The crisis within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has intensified, as governorship aspirant Abayomi Hunye declared that only President Bola Tinubu can call for a dispute resolution process that he would be willing to listen to. Hunye made this statement at his annual birthday celebration, organised by his supporters from across all local government areas of the state. As a former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority, Hunye stated that repeated attempts by party leaders to persuade him to step down for the sake of the APC had become unacceptable.
Hunye, who hails from Ogun West Senatorial District, insisted that he had made enough sacrifices for the party. He emphasized that the reconciliation stage had passed and that only the President, as the leader of the party and the father of the nation, could call him, and he would listen. Hunye also mentioned that party leaders were afraid to reach out to him because they had asked him to step down several times for the sake of the party, which he had obliged. He questioned why he should always be the one to step down.
Hunye dismissed allegations that his political position was financially motivated, challenging anyone who claimed to have given him money in connection with his mandate to come forward and prove it. He stated that he had never called anyone to negotiate his mandate or collected a kobo from anyone, not even Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly called Yayi. Hunye urged anyone with evidence to come forward and prove him wrong.
On his chances in the 2027 governorship election, particularly in the face of the financial strength of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Ladi Adebutu, Hunye expressed confidence in his ability to win. He hinged his optimism on the agitation for Ogun West to produce the next governor of the state, as well as his popularity and acceptability across Ogun. Hunye also referred to Adebutu’s reported statement that he would step down if Ogun West produced an “original son of Yewa” as its governorship candidate.
According to Hunye, the growing demand for power to shift to Ogun West could translate into massive electoral support for him. He stated that the sentiment about citizens of Ogun State wanting Ogun West to produce the next governor was enough to make him win by a great landslide, coupled with his popularity and acceptability among the Ogun people. This, he believes, would give him an edge in the election.
Hunye also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful and disciplined, warning them against insulting, threatening or attacking anyone in his name. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order, especially during this critical period. By doing so, Hunye hopes to present a positive image of himself and his campaign.
Finally, Hunye stated that he would respect the eventual decision of the court, regardless of the outcome, but expressed confidence in victory, considering the nature of the case before the court. The issue is now in the court, and Hunye is optimistic about the outcome. He urged his supporters to remain calm and focused, assuring them that he would emerge victorious.
Key points
- Only President Bola Tinubu can convene peace talks with Abayomi Hunye.
- Hunye is confident of winning the 2027 governorship election due to his popularity and the agitation for Ogun West to produce the next governor.
- Hunye denies allegations of financial motivation for his political position.
