BIG STORY
Off-Season Polls: FG Tackles Labour Over Strike, Unions Disrupt Imo Flights
Published
2 years agoon

The Federal Government berated organised labour on Thursday for declaring a strike in Imo State and planning a nationwide strike on November 14 in response to the physical attack on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, the state capital.
Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has warned the NLC and the Trade Union Congress against politicising Ajero’s alleged mistreatment, warning that politics might damage the country’s labour movement.
In response to the assault on the labour leader during a protest against the Imo State government on November 1, organised labour blocked all Owerri-bound flights at the Lagos and Abuja airports on Thursday, forcing passengers to deplane.
The union leaders and their members picketed the Nnamidi Azikiwe International Airport, disrupting the operations of the facility and leaving many passengers stranded.
The unions had announced the action after their extraordinary National Executive Council meeting which was held in Abuja on Tuesday.
But angered by the development, Keyamo came down hard on the labour leaders, accusing them of being ‘’Labour Party hirelings.’’
While appealing to the labour unions not to destroy themselves with involvement in politics, the minister maintained that the aviation ministry was not involved in the alleged maltreatment of the NLC leader.
Keyamo, who spoke at the opening of a retreat for the Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors and Head of Agencies of the Aviation Ministry, in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, pointed out that the “Aviation (sector) was not involved at all; but their target is aviation.
“Their retaliation is aviation. So, please, I want to tell them to leave us alone. Leave aviation alone. You cannot target aviation in trying to address your grievances.’’
He noted with concern that the protest by the labour could affect foreigners coming into the country as well as citizens going about their normal businesses as, according to him, the protesters disrupted aviation activities by blocking the access road to the Abuja International Airport.
Keyamo, while claiming to be grounded in legal, civil society and labour matters declared that “it is not good for the image of the labour movement.
“I pray and I’m talking directly to them: Do not allow the Labour Party to destroy the labour movement. I repeat, do not allow the Labour Party and politics to destroy the labour movement.
“Call your leadership to order. Don’t get sucked into politics. It will destroy the labour movement. They cannot be hirelings in the Labour Party and they used them at their will. That’s why you see that the labour movement does not control the policies of the Labour Party.”
However, Keyamo disclosed that the aviation ministry had mobilised security agencies to disperse the protesters from the Abuja International Airport.
He noted, “I, as aviation minister, will not allow that target on aviation. They should not target aviation. If they do that, I will fight back and they should not bring politics to aviation. I’m grounded in this. I have been with them all over the years but they cannot deceive me.
“What they are doing is politics. It’s not labour movement, it’s politics. You cannot use that platform to go and support a party different from my party when you’re fighting back. You say it’s labour movement. No, it’s not. You should be ready for the consequences if you play politics”.
Keyamo condemned the alleged maltreatment of the NLC president, stressing that nobody should be manhandled.
During the picketing of the airports, the NLC, TUC, and the aviation unions compelled some airlines to deplane their passengers travelling to Owerri from Lagos and Abuja airports.
Unions picket airports
It was gathered that members of the unions carried out the process seamlessly at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos without disrupting the flights of other non-Owerri bound passengers.
But the situation in Abuja was rowdy as the unions staged a protest at the entrance of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, paralysing access to the facility.
Hundreds of vehicles transporting travellers to the airport were trapped outside the NAIA, as the passengers were left stranded due to the development.
A traveller who was heading to the Abuja airport, Siraj Abubakar, said the protesters stopped vehicles from gaining entry into the facility around 8.30am on Thursday.
The aviation unions across the country had earlier declared the suspension of all flights to Owerri, Imo State, from every airport in Nigeria effective from Wednesday.
The TUC President, Festus Osifo, and the Deputy NLC President, Adewale Adeyanju, who led the protest, also visited the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force to meet with the IG.
Addressing the workers, the TUC president said the picketing was to express the displeasure of workers over the physical attack on Ajaero.
He noted that the exercise which was only the beginning of the planned protest was to inform the government that ‘injury to one was an injury to all members.’
Osifo said, “Comrades, we have established the reason why we are here because an injury to one is indeed an injury to all. Someone asked me why we came to the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport when the issue should have been limited to Imo State.
“We said no, the person that was brutalised is a national figure, our president is a national figure and the police that beat him are called the Nigeria police. They report to the Inspector-General of Police who in turn report to the President. So this is a national issue and as such we must make it one.’’
Osifo directed the workers to commence preparation for a grand protest and strike action scheduled for Tuesday next week.
