Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is facing fresh accusations of betrayal against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the build-up to the 2023 elections, with political insiders recounting a string of actions that allegedly undermined the then–APC presidential candidate.
Sources familiar with events revealed that Governor Abiodun openly derided Tinubu at the All Progressives Congress (APC) convention in Abuja. Instead of backing the former Lagos governor, he threw his weight behind then–Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, instructing Ogun delegates to support him. During his address, Abiodun was said to have mocked Tinubu’s “Chicago certificate” controversy, declaring that his candidate was a “qualified professor.” He ended his remarks by singing “Eleyi Ara wa, eyi Ara wa!” — a mocking jab at Tinubu’s earlier description of him as Eleyi (this one).
After Tinubu secured the APC ticket, tensions only worsened. Multiple accounts allege that Abiodun deliberately ignored Tinubu’s attempts to reach him, even refusing several phone calls. One notable incident reportedly occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where Tinubu, sitting beside Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, tried calling Abiodun repeatedly. When Abiodun finally answered Sanwo-Olu’s phone, he allegedly launched into a tirade questioning why Tinubu kept calling him and dismissing Tinubu’s chances of becoming president—unaware that Tinubu himself was listening via speakerphone.
Efforts by Tinubu to campaign in Ogun State were also allegedly frustrated. Abiodun refused to grant campaign clearance, only conceding when the Tinubu/Shettima Independent Campaign Council, led by former Ogun governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD) and Senator Gbenga Obadara, insisted that Tinubu could mobilise supporters without government approval. Reluctantly, Abiodun allowed the presidential rally at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.
Financial matters also fueled the rift. Funds Tinubu reportedly directed through Abiodun for distribution to traditional rulers during a meeting at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, allegedly never reached the intended beneficiaries.
Even during the election proper, accusations linger that Abiodun withheld federal mobilisation resources sent to Ogun State for Tinubu’s presidential bid, diverting them instead to his own re-election campaign two weeks later. In his Iperu Ward, Tinubu lost the presidential election, while Abiodun narrowly secured victory during his governorship contest.
These incidents, pieced together by campaign insiders, continue to stir controversy within APC ranks, raising questions about loyalty, trust, and the delicate alliance between President Tinubu and Governor Abiodun.
