Dayo Rufai, Abeokuta
The erstwhile Chief of Staff to Gov Dapo Abiodun, Mr Shuaib Afolabi Salisu has been described as the weakest among the three candidates produced at the last senatorial primary of the All Progressive Congress, (APC) in the state.
One of Governor Abiodun’s predecessors, Otunba Gbenga Daniel is the senatorial candidate of the party in Ogun East, while Sen Olamilekan Solomon Adeola prominently known as Yayi emerged as the senatorial candidate of the party in Ogun West. Shuaib is the candidate of the party in Ogun central.
Gateway Times Nigeria reliably gathered that while other candidates have hit the ground running with consulting, meeting and fence-mending among party stakeholders and other party faithful in the four local government areas; Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Ifo and Odeda which form the senatorial district, Shuaib was said to be banking on the political strength of Gov Abiodun who is also battling to win a second term in 2023.
Further findings have it that, the choice of Shuaib as the candidate of the party in Ogun central did not go down well with APC stakeholders in the area, as it was alleged that Prince Dapo Abiodun foisted him on the party, which gave him victory at the senatorial primary election.
Shuaib’s emergence, according to information has now created a division within the party, and members have vowed to work against his victory during the general election in 2023.
An impeccable source close to the party, disclosed that shortly after the primary election, instead of visiting party leaders and aggrieved members, Shuaib went underground, believing he already had the ticket his pocket.
Apart from internal party crisis, the political machinery of Sen Ibikunle Amosun, which has a strong presence in Ogun central is also giving the ex-Chief of Staff another sleepiness nights.
Amosun, a sworn political rival of Abiodun and the incumbent Senator representing the senatorial district was said to be the most favoured among the candidates jostling for the ticket. He is therefore considered a major stumbling block to Shuaib’s 2023 ambition.
