My attention has been drawn to an article written by Wale Onifade titled: “Ogun East Ticket: How Dapo Abiodun Is Bullying, Threatening, and Manipulating His Way to a Senatorial Showdown.”
Ordinarily, I would not have responded to such a deeply mischievous piece, but given its divisive tone and misleading nature, a response has become necessary.
The writer’s approach reflects the traits of someone possibly given to pseudologia fantastica. His intention appears not only mischievous and dishonest but also filled with distorted narratives crafted by individuals attempting to misrepresent a properly organised APC Ogun East stakeholders’ meeting—where Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun was endorsed as the APC senatorial candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Politics has its season, and statecraft has its own. While politics often thrives on contest and opinion, statecraft focuses on governance and delivery. We are now in a period where decisions are made for the development of the state—covering infrastructure, healthcare, salaries, and economic growth.
Unfortunately, the article in question presents itself as investigative journalism but relies heavily on hearsay, unnamed sources, and unverified claims. This is not journalism; it is narrative distortion.
The piece attempts to suggest that Governor Dapo Abiodun is using inducement and intimidation to secure political support, but it provides no credible evidence, no verifiable documentation, and no named sources. Instead, it relies on vague references such as “party sources” and “chieftains,” without substantiation.
In reality, the stakeholders’ meeting in question included a broad representation of Ogun East leadership—councillors, ward executives, local government officials, serving and former lawmakers, and members of advisory councils—reflecting a unified political engagement, not the secretive scenario portrayed in the article.
Governor Abiodun’s administration, meanwhile, has recorded notable progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, aviation, and economic development, including projects such as the Gateway International Airport and advancements in the state’s oil sector prospects. Salaries, pensions, and gratuities have also been consistently managed.
Despite these verifiable achievements, the article makes no reference to them, focusing instead on unsubstantiated allegations.
Claims of financial inducement involving hundreds of individuals are presented without evidence, documentation, or credible confirmation. No names, records, or proof are provided to support such assertions.
The narrative also attempts to create political tension at the national level, suggesting conflict between Governor Abiodun and the Presidency, despite no official statements confirming such claims.
Furthermore, arguments about political zoning and senatorial ambition are raised in the article, but they are framed in a way that ignores broader developmental considerations within the state.
Ultimately, Ogun State deserves responsible political discourse anchored on facts, not speculation. Stakeholders’ meetings should not be misrepresented as transactional gatherings without evidence.
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s record remains visible through ongoing projects and governance outcomes, and any political contest should be based on performance and verifiable facts rather than assumptions and anonymous claims.
The political season calls for caution, balance, and responsibility in public commentary, not the amplification of unverified narratives that risk misleading the public.
Ogun East—and indeed Ogun State—deserves better.
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