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Tag: Adedapo Abiodun

  • Appeal Court upholds judgment affirming Ogun Gov-elect, Abiodun’s qualification

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), affirming the qualification of Adedapo Abiodun to contest the last governorship election in Ogun State, as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The appellate court, in a unanimous judgment of a three-man panel, held on Monday, that the appeal by Abdulrafiu Adesina Baruwa, was without merit.

    The panel, headed by Justice Abubakar Datti Yahaya, equally upheld the reasoning of

    Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of the High Court of the FCT in Apo, who in the earlier judgment, dismissed the case for lacking in merit.

    The Court of Appeal agreed with Abiodun’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) that the suit was filed outside the 14 days provided for the commencement of pre-election cases under the 4th Alteration of Act of 2017.

    Ogunwumiju had, at the hearing of the appeal, argue that the refusal by the Gov-elect to include his university qualification in the Form CF001 he presented to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not amount to a breach of Section 31(6) of the Electoral Act, 2010.

    He insisted that Abiodun was qualified to contest the election, having met the requirements under sections 177 and 182 of the 1999 Constitution.

    Read also: Abiodun warns criminals, sponsors of crimes in Ogun

    Justice Adeniyi had, in his judgment, held that Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution cannot be invoked to disqualify Abiodun, because participation in the NYSC scheme is not a condition for qualification to contest the governorship election.

    The judge equally held that Abiodun’s failure to include his university qualification in the Form CF 001 he submitted to INEC could not be used to nullify his nomination in view of the constitutional provision that a minimum qualification of secondary school is required for the governorship election, which Abiodun claimed he possessed.

    Justice Adeniyi, therefore, held that the plaintiff’s case was unmeritorious and dismissed it.

    Baruwa, who came second behind Abiodun in the primary conducted by  APC before the governorship election, had sued and prayed the court to disqualify Abiodun from the race for allegedly giving “false information” in the academic qualification he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The plaintiff told the court that Abiodun declared only his West African School Certificate (1978) in the Form CF001 submitted to INEC on October 23, 2018.

    He stated that Abiodun had, while contesting the Ogun East Senatorial seat in 2015, claimed to have attended the University of Ife, (graduating in 1986) and Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, Georgia, US (1989).

    Baaruwa argued that Abiodun’s exclusion of his university qualifications from the personal information he presented to INEC for the 2019 governorship election, amounted to providing false information.

  • INEC presents certificate of return to Ogun governor elect

    Mr. Adedapo Abiodun, the Ogun governor-elect, on Thursday received his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The certificate was presented to him by INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Prof Abdulganiy Olayinka at the media center of the commission in Abeokuta.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, the state deputy governor-elect, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, had earlier been presented with her certificate during a brief ceremony witnessed by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    Abiodun in his short remarks titled: “A victory for the good people of Ogun state”, promised a fair, just and equitable system, describing the electorate in the state as heroes and heroines of the election.

    He explained the task before his administration is enormous, considering the resources of the state, but assured residents of his readiness with their support to deliver on his promises.

    He appreciated his co-contestants, especially the major ones for demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship and promised to extend hands of fellowship to them.

    “I solemnly pledge that our administration will be fair, just, equitable and inclusive,” he said.

  • If men were God, I won’t be Governor-elect, says Abiodun

    Winner of the March 9, governorship election in Ogun state, Prince Adedapo Abiodun, on Sunday declared that if some  “men were God,” he would not have become the Governor – elect of the state.

    Abiodun who revealed that what had kept him going in the journey of life despite daunting challenges is his absolute and unshakeable faith in God, saying such faith was anchored on the message of Christ in Mark 11:23, which assured that an unwavering faith could relocate a mountain from one point to another.

    The successful entrepreneur, oil magnate and real estate player made this known at St. James Anglican Church, Iperu, his home town, during a Thanksgiving Service to appreciate Almighty God for protection and victory at the gubernatorial poll in the Gateway state.

    Prominent personalities at Thanksgiving Service include former Ogun and Ekiti State governors, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Kwara state Governor-Elect, Alhaji Abdulraheem Razaq, Senators Buruji Kashamu, Gbenga Kaka, Gbolahan Dada, Biyi Durojaiye, Senator Solomon Adeola (aka Yayi), Prof Toyin Ashiru and Otunba Bimbo Ashiru.

