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  • Oyo poll: Why Agbaje is the APC’s comeback strategy

    Oyo poll: Why Agbaje is the APC’s comeback strategy

    By Olatunde Sanu

    As Oyo State warms up for the 2027 election, the political atmosphere is thick with familiar currents — alignments, realignments, whispers of ambition, and renewed calculations among the key players. Within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the question that looms large is not whether the party will field a candidate, but whether it will field the right one.

    After two election cycles marked by internal disunity and avoidable losses, the APC in Oyo must now make a defining choice — between repeating the politics of personality and embracing the politics of purpose. And in this delicate balance stands one man whose temperament, loyalty, and consistency make him not just a viable option, but the party’s most strategic path to redemption: Akeem Agbaje.

    A candidate prepared, not paraded

    Unlike many perennial aspirants whose presence is sustained by noise or controversy, Akeem Agbaje’s political journey has been marked by quiet preparation and steady engagement. He has maintained cordial relations across party lines, nurtured genuine friendships within the APC family, and remained faithful to the party even when others abandoned it in moments of turbulence.

    Agbaje’s political persona is refreshingly distinct — calm yet firm, accessible yet principled, grounded yet visionary. He represents the breed of politicians who build trust not through slogans but through quiet consistency and service. In a state fatigued by endless political feuds, this steadiness offers the APC an invaluable advantage.

    The underdog factor: lessons from history

    Political history, both within and beyond Nigeria, abounds with stories of “underdogs” who rose from perceived obscurity to change the course of their nations. They were not the loudest or the most financially endowed, but they possessed integrity, patience, and a deep connection to the people.

    In Edo, Adams Oshiomhole turned his labour activism into political capital, dislodging entrenched interests through grassroots engagement. Olusegun Mimiko achieved a similar feat in Ondo, breaking the PDP’s stronghold as Nigeria’s first Labour Party governor — powered by trust and persistence rather than what we call ‘structure’ in Nigerian politics.

    Internationally, Barack Obama’s improbable ascent to the American presidency in 2008 remains the ultimate underdog story — a triumph of discipline and message clarity over political establishment. Emmanuel Macron of France shattered decades of two-party dominance with a centrist movement built on renewal and trust. William Ruto of Kenya, mocked as the “hustler,” defied elite structures to capture the presidency in 2022. Justin Trudeau of Canada resurrected a fading party through authenticity and empathy.

    The thread that binds them all is clear: when the political environment is clouded by cynicism, the people often turn to those who embody integrity, humility, and quiet strength.

    In Oyo today, that figure is Akeem Agbaje.

    Oyo’s political temperament and the need for balance

    The people of Oyo are politically discerning. They reward intellect and sincerity, not theatrics. From the days of Chief Obafemi Awolowo to the legacies of Lam Adesina and Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo’s political culture has always gravitated toward leaders who are grounded, humane, and administratively prepared.

    Read Also: Akobo calls for redefinition of universities’ role in Nigeria’s emerging economy

    The PDP’s present dominance is not necessarily a reflection of ideological superiority but rather of the APC’s internal disharmony and failure to rally behind a unifying face. That unity will not emerge from the usual power blocs or flamboyant aspirants, but from a bridge-builder who commands respect without division.

    Akeem Agbaje has maintained relationships across factions, avoided the bitterness that often defines party primaries, and cultivated goodwill among the grassroots. These qualities make him not just acceptable but broadly electable — the exact kind of figure capable of healing old wounds and rekindling confidence in the APC’s progressive ideals.

    Choosing credibility over controversy

    If the APC is serious about reclaiming Agodi Government House in 2027, it must resist the temptation to reward noise over substance. The people of Oyo are weary of recycled controversies. They yearn for a new face of politics — one that represents credibility, composure, and competence.

    Fielding a divisive or elitist candidate again would be an act of self-sabotage. But choosing Akeem Agbaje would symbolize renewal — a return to the politics of character over chaos.

    Agbaje’s record of loyalty to the APC, his scandal-free image, and his deep connection to the ordinary people of Oyo position him as a rare candidate who can unify the party and appeal to the electorate beyond partisan boundaries.

    The calm before victory

    Political victories are seldom the product of noise; they are earned through trust. In Akeem Agbaje, the APC has before it a man who embodies the discipline of preparation, the patience of loyalty, and the humanity of service. He represents the archetype of the disciplined underdog — the man who, though underestimated, becomes the people’s consensus.

    If the APC truly desires to return to power in 2027, it must look beyond the loud and the lavish, and choose the calm, credible, and consistent.

    For Oyo APC, Akeem Agbaje is not just a candidate — he is the comeback strategy.

