

Systemic breakdowns and court recommendations

Magistrate Shotobi noted that the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death exposed “systemic collapse” across multiple sectors such as family, healthcare, law enforcement, and the entertainment industry.

She called for the prosecution of Ms Ogedengbe on charges of gross medical negligence and urged that Mohbad be reburied in compliance with public health and legal standards.

She also demanded a formal investigation into police inaction regarding the deceased’s petition and advocated for legislative reforms to tackle bullying and abuse in the entertainment sector.

The court recommended a ban on intravenous medication by unlicensed individuals and emphasized that all sudden deaths involving young, seemingly healthy people must be investigated before burial.

Traditional funeral rites, the court warned, must not override statutory procedures in suspicious or abrupt death cases.

She also cautioned online content creators and influencers that disseminating falsehoods about court proceedings could be classified as obstruction of justice under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act.

Public reaction

The legal team representing Mohbad’s family praised the decision as a significant ruling.

Speaking to journalists, Mr Shittu, counsel to the singer’s father, described the court’s findings as “unprecedented jurisprudence” and “a PhD thesis in justice.”

“The ruling analysed the testimony of 19 witnesses. It revealed patterns: Mohbad felt unsafe, was harassed, and lacked institutional protection,” he said.

He added that the rushed burial compromised a thorough forensic investigation. “While Islamic law encourages swift burial, public interest in this case should have prevailed.”

Mr Shittu also reiterated the court’s position that police should act immediately on the singer’s petition, stating, “This is not a flawed investigation—it was never properly conducted in the first place.”

Kabir Akingbola, who represented Mohbad’s wife, cited cultural and emotional limitations. “Yoruba customs limit a wife’s power to challenge a father-in-law. Even if she wanted to intervene, grief and tradition may have silenced her,” he explained.

Background

Mohbad passed away on 12 September 2023 at age 26 and was buried the next day, sparking public outrage and widespread demonstrations.

Following public pressure, the Lagos State Police Command launched a 13-member investigation team on 18 September. His body was exhumed on 21 September for autopsy.

In April 2024, a second autopsy was ordered after the initial toxicology results were deemed inconclusive. US-based NMS Labs, allegedly contracted for testing, later denied receiving any related sample.

Summons were issued to key individuals including Naira Marley, Sam Larry, the nurse, and Mohbad’s wife. In March 2025, calls were made for Magistrate Shotobi to step aside from the case over alleged bias, but she continued until the final ruling.

 

Credit: Premium Times

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Jitters In Osun APC, PDP Over Adeleke’s Defection Plan

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Panic has gripped both the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress in Osun State amid reports that Governor Ademola Adeleke may be planning to leave the PDP for the APC.

According to findings by The Punch, several close associates and appointees of the governor confirmed that Adeleke is close to finalising the defection.

The development has unsettled the APC, prompting a protest against Adeleke on Friday. However, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor denied having any such intention.

Speculation about Adeleke’s defection began in June after he paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at his Bourdillon residence in Lagos.

The governor was accompanied by his brother, billionaire businessman Adedeji Adeleke, and his nephew, Afrobeats artist David Adeleke, also known as Davido.

News of the visit was made public in a post on X by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun.

Although the purpose of the meeting was not disclosed, the release of photos showing Tinubu and his wife in a warm exchange with the Adelekes triggered tension in both the Osun PDP and APC camps.

The rumour gained renewed attention this week following a series of cryptic posts by some of Adeleke’s aides on social media.

Close associates confirm move, APC ticket offer

Insiders in the governor’s cabinet, including a commissioner and two special advisers, told our correspondents that Adeleke had concluded plans to join the APC.

The commissioner, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said Adeleke had briefed some of his allies in his cabinet and the House of Assembly about his defection plan.

“Mr Governor will join the APC, but the official declaration will not be now. His planned defection is a result of political threats, the Federal Government withheld local government funds, and there are emerging threats to the businesses of his billionaire brother, Dr Deji Adeleke. So, there are many things at stake,” he said.

A senior official of the APC in the state also confirmed that the governor was consulting with APC leaders, but said his fate hangs on Tinubu’s move.

“Adeleke has been consulting many APC leaders. He has employed some mercenaries to lobby the President. But Baba Bisi Akande and Oyetola have not consented to his defection. The President will need to convince them before the governor will declare his defection,” the APC official said on Thursday.

