… Accuse Arabambi of Pocketing N50m
… Politics Is About Interest- IPAC Chair
Daud Olatunji
In a dramatic turn of events, a rift between Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former leaders of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has intensified, with accusations of betrayal and financial misconduct rocking the state’s political landscape.
The dispute, which stems from claims of broken promises and the alleged misappropriation of N50million by the former national publicity Secretary of Labour Party, Comrade Abayomi Arabambi, has pushed ex-IPAC leaders to a breaking point, threatening to expose damning evidence against the governor.
At the centre of this political firestorm are former IPAC leaders who allege that despite their support for Governor Abiodun’s successful re-election bid, they have been sidelined, betrayed, and replaced by a new group of political leaders.
In a closed-door meeting held recently, the tension boiled over, leaving the former IPAC leaders feeling disgruntled and ready for war.
… The Beginning of the Rift
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that trouble began brewing after the exclusion of past IPAC leaders from key meetings and decision-making processes.
These leaders, led by former IPAC chairman Samson Okusanya of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), claimed to have been instrumental in securing Abiodun’s re-election.
Okusanya and seven other party leaders—Moshood Adesina (APP), Wale Adebisi (Accord Party), Michael Ashade (Labour Party), Abraham Adesina (NRM), Wale Akinsanya (YPP), Prince Adebanjo Adeniyi (ADC), and Lazisi Ramoni (BOOT Party)—championed the endorsement of Governor Abiodun for a second term.
Others who were reported to have joined the group that claimed to have worked for Abiodun’ re election include: Ijaola Basirat Oluwatosin Bello, the deputy governorship candidate of APP in the 2023 elections, and Hon. Citrus Akinfenwa, the PRP governorship candidate, Hon. Femi Branch, a key figure in the political scene, attended as the deputy governorship candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM).
Other notable attendees included Hon. Kazeem Sokunbi, the governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), and Dr. Tofunmi Ogunronbi, the governorship candidate of the NRM.
They said they held press conferences and waged public campaigns in the governor’s favour, only to find themselves sidelined after the elections.
However, despite their efforts, they claimed they were shut out of recent consultations and major decisions by the new leadership of IPAC.
The aggrieved former IPAC leaders blamed their woes on Arabambi who they claimed ruined their political career.
“Our group worked tirelessly for Governor Abiodun’s re-election, but now, the governor has abandoned us,” Okusanya said in an interview with PLATFORM TIMES.
“Not only have we been replaced, but our political careers have been destroyed.”
… Accusations of Betrayal And the Role of Arabambi
The most shocking allegations came from Okusanya and his colleagues, who accused Abayomi Arabambi, the former National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, of pocketing a significant sum of money intended for IPAC members who supported Abiodun.
“There are claims that Arabambi received a total of N50 million from Governor Abiodun, but none of this money was distributed among us. We worked for the governor, and we got nothing in return,” Okusanya lamented.
According to Okusanya, the betrayal runs deeper than just financial matters. “Arabambi was the one who orchestrated this betrayal.
“He sold us out to the governor and kept the money for himself. Meanwhile, we are suffering for the sacrifices we made.”
… Broken Promises, Political Fallout
The former IPAC leaders also alleged that Governor Abiodun failed to fulfil promises made to them before and after the election.
These promises included political appointments, the provision of office space, and financial support.
However, the aggrieved political parties leaders said none of these pledges has materialised.
Moshood Adeshina, the Ogun State chairman of the APP, did not mince words in his condemnation of the governor’s actions.
“The governor betrayed us. He promised us heaven and earth during the campaign but has done nothing since then.”
Adeshina further revealed that the former IPAC leaders had even accompanied Governor Abiodun to the Supreme Court in Abuja during a legal battle.
“We stood by him when he needed us the most, but now, he has turned his back on us.”
… The Fallout From IPAC Elections
The fallout from the IPAC elections further deepened the divide between Governor Abiodun and the former IPAC leaders.
According to Okusanya, the governor failed to support our bid to retain leadership positions within IPAC.
He said,instead, the new leadership, allegedly backed by opposition candidate Ladi Adebutu, won the IPAC elections by a narrow margin of two votes.
“We were abandoned by the governor during the IPAC elections. Ladi Adebutu provided financial and logistical support to his favoured candidates, while we received nothing from Governor Abiodun,” Okusanya stated.
“It’s painful to see that those who worked against the governor are now reaping the benefits, while we have been cast aside.”
… “We Were Used and Dumped”
The former IPAC leaders feel they have been used and discarded after their support for Governor Abiodun’s re-election.
Adesina expressed his disappointment, stating, “I lost my position as the chairman of my party because I supported the governor. We were promised political appointments, but now we are left with nothing.”
Adesina’s sentiment was echoed by Abraham Adesina, the NRM chairman, who added, “All of us who supported Governor Abiodun have lost our party positions.
The national leadership of our parties turned against us because they believed we collected money for the governor’s endorsement.”
The former IPAC leaders alleged that they have been targeted and removed from their positions by the national leadership of their respective parties, all because of their endorsement of Governor Abiodun.
“The governor promised us protection, but instead, we have been left to fend for ourselves,” Adesina lamented.
…Vandalism And Threats
The crisis has also taken a personal toll on some of the former IPAC leaders.
Okusanya revealed that his business was attacked by political thugs, allegedly loyal to the PDP.
“My block industry in Sagamu was vandalised by PDP boys. I was suspended from my party because I supported Governor Abiodun.”
