Oduduwa News

Former spokesman of ex-Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Segun Sowunmi, on Monday, cautioned President Bola Tinubu against betraying ex-governors of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai and Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, if he’s interested in contesting for a second term.

Showunmi said El-Rufai and Bello campaigned vigorously for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election but have been left out of power, a situation that looks like a betrayal.

In a statement he signed, the PDP chieftain said El-Rufai and Bello, having being facing political travails after leaving office despite helping Tinubu to become president.

He noted that the poor treatment meted to El-Rufai and Bello by Tinubu’s government goes against the long-term understanding between Yorubas and the north.

Showunmi said: “Upon reflection on the trajectory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his journey to the presidency, I find my mind wondering if my Yoruba Uncle is still the same person that I have always known and admired.

“You might need to think through this to understand me. The Yorubas already carry misconceptions about betrayal, that we don’t keep our end of the bargain. That we use and dump people. That we are cunning around the power play.

“Nasir el-Rufai, say what you will about him, he supported Asiwaju fully during the primaries and the general elections. Pray, how has he been treated? Same el-Rufai now has a security report that humiliated him during a Senate clearance made up of a majority of Tinubu men! What would the world call that but betrayal?

“Now, Yahaya Adoza Bello, who practically fought like a madman to give Asiwaju good numbers in Kogi, not to talk of how he funded and ran the youth campaign with vigour and energy to the extent that I was so jealous compared to the disorganised charade of my PDP.

“Same Yahaya Bello who superintended over the membership registration of APC that to date I cannot but remember comparing the bliss and pageantry to the joke that my PDP ran under the Edo emperor.

“Pray, is that the same GYB that is embarrassed to the level we are all witnessing? If this is not a betrayal, I would like someone to tell me what can be a betrayal than this.

“Do you plan to contest a second term or do you think your work will be done in one term of just four years? Shall tomorrow not come? Where are the men of yesterday?

“Akanni omo olodo ide, you know that on a deep level of nation-building, I won’t allow partisan politics to prevent me from saying it as I see it. You may need to understand that power must be shared and that the world over, people must feel protected by an arrangement they help bring about.

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is investing in technology that is tailored towards ensuring transparency and accountability in government and accelerating public-sector performance and service delivery to the Nigerian people.

Speaking during a meeting with Microsoft Founder and Philanthropist, Mr. Bill Gates, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, President Tinubu said technology is a potent weapon against corruption and financial impropriety in public service.

Emphasizing his unwavering commitment to deliver reliable technology that will support a national consumer credit system and many other critical new government interventions for all Nigerians, the President said resistance is often expected when efforts are made to strengthen systems and forestall malfeasance.

“Technology is the enemy of fraud, corruption, and irregularity. We have been working hard on improving technology.

“There is always the initial resistance. Corruption, self-interest, and fraudulent activity will always be an enemy, but when you bend that curve, you will receive the benefit. The nation will receive the benefit,” the President said.

Recounting how he deployed technology to enhance the revenue base of Lagos State as governor, President Tinubu said he ensured the collection and utilization of essential data, creating an efficient tax system for the state.

On the morning of 27th April, 2024, voters across Oyo State gathered at polling stations to exercise their democratic right in the Local Government Elections. However, the day was marred by a series of irregularities that pointed to a clear bias in favor of Governor Seyi Makinde’s party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Many polling stations reported a disturbing absence of OyI-SEC officials, which threw the process into disarray. In some areas, voters were left confused and frustrated as they were unable to cast their ballots due to the lack of officials to manage the process.
To add insult to injury, numerous polling stations reported a lack of electoral materials, such as ballot papers, biometric verification machines, and ink pads. In some areas, election officials arrived several hours late, resulting in long queues and voter dissatisfaction.

Moreover, several eyewitnesses reported seeing PDP officials milling around the polling stations, seemingly to influence the process in their favor. These allegations, coupled with the other irregularities, raised serious questions about the transparency and credibility of the election.
The irregularities witnessed during the Oyo LG elections have sparked outrage among many Nigerians who are questioning the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde’s government to democratic principles.

The inconsistencies in the electoral process have led many to believe that this is the government’s “Plan B”, an attempt to subvert the democratic process and secure electoral victories for the ruling party at all costs.

As concerned citizens, we must speak out against such undemocratic practices and demand accountability from our elected officials.

Today’s LG elections in Oyo State have been a catastrophic failure and a dismal showcase of democracy under the Seyi Makinde-led government. From the absence of electoral officials to the dearth of essential materials, the day was marred by a series of irregularities that cast a dark shadow over the democratic process.

This debacle is not only a travesty to the voters of Oyo State, but also a stain on the reputation of the Makinde-led government. The systemic flaws and irregularities witnessed today demonstrate a blatant disregard for democratic principles and a shocking apathy towards the fundamental rights of the people.
The travesty witnessed during today’s LG elections is a call to action for all citizens of Oyo State. We must rise up and demand accountability from our elected officials. The time has come for us to take back our democracy and ensure that the rights of the people are respected.

As we move forward, let us raise our voices in unison, chanting the cry of protest that reverberates across Oyo State: #occupyOyo #shutdownOyo. Let this be a wake-up call to the Makinde-led government that the people will no longer tolerate such blatant disregard for democratic principles.