In a symbolic move, the Osun PDP Director of Media and Information, Oladele Bamiji, who is also a Senior Special Assistant to Adeleke, posted “On Your Mandate!” on his Facebook timeline around 5 pm on Thursday.

The slogan is synonymous with Tinubu, having originated from his loyalists in Lagos State.

Bamiji’s post triggered reactions from other Facebook users, including APC members kicking against the move.

One of the governor’s special advisers, who also spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the governor’s apparent uncertainty over the validity of his second-term ticket in the face of the PDP crisis might have triggered his proposed defection.

“INEC has released the timetable for the 2026 governorship election, and the PDP primary is coming up in September. Who is going to sign Adeleke’s nomination form amid the ongoing crisis in the PDP?

“We are all afraid that whatever happens in the PDP regarding the Osun election may be subject to litigation, which may invalidate the governor’s nomination and victory. That is why the governor wants to leave,” the aide said.

Also subtly confirming the move, another SSA to Adeleke, Olalekan Badmus, tweeted on his X handle on Friday: “After we all agreed to this, the next question is where?

“Governor Adeleke is currently consulting and evaluating all options on the table, including the peculiarities of all current political parties. Reports of imminent arrival at a particular party are at best speculative.”

Amid growing confirmation from the governor’s close associates, The Punch gathered that Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and members of the President’s immediate family reportedly facilitated Adeleke’s move to the APC.

Adeleke remains in PDP – Spokesman

Reacting to the defection rumour, the spokesperson for the Osun State Government, Rasheed, said Adeleke remained in the PDP and was not considering joining the APC.

In a statement on Thursday, Rasheed quoted Adeleke as saying, “I assure the good people of Osun that I remain part and parcel of the PDP family. I am not defecting to any party.”

He said the governor reaffirmed his commitment to the implementation of his administration’s five-point agenda and urged the public to disregard what he described as “fake news,” while assuring continued delivery of good governance and democratic dividends.

Also reacting, the National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, said the party’s national secretariat was unaware of any defection plan by the Osun governor.

In an interview (with Saturday Punch), Basiru said, “The only thing I can say is that I’m not aware of Adeleke’s so-called planned defection as the National Secretary of the party. All other things are hypothetical for now. I cannot be reacting based on social media frenzy!”

Similarly, the spokesperson for the Osun APC, Kola Olabisi, said the party leadership in the state had no knowledge of any move by Adeleke to join their ranks.

“It is still in the realm of speculation. The leadership of the APC in Osun, led by Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, is not aware of the governor’s defection plan,” he said.

When asked whether the party would welcome Adeleke, Olabisi replied, “Only the leadership of the party will speak on that.”

Panic in APC, PDP camps

Despite official denials, there is palpable tension among members of both the APC and PDP in Osun State.

It was gathered that the development has unsettled many APC members, particularly loyalists of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, who fear that Adeleke’s entry into the APC could jeopardise the chances of their governorship aspirant, Bola Oyebamiji.

On the PDP side, some members have also expressed concern that the party may suffer significant setbacks if Adeleke defects, as the Adeleke dynasty is regarded as the party’s primary financier in Osun State.

It was noted that several APC members took to social media, especially Facebook, to express displeasure over the alleged plan.

A former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Oyetola on Education, Alhaji Jamiu Olawumi, wrote on his Facebook timeline on Thursday, “The Adeleke Challenge! If, as a governor, you have delivered, is it not shameful trying to run away from your own party?”

Another Oyetola loyalist, Adedeji Adebayo, also took to Facebook to criticise APC National Secretary, Basiru, for saying that President Tinubu would determine the APC’s governorship candidate in 2027, rather than speaking out against Adeleke’s rumoured defection.

He wrote, “The Adelekes’ agents in the APC are celebrating, granting media interviews about the phantom defection of the so-called ‘omo-gba-feeder’. Yes, the same omo-gba-feeder. They don’t care if it goes to a dullard since it’s not coming to them. That is the kind of wanton politics they play. Meanwhile, it is what it is: phantom defection. If Obente defects to APC, perhaps it is the APC AISU Chapter.”

‘No automatic ticket for gov’

On Friday, some Osun APC members staged a peaceful protest at the party’s state secretariat in Osogbo, insisting that if Adeleke defects, he should not be given an automatic governorship ticket.