    Also in attendance are  Dr Femi Majekodunmi, Prince Segun Adesegun, Chief Toyin Okeowo, Ogun West Senator-elect, Chief Tolu Odebiyi, Otunba Rotimi Paseda, Hon Kayode Oladele, royal fathers, among others.

    The Governor – elect on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recalled that he was pained and heartbroken in 2015 when he lost in the contest for the Ogun East senatorial seat but kept pressing forward undaunted because an inner voice was telling him he still has a vision yet to be accomplished.

    He pledged to run an equitable, just, accountable  and a transparent government which would create a public, private partnership for the benefits of Ogun state, the citizens and residents.

    Abiodun said: “my victory has a hand of God. My friends and people around me were asking, “Dapo, what has kept you going ahead in your ambition? What has propelled you? But I remained focus in God and unshakeable. For you to succeed, you don’t have to have doubts in your mind.

    Read Also: OPC greets Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun

    “In my spirit, I have a mission for my country. I didn’t give up. For you to succeed, you should learn to get up and go. Also, you should have convictions.

    “I always refer to the book of Mark 11:23. Honestly if men were God I wouldn’t have been here. In the 90s when I came back from the university, I offered to serve the people of Ogun state but I came second in that contest.

    “Immediately after the primaries I joined Otunba Gbenga Daniel and campaigned for him, eventually he became governor.

    “Again, In 2011 I joined hands with the incumbent governor(Ibikunle Amosun) to win the election.  In 2015 I offered to become the senator but I wasn’t successful in that race but I was pained and heartbroken but I didn’t give up because something continued to tell me that I have a vision which is yet to be unaccomplished.

    “Today, what I want you to take home from here is that we should never give up because many times when we meet disappointment, it is just an avenue to close a window for a double door to be opened.

    “I want to assure you that we would lead an equitable and a transparent government which will create a public , private partnership for all, so help me God.

    “I want to thank you all for been here today. We would have postponed this thanks given service until after inauguration but we want to quickly acknowledge the fact that this is an act of God.

    “Few days ago,  I was with one of the paramount rulers in the state to thank him for his support and that which was rendered by his people and he said to me that, even the leafs are singing and dancing over your victory.

    “I pray may all of us enjoy this kind of victory in our individual homes in Jesus name.”

    In his  sermon, the Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Olusina  Fape, said it is God that made Abiodun Governor – elect for a purpose in Ogun state.

    Fape said Abiodun’s value could only be determined when he begins to effect real and  positive changes in the lives Ogun people and the state.

    He advised the Governor – elect to shun sycophants and surround himself with people of integrity when assembling members of his cabinet, praying that God would help him to succeed.

    Fape also advised him not to allow himself to be carried away by the excitement and euphoria of electoral victory, lest he forgets those who God used to help him to the position of a Governor after being sworn – in.

    The Archbishop who also doubles as the Bishop of Remo diocese of Anglican Church, urged him not to turn his back on the structure of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state as it provided him the vehicle on which he rides to power.

    Fape said: “A stream that forgets its source will definitely go dry. It is not that we don’t have people with credible character in this country, but our problem is nepotism.

    “And I will advise you to select able people of Faith to be able to be a ruler over hundreds and thousands of men and women.

    “There are many things yearning for attentions at this auspicious time you are coming in as governor.

    Your father and mother are your first destiny helpers. So, in your own case, as governor, you have become parent to all and sundry in Ogun state.

    “Ask God for destiny helpers to work with you to be able to take Ogun State to a greater height.

    “As a consumate entrepreneur, we know your antecedent, you have not come to steal the state funds to build your house, but have been blessed already. You are already loaded.

    “You need destiny helpers to fulfil all your electoral promises”, said the Bishop. God has appointed everyone to succeed. You and your wife (Bamidele) will not fail. Whatever you lay your hands upon, you will succeed.”

  • APC’s Abiodun urges contestants to accept poll results

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Prince Adedapo Abiodun voted at exactly 11:50 am, less than 10 minutes after he arrived his ward 3, polling unit 1, Ita Ishoyin, Unit 2 in Iperu, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun state.

    Abiodun expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the polls as well as the peaceful manner the electorate conducted themselves.

