Ganiyu Solomon’s Guber Declaration Causes Festering Turmoil In Asiwaju Tinubu’s Political Empire

… As loyalists Tunji Bello, Muiz Banire, Segun Oniru, Hakeem Okunola, Adeyemi Ikuforiji eye same post.

The public declaration of intent by Senator Ganiyu Solomon to take over from Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola has kick started a festering and smouldering crises in political party, Action Congress of Nigeria- and by extension the political empire of party leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Lagos state is a key to the sustenance of Asiwaju’s Tinubu’s political grip of the southwest- and whoever occupies the post of governor a major player and stakeholder in the scheme of things.

This makes the position to attract interest from all corners of Tinubu’s political empire in choosing the governor.

Incumbent, Babatunde Fashola is no longer eligible for re election after the expiration of his second term in 2015.

Senator Solomon’s declaration of interest in the governorship post on national television turned the contest for the slot into a smouldering battle.

A powerful politician in his own right- speculation that he has the tacit support of Asiwaju Tinubu in making the revelation is rife.

Insiders revealed conjectures around this development, against the background of Tinubu’s strategy of springing surprises has sparked other contestants into a frenzy of protecting their interest, resulting in an unfolding turmoil.

Other aspirants within the party fold eyeing the slot are disclosed as Commissioner Tunji Bello, Muiz Banire, Prince of Lagos Segun Oniru, Perm Secretary Hakeem Okunola, Speaker of Lagos state House of Assemble Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Senator Gbenga Ashafa

Before the declaration by Ganiyu Solomon, all the other aspirants were at one point or the other touted to have the blessing of party leader Tinubu.

The uncertainty over who the anointed candidate as resulted in formation of alliances, pacts and employment of underhand tactics to brighten one another’s chance.

The most visible of these engagements is apparent in un raveling messy fight between Muiz Banire and Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

Supporters of the duo have accused each others camp of smear campaign against the other. Banire’s caucus is accused of the leakage of indicting documents to anti graft agency ( E.F.C.C) currently snapping at the heels of the number 3 citizen of Lagos state.   Ikuforiji’s men are counter charged with spreading tales of unsavoury romantic liaisons and underhand dealings meant to discredit banire.

Further digs revealed while the duo continue pocket fights with each other, other hopefuls such as Prince Oniru, Gbenga Ashafa, Tunji Bello and Hakeem Murhhi Okunola continue to quietly leverage on the discord to consolidate.

Low profile and publicly taciturn Hakeem Murhi Okunola reportedly wormed his way into the race based on his anonymity and passionate loyalty to Asiwaju Tinubu. The trust he enjoys reportedly  earned him his current post of Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau- a sector Asiwaju Tinubu is said to have very vested interest.

He is portrayed as a candidate that encapsulates the interest of the younger generation.

However in the spirit of politicking, the cloak of anonymity has since been shredded off the guber hopeful.

Sources claimed fellow contestants encouraged celebratory reportage of his ways to take away that advantage.

From the celebration of hitting the Billionaires club, same for brother Rasheed and tales romantic liasons- the news made the papers and the rounds.

Outside of this, his character defined as ‘becoming heady’ as his wealth increases ( except to his mentor and key support providers) is now openly discussed in and out of the party- with a clear agenda, discredit him.

Despite the leverage on being an indegene and enjoying the support of royalty, Prince of Lagos and sitting commissioner Segun Oniru has an age long tale- credited to ‘detractors’ –  dangling on his neck. He lacks the generosity and astuteness  of his political leader except when entertaining. And is said to posses the trait of constantly wanting to have his way.

This campaign constantly drummed up against his name, is said to always limit his support and acceptance.

According to sources within the party, Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former boss of  Lands Bureau, Gbenga Ashafa’s aspiration has roots in business dealings with Asiwaju Tinubu. He reportedly handled confidential land and related matters for the political leader. He reportedly proved a trust worthy aide.

But according to his opponents, so did a lot of others. His key bargaining chip is now being handled by Hakeem Murhi Okunola.

Also he is speculated has lacking the energy for the rigors the job requires..and the tact as well.

Senator Ganiyu Solomon, the man that just changed the colour of the contest with a declaration on television is probably the most riddled with speculation and conjectures at present.

All wants to wane the leverage the public announcement gave him.

Part of the tale revolving round is that, he is too much a man of his own.

He is not really a core insider in the Tinubu team, and could serve as a focal point for dissents desiring change of power structure within the party in the state.

He owns a political machinery outside of Asiwaju Tinubu’s, and thoughts he might end up financing it to hijack party machinery ( same ploy that brought the ACN leader to reckoning) works against him.

Tales of how party leader Tinubu was forced to pacify Solomon by stepping down for him to become a Senator is being told with various variations of alleged inherent danger of Ganiyu Solomon’s influence.

Tunji Bello, a core member of the Asiwaju team is perhaps the least visible interms of his ambition.

All eyes are off him- but those conversant with his closeness and intimate rapport with Asiwaju Tinubu fore tell a re enactment Fashola scenerio.

Despite his lack of visibility in the succession race, he has not avoided the bulls eye.

He was recently the subject of speculation bordering on mysterious disapperance amongst other things.

Findings by societynowng.com revealed outside of these speculation are subtle and outright moves to scuttle ambition and alliances, within and outside the party.

‘All these self serving activities have created a turmoil, speedily weakening the fabric of togetherness holding the political structure together’ a source squealed

Divulged another ‘based on the importance of what is at stake, it is only a matter of time before it blows open..exposing the crises ravaging the empire from within’