Led by a member of the APC, Taofeek Afolabi, the protesters, mostly youths, said it would be unfair to hand the incumbent governor the party’s ticket without a contest.

“We are members of the All Progressives Congress, and we are here this morning to register our concern over the rumoured defection of Governor Ademola Adeleke to the APC. We are not saying he should not join our party. Adeleke joining the APC will boost our party. He is the current governor, and having him with us will strengthen the party,” Afolabi said.

“However, what we don’t want is the party giving Governor Adeleke an automatic ticket. If he wants to re-contest, he should express interest and contest the gubernatorial ticket with other aspirants.

“There are people who have shown interest in the race already, and we don’t want him to be handed the ticket without a proper contest. That is the only thing we are against. We have no issue with him joining our party,” he added.

PDP, APC chieftains divided

Saturday PUNCH gathered that members of both the PDP and APC remain divided over the governor’s reported defection plan.

While a section of the PDP reportedly supports the move, others have rejected it, insisting they would not follow the governor into another party.

A former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Diran Odeyemi, said realignment was part of politics and that there was nothing wrong with adjusting strategies to win elections.

“Politics is dynamic. It’s not like mathematics, where you get a fixed answer to an equation. It’s about permutation here and there. It’s a game that is played according to situations and circumstances, but with the sole purpose of winning,” Odeyemi said.

“Realignment is key in politics, more so because it is a game of interest. There is nothing wrong with redefining a strategy if it is aimed at winning any contest. As for us in the PDP, Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second term is sacrosanct; the way and manner to go about it is secondary.”

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the APC in Osun and an aide to ex-Governor Oyetola, Jamiu Olawumi, maintained that while party membership is a right, acceptance is not automatic.

“Politics and joining a political party are fundamental human rights. Joining a party is a free entry and free exit. However, in some situations, you cannot just join a political party because there are certain criteria for fresh members. If you’re not fit for it, we might not welcome your overtures,” he said.

Olawumi also dismissed the defection report as speculation.

“The highest hierarchy of the party has not spoken about the defection. Everybody is just reacting to rumours — we’ve had both confirmations and denials. This shouldn’t be given serious attention by serious people. In the APC, we are serious people, and we don’t dwell on this kind of unserious speculation. Let it remain in the realm of rumour,” he added.

We’re not worried—APC aspirants

Some governorship hopefuls in the Osun APC has said the defection rumour is not giving them sleepless nights.

One of them, Dotun Babayemi, said the development did not come as a surprise and would not affect his ambition.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Kayode Oladeji, Babayemi stated that Adeleke’s defection would, in fact, be an addition to the APC.

“We are not worried about Governor Ademola Adeleke or anybody coming into our great party, APC. We all know that democracy is a game of numbers. This means it is becoming clear that our party is poised to win in 2026, and President Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 elections shall be resounding,” he said.

“In the same vein, his joining our party cannot jeopardise my chances. My confidence is based on the amazing support and love being shown to me within and outside the APC, across the state, by both the old and the young.

“As to whether it is right for the governor to dump the PDP for the APC, I am not sure that is the real question — because we don’t know what is chasing him from the PDP,” he added.

Similarly, another governorship hopeful, Akin Ogunbiyi, said he was not surprised by Adeleke’s reported defection plan, declaring that the party would win the next governorship election in the state.

“I am not worried that the current governor is struggling to come to the APC. He is a serving governor, and he can come to the APC. Our party is a winning team, and we can all see what is happening at the federal level — what our father, the President, is doing.

“So, I am not surprised that not only in Osun State, but even across other states, people are declaring for the APC because it is a progressive party,” Ogunbiyi said.

PDP senators to dump party

Meanwhile, Saturday PUNCH has gathered that two PDP senators from Osun State, Adenigba Fadahunsi (Osun East) and Olubiyi Ajagunla (Osun Central), have concluded plans to leave the party.

According to aides, both lawmakers met with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa about a month ago, where the decision regarding their defection was finalised.

One of Ajagunla’s top aides, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Ajagunla will leave the PDP soon, there is no doubt about that. The Adeleke dynasty is not treating him well, and our town, Ila-Orangun, has not benefited from the current administration in terms of infrastructure development.

“People know that Ajagunla has left the PDP; he just hasn’t announced his defection officially,” the aide said.

 

Credit: The Punch

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