Ogun Politicians Dismiss Report Naming Hamzat, Adeola, Alli as Consensus Aspirants
Prominent political stakeholders in Ogun State have firmly rejected a recent report alleging that chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt consensus governorship aspirants for South-West states. They described the claims as completely unfounded and misleading, with the aim of discouraging other aspirants from pursuing their political ambitions ahead of future governorship contests.
Report Details and Immediate Reactions
The controversial report had specifically named Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, Senator Olamilekan Adeola from Ogun West, and Senator Sharafadeen Alli as the preferred consensus aspirants for their respective states. Reacting on Wednesday, stakeholders asserted that this report merely reflected personal opinions rather than any official party decision. They emphasized that any attempt to impose candidates through informal arrangements would inevitably fail, pointing out that the amended Electoral Act clearly outlines the proper procedures for the emergence of consensus candidates within political parties.
Stakeholder Criticisms and Concerns
Akin Ogunsanwo, a notable political stakeholder, labeled the report as the handiwork of individuals who are opposed to an open and transparent political process. He clarified that President Tinubu was not physically present at the alleged meeting, which he described as a routine courtesy visit to congratulate the President after Ramadan. Ogunsanwo expressed deep concern that this visit was being misrepresented to promote what he called toxic narratives designed to discourage aspirants from participating in the democratic process.
Similarly, Adio Opeloyeru, an Abeokuta-based stakeholder, highlighted inconsistencies in the report that cast serious doubt on its credibility. He stated that President Tinubu would not support any consensus arrangement without broad consultation involving state party leaders and all aspirants. Opeloyeru also criticized the alleged involvement of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, accusing him of promoting Senator Adeola's acceptance in Ogun politics. According to Opeloyeru, previous efforts to advance such a position had already met significant resistance among key stakeholders in the state.
Dismissal of Speculative Claims
Opeloyeru further dismissed claims regarding Governor Dapo Abiodun's succession plans as purely speculative and lacking any factual basis. He noted that no such discussions had been held with political stakeholders, reinforcing the view that the report was fabricated to create confusion and undermine the democratic process in Ogun State.
Community and Group Responses
In a related development, the Ogun West Renaissance Movement, through its coordinator Amos Adegbite, strongly rejected what it described as attempts to impose an imported politician on the Yewa people. Despite one of its sons being mentioned in the report, the group declared that it would only support a candidate who emerges through a transparent and democratic party primary process. The OWRM reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to an open contest, insisting that voters in the state would resist any external attempt to impose candidates outside established democratic procedures.
Overall, the political landscape in Ogun State remains focused on ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process, with stakeholders united in their rejection of any undemocratic practices.
