Adeleke’s Adviser Labels Oyetola the “Weakest Opponent” Ahead of 2026 Polls Muniru Raji, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed the chances of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election, branding him as the least formidable opponent for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun. Speaking during a recent episode of Lero Temi, a popular podcast in Osogbo, Raji stated that if the All Progressives Congress (APC) fields Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, he would suffer another decisive defeat at the hands of Adeleke. This remark comes in the context of recent developments surrounding Adeleke’s alleged defection and the Osun State PDP’s unexpected show of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. “Oyetola is the easiest opponent to defeat in any governorship race. Should the APC present him again, Governor Adeleke will defeat him convincingly, just as he did in 2022,” Raji affirmed. No Plans for Defection – Adeleke Committed to PDP Raji further clarified that Governor Adeleke has no intention of leaving the PDP, regardless of the ongoing political realignments in Osun. He highlighted the reality of frequent defections in Nigerian politics and pointed out that when Adeleke took office, every elected official was from the APC, not the PDP. “Defections happen all the time. But at the time Governor Adeleke assumed office, all elected public officials in Osun were APC members,” he said. He also emphasized that the loyalty of voters carries more weight than the actions of elected officials who may defect, adding that Adeleke still enjoys the strong backing of the grassroots. “Officeholders are not as significant as the voters. Since 2018, Adeleke has enjoyed unwavering support from the people, and that hasn’t changed going into 2026.” Adeleke to Run for Re-Election on PDP Platform Confirming that Adeleke will indeed contest again under the PDP, Raji dismissed speculation about internal strife within the party’s national leadership, particularly the dispute over the National Secretary’s position. “The issue involving the PDP National Secretary has been resolved. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has affirmed its position, and Adeleke remains with the PDP.” Rumors of APC Meetings Debunked Raji also rejected the claims that Governor Adeleke held meetings with APC stakeholders, reiterating that no such conversations took place. “Governor Adeleke has not met with any APC members, contrary to what’s being speculated.” However, in a surprising twist, Raji noted that both Adeleke and the Osun PDP would back President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027, not out of party loyalty, but due to ethnic solidarity and political strategy. “Adeleke and the PDP in Osun will support President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. His support from the North is diminishing, and we’re standing with him because he is a Yoruba son from the South.”
Prince Adewole Adebayo, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has called on recent defectors to fully embrace the party’s ideological values and avoid bringing over disruptive tendencies from their former political affiliations. While speaking during a live session on News Central Breakfast Show, monitored by a correspondent, Adebayo emphasized that the party’s national structure—across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory—has received proper briefing to guide and educate new entrants, regardless of their social or political standing. He highlighted the party’s commitment to reinforcing its core identity: “We have taken deliberate steps to define what the SDP represents. That is why you’re seeing specific reactions as people join. We welcome everyone but insist that they must align with our ideological principles.” Adebayo firmly stated that negative behaviors commonly observed in other political parties will not be tolerated in the SDP. “We spend time informing our members. Don’t suddenly become comfortable with funds you didn’t earn. Don’t build fake structures, register unlawfully, fragment the party, or push ethnic divisions. That’s not what we stand for.” According to him, resistance to such habits has already caused tension among some newcomers who expect lavish spending or luxurious facilities: “When newcomers request a bigger secretariat or suggest excessive spending, our members are quick to say, ‘That’s not what we’re about. You can keep your money.’” In a firm message from SDP state chairpersons, Adebayo recounted: “They issued a press conference urging new entrants to study our party ideology rather than impose theirs. We’re not interested in changing our identity. We want to influence others positively, not the other way around.” He also referred to a recent viral speech delivered at his wife’s 50th birthday celebration, where he warned defectors with questionable motives: “If you were aligned with President Tinubu or had conspiracies in your previous party that failed, don’t bring that energy to the SDP. We’re not interested in past schemes or unfulfilled promises.” When asked about the current administration’s performance, Adebayo reiterated his opposition to President Tinubu’s policies: “We strongly oppose the policies of this administration. We have no past collaboration with them. Even when they offered us