    • Sanu, a commentator, wrote from Ibadan, Oyo State

  • Agbaje, Oshoba, others honoured at inaugural Fight Gist 2024 media awards

    Agbaje, Oshoba, others honoured at inaugural Fight Gist 2024 media awards

    The Nigerian boxing community witnessed a groundbreaking moment as the inaugural Fight Gist 2024 Media Awards held in Lagos, honouring the country’s most outstanding amateur and professional boxers, trainers, and stakeholders. 

    The event marked the first boxing media award ceremony in Nigeria and Africa, setting a new standard for celebrating excellence in the sport.

    Taiwo “Esepo” Agbaje emerged as one of the biggest winners of the night, claiming Male Fighter of the Year, Fans’ Favourite, and earning recognition for his thrilling bout with Rilwan “Real Show Boy” Lawal, which was named Fight of the Year. 

    In the women’s category, Elizabeth Oshoba clinched the title of Female Fighter of the Year, while Isaac “D Star” Chukwudi was honoured with the Comeback of the Year award.

    Other winners included Animasahun “Baddo” Raheem as Rising Prospect, Agboola “Tiny” Durotimi for Upset of the Year, and Idowu “ID Buster” Rasheed for Knockout of the Year. In the amateur category, Adams Olaore was honoured as Outstanding Fighter of the Year, while Coach Abimbola Kola won Trainer of the Year.

    The influence of digital engagement was also recognised, with Appah “Zodsolo” Godday and Ojo Joy Nene receiving awards for Male and Female Social Media Influencers of the Year, respectively.

    Commending the efforts of Fight Gist Media, the President of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, praised the initiative as a long-overdue step toward recognising excellence in the sport, stating that the awards reflect global standards and will inspire boxers, trainers, and administrators to continue striving for greatness.

    He said, “Fantastic innovation that fight gist media has put together records of all the fights and has been able to appropriate awards to the deserving boxers, coaches, trainers, supporters, administrators and the rest It’s a good one happening here, this is what is happening all over the world and if like this is taking the cue to emulate those people abroad to do it here for Nigeria I believe this is the beginning of many more things to happen in Nigeria.”

    He further addressed the concerns of Nigerians on Nigerian boxer, Isaac Success who died during a boxing match in Ghana.

    “The Ghana Boxing Authority is holding the body and on our part we have demanded for the repatriation of his body as well as his purse so also the compensation for their negligence in earning the bow that claimed Segun’s life, we are not taking it easy, we are already involved with Nigerian ambassador in Ghana and we are talking, the last we heard from them was that they will release the body this week, but we have told them, they are not only just releasing the body, they must release his purse for the fight, they must release the compensation for their negligence and that is what we are waiting for,” he said.

    Read Also: Let’s come together to fight invaders, Mutfwang urges leaders

    Founder and CEO of Fight Gist Media, Akinlade Sunday, described the inaugural Fight Gist Media Awards as a historic milestone for Nigerian boxing, stating it is a long-overdue celebration of talent, unity, and progress, with a firm commitment to making it an annual tradition that will continue to uplift the sport for years to come.

    “Today is a historic and joyful moment for the Nigerian boxing industry. For the first time, we are honouring fighters, trainers, and key contributors across various categories in a way that truly reflects their dedication and achievements. This award ceremony was born out of the desire to give Nigerian boxers the recognition they deserve—not just locally, but on a global stage. Beyond the accolades, it’s about fostering unity, creating visibility, and inspiring both amateurs and professionals to push their limits.

    We’ve seen an incredible turnout from fighters across different states and strong support from boxing officials and stakeholders. That tells us we’re on the right path. Our vision is to make this an annual tradition—bigger and better each year. Planning for the next edition begins immediately because we are committed to sustaining this platform. By the grace of God, Fight Gist Media Awards will continue for years to come, helping to build a stronger future for Nigerian boxing,” he said.

  • Why I want to govern Oyo in 2027 – Agbaje

    Why I want to govern Oyo in 2027 – Agbaje

    A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch Barr. Akeem Agbaje has said disconnection between government and people in the State is why he wants to be Governor come 2027.

    The legal luminary said he will reposition the state for good if he becomes the Governor.

    Speaking in Ibadan, Agbaje decried what he described as the deplorable state of education, neglect of agriculture and non-utilisation of natural resources that can generate power for the State by the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration. 

    He maintained that Oyo State has the human and material resources that can make it a leading  state in the country.

    According to him: “Those governing us don’t understand the needs of the people and how to stimulate the economy and productive activities. That is why there is hardly any sector that is working. Education has collapsed’’.

    He promised to make local governments functional and impactful across the 33 councils.

    ‘’I will make local governments functional, and LG funds must work for the people. We need to increase the purchasing power of the people. We are blessed with abundant resources, but those governing us are there to plunder them,” he pledged 

    He stated that his leadership would engineer unprecedented developments in the state.