    Read Also: Dapo Abiodun woos voters in Ogun Central

    He urged politicians to accept the outcome with an open mind and in the spirit of sportsmanship.

    The governorship hopeful also counselled winners to be magnanimous in victory.

  • Professionals declare for Abiodun, vow to ensure his victory

    Young professionals drawn from diverse backgrounds across the three senatorial districts of Ogun State have bonded together with a mandate to ensure the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Prince Adedapo Abiodun, in 2019.

    The group said they are out to propagate the ideals and vision of Prince Dr Abiodun so that Ogun state citizens and residents would be driven by informed judgment to vote for him.

    The independent and self – funding group called Dapo Abiodun Alliance Group (DAAG), and which launched their activities on Friday night at the Green Legacy Resort, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), added that they would engage in door – to – door vote canvassing for the APC gubernatorial candidate.

    Akogun Lanre Afred who addressed the gathering on behalf of the group during the launch, said it is the group’s belief that Abiodun’s entrepreneurial successes and strong commitment to good governance, fairness and prosperity for all, made him a very well-rounded candidate for the office of governor.

    He added that the APC gubernatorial candidate would run an all-inclusive government, unite members of the party and deliver quality governance to the people when he becomes the governor in 2019.

    “We are a self-funded, not-for-profit group whose only interest is to make the people of Ogun State know that if they want a governor that has the character, competence, local and international connections and vision to take the state forward, unify party members after the factious party primary and lead selflessly; a man that has their interests at heart, Dr Dapo Abiodun is the man.

    Read Also: APC UK backs Dapo Abiodun

    “For us to have come together to form this group underscores the unanimity of our belief that Dr Abiodun’s entrepreneurial successes and strong commitment to good governance, fairness and prosperity for all make him a very well-rounded candidate for the office of governor.

    “It is for these reasons that our group, the DAAG, undertakes to galvanize and mobilize human and material resources for him across the length and breadth of the state to achieve success in 2019.

    “We are not oblivious of the fact that the task before us is arduous considering the political atmosphere in the state.

    “However, we firmly believe that it is a surmountable challenge that requires the collective efforts of people of good conscience whose love and passion for a more prosperous Ogun State is not in doubt.

    “We are young successful professionals united by a shared reverence for the inspirational leadership of Dr Abiodun and feel that none of the other contenders can tie his shoelace in a free and fair contest.

    “We also feel that the indigenes would be doing themselves a world of good by voting for the APC in the general election.

    “The electorate needs to know the good fortune that is in stock for them with an Ogun State led by one of Nigeria’s most successful businessmen.”

     

  • Arewa community pledges 300,000 votes for Abiodun

    The Arewa community in Ogun State have declared their support for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Prince Adedapo Abiodun, pledging to ensure their over 300,000 eligible voters vote for Abiodun in 2019.

    The Arewa community also called on their members to vote only for APC candidates at all levels, and shun the misleading information being peddled that they should vote for a particular candidate of APC as well as vote for other political party in the same forthcoming general elections.

    The State Coordinator of the ethnic group in the state, Prince Hadi Sani, made the pledge while addressing members, state and Local Government executives, imams and women when they visited former Governor Olusegun Osoba at his GRA residence, Abeokuta, the state capital, on Wednesday.

    The Arewa Community was received by Hon. Adekunle Adeyemi, on behalf of Osoba, who lauded them for their resolve to work for the success of APC and Dapo Abiodun in Ogun state.

    Still on the delegation, Sani also declared their total support for the joint ticket of President Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, saying they cannot afford to shift their loyalty elsewhere in 2019.

    “As good people of Ogun State have spoken by selecting Prince Dapo Abiodun as the APC candidate through direct primary election, we appeal to all aggrieved personalities to respect the decision of the masses and allow party supremacy to prevail,” Sani said.

    The Coordinator noted that they lived in Ogun state for well over 100 years and have been carrying with their economic activities peacefully and unhindered, urging the Sultan of Sokoto Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, to commend on their behalf, Vice – President Yemi Osinbajo, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Segun Osoba, Prince Segun Adesegun, Senator Gbenga Obadara, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Hon. Adekunle Adeyemi, Hon. Olumide Osoba, Dapo Abiodun, and Hon. Femi Ilori their support to Arewa community in Ogun state.