“This is just the beginning. We have just started. By midnight on Tuesday, November 14, don’t bother leaving your house. We have given you a notice now. Every worker will be at home. Let’s see who owns Nigeria.’’
The Chairman of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria Branch, Ahmed Danjuma, justified the airport action.
“The picketing of the airports is as a result of the issue on the ground. We were directed by the two labour centres to stop all flights going to Owerri, only Owerri,” he stated.
Asked to state how the unions identified the Owerri-bound flights, Danjuma replied, “We know the airlines that operate to Owerri. In Lagos, it (the picketing) was actually seamless and polite. We spoke to United Nigeria Airlines at MMA2.
“Even though they started boarding at the beginning, we spoke to them to disembark the passengers. For Air Peace too, we told them not to service the Owerri route today and it was politely done. So, we had already interfaced with them.
“The management of FAAN also spoke with us, saying instead of us coming into the airport to disrupt the operations, we should meet with a few of the airlines involved since it is only one route that is affected.
“This happened today (Thursday) and it is also the same directive that was given to our people there in Abuja. Although I don’t know what is the true situation there yet.”
When told that the unions in Abuja actually blocked the entrance of the airport, Danjuma said, “That is too much, they are not supposed to go about it that way. We are not shutting down everywhere. It is only flights going to Owerri and we spoke to the airlines not to check in their passengers.”
Ahead of Saturday’s governorship polls in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states, the Independent National Electoral Commission has urged the Federal Government and organised Labour to settle their rift through dialogue.
He stated this in reaction to the picketing of the airports in Abuja and Lagos by the unions.
INEC on polls
When asked if the governorship poll in Imo State could be affected by the strike declared by the labour unions, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, stated, “The election will go on as scheduled in Imo State. The NLC strike is not targeted at the governorship election and is not expected to disrupt it.
“However, we urge the Federal Government and the NLC to resolve their differences amicably through dialogue as quickly as possible.”
Speaking on whether INEC has moved sensitive materials to the three states, Oyekanmi noted that “All the non-sensitive and sensitive materials needed for the three governorship elections holding on Saturday, November 11 in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states have already been delivered to the respective states.’’
“The sensitive materials for the elections are currently being disbursed in the premises of the respective Central Bank branches in the three states at this moment,” he further explained.
In a related development, the military high command said it had uncovered a plan by some persons to wear military uniforms to disrupt elections in some areas where the exercise would be held.
The military revealed it had massively mobilised troops for the off-cycle elections.
The Director, Defence Media Operation, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
He warned such persons to shelve the plan or face “injurious consequences” for such action.
Buba said the military would not fold its arms and watch its image dragged in the mud.
He said, “For the off-season elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states this weekend, here is a message for you. The military is deployed in strength for the election to create a safe environment for voters to peacefully come out and cast their votes.
“Election is a serious business and the military is giving it the seriousness that it deserves. So much has been put in place. Troops and platforms are being moved to those locations to reinforce security that is in place in the states. We are aware of the plans.
“However, we are aware of plans of some to disguise in military gear to orchestrate havoc and disrupt elections in some areas. Our message to such a group is that there will be injurious consequences for such an action. The military will not fold its arms and watch its image dragged into the mud.”
Buba said journalists covering elections in the three states would be briefed on how to identify such people and other safety measures.
He said, “Journalists in those locations on how to identify fake soldiers should that arise and other security measures to adopt. For security reasons, I can’t disclose it here. “
Still, on the election, the Department of State Services has warned against comments intended to cause disharmony in the country.
A statement on Thursday by the Director, Director, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Peter Afunanya, urged supporters and politicians to shun acts that could undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.
DSS cautions troublemakers
He said, “The Service urges key players and their supporters in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa States to conform to the rules of engagement and specifically the electoral law during the 11th November 2023 gubernatorial elections in the areas.
‘’The aim is to avert situations likely to undermine the processes. So far, the Service has substantially liaised with INEC, sister security agencies, and relevant NGOs to ensure hitch-free exercises in the affected States.’’
He called on the media and non-governmental organisations to avoid actions that could cause a breakdown of law and order.
The agency vowed that individuals or groups intending to engage in criminal acts during the election would be dealt with.
In preparation for the poll, the INEC on Thursday distributed electoral materials to all the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State.
At the Central Bank of Nigeria Branch in Owerri, the state capital, the electoral body distributed BVAS machines, ballot papers, and result sheets for the election to the 27 LGAs of the state.
