Boss Picks

Fear of Tinubu Tearing APC Apart

Published

8 years ago

April 7, 2018

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

When two elephants fight, they say, the grass suffers aptly describes the scenario playing out in the house of Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the person at the center of it all is none other than its National Leader, “Reconciliator” in-chief and Jagaban Borgu, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Boss has gathered that the fear of Tinubu and his influence in the party is causing so much rumpus in the party that many people are becoming uncomfortable and so angry that they are beginning to murmur about a possible exit.

The simmering problem may have actually come to head with the about turn of the President on the issue of the one year tenure extension granted the National Working Committee headed by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

The extension which was announced at a meeting by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party attended by the President was seen as a slap on the face of the Asiwaju who had initiated a campaign to ensure a change of guards.

His immediate reaction was not palatable. Speaking through his Media Aide, Mr Tunde Rahman, Tinubu said that there was no basis for the one year tenure extension. He said the action was against the constitution of APC and Nigeria.

He insisted that the NWC and all those who benefitted from the extension should seek re-election when their tenure expires, Tinubu said the APC should always strive to do things in accordance with the constitution, noting that that was the only thing that separated the APC from other political parties.

The relationship between Tinubu and Oyegun had began to very sour in 2016 during the run up to the Ondo Gubernatorial elections.

Odigie-Oyegun, the National Chairman called Tinubu’s bluff and presented, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN as the party’s flag bearer when Tinubu had pitched his tent with Mr. Segun Abraham.

As the Supremo of the party in the South West, this was an affront of the highest order but he had no choice as a smart politician but to keep quiet and bid his time.

It should be said however that the open defiance of a whole Asiwaju by Chief Odigie-Oyegun led to even lesser men dousing his invincibility in other party-related matters, and his influence waned.

Tinubu literarily got his groove back as the scheming for 2019 began and he was appointed from out-of-the-blues by President Buhari as Chairman, Reconciliation Committee of the party.

The appointment certainly rekindled the rivalry between Odigie-Oyegun and Tinubu, this was obvious from the scathing the Asiwaju wrote, complaining of how Oyegun has become a clog in the wheel of the party’s progress.

In the letter, he raised the alarm of how the party executives had refused to let him do the job the President assigned to him.

So, one could have imagined his shock when the NEC announced the tenure elongation. And so it was no surprise when he rejected the tenure elongation for the NWC.

Armed with this new position, Asiwaju, the dye-in-the-wool, deft political strategist that he is was able to warm his way back into the hearts of President Buhari and other key officials.

Insiders alleged that it was Asiwaju Tinubu that impressed upon the President that the one year extension will rubbish the party’s democratic credentials.

Eventually, the President saw the matter from the viewpoint of the National Leader-and that has now changed the dynamics within the party. In fact his new influence within the party is sending chills down the spines of some members of the party.

It would be recalled that in March 2016, an online news portal, National Network, published that barely eight months in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, key political leaders including former Nigeria Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Lagos and Kano States governors Bola Tinubu, Musa Kwankwaso, and incumbent Senate President Bukola Saraki all resolved not to support Buhari should he decides to take a second term shot at the Presidency in 2019, according to sources in the All Progressive Congress (APC).

The sources said the decision by the leaders to not support Buhari’s reelection bid should he chose to run is borne out of the way they were treated in the selection of ministers, the handling of political issues as well as the complete neglect of the key APC leaders by the president and his so called cabal in the running of the government.

Consequently, APC political leaders have begun firming up their political structures across the country and have begun serious consultations with main opposition party the PDP and other political parties with a view to forming an alliance ahead of 2019 presidential election.

Indeed, while Tinubu and his supporters are happy that they are back to reckoning, Buhari’s close allies are not.

We are told that the President knows full well that for him to succeed in 2019, he needs Tinubu and the South West, and he must do everything possible to ensure that all was well.

Those close to him are wary that Tinubu’s reappearance will not only reduce their influence on the scheme of things, if he also gets his own team to replace Odigie-Oyegun as members of the NWC, he would effectively be controlling the party. There is really a mutually assured destruction element playing itself out within the APC.

With Oyegun out of reckoning, and with Buhari doing everything possible to please Tinubu, who he believes can turn the table to his favour in 2019 as he did in 2015, the stage is set for the party to be torn to pieces.

But for Buhari and Tinubu, working together will benefit both men. Insiders are alleging that the prize for supporting Buhari in 2019 is for Tinubu to get the Presidential ticket in 2023 with the muscle of President Buhari.

The calculation is that if another person becomes President, he is most likely to do two terms and that is far too long a time for Asiwaju and his team.

It was with this permutation in mind that Tinubu declared that “We must support President Buhari and complement his efforts in his resolve to stimulate the economy and reposition the country.”

If the Tinubu factor succeeds in breaking APC, the party will go down in history as the major political party with the shortest life span ever in Nigeria.

The APC was formed in February 2013 when the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) led by Chief Bisi Akande, the Congress for Political Change (CPC) led by Muhammadu Buhari, the All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) led by Chief Ogbonnaya Onu, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and his followers from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the breakaway nPDP led by Alhaji Kawu Baraje.

The party became more formidable when five governors of the PDP defected to join them with a retinue of legislators from the Federal and state levels. It went ahead to win the 2015 Presidential Elections with clear majority in the National Assembly, and therefore became the governing party.