The tension has escalated to the point where some of the former IPAC leaders are now openly threatening to reveal sensitive information about Governor Abiodun’s dealings.
“We have documents, voice recordings, and photographs that prove the governor made promises to us,” said Adeshina. “If he continues to ignore us, we will go public with the evidence.
“This is just the beginning,” warned Olusanya. “If Governor Abiodun doesn’t make things right, we will take our case to the public. We will expose the truth about what happened behind closed doors.”
Moshood Adeshina added, “We didn’t work for the governor just to be discarded. We have too much at stake, and we won’t stay silent any longer.”
…IPAC Chairman Sanyaolu Opens Up On Leadership Crisis, Defends Abiodun’s Support
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the State, Comrade Abayomi Sanyaolu, when contacted, shed light on the leadership crisis plaguing the body, citing internal rifts and efforts to bring unity within the organization.
Sanyaolu revealed that politics is inherently driven by interests, and he acknowledged the critical role of Governor Dapo Abiodun in stabilizing IPAC during his tenure.
Sanyaolu disclosed that he had made significant strides in ensuring the governor’s support for IPAC’s cause.
“Politics is about interest, and I made concerted efforts to bring Governor Dapo Abiodun on board to support our collective goals as a unified body,” he explained.
He confirmed that a meeting was held last week between the governor and members of IPAC to discuss these efforts.
Sanyaolu also opened up about the internal discord within IPAC, which led to his fallout with the former leadership.
According to him, certain individuals within the previous administration had attempted to form a cabal, manipulating the system to their advantage.
He named former IPAC chairman Okusanya and other prominent figures, including Arabambi as being part of this group.
He criticised the actions of these leaders, accusing them of personalising IPAC’s resources.
“During their tenure, there was no unity within IPAC. They shared the council’s resources among themselves, including food supplies such as 100 bags of rice, which they took to Lipede market to sell,” Sanyaolu stated.
He added that when he assumed leadership, he made a point of distributing resources equitably.
“The first 100 bags of rice I received, I made sure they were shared among all members, including Arabambi, Adedamola and Baba Sholuade, as being part of this group.”
The IPAC chairman highlighted the difficulties he faced in trying to clean up the organisation’s reputation, including a request from his predecessors to engage in corrupt practices.
“They asked me to set aside for instance, N2 million from let say N5 million given to IPAC, but I refused,” Sanyaolu revealed, emphasizing his commitment to transparency.
He recounted how he had been diligent in securing IPAC’s standing with the state government by requesting a dedicated secretariat for the organization.
Sanyaolu noted that his relationship with gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Ladi Adebutu, whom he described as a long-time friend, had led to speculations about his loyalty.
“The government had concerns about my close relationship with Ladi Adebutu, but our relationship dates back to 2016. He is a friend, but, older than me, and that does not influence my position within IPAC or my dealings with the governor.
“After several meetings, we received funds from the governor for the secretariat, and it is almost complete,” he disclosed, adding that the governor would commission the building soon.
“The governor himself acknowledged their support during a meeting, but he also appreciated the work we have done in bringing unity to IPAC,” Sanyaolu said.
“The governor has assured us of his support because he seeks peace in the state until the end of his tenure.
“ If the former leaders want to challenge this, they are free to wage their own battles.
“The issue of Governor Dapo Abiodun has caused a strain between Ladi Adebutu and me. But if there is a fight to be fought, it is not mine. They can direct their grievances at the governor,” he said.
Arabambi, when contacted, pleaded for more time to react , saying he was away and would get back to this reporter .
But, he had not responded as of the time of filing this report.
… Rift Deepens Between Abiodun, Arabambi Over 2027 Succession
The relationship between Abiodun, and Arabambi, has hit a rough patch following a controversial statement by Arabambi.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Arabambi’s recent public support for Senator Solomon Adeola’s governorship ambition in 2027 has not gone down well with Governor Abiodun.
Arabambi, in his statement, urged Governor Abiodun to back Adeola, popularly known as “Yayi,” as his successor, highlighting Adeola’s potential to continue the governor’s infrastructural strides across key sectors.
Sources disclosed that this endorsement has strained the once-cordial relationship between the two political figures.
Arabambi’s call for Yayi’s endorsement comes despite his status as a Labour Party chieftain, a position he acknowledged in the letter but set aside in favour of supporting what he termed “the best candidate” for the state’s leadership.
The political endorsement letter, titled “2027 Succession and Continuity of Undisputed & Unprecedented Governance of Gov Dapo Abiodun: Why Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi Should Wear the Coveted Trophy,” offered a comprehensive assessment of Yayi’s qualifications, portraying him as the candidate with the vision and experience necessary to lead Ogun State into the future.
Arabambi praised Yayi’s track record as a Senator and philanthropist, underscoring his contributions to both Lagos and Ogun politics, as well as his commitment to community development and legislative achievements.
Arabambi’s letter pointed out Yayi’s pivotal role in fostering unity between the people of Yewa and Awori, two key communities in Ogun State, and hailed his efforts in implementing critical infrastructural projects, such as the ongoing construction of the Ota-Itele Road.
Additionally, the letter cited Yayi’s empowerment initiatives, which have seen thousands of Ogun traders and artisans receive financial support.
In his closing remarks, Arabambi urged Governor Abiodun to seize the opportunity to make history by supporting a successor who would uphold and build on the governor’s legacy, positioning Yayi as the most capable and deserving candidate.
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