APC Ogun State: Not Yet Huhuru
Despite the victories recorded by Ogun APC in the Presidential and National Assembly elections held last Saturday, indications are high that the next election will not be an easy ride for the party.
Insiders are of the opinion that the state is not doing well under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun the state governor whose performance most indigenes see as poor and unremarkable Aside from failure in the area of delivering campaign promises, APC party faithful is also not happy with his lack of interest in their welfare.
Last Saturday’s election results were a combination of several factors majorly traced to the senatorial ambitions of the former governor of the state, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and Senator Olamilekan Adeola popularly known as “Yayi”. Both very popular politicians contested for the Ogun East and Ogun West senatorial positions respectively.
While Otunba Gbenga Daniel who was the first 2-time Governor of the state with many remarkable achievements to his credit, despite being out of power for 12 years is still well-loved by the populace, and Senator Yayi who crossed to Ogun West from Lagos West with a strong campaign covering the whole of Ogun West with a themed campaign styled “West to West”
On the other hand, Otunba Gbenga Daniel reputed for his strategic political masterstrokes in the past recorded a reputation for successful campaigns for former President Jonathan, and Vice President Atiku and strong showings at the national level of politics which made him a beautiful bride in South West. He vigorously campaigned for Tinubu and led the Tinubu-Shettima Grassroot Independent Campaign Council.
His tour of all the wards in Ogun East was a big booster and tonic that geared APC party members and even opposition party members who came out to vote for him.
The Ogun Central candidate, Shuaib Afolabi, governor Abiodun’s former chief of staff ran the most colorless campaign in the state but was able to win because of the influence of Asiwaju and other candidates from East and West.
The next election in the state will obviously be an acid test for Governor Dapo Abiodun. The immediate past governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle although still, a member of APC is the force behind Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) where all of Amosun’s political structure was accommodated. Remo, where Governor Dapo Abiodun is from is going to be a “war” zone as Ladi Adebutu, son of business magnate Chief Adebutu and PDP guber candidate is also strong.
With strict opposition from Amosun and Otegbeye in the Central, West, and Adebutu in the East, only a miracle will return Dapo Abiodun to power.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