    ‘’We will start with the existing basic structures and infrastructure. I am here to make impacts; my personal needs are minimal. I am not coming for self-aggrandisement but to make Oyo a truly pacesetter state.”

    ‘’I am a lawyer, a businessman and member of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State. I have been around participating actively in politics since 1992, particularly at the local government level. 

    “I am familiar with all nooks and crannies of the state. I do farming in the Ibarapa area, I schooled in Oyo Town, and I was born in Ibadan. I think I understand the state and the needs of my people.”

  • Lagos poll: Agbaje and illusion of hope

    At the outset, there was a glimmer of hope that the Lagos State governorship flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Jimi Agbaje, will put up a better performance against his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, because of the crack that was noticed within the ranks of the ruling party in the state. But, at the end of the day, the pharmacist-turned politician could not measure up to his performance in 2015. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE examines why the PDP candidate lost.

    THE Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, disappointed his admirers once again, by failing to replicate his performance in 2015 when he gave Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, a run for his money.

    In 2015, he polled 659,788 votes, while his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Ambode, scored 811,994 votes to emerge winner of the contest; a difference of 152,206 votes. But, in 2019, the fortunes of the PDP candidate worsened. He secured a meagre 206,141 votes, while Sanwo-Olu scored 739,445 votes.

    The 2019 election result showed that Agbaje needed 533,304 votes to level up with the winner. There are reasons for the dismal performance. Analysts say the politician is in the twilight of his political career and may not be relevant by 2023.

    Looking very closely at what transpired during the primary and  the election, it was apparent that Agbaje did not enjoy the support of the party leadership. Speculations were rife during the campaign that the candidate was not enjoying the support of party leaders. The leadership had to address a press conference to disabuse the minds of Lagosians on the matter.

    Apparently, all the promises made by the PDP during the conference were never fufilled. Agbaje was virtually the only one moving from one place to the other, soliciting support from Lagosians.

    Party sources said it was not a surprise that Agbaje’s campaign did not resonate with the people. They said as long as the Lagos PDP leadership did not support him, it would be difficult to record any major breakthrough.

    The sources maintained that the PDP flag bearer was aware of the reluctance of the party’s leadership to support his efforts to become governor. Thus, after the election, Agbaje distanced himself from the party, to protest against the attitude of the PDP bigwigs in the state who did not hide the fact that they were not favourably disposed to his bid to become governor.

    The recent clarification by Agbaje that he is still a member of the party suggests that, indeed, all is not well with the PDP in Lagos. Agbaje added that nobody can force him out of the PDP. He went further to imply that the attitude of some chieftains of the party ridiculed the party during the campaign.

    Analysts believe that the disharmony will remain with the Lagos PDP for a long time, except something urgent is dome. They recalled that a similar situation that many forced notable PDP chieftains to abandon the platform prior to the election to where they believe their aspirations would be met.

    In their view, Agbaje is merely bidding his time. One of the sources maintained that as long as there is no peace within the platform the pharmacist-turned politician would take the next door to the place he would find political succour.

    Observers say the PDP candidate may not put himself forward again in 2023, when he would turn 66, because his energy may have waned.

    Agbaje has become a serial contestant. In 2007, he contested on the platform of the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA), but he lost to Babatunde Fashola of the defunct Action Congress (AD). In 2014, Agbaje defected to the PDP, where he contested for the governorship seat in 2015.

    He lost the 2015 election to Governor Ambode. In the latest contest where he polled 206,141 votes, against Sanwo-Olu’s 739,445 votes, the PDP candidate showed that there was nothing personal but the quest to serve the people.

    Propelled with the good intention to serve, the latest political sojourn by the politician would afford him an opportunity to x-ray the pros and cons of the efforts made so far. There is need for him to reflect deeply, if he can actually win Lagos on the platform of an opposition party in the future.

    Observers were not surprised that Agbaje lost the election. They said while the APC candidate was all over the place, campaigning from door-to-door, the PDP candidate did not bother to campaign.

    Speaking to reporters after the election, the PDP candidate alluded to the fact that party bigwigs frustrated his efforts in Lagos. He said: “It was an open secret that a few party leaders took a position not to support my candidature after my victory at the primary election. Their song was vote for Atiku in the presidential election and forget about Agbaje in the governorship.”

    It would have been a surprise if Agbaje won the election. Political pundits say the effort of the PDP candidate alone was not enough to earn him victory at the polls. They opined that the Lagos PDP internal crisis management lacked dexterity and they had no hope of overcoming the problem. This was the reason many party chieftains called it quit with the party.

    There have been accusations and counter-accusations of financial mismanagement by the party hierarchy. Since the party lost power at the centre, many eyes have been scrutinising its dwindling resources.

    Though the APC had its internal division after the primary, it was swift in resolving the issues that confronted the party. From the way the APC campaigned for the election, there is no doubt it spoke with one voice as far as the governorship was concerned.

