As Ogun State gears up for its upcoming local government elections in November, Governor Dapo Abiodun has issued a controversial ultimatum to aspiring candidates within the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a meeting held last Sunday with select party leaders, Abiodun made it clear that only those who pledge unwavering loyalty to him will be permitted to contest in the elections. This directive has sparked significant concern among party members and political observers alike, who fear the implications for democracy and local government autonomy in the state.
According to sources present at the meeting, held at the Presidential Lodge—now serving as Abiodun’s official residence—the governor emphasized that candidates who do not demonstrate full allegiance to him will be disqualified from the race. The meeting, which was scheduled to start at 2 pm but eventually commenced at 6 pm, was reportedly marked by a tone of authoritarianism, as Abiodun instructed party leaders to suspend local campaigning and ensure that only loyal candidates emerge from the selection process.
Governor Abiodun’s insistence on loyalty as a prerequisite for candidacy has raised alarms within the APC, with many members voicing concerns over what they perceive as an undemocratic approach. Critics argue that the governor’s actions threaten to undermine the autonomy of local governments and the principles of democracy within the party. Some party leaders have even likened Abiodun’s behavior to a departing guest’s last-ditch effort to leave a damaging legacy, cautioning that his excessive ambitions must be curtailed to preserve the party’s integrity.
The governor also addressed reports that some APC leaders are considering defecting to other political parties to field their candidates. Abiodun reportedly boasted that any such candidates would be decisively defeated in the elections, which will be conducted by the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC). He further asserted that, since he is not seeking a third term in office, he is unafraid of the consequences of his actions.
However, Governor Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Akinkade, has dismissed the allegations as misleading and intended to misinform the public. Akinkade explained that the eligibility of candidates is determined by established legal procedures and is not at the governor’s discretion. He emphasized that the governor is not discriminating against any party members and that the primary elections will ultimately determine the candidates based on the votes of party members.
Despite these reassurances, the controversy surrounding Governor Abiodun’s directives has cast a shadow over the upcoming local government elections in Ogun State. As the November elections approach, the tension within the APC continues to mount, with many party members and political observers closely watching how the situation unfolds.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
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