However, since the inception of the administration, the party has been bedeviled by one crisis after another with clear traces of disunity, open attacks at structures and personalities capped with hardship the masses have been made to face ever since.

Without a shadow of doubt, followers of the two gladiators share a great chunk of mutual distrust and this may eventually lead to its destruction.

Boss Picks

On a Mission to Rescue, Recover and Reset Nigeria – Soundbites from Dele Momodu’s Official Entry into ADC

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The gathering was loud, impressive and purposeful as veteran journalists and Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, began another political journey of rescue, restoration and resetting of Nigeria with a grand declaration ceremony in Benin City, Edo State.

In his speech, Momodu informed that his interest is purely to serve the interest of Nigerians, shunning any form of call to contest either the senatorial or governorship seat.

Noting that his formal aligning with the ADC is far from personal ambition, he stressed that he is on a mission to help end the drift towards a one-party state.

Momodu, who said it took him years to reconnect with his homestead, added that the declaration for ADC marked a deeply personal and political homecoming after decades of self-discovery and professional life outside his ancestral roots.

He said, “Officially set to declare for the African Democratic Congress. It took me a long time, over 30 years, before I could discover my ancestral home,” Momodu said.

“Let me thank one of my fathers who is present here today, Senator Isa Raymond. From the very first day he met me, he adopted me as a child. When I came home for the first time, he coordinated everything.”

Reflecting on his years abroad, Momodu spoke of the effort it took to establish himself economically in the United Kingdom, saying this had given him both stability and perspective.

“It took me over 50 years, you won’t believe it, of excruciating hard work and meticulous planning to plant roots for my modest income,” he said.

“Today, nobody can say I have no roots. But today, I am standing before you as I firmly reintegrate myself into the political process of my state.”

Momodu dismissed speculation about any immediate personal ambition for elective office, stressing that his political engagement is broader and more ideological.

“People have asked me, ‘What do you want? Do you want to be governor or senator?’ No, I just want to promote the best interests of our people.”

Describing his decision to formally take up ADC membership as a critical step, Momodu said: “It is hard to imagine the pride I feel at this moment as I undertake my self-led event in DC to pick up the membership card of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, the new opposition coalition in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation. This is only the first and most important leg of this political journey.”

He outlined what he described as his core political mission, warning against political domination by a single party.

“My mission in politics is to join hands of fellowship with citizens of like minds to rescue, recover, and reset Nigeria,” Momodu said. “Nigeria must be rescued from a one-party state and one parliament.”

In a lighter moment, he added: “I don’t think they manufacture people like Baba Eke in heaven.”

Momodu said the success of the political journey ahead would depend on the commitment of Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the current direction of the country.

“This journey will require the total commitment of the majority of Nigerians who refuse to be enslaved in their own country.

“I am eternally inspired by our leader and father, Zipzon Oyebu, for his judiciousness, resoluteness, and sacrifice for the well-being of our nation. Thank you, Baba.

“Thank you all for your love, because for people to leave their homes and offices to be here on a weekday is not a joke. I promise you, I do not think it is a joke.”

A former presidential candidate, former presidential aspirant, teacher, inspirational speaker, actor, media guru and entrepreneur, Dele Momodu is a complete package of astuteness, enigma and ready-to-deliver personality, who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of his motherland.

Momodu is not new to political discipline and maneuver. Recall that the much traveled global citizen contested the presidency in 2011, where he represented the National Conscience Party (NCP), and was a presidential aspirant in 2022 under the umbrella of the PDP.

Momodu’s trajectory in the political terrain dated back to the Second Republic, when he functioned as Private Secretary to Chief Akin Omoboriowo, the then deputy governor of Ondo State. He was also prominent in politics during and after the much talked about June 12, 1993 era. His relevance and intellectual capacity in politics speak volumes, climaxing in the fact that his wealth of experience will be an added advantage to the ADC family.

Momodu’s entry into the ADC is expected to boost the coalition’s visibility towards creating more impact and positioning the party for the all-important duel with the APC come 2027.

Boss Picks

TWINSFAJA Shines As Africa’s Richest Man Rewards Top Dangote Cement Partners

Published

6 days ago

January 16, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The entire night was tailor-made to fit TwinsFaja Group of Companies as the activities practically revolved round the firm’s achievements, pedigree, style and devotion to customers, clients and parent bodies. It was the night organised by the Dangote Cement House to reward the loyalty of the Dangote Cement Partners, where TwinsFaja, with its amiable Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Kemi Fajana, featured prominently.

It was indeed a night full of glitz, glamour and razzmatazz as Dangote Cement rewards distributors, customers with substantial gifts and awards, leaving TwinsFaja Group of companies to shine brightest.

The glamorous which was held at Eko Hotel & Suites , Victoria Island, Lagos was anchored by a popular comedian Bovi, and attended by Africa’s richest man and Chairman, Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote among other industry greats including Founder of the Zenith Bank Group, Mr. Jim Ovia, and Founder of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu and others.

Representing the TwinsFaja brand, Mrs. Fajana, in company of her husband, majestically arrived the Eko Hotels venue of the event in style to the applause of guests, colleagues, co-awardees and well wishers.

Dabbed in yellowish-gold aso-oke attire, Mrs Fajana strolled gingerly supported by her better half, who was dressed in free flowing sparkling white agbada, to the warm embrace of achievement