    In the case of the PDP, Agbaje was almost running a one-man show. Notable leaders of the party hardly attended his campaigns during the electioneering. Analysts say Agbaje ran a one-man show. This, they explained, was not good enough for a party that wanted victory.

    They expressed worries that the PDP did not live up to the expectation of those who wanted power to change hands. They said the speed at which the PDP candidate accepted defeat heightened speculation that the politician was up to some pecuniary gains.

    Speaking on the unfolding development, Southwest PDP Vice Chairman, Eddy Olafeso, said Agbaje has the political wisdom to decide for himself the next line of action. Olafeso said he wishes the politician the best in every step taken to impact on humanity.

    He said: “The question what next for Agbaje should be directed at him. What I can tell you as a chairman of the party in the Southwest is that after this election we will be putting heads together to move our party forward.

    “We will re-energise and strengthen the party in terms of human resources and commitment. I can always hope for the best; I know that Jimi is gentle man that knows what he is doing. So, I wish him the best in life.

    “On the election in the Southwest, we were bullied, invaded, violently chased away from the polling centres. If you look at the number of registered voters, compared to those that voted, it was obvious that our supporters were scared away by thugs loyal to the ruling party. We thank God where we won and lost; we will continue take a closer look at where we got it right or wrongly.”

    Olafeso said the PDP would have performed better than it did, but for the poor performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the anti-PDP activities by the security agents. The party was confined to a tight corner.

    He said: “The long and short of it is that INEC performance is still a far cry in the hope for free, fair and credible elections. I am disappointed with the state of preparedness of INEC and the involvement of security forces in some of these elections. Why many of them did very well is that some were non-partisan, while some wore the garb of partisanship, abusing and violating people during the election.

    “We lost about three young men in Ondo State, precisely in Ore, due to the lousiness of the security forces. Be that as it may, it is a long walk for Nigerians to freedom. This is not the expectation of Nigerians when it comes to general elections.

    “Let me use this opportunity to celebrate governor-elect of Oyo State, Oluseyi Makinde, for his resounding victory at the election. I wish our party the best. We are going give the people of Oyo State dividends of democracy after May 29.

    “What is the offence of the PDP? It is the people behind the name and many of them have left for the APC. Those who remain are the courageous; they are willing to work for the betterment of our country. We are proud of our name and its accomplishments; we are not ashamed of it at all. I am not an apostle of those who are clamouring for a change of name. Are we not winning up to 15 or 16 states even with the PDP name?”

    Lagos PDP Publicity Secretary Taofiq Gani said it was not just about Agbaje, but what the party will give to the people of Lagos. He promised that the party will not distance itself from the wellbeing of Lagosians.

    He added that the ruling party should be prepared to deliver on its campaign promises to Lagos, noting that it could not afford to remain quiet, if its programme falls below expectation.

    Gani said: “Our first plan toward 2023 is build very strong, virile and constructive opposition and that is why in our acceptance statement we have counseled the governor-elect to come with competent hands irrespective of the political parties or affiliation.

    “He should not be distracted by the urge to go after Governor Ambode. He is a governor of circumstance and should just leave it at that. If he wanted to go after him, he will be fighting himself. Lagosians will not allow this; we are going to be on standby to give constructive criticism. We have solution which will endear the masses to us. We have no doubt that we can win; the result was very close, but somehow out of our own mistakes. We will not let that re-occur in 2023.

    “We promise Lagosians that whatever we say they should take us on our honour and we will be ready to join hands together with well-meaning Lagosians to make the state work.”

    But, observers says it is too early to say whether the politician will drop his political ambition to concentrate on his pharmaceutical business. Sources say the politician places high premium on his business.

    The sources maintained that Lagos State government is one of his major clients, adding that the politician may not want to disrupt the chain business. They maintained that as long as the pharmaceutical transaction exists, he would tread softly to remain in business.

    Though Agbaje had refuted the accusation that he neither collects contract from the state or Federal Governments, many still believe that as a businessman there was nothing wrong with that.

     

  • I’m still in PDP, says Agbaje

    The Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) 2019 governorship candidate Jimi Agbaje has urged the public to disregard his purported dumping of the party.

    In a statement by his spokesperson, Modupe Ogunbayo, she said Agbaje remains a member of the PDP.

    According to her, “In the past 24 hours, Mr. Olujimi Agbaje, the governorship candidate of the PDP) in the recently-concluded 2019 election in Lagos state, has received uncountable calls and messages from numerous friends, teeming political associates within PDP and countless members of his supporters, that he has resigned from the PDP.

    Read Also: Lagos PDP: what next for Agbaje?

