Insiders Tell How “Face-Off” With Tinubu May Affect Abiodun

Political watchers and analysts in Ogun state continue to dissect the encounter between Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun on Thursday, June 2, 2022.

Tinubu, a frontline aspirant in the race to determine the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) met with delegates in Abeokuta Ogun State and gave Governor Abiodun a “verbal hiding” in the course of canvassing for support.

“Eleyi to joke leyin me, Dapo, so wa le so pe ohun le dadi governor ti koba se mi ati olohun” (This one sitting behind me, Dapo, could he have become a Governor on his own if not for myself and God.) the presidential aspirant condescendingly stated pointing at Governor Abiodun.

Tinubu’s action labeled a reaction to an earlier slight by Abiodun while canvassing Ogun delegates to support Vice President Osinbajo when the latter visited in April 2022 has attracted widespread interpretations.

“Most telling is that when Asiwaju said what he did, applause rather than the murmur of disapproval came from Ogun delegates, that is very telling on where their loyalty lies” SocietyNow.Ng learned.

SocietyNow.Ng further learned that consensus among interpreters of the political event is that the development gives credence to the grave perception that while Abiodun is rooting for Osinbajo as the next President of Nigeria, his men are siding with Asiwaju Tinubu.

“It tells of a disconnect and limited loyalty between the Governor and his presumed followers in Ogun state and a red herring on the re-election chances of Abiodun” SocietyNow.Ng gathered.

More revelations have it that keen followers of Ogun politics are, however, not really surprised by the latest twist.

Abiodun came to power on borrowed political structures with the one beholden to Tinubu – the Yayi structure – providing the foundation and fulcrum to negotiate with others.

While claims of alienating other structures based on alleged actions and inactions since he came to power rage, Abiodun has held on to the Yayi structure whose members populate his government.

The Yayi structure is ‘owned” by Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, the Lagos Senator – and favored political son of Tinubu -who just picked the APC senatorial ticket for Ogun West.

Adeola popularly known as Yayi is informally dubbed the face of Tinubu in the politics of Ogun state.

“The implication is that the loyalty of Abiodun’s key men primarily resides with Tinubu through the Yayi political structure and the implication of the Governor backing Osinbajo against Tinubu is very obvious” SocietyNow.Ng gathered.

“Abiodun who doesn’t have a political structure of his own and is seeking re-election is backing Osinbajo who doesn’t have the political muscle to help him to win against Tinubu who not only helped him to power but owns the political group that gives him relevance in Ogun state” an insider provided clarity on the Governor’s situation and insists “This is one fight the Governor should avoid if things at play are not beyond ordinary”.

Osinbajo and Abiodun are beneficiaries of the political machinations of Tinubu which have produced leaders across different spheres despite continuing criticism of the political leader’s approach.