So far so good, the build-up to 2023 gubernatorial election is becoming interesting as the parties primaries draw nearer. Between now and end of the month of May 2022, the parties flag bearers in the state will emerge.
The suspense, the game plan and the surprises will come and end in just few weeks from now. But who is that game changer, the master strategist, the chosen one and the next governor of the state? Please follow me.
In 2019 elections, APC as the ruling party was in the vantage position to retain power. The Ajimobi factor or high-handedness coupled with inexperience and knows-it-all attitude of Chief Adebayo Adelabu cause the party the loss and inability to retain power.
The now so much hyped Gov. Seyi Makinde’s achievements may not secure him a second term because of same ‘factor’ that cost Ajimobi and APC the return to power in 2019. Gov. Makinde not only embarking on white elephant projects that lacks substance and couldn’t be beneficial to the masses but his power-drunkness, insecurity in the state, inexperience and inability to relate with party members and even elected local government sheriffs will earn him a loss in the coming election.
In APC, it’s betrayal upon betrayal. The unscrupulous “jagba” approach will not earn the proponent any good. Even if, God forbid, the jagba group in the party eventually have their way, it is not likely for them to hide under a finger. A group in a political party that can clandestinely outsmart (Jagba) her colleagues in the party would never make anything tangible from the ungodly act.
As it is now, no hierarchy in APC knows where the pendulum is swinging to. The Tinubu and Buhari factor. Osinbajo, Amosun, Fayemi factor and the northern conspiracy has made everything in APC as abracadabra – the more you look, the less you see. Nobody knows what is happening and in the next few weeks, the atmosphere would become clearer.
Back to Oyo State politics, the conspiracy, the Jagba, the politics of deceit and decoy in APC is just because of a man, a candidate, his intimidating personality, his humble beginning and his teeming supporters. Who is this fearful candidate? Who is this enigma? Who is this game changer? Who’s this politician that has become the Lion of the Aerodromes?
The opposition PDP zoned and chosen their state party chairman from his constituency, his party APC, at an all inclusive meeting zoned their party chairmanship to his neighbour and they all collectively agreed that the state championship would have nothing to do with where the governorship candidate would emerge.
The agreement overwhelmingly supported by all. But in a jiffy, some section of the party searched and got a Judas from this candidate’s constituency, his local government and his home town. The conspiracy theory put in to practical and they “outsmarted” everyone in the party. Through back door, the Judas was let into the party state secretariat and since then, he has been searching for a forceful “peace” alliance.
Now there are 5 or 6 governorship aspirants in APC in Oyo State, but practically there are only two aspirants in APC in the state – the two are PROF. ADEOLU AKANDE and the rest.
All the conspiracies, decoy, deceit and political manoeuvering are all because of one man – Prof. Adeolu Akande.
His credentials are intimidating, his personality exemplifies the Yoruba concept of Omoluabi, his being kind-heartedness and ability to silently assist people both in high places and also reaching out to the youths/commoners are part of the facts about him that the opposition do not want exposed.
Who is Prof Adeolu Akande? He is a gubernatorial hopeful in APC in Oyo State. He has his humble beginning from Otu in Itesiwaju local government and a professor of comparative politics at the Igbinedion University. He is also a lawyer and presently the NCC Chairman. He has assisted many Oyo State indigenes, not only the youths but high ranking federal government appointments in the state are to his credits.
His understanding of governance and the blueprint for transformation of Oyo State are incredible.
A challenge of open debate on governance in the state with others will convince you and that is what his opponents are running away from.
The open declaration to contest the state governorship of the state is here and we shall all know the stuff Prof Adeolu Akande is made of. The reason why they fear his political sagacity and his achievements in the service to the Nigerians would be let out. They plan and God plans, God Almighty is the best planner.
Aare Esv Ismail Adewoyin writes from Ibadan, the Oyo state capital. He’s the convener of Oke Ogun Lokan.
