The lead-up to the 2024 Local Government Election in Ogun State has sparked a significant power struggle within the All Progressives Congress (APC), placing two major political figures in direct opposition.
Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, commonly known as Yayi, are at the heart of a brewing conflict that could redefine the party’s influence in the state.
The contention is intensifying as Senator Yayi’s faction works to erode Governor Abiodun’s authority over the APC’s framework, especially regarding candidate selection for the local elections.
Historically, Governor Abiodun has had control over party operations in Ogun. However, recent actions by Senator Yayi’s faction are challenging this dominance.
Key battlegrounds have emerged across crucial local government areas, such as Ado-Odo/Ota, Abeokuta South, Ipokia, Sagamu, and Ijebu North.
Reports indicate that Senator Yayi’s faction is employing a dual strategy to seize power. Initially, local government party chairmen, notably in Ado-Odo/Ota and Yewa North, are alleged to have been influenced to support Yayi’s chosen candidates.
This approach aims to marginalize Governor Abiodun’s supporters, enabling Yayi’s faction to take charge in vital local government chairmanship races.
Secondly, where local leaders oppose Yayi’s sway, political groups loyal to the Senator are reportedly causing unrest.
These groups are said to be fostering confusion and disrupting party cohesion, especially in areas like Obafemi Owode, Sagamu, and Ewekoro, pressuring Governor Abiodun to yield to Yayi’s demands.
Governor Abiodun faces increasing pressure to sustain his position within the APC. With local government chairmen and crucial stakeholders seemingly shifting their support to Senator Yayi, concerns are rising about the governor’s waning influence.
This internal conflict could undermine Abiodun’s political standing and sway, affecting not just the local government elections but also the party’s trajectory in Ogun State.
Political experts observe that Yayi’s faction has seized upon the governor’s apparent weaknesses, exploiting party divisions and capitalizing on his growing support in Ogun West Senatorial District.
While the immediate focus is on the 2024 local government elections, this power struggle is seen as a precursor to the 2027 governorship race. Yayi, with a long-standing interest in the governorship, seems to be laying the groundwork for a strong candidacy.
By strategically placing loyalists in key local government roles, Yayi may be positioning himself as a major force in Ogun politics.
Analysts suggest that if Yayi succeeds in securing his candidates across the state’s local governments, it could trigger a realignment within the APC, further weakening Governor Abiodun’s leadership and setting the stage for Yayi’s future gubernatorial ambitions.
Source : Platform Times