appointments post-election, we declined quietly. We don’t need positions; we’re here to present meaningful alternatives.” Adebayo explained that discussions with potential political coalitions must be grounded in public interest: “If you’re planning to gain power just for control, don’t approach us. But if you genuinely intend to serve the people, demonstrate repentance, accountability, and propose new strategies, then we can talk.” He concluded that the door is open for well-meaning individuals who prove themselves over time: “Once you’ve shown real commitment and reformed behavior, you can rise through our ranks. It may not be this election, but in future ones, we might give you a platform.” Related Post: News Central: Interview Coverage with Prince Adebayo BUY ANYTHING ON KONG BUY NOW Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Discover why Nigeria’s opposition struggles to challenge the ruling party, exploring factors like greed, money, and weak party structures ahead of the 2027 elections. The political dynamics in Nigeria have long fascinated observers, often characterized by strategic alliances, shifting loyalties, and calculated moves. One such moment, steeped in intrigue, occurred on May 29, 2003. This was during the cake-cutting ceremony at Aso Rock Presidential Villa, marking the second-term inauguration of then-President Olusegun Obasanjo. Surprisingly, present at this event were key figures from the opposition All Peoples Party (APP), which later became the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and eventually contributed to the formation of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) led by General Muhammadu Buhari. At the time, the Alliance for Democracy (AD) was the only other opposition party. However, the AD faced significant setbacks, losing its foothold in the South-West region, except for Lagos State, where Governor Bola Tinubu retained power through a mix of determination and strategic alliances. Meanwhile, prominent governors such as Adebayo Adefarati (Ondo State), Lam Adeshina (Oyo State), and others lost their positions, largely due to alleged election manipulation and strategic moves by the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This led to the PDP’s dominance, controlling 75% of governorships and 70% of national legislative seats, as reported by the U.S. State Department in 2004. Undermining the Opposition From 1999, Obasanjo systematically weakened opposition parties under the guise of forming a Government of National Unity (GNU). Leaders of opposition parties were co-opted into his administration, diluting their influence. For example, APP National Chairman Senator Mahmud Waziri was appointed as a Presidential Adviser, while prominent AD leaders such as Chief Bola Ige and Dupe Adelaja were given ministerial roles. Such moves gradually eroded the strength of opposition parties, leaving them as mere shadows of their former selves. This decline can be attributed to several factors, which have been codified into ten key points: 1. Greed Among Political Actors The pursuit of personal gain often overrides ideological commitment. Many politicians abandon their parties to align with the ruling party, driven by the allure of wealth and power. 2. The Overwhelming Role of Money Politics in Nigeria is deeply intertwined with financial gain. Opposition politicians face challenges in sustaining their positions without access to state resources, leading many to defect to the ruling party. 3. Pressure from Constituents Constituents often push politicians to join the ruling party to access benefits. This societal expectation reinforces the culture of defection. 4. Fear of Political Irrelevance Opposition politicians often fear being sidelined in the political arena. To maintain relevance, they adopt strategies such as aligning with the ruling party or avoiding controversial stances. 5. AGIP (Any Government in Power) Mentality Many politicians prioritize self-interest over party loyalty, frequently switching allegiances to remain aligned with the government in power. 6. Lack of Alternative Careers For some, politics is their sole source of income and influence. This dependency makes them vulnerable to the temptations of defection. 7. Weak Party Structures Opposition parties often lack sustainable frameworks, making it difficult to maintain cohesion and effectiveness. Socio-Economic Challenges Nigeria’s socio-economic contradictions further stifle the opposition. A neo-patrimonial political system, built on patronage and connections, hinders genuine democratic practices. Additionally, opposition parties often lack clear policy goals, focusing instead on gaining power at any cost. As political scientist Professor Omo Omoruyi noted, democracy thrives on the assurance that elections will be free and fair, losers can make comebacks, and winners won’t retain power indefinitely. Unfortunately, such principles remain elusive in Nigeria. Conclusion The challenges facing Nigeria’s opposition are deeply rooted in systemic issues, including greed, financial dependency, and weak institutional structures. To thrive, the opposition must prioritize ideological clarity, strengthen party structures, and resist the lure of short-term gains. Until these changes occur, the ruling party’s dominance is likely to persist. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
