Governor Dapo Abiodun Displays High Level of Sportsmanship Despite Our Political Differences

A Chieftain of Labour Party (LP) and South-West Zonal Vice Chairman, Comrade Abayomi Arabambi, has said Governor Dapo Abiodun’s restraint and accommodating disposition despite his previous opposition to the administration changed his perception of the governor and eventually won him over.

Arabambi, who spoke on Monday during a radio programme in Abeokuta, recalled that he had challenged the governor and the Commissioner for Housing in court during Abiodun’s first term but was never subjected to intimidation or political harassment. Politics

According to him, Abiodun’s response to the legal confrontation, which he described as unusual in Nigerian politics, led him to reconsider his perception of the governor and eventually to develop a friendship with him.

Arabambi said the governor did not deploy political thugs against him or retaliate despite their disagreements, stressing that Abiodun instead demonstrated humility and willingness to engage his critics.

He described Abiodun as a “good person” whose approach to political disagreements had contributed to his current perception of the governor.

He said: “Despite taking the governor and the Commissioner for Housing to court, Abiodun did not retaliate. He did not send thugs after me. His humility and the way he handled the situation made me reconsider my position.”

Arabambi further described the governor’s kindness as “pastoral”, saying Abiodun’s willingness to explain issues and engage with those who disagreed with him contributed to the change in his attitude towards the administration.

The LP chieftain also weighed in on the political permutations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State, urging the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, to reconsider his ambition and support Segun Sowunmi in the interest of the Egba political agenda. Politics

He argued that if the Egba Agenda could not produce the next governor, the bloc should consider supporting Sowunmi, whom he described as another prominent Egba son.

According to Arabambi, failure to realise the Egba Agenda should prompt a strategic alliance with the Yewa Agenda, provided that the position of Secretary to the State Government (SSG) is ceded to an Egba candidate.

“If the Egba Agenda is not realisable, we believe that the Egba Agenda must support the Yewa Agenda with a caveat that Egba must produce the SSG,” he said.

Arabambi maintained that the political arrangement in Ogun State must reflect the interests of the different senatorial districts, stressing that no zone should expect to permanently control the governorship.

He said the Egba people remained a significant voting bloc and should therefore retain a place within the state’s power structure, irrespective of who emerges as governor in 2027.

“If Adebutu refuses to relax for Segun Sowunmi, is it going to be a win for Yayi? Egba cannot be outside of the power circle,” he said.

He also challenged Adebutu’s claim to an exclusive political lineage in Odeda, arguing that his family’s political history did not automatically confer ownership of the area on him. Politics

Arabambi further disclosed that the Egba bloc had already aligned with the governorship ambition of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, following what he described as an understanding around the Egba Agenda.

He, however, said the Remo people would also have their opportunity in the political equation, insisting that no political bloc should seek to monopolise the governorship.

The LP chieftain also spoke in support of President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term in 2027, arguing that continuity was necessary for the country.

He commended the Tinubu administration, particularly over the Benin-Ogun Expressway project, and said the President should be allowed to complete eight years in office.

Arabambi also suggested that the Labour Party could adopt Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, similar to the position he said had been taken by the Accord Party.

While discussing the Labour Party’s presidential politics, he expressed reservations about the political viability of former LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while maintaining his support for continuity under Tinubu. Politics

He equally praised the Federal Government over improved fuel availability, arguing that the situation had become better compared with previous periods.

Arabambi urged Nigerians to place national interest above partisan politics, saying voters should assess the performance of political leaders before deciding who to support in 2027.

On the Ogun governorship race, he said prospective candidates must possess the financial resources, political structure and organisation required to prosecute a competitive election.

He therefore reiterated his appeal to Adebutu to consider stepping aside for Sowunmi, arguing that such a decision could preserve the interests of the Egba people while creating room for broader political negotiations.

Arabambi maintained that where the Egba Agenda could not be achieved, the alternative should be a strategic alliance with the Yewa Agenda, with a clear understanding that an Egba person would occupy the SSG position.

He said the overriding objective should be to ensure that the Egba people remain relevant in the political power structure of Ogun State ahead of the 2027 elections.