The South-East National Commissioner for the commission, Kenneth Ukeagu, who briefed journalists while the distribution of the sensitive materials was ongoing, said that the electoral umpire was ready for the poll in the state.
He disclosed that elections would take place in all the LGAs in the state having got assurances from the security agents.
Ukeagu said that with the commission on top of its plans for the election, he doesn’t foresee any hitch that would hamper the electoral exercise.
He said its staff had been trained and professionally charged to discharge their responsibilities during the poll.
Ukeagu, therefore, urged the electorate in the state to come out en mass to elect a governor of their choice on Saturday.
He said, “We are ready for the election. We are distributing sensitive materials to all the LGAs in the state because elections will take place in all the LGAs in the state. We have received assurance from the security agents for the provision of adequate security during and after the election.
“On our part, we are ready and on top of our plans. The people of the state have to come out on Saturday and elect a governor of their choice.”
Ahead of the election, the police authorities have posted Danjuma Aboki as the new police commissioner in Imo State.
This followed the redeployment of the former CP, Mohammed Barde, to the force headquarters.
The command spokesperson, Henry Okoye disclosed that 15 CPs, 29 deputy commissioners of police, and 40 assistant commissioners of Police were posted to the state for the election.
In a move to ensure a seamless operation, the police have fortified security in four local government areas of Bayelsa State which were believed to be politically volatile.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police supervising the South-South zone, Daniel Sokari-Pedro, who disclosed this during a meeting with election stakeholders at the Police Officers’ Mess in Yenagoa, on Thursday, said IG Kayode Egbetokun, was committed to a free and fair electoral process.
Sokari-Pedro, who is in charge of Election Management Security in Bayelsa, said the three senatorial districts of the state were also violence-prone and listed the four local governments as Nembe, Southern Ijaw, Brass, Sagbama, and Kolokuma/Opokuma, adding that “almost all the local government areas are politically-volatile” as far as the election was concerned.
Governor Douye Diri, who is the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, is from Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA while his All Progressives Congress counterpart, Timipre Sylva, is from Brass LGA.
He said, “It is a known fact Bayelsa State is a peaceful State. Nevertheless, it is, election-wise, a volatile state. The three senatorial districts that make up the state are politically volatile. And some of the local governments and flash-points have been identified in the three senatorial zones.
“These include Sagbama, Nembe, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Southern Ijaw and, I think, Brass. Almost all the local governments are politically-volatile. But the ones I have just mentioned are the most volatile. I mentioned Nembe, Southern Ijaw, Brass, Sagbama and Kolokuma/Opokuma.”
The DIG, who was accompanied by his deputy on election duty in Bayelsa, AIG Ebong Eyibio, and the AIG Zone 16 headquarters, Yenagoa, AIG Paul Odama, also read the riot act to troublemakers, particularly violent youths and their sponsors, to steer clear of voting centres across the state.
Sokari-Pedro further said, “But we are assuring the peace-loving Bayelsans that in this election, not only the proxies will be dealt with, their identified principals will equally be dealt with. Take note. The fate that befalls the proxies will be visited on the principals.”
As part of preparations for a peaceful poll, he said the officers and men had been directed to carry out a show of force in all the local government areas on Thursday and Friday.
Ajaero backing LP – Uzodimma
Meanwhile, the Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, has said that he has no reason to have supported the attack on the NLC president, Ajaero, by the police.
The governor stated this when he appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday night, which was monitored by our correspondent.
Uzodimma stated, “I think Joe Ajaero is pursuing his personal interest. He has said times without number that he is a member of the Labour Party. He has a candidate in the election of Imo State, so he is driving whatever programme will give an advantage to the Labour Party in Imo State. If you follow with interest the history of the Labour Congress from 1999 till date, never in the history of any government has the Labour Congress or Labour union, shown the level of hostility they have shown to this administration.
“Assuming anybody has gone to Joe Ajaero to report that there was anything the Imo State government has not done right, I think the first thing he should do is to try to find out from the state government. As I speak to you, we have not met, we have never discussed, he has never presented anything to me. I am not a member of the Labour Union. I have no reason to encourage or support an assault on Joe Ajaero, who is the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress”, he said.
Credit: The Puch
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No Effective Governance Without Full Local Government Autonomy — Femi Gbajabiamila
Published
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July 12, 2025
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
Published
14 hours agoon
July 12, 2025
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
BIG STORY
Jitters In Osun APC, PDP Over Adeleke’s Defection Plan
Published
14 hours agoon
July 12, 2025
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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