    And earlier same Wednesday, Governor Ibikunle Amosun loyalists from Abeokuta South Local Government, pledged their support for Prince Adedapo Abiodun.

    Read Also: Arewa community backs APC, Sanwo-Olu

    The loyalists who are from Ward 7 in Abeokuta South, vowed to ensure the victory of Abiodun in 2019 governorship election and other APC candidates contesting in all the levels in the coming general elections

    A State House of Assembly aspirant, Hon. Oyatayo Gabriel Ayomikun,  who over 200 of Amosun’s loyalists to declare for Abiodun at the Secretariat of the Ogun State Council, Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), Abeokuta, said they decided to abide by the decision of APC National Working Committee (NWC) and support the candidature of Abiodun.

    Ayomikun appealed to Governor Amosun to allow the supremacy of the party to prevail and restrain his other supporters from moving to “unpopular political party.”

    According to Ayomikun, it would be an anti – party and unfair to Ogun APC  that has brought immense benefits to him as two term governor should he herd his supporters to a  fringe political party.

    He noted  that Amosun has visited President Buhari over five times in alleged desperation  to upturn the decision of the NWC on Abiodun and  to facilitate his anointed candidate, Adekunle Akinlade, to emerge, urging  him to  take cognisance of the fact that others too were denied party ticket for him to become Governor in 2011.

  • Primary: My victory is for APC , Ogun people – Abiodun

    … Calls for unity, lauds Amosun’s achievements

     

    The National Working Committee (NWC)’s declared winner of the governorship primary of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said the victory at the Wednesday primary is for the “party and the good people of Ogun State.”

    Six persons – Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade(Ogun West), Senator Gbenga Kaka (Ogun East), Otunba Bimbo Ashiru(Ogun East), Prince Dapo Abiodun(Ogun East), Jimi Lawal(Ogun East) and Abayomi Hunye (Ogun West) contested for the APC governorship ticket, according to Muhammad Ndabawa, while declaring, last Wednesday, Abiodun winner and gubernatorial candidate of APC, and coming a day after the state Chairman of the party, Chief Derin Adebiyi, had also announced Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s man, Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade as the party’s candidate.

    However, in a release made available to The Nation, Abiodun acknowledged that all other contestants were “eminently qualified” to win but said just one must emerge.

    He added that what lies ahead now is victory in 2019 and appealed to all party members and supporters to put aside their differences in the spirit collective responsibility and pull forces together to ensure victory at the general election next year.

    According to the oil magnate and real estate player, a “house divided against itself cannot stand.”

    While commending Amosun for his achievements in the state over the past seven years, having “laid a good foundation for others to build on,” Abiodun also implored everybody to join hands with him to “build a wonderful future for the people of Ogun State where everyone, irrespective of tribe, religion or affiliation does matter.”

    He said: “I do not see this victory as mine but that of our great party and the good people of our dear state – Ogun State.

    “I am immensely overwhelmed and encouraged by your show of love, trust, resilience and support for me and the values my team and I stand for. In return, I am using this opportunity to once again reiterate my commitment to the unity of our great party and ultimately the continued development of Ogun State.

    “Our work has just begun. All of us that contested are eminently qualified however one of us must emerge. We now have the collective responsibility of putting aside our differences and pulling our forces together to ensure victory at the general election next year, for as we all know, a house divided against itself cannot stand. I implore you to please join hands with me.

    “Winning the election in 2019 is a collective responsibility that we must jointly discharge. This is not the time to relent on our efforts. Rather, it is the time to buckle down and put our best foot forward.

    “Personally, I have no doubt that what you have given me is a great responsibility, but in the words of Abraham Lincoln, “you cannot evade the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” Therefore, I hereby accept this responsibility with a great sense of privilege and I promise to do that which is right and beneficial to the people of Ogun State at every point in time. This is my solemn promise.

    “I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the incumbent Governor Ibikunle Amosun for his achievements in the state over the past seven years . He has indeed laid a good foundation for others to build on.

    “Let us all join our hands together as we take up the challenge to build a wonderful future for the people of Ogun State where everyone , irrespective of tribe, religion or affiliation does matter.
    I am resolutely committed to this.

    “With utmost humility, I Prince Adedapo Abiodun hereby accept the historic mandate bestowed on me on Wednesday by the members of our great party as the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State for 2019.“