The race to Oke Mosan Government House heats up as APC engages PDP, ADC in mother of all fight, writes David Kabiyesi.
Nothing else excites Governor Dapo Abiodun while on a short break abroad than nipping down the lake to feed fish. He was once asked why he derived so much pleasure in this hobby than the time he spend playing golf. The Governor had replied: “Fishes don’t have to worry about where their food comes from because just like me, they know God fights their battle for them”.
Of course, there is no better time that Governor Dapo Abiodun would need God to fight his battle than now given the number of oppositions who joined forces to unseat him as governor of the state come this Saturday.
It is definitely going to be a three-horse race as the people of Ogun State head to the poll this Saturday to elect their governor for another four years. The race for Oke Mosan seems to be gathering all the momentum, not because of the intrigues that have characterized past elections in the state, but it is the war of words, name-calling, and the campaign of calumny that have come into play during the final round of the campaign.
Besides, the desire and hunger for revenge have set the tone for Saturday’s election as parties allied against Governor Abiodun. Adekunle Akinlade’s defection to PDP is a clear indication of how quickly friend can turn to foe while former Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s insistence on taking his pound of flesh on Abiodun has turned the state’s political system into a soap opera which is not likely to end anytime soon.
Many Rivers To Cross
Governor Abiodun’s biggest headache remains the crisis in the party which has seen some factions of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) remain loyal to Abiodun’s no.1 enemy, Amosun. Aware of the dangers inherent, the governor went on to build on the strength and trust of his camp and believes he has outperformed his predecessor.
The governor went on the fulfil some of his earlier promises to the state by spending a whopping N82b on pensioners. He won the youths over when he declared his support for #EndSars protesters when he demanded that government compensate victims.
He may have outsmarted another APC faction known as the National Progressive Group led by one Leke Adebayo who is bent on ensuring that Governor did not get a single vote in Abeokuta South. Abiodun’s sin remains his decision to champion paradigm change in the way public funds is managed as well as asking his cabinet members who are eyeing gubernatorial posts to resign.
Adebutu- Akinlade Unholy Alliance
The coast seems clear for Governor Abiodun as far as the race to Oke Mosan is concerned until the narrative changed when former APC stalwarts loyal to Amosun jumped the ship to become PDP’s Leke Adebutu’s running mate. His decision also forced Amosun to change tactics and throw his weight behind Biyi Otegbeye of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Akinlade is regarded as a political juggernaut whose presence in PDP has helped reorganized the party. Besides, with some supporters loyal to Amosun now backing PDP, the political calculation in the state has changed for real.
Abiodun will be fighting for his life with the adoption of electoral laws which will see BVAS in full use this time around, and his victory will solely be determined based on his performance in office.
Amosun has refused to be pacified for not being allowed to install his preferred candidate, Akinlade as his successor, he is determined to take his pound of flesh against Abiodun. But it remains to be seen if Abiodun is battle ready to defeat a man he described as being politically delusional, unforgiving, and always eager to play God.