    ” Agbaje is still a card-carrying member of the PDP. He remains committed to the broad-based party, which he remains absolutely certain, has the best antidote to the yearnings and aspirations of the Nigerian peoples.

    “It is another chunk from the ongoing propaganda and disinformation machinery of his foes. Agbaje urges all to treat the rumour with the disdain it wisely deserves,” she said.

  • Lagos PDP: what next for Agbaje?

    The Lagos State governorship election has been won and lost. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Jimi Agbaje, has conceded defeat and congratulated the winner, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The question is: what next for Agbaje, the pharmacist-turned politician? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the effects of the defeat on the opposition platform.

    He was optimistic of winning. During his campaigns in some parts of Lagos State, shouts of ‘Jay Kay is okay,’ always filled the air. Jimi Agbaje, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, is an eminent Lagosians held in esteem by many stakeholders. But, at the close of polls at the weekend, he saw the handwriting on the wall. Reality dawned on the pharmacist-turned politician that his vehicle, the PDP, could not carry him too far.

    At 7.07 pm, shortly before the formal announcement of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he conceded defeat and congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was at the party secretariat on Acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja, warming up for a victory speech. The governor-elect thanked his major challenger for the kind gesture. He later broke the news to party chieftains who surrounded him in that moment of history.

    The recent election was Agbaje’s third attempt. He was in the race in 2007 and 2015. Despite past electoral defeats, he was full of enthusiasm and optimism during the campaigns. He was vocal and some people listened to him. His campaign slogan was: ‘freedom.’ Irked by the slogan, APC stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu decried the mobilisation approach, saying that Lagos was not in bondage.

    Party women, who composed partisan songs, fired salvos at Agbaje, describing him as a familiar customer. Replying them, the PDP candidate said: ‘the customer is king.” But, on poll day, his supporters were drowned in their illusion of hope.

    According to a report, the multi-millionaire politician has rationalised his party’s failure at the polls. He complained about voters’ apathy, which he attributed to alleged intimidation of his supporters. He said many shunned the polling booths because of fear of violence. The APC Chairman, Tunde Balogun disagreed. He said the elections were peaceful, free and fair.

    For the PDP, the impact of the defeat is monumental. For 20 years, it has been the major opposition party in the Centre of Excellence. Its ambition to hijack power had crumbed six times. According to observers, Agbaje has been its most formidable and promising candidate in post-Funso Williams era. In 1999, its candidate, Chief Dapo Sarunmi, lost to Asiwaju Tinubu. In 2003, the late Williams also lost. In 2007, Musiliu Obanikoro and Agbaje, who contested on the platform of the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA), lost to Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN). In 2011, Ade Dosunmu could not fly. In 2015, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode also defeated Agbaje. In 2019, Agbaje, who has become a veteran contender, also lost to Sanwo-Olu.

    The implication is that Lagos PDP has been left in the cold for two decades. Many PDP leaders have jumped ship and gravitated towards the ruling party. Ahead of the weekend polls, scores of PDP members deserted the party. Even, the party chairman, Adegoke Salvador, quit the platform.

    Agbaje is a household name in Lagos. He is admired by many people across political parties. As a pharmacist and businessman, he had made money and name. Many people see him as a man of honour and integrity. He rose to political fame as the treasurer of  Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group.

    Eyes were not on him until he threw his hat into the ring in 2007. Althoigh he had no pubic sector experience, he pulled crowd ahead of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), later Action Congress (AC) primary. Other aspirants included Fashola, former Deputy Governor Olufemi Pedro, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, former Commerce and Industry Commissioner Remi Adikwu Bakare, former party chairman Abiodun Ogunleye, Oyinlomo Danmole, Kaoli Olusanya, Ganiyu Solomon, Erikitola, Kunle Lawal, and Tola Kasali.

    However, the shadow poll did not favour Agbaje, who alleged that it was not free and fair. Although party leaders offered him the Lagos Central senatorial ticket, he rejected it.

    To spite the former governor and party leader, Agbaje, Afikuyomi, Danmole, Lawal, and Adikwu-Bakare defected to DPA. A week after, Afikuyomi went to the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and emerged its governorship candidate. Pedro left for the Labour Party (LP), and later, the PDP. Surprisingly, Afikuyomi later showed up on election day as Fashola’s agent at the INEC office.

    In DPA, Agbaje floored Adikwu-Bakare during at the primary. Another aggrieved aspirant, the late Prof. Lawal, became his running mate. Adikwu-Bakare hurriedly left for Progressive Peoples Alliance(PPA). She lost her deposit at the poll.

    The campaign was interesting. The contenders-Fashola (AC), Agbaje (DPA), Adikwu- Bakare (PPA), Afikuyomi (ANPP) and Musiliu Obanikoro (PDP)–were locked in a war of sorts. Before the primaries, they belonged to AD, an offshoot of Afenifere.

