By Comrade Lanrey Osho
Fellow Kwarans, I am compelled to share my insights on the impending 2027 Kwara Central Senate election, but I will refrain from directly addressing Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq
As a statistician-turned-weekly columnist, public policy analyst, and author of three books, I have honed my skills in calculation, forecasting, and prediction. Kwara state’s political future is my forte, and I am thrilled to dive into the fray.
This is not my maiden voyage into Kwara’s political landscape; I have been navigating these waters since 2008 as a weekly columnist for National Moonlight Newspaper. I have developed a thick skin, anticipating the backlash that comes with speaking truth to power.
I have faced the fire and emerged unscathed. My journey as an anti-corruption crusader has been marked by challenges, but I remain resolute. As a fearless advocate for transparency, I have been framed, maligned, and tagged an opposition agent. However, I refuse to back down.
In 2019, my organization took a bold step by collaborating with the EFCC to apprehend six ministry department and agency officials for diverting public funds. As the focal person liaising with the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS, I received backlash from those who preferred to maintain the status quo, particularly the opposition.
Some of my colleagues deserted me, but I persevered, working closely with officials and the DSS to expose the corruption. The government retaliated by petitioning the EFCC to investigate me as an alleged agent of opposition. I am grateful that the individual who initially alerted me to the petition, Amoye Sidiq Bola, the Apero Mekunu originator, is still alive to corroborate my story.
My commitment to truth and justice has been unwavering since my days at the Federal Polytechnic Offa. Even when I notified the police and DSS of my intention to organize peaceful protests last year, some individuals conspired against me, labeling me an enemy of the government and a collaborator with Omoyele Sowore.
These events are documented in my book, “The Voice of Change.” Despite the criticism and personal attacks, I remain resolute. Some have questioned my dual role as an anti-corruption crusader and a weekly columnist, but I believe that God Almighty has gifted me with the unique ability to speak truth to power, both through my writing and activism.
I will not be silenced or swayed by the opinions of others. My conscience is clear, and I will continue to shine a light on the truth, no matter the cost. My 2019 column, “Saraki and Kwara Political Jobbers (Part 1-3),” still resonates.
I cautioned the 8th Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, against defecting to the PDP, warning him that his father, the late Olusola Saraki, never challenged the ruling party and instead aligned with them. I also alerted him to the sycophants surrounding him, who had turned politics into a lucrative family business, prioritizing self-interest over his well-being.
That article was later compiled into my first book, “Frantic View of An Accidental Vendor: Compilation of My Articles with National Moonlight Newspaper.” The backlash I received was fierce, with many labeling me harshly. Yet, time has vindicated my stance, as those same “jobbers” have abandoned Saraki and now sing the praises of Governor Abdulrahamon Abdulrasaq.
Thus, I strongly believe this article serves as a clarion call to Governor Abdulrahamon Abdulrasaq, warning him of the dangers of political jobbers who will inevitably whisper sweet nothings, urging him to prepare for the Senate seat after his tenure expires in 2027.
These sycophants will counsel him to build a formidable political structure, disregarding the welfare of others, all in a bid to maintain control over the state and last longer than Saraki. While it’s undeniable that every politician nurses ambitions of ascending to higher offices, I firmly advocate that the governor should draw valuable lessons from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s playbook.
After vacating the Lagos State governorship in 2007, Tinubu resisted the temptation to contest again for 15 years, instead focusing on strengthening his political structure and strategizing for his future. His unwavering commitment to his vision and unrelenting hard work enabled him to outmaneuver his opponents in Lagos State and emerge stronger.
Tinubu’s sagacity is exemplified in one of his interview I have in my library sometime 2011 with the Sun Newspaper,where he revealed that he always plans his moves with a long-term perspective, thinking ahead to 2030 from today. His ability to foster relationships across party lines is a testament to his statesmanship. Governor Abdulrahamon Abdulrasaq would do well to emulate this approach, especially considering the current turmoil within the kwara state APC, which has become a divisive force under your leadership as chairman of the Governor’s Forum.
The governor’s frequent absence from the state has not gone unnoticed, and history has shown that neglecting local politics can have far-reaching consequences as no politician ever want to loss his political based. The losses of Saraki’s stranglehold on the state’s structure is a stark reminder of the perils of prioritizing national politics over local interests. As the crisis between you and Senator Saliu Mustapha deepens, be wary of those who would seek to exploit these divisions for personal gain. They will stop at nothing to conceal the truth from you.
A sobering account of the machinations of political sycophants can be found in former President Jonathan’s book, “My Transition Hours.” please get a copy and read it his excellency.His narrative exposes the shocking extent of deceit and betrayal he suffered at the hands of politicians, who abandoned him after his loss in the 2015 presidential election. The book also sheds light on the rampant embezzlement that occurred under his watch. These cautionary tales serve as a stark reminder of the importance of managing crises effectively, without allowing them to degenerate into chaos beware of this.
As I ponder the 2027 Kwara Central Senate election, I’m reminded of the eerie similarities between Senator Saliu Mustapha’s situation and that of Senator Oloriegbe. Will history repeat itself, or will Senator Mustapha chart a different course? The answer lies in the intricate web of Kwara’s political dynamics, and I’m eager to unravel the threads.