    Agbaje’s manifestos were not significantly different from the promises made to Lagosians by Fashola and Adikwu-Bakare. Except Obanikoro’s PDP, the competing parties were similar. Throughout the campaign, Agbaje and Fashola only disagreed on one point, which was the viability of the Fourth Mainland Bridge. While Agbaje said it was not a priority, Fashola insisted that the people needed it for ease of transportation. Up to now, it has remained a tall order.

    However, feathers were ruffled. The parties were enveloped in anxiety. An eloquent speaker, Agbaje ran a neat campaign devoid of thuggery, unlike the PDP train of cutlasses, clubs, bows and arrows. His adverts, including radio and television jingles,  were captivating. Excited at the way the campaign had progressed, his associate, Yinka Odumakin, said Agbaje offered a credible alternative to the ‘same of the same.’

    There was apprehension during the televised debate. Agbaje was confronted by Pedro, who had inquired from him, derisively, the experience that qualified him to vie for the governor of Lagos as the owner of  a patient medicine store, with not more than five employees under his control. The DPA candidate noted the scornful look and the attempt to diminish his profile. Returning the missiles, Agbaje  reminded Pedro that when he was a managing director of a bank, he was a shareholder and a director, which implied part ownership. The pharmacist also asked the banker to explain the circumstances that led to his exit from the bank.  Besides, he added that the former deputy governor should respond to the allegation by his boss that he had not properly rendered his account of stewardship. Pedro flared up, taking exception to Agbaje’s remarks. He explained that when he left the bank, the organization held a befitting send-forth for him.

    Despite the enormous electoral investment, Agbaje came third, trailing Obanikoro, who was defeated by Fashola.  The love of Lagosians for Agbaje was undermined by a corresponding reluctance to adopt his party by voters. He was a strong contender hindered by his weak party.

    Following the defeat, Agbaje protested, claiming that his photograph or logo disappeared on the ballot paper. He went to the tribunal, urging the temple of justice to upturn Fashola’s victory. His prayer was rejected.

    In 2011, Agbaje did not contest. Although APC leaders were said to have offered the position of deputy governor to him, he rejected it. But, he remained a public figure who commented on national issues.

    In 2015, he finally yielded to pressures to run on the platform of the PDP. Backed by the PDP leader, Chief Olabode George, he defeated Obanikoro at the primary. His chance was bright. Former President Goodluck Jonathan threw his weight behind him. Also, members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) were on the prowl. Agbaje rallied Igbo residents behind his ambition. Although PDP won some House of Assembly and Representatives seats, Agbaje was defeated by Ambode.

    After the election, crisis broke out between Agbaje and George. The retired soldier wanted to be the PDP national chairman. Agbaje, who enjoyed the support of  Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his Ekiti State counterpart, Ayo Fayose, also unfolded a chairmanship ambition. But, the crown later went to Prince Uche Secondus, who was sponsored by the PDP governors.

    During last year’s primary, Agbaje defeated Deji Doherty, who does not enjoy his kind of popularity. But, at the close of poll at the weekend, there was gap between expectation and reality. Sanwo-Olu polled 739, 44 5 votes to defeat Agbaje who got 206, 141 votes.

    What future awaits PDP in Lagos? What next for Agbaje, its symbol? Will he return to the drawing board, restrategise and rebuild the party into a winning platform? Will he return to his shell? Will he quit the politics? In four years’ time, will Agbaje re-contest?

     

     

  • Sanwo-Olu, Agbaje and Lagos poll

    NEXT Saturday’s governorship and Houses of Assembly polls will finally show whether a truly tectonic shift in Nigerian politics, as implied by the presidential and National Assembly (NASS) polls, is in the offing or not. But whether that shift, should it happen, is capable of reinforcing democracy and growing it is another thing entirely. As widely predicted, the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and the substantial victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the NASS poll are expected to create a bandwagon effect on the next set of polls. Lagos, like many other states, is likely to be influenced by the outcome of the February 23 polls, regardless of the fact that all politics, as pundits surmise, is essentially local. They are unlikely to buck the trend. A state that gave the president a majority of its votes, and made a clean sweep of the National Assembly seats on offer, will likely deploy the same voters to give the House of Assembly to the same party and cap it up by putting the party’s standard-bearer in the State House.

    Lagos State, arguably the most progressive state in Nigeria, appears poised to benefit from the outcome of February’s national elections. Hard as the PDP may try, and regardless of how ingeniously or bitterly they frame their campaign, Lagos voters are likely to stay progressive, decline the hand of fellowship from the opposition, and vote for continuity to entrench the largest developmental efforts any state has ever put together since the end of the civil war. The huge developmental efforts began with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, rolled on through the Babatunde Fashola governorship, and has been further accentuated during the reign of Akinwunmi Ambode. Despite some modifications, these developmental efforts have been sustained for about 20 years. The state will be reluctant to allow the efforts to be hamstrung by needless experimentations, or contemplate a sudden and traumatising turn towards conservatism.