The Kwara Central Senatorial District’s shocking denial of Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe’s return ticket in 2023 has left many stunned, given his impressive performance as a lawmaker. His outstanding achievements in the three core areas of lawmaking , representation, legislation, and oversight had earned him widespread acclaim, making his rejection all the more baffling.
The revelation of the events surrounding his denial came to light when Senator Oloriegbe appeared on Channel TV with Seun Okinbaloye, recounting how delegates returned the money he gave them, claiming they were instructed by someone not to vote for him. This stunning admission lifted the lid on the murky politics at play.
In a surprise move, Governor Abdulrahamon Abdulrasaq appointed Senator Oloriegbe as the Amir Hajj, tasked with managing the state’s 2024 Hajj affairs. While some criticized Oloriegbe for accepting the appointment, he later clarified that he saw it as a divine call to serve. This development has added another layer of complexity to the already fraught Kwara State APC crisis.
As Senator Saliu Mustapha navigates the treacherous waters of Kwara politics, he would do well to heed the lessons of Oloriegbe’s experience. Senator Saliu Mustapha will undoubtedly strive to avoid a similar fate, which will only exacerbate the existing tensions within the APC under Governor Abdulrasaq’s leadership.
A crucial takeaway from this saga is the importance of effective people management, regardless of individual interests his excellency you need to wary of this.
Governor Abdulrahamon Abdulrasaq,it’s imperative to manage the crisis effectively to prevent exacerbating the existing tensions within the state. The repercussions of mismanagement could be severe, potentially dividing the Emirates, as witnessed during the late Governor Lawal’s and late Baba Saraki’s era. Those were tumultuous times, and I fervently hope we don’t relive them. Kwara State has always been synonymous with peace, and it’s crucial we maintain that harmony.
The crisis within the APC, particularly between you and Senator Saliu Mustapha, is no longer a secret. The back-and-forth exchanges between the Senator Saliu mustapha APC Ward chairman , Ilorin East and Tunji Buhari’s appearance on the Sobi FM Oro Ilu week day popular program on Monday and Wednesday 13th and 15th of January,2025 have laid bare the depth of the crisis. Furthermore, the traditional title bestowed upon Senator Mustapha has been disavowed by the Olusin of Ijara Isin, with the Isin Local Government Chairman also seeking to withdraw the title.
I must emphasize that I’m not advocating for Senator Mustapha, nor do I have any personal connection with him. While some have reported that he’s inaccessible, I don’t have any issues with him. However, I firmly believe he can do better, and it’s never too late for change. As for his performance as a senator, I’m in a position to provide an assessment, but that’s a topic for another day. Notably, some of his projects are included in the budget, which I’ve reviewed, and I’ll be tracking their progress soon. This information will be shared with the citizens of Kwara Central, allowing them to evaluate his performance.
I reiterate that I’m not supporting anyone, as I’ve vowed to maintain my neutrality and impartiality in my weekly column. My commitment to unbiased reporting remains unwavering.
Despite the criticism leveled against my dual roles as a weekly columnist, human rights activist, anti-corruption crusader, and public policy analyst, I remain resolute. Some have disparaged my interactions with politicians, suggesting that I fraternize with them excessively and should desist from inviting them to my book launches. However, I firmly believe in the value of fostering relationships, and I must confess that I’ve never regretted it. mentioning any Nigerian politician today, If I don’t have direct access to the politician, I can always reach out to their aides.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you, Your Excellency, on three separate occasions, and I’ve been impressed by your willingness to seek advice from me and my colleagues from civil society organizations on state matters. You’ve consistently demonstrated a keen desire to listen to diverse perspectives, particularly from individuals without vested political interests. While you ultimately make your own decisions, I appreciate your openness to constructive criticism.
This is why I feel compelled to offer you counsel on this pressing matter. Be cautious of those surrounding you, as their loyalty is often tied to the benefits they derive from your position. The moment you lose an election or your candidate suffers defeat, these fair-weather allies will vanish into thin air. This is precisely what transpired with former President Jonathan as explained in his book “My transition hours “please read it.
In light of this, I strongly advise you to approach the situation with utmost care, prioritizing peace and stability above all else.
As I remain steadfast in my commitment to unbiased reporting, I pledge to continue shedding light on the intricacies of Kwara politics, communal issues, corruption, and other pressing matters affecting our great state. Through my weekly column, “Pentalk,” I vow to uphold the truth, unafraid to speak truth to power.
We all understand the profound impact of the written word, and I’m honored to wield this powerful tool. Today, I address Saudauna Ngeri and Turaki Ngeri, esteemed traditional chief titles of the Emir of Ilorin. Your political discord has the potential to divide the Emirates, and I firmly believe that no sacrifice is too great for the sake of peace.
In the spirit of humility, I recognize that true greatness is not about personal gain or recognition but about empowering others. As I navigate the complexities of Kwara’s political landscape, I’m reminded that humility is not about thinking less of oneself but about thinking of oneself less.
Let us strive for a Kwara where humility, kindness, and compassion reign supreme. May our collective efforts foster a culture of peace, understanding, and progress.
God bless Kwara State.
Comrade Mashood Lanrey Osho is a Human Right Activist, Anti-corruption Crusader, Author and public policy Analyst.