    Lagos is, therefore, unlikely to agonise over what choice to make between the APC standard-bearer, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the PDP’s three-time contender, Jimi Agbaje, despite the muddying of the waters by a coterie of campaigners bent on midwifing change for the heck of it. Lagos is a vast workshop of projects begun at the outset of the Fourth Republic, projects designed and owned by the APC and its progenitors in trust for the state. If the Agbaje team should campaign on the platform of the ongoing projects in the state, many of which are world-class, the electorate would wonder why they need to fix what is not broken. But should the PDP campaign to start their own new projects, voters would ask whether the party planned to abandon the state’s great and laudable blueprint, including the time it would take to conceive a new blueprint and the attendant cost of delay and transition. Lagos, given its ballooning population, can neither afford the fresh costs nor the time wastage. Recall, for instance, how Mr Ambode became snarled in a thicket when he attempted to reconceptualise waste management in the state.

    The deck is stacked on many fronts and at many levels against the PDP standard-bearer. He will need to overcome many obstacles, including the catalysing effect of the Buhari factor, the electorate’s reluctance to move Lagos into opposition at a time the state had begun to benefit from being a part of the national ruling party, and the complaints about cost and time wastage involved in reconceptualising a new blueprint for the state and reconfiguring Lagos into unaccustomed conservatism. Apart from these, Mr Agbaje was in the last two election cycles unable to dispel suspicion of the problems associated with his inexperience. Twice he had faced candidates who possessed vastly superior experience in the state’s civil service, and twice he came to grief. Now, he is condemned to face another highly experienced public service functionary, Mr Sanwo-Olu, who had twice served as commissioner, headed parastatals and government agencies, and was involved in conceiving many of Lagos’ notable agencies and infrastructure.

    But the APC cannot pretend to be ignorant of the campaign inspired by the PDP to “free Lagos”, especially coming on the heels of the earthshaking shifts in Kwara State politics. The Lagos campaigners imagine that the success of that campaign in Kwara could be replicated in Lagos, perhaps with a little modification. However, unlike Kwara where the Saraki political dynasty had been unable to produce sterling achievers and has little to show for its more than four decades dominance of Kwara, Lagos has successfully and consistently produced men and women who have gone on to make tremendous impact at both state and national levels. Lagos, more than any other state, has in fact produced countless public sector achievers who are showing the value of tutelage and mentoring. This did not happen in the state before 1999, and it has not happened elsewhere. Is this the process Mr Agbaje and his friends describe as bondage and wish to truncate or terminate it? They have framed the sometimes uneasy relationships between contending personalities in the ruling party in the state as one of master and servant. This is a misreading of the process that has adroitly produced new leaders in Lagos.

    The new leaders are not robots; they were mentored in part because they demonstrated brilliance, confidence and judgement. Clashes and misunderstanding are, therefore, inevitable. But the process of producing new leaders and achievers in the state has continued apace, and the leadership mill is being consistently replenished, and more bright minds are still being turned out from the state’s leadership hatchery. The rejection of Mr Ambode for a second term, which Mr Agbaje and his friends are capitalising on as an example to illustrate their arguments, has nothing to do with the leadership culture in Lagos, but is a consequence of his difficult interaction with the party apparatchik.

    But regardless of the implausibility of the PDP arguments, Mr Agbaje will continue to reiterate the view that Lagos needs freedom and that a master-servant relationship exists. The APC will likely counter the campaign by presenting its scorecard in mentoring new leaders, showcase the unassailability of its developmental blueprint, reiterate the enormous value of continuity, and debunk the PDP’s emotional and distorted account of the mentoring and leadership programmes going on in the state. While joining the opposition may not sound the death knell to a state, the APC may also counter the PDP campaign by illustrating the advantages it has derived, in terms of federal concessions, from belonging to the ruling party at the national level.

    Mr Agbaje may be a good public speaker, as he has repeatedly demonstrated during many live interviews, but he has not proved by way of ideas and personal example that he possesses the quality of a great leader and bureaucrat. His opponent in the race has, however, demonstrated by example and training, not to say personal qualities, that he is the safer bet between the two in next Saturday’s election to remain faithful to the state’s developmental blueprint, improve on it, expand and modernise infrastructure, and continue to nurture the Lagos mystique of producing local and national leaders for today and tomorrow.

  • Campaign group carpets Agbaje over education budget proposal

    A group, Campaign for Integrity in Governance (CIG), has described the proposal of Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje, to spend 50 per cent of the state’s annual budget on education as laughable and a sign of his ignorance about how to run a government.

    In a statement yesterday by its President Rasaq Olokooba, CIG noted that Agbaje’s proposal confirmed the widespread notion that Lagos, as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria, does not need a greenhorn and an inexperienced person to govern it.

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    “Mr. Agbaje has clearly demonstrated his poor judgment and incompetence on fiscal matter and in running a local government, let alone a state like Lagos with over 20 million population. It is fiscally impossible for any government anywhere in the world to spend half of its annual budget on a single line item.

    Lagosians should ask Mr. Agbaje what will happen to other sectors, like health, waste management, security, environment, transportation, among others, if education alone gulps 50 per cent of the budget.

     

  • Agbaje doesn’t have anything to offer Lagos, says Sanwo-Olu

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, lacks basic knowledge and practicable ideas to drive governance in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu spoke yesterday on a radio show, 91.3FM’s People’s Parliament, with Jimi Disu.

    The APC candidate said Agbaje does not have any meaningful agenda to offer Lagos residents, hence his resort to smear campaign.

    In response to a question about Agbaje’s campaign theme on freedom for Lagos, Sanwo-Olu wondered why in 21st century Nigeria, a governorship candidate was building his campaign strategy around freedom.

    He stressed that Lagosians were the freest people in the country.

    Sanwo-Olu said Lagos enjoyed freedom in every sphere of life, including the economy, enterprise and infrastructure.

    The APC flag bearer reminded the listeners that the state had been enjoying economic prosperity in the hands of the All Progressives Congress (APC) since 1999.

    “This fellow (Jimi Agbaje) doesn’t just have anything to offer Lagosians. So, the only thing he could think of putting on the table is freedom. Freedom from what? Are we in bondage in Lagos?” Sanwo-Olu asked.

    “Do you think it is by magic that Lagos State assumed the enviable position as the fifth largest economy in Africa? No. People worked hard to get the state to this level and they continue to work harder for the state to surpass its current feat. What freedom is anyone talking to us about?” he added.

    The APC candidate promised to tackle traffic gridlocks across the state within six months, if elected.

    He said his team had identified about 60 traffic points across the state, adding that each one of them had a peculiar solution.

    On the environment and waste management, Sanwo-Olu said his government would treat the issue from homes.

    He said: “We must start waste sorting from our various kitchens at home. We will be heavy with advocacy on the use of yellow, blue and black bags for organic, plastics, bottles and domestic waste items. This approach will help with pick-ups. This will automatically help in our drive towards waste to wealth.”

    Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians of his readiness to take the sState to the level every resident will be proud of.

    “We plan to run an inclusive government, where every stakeholder will have a voice. We intend to listen to every citizen as part of our decision making process; a Lagos where everyone will have a sense of belonging,” he said.

     

     

  • Restructuring: Kolade chairs VOR roundtable

    In a bid to further consolidate on the demand for restructuring of Nigeria’s Political, economic and political structures, a renowned Yoruba Interest group, Voice of Reason (VOR) will on Wednesday January 30th 2019 host all the candidates of major political parties in South West, Nigeria to a roundtable meeting at Oranmiyan Hall, Airport Hotel, Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos.
    In a statement made available to News Men on Wednesday in Lagos, the Chairman of the group, Dr Olufemi Adegoke said the roundtable, with the theme: ‘Imperatives of Restructuring For National Unity, Development and Security’ will be chaired by a former Nigerian High Commissioner to United Kingdom, Dr. Christopher Kolade, CON.
    On the aims and objectives of the roundtable, Adegoke said the town hall meeting is being convened to sensitise all aspiring candidates for elections to the Executive and Legislative Arms of Government in South West on why the restructuring of Nigeria’s Political, Economic and Social Structures is key to the progress of Yoruba Land.
    “We want to lobby all aspiring candidates for election to the Executive and Legislative Arms of Government in South West for their support to back the restructuring of Nigeria for the sake of the future of Yoruba Land and the survival of Nigeria and to also find out from the candidates on how they plan to get this constitutional request actualized if elected in 2019.
    “Most importantly, we want to foster Unity, Harmony and Cohesion among Aspiring Candidates in South West so that Yoruba Land can speak with one voice on Restructuring”
    The statement further said that the draft of the proposed constitution written by VOR for Nigeria will be introduced to all the candidates during the roundtable for a possible adoption when they get the insignia of power.
    According to the statement, invitation has been sent to all the Candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) across South West geo-political zone through their state party chairmen.
    “Governors who are running for Senatorial elections like that of Oyo and Ogun States, Senators Abiola Ajimobi and Ibikunle Amosun respectively and former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi, Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and the Governorship Candidates of APC, PDP and ADP in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu, Jimi Agbaje and Babatunde Gbadamosi respectively are expected to grace the event” the statement said.
    All candidates are expected to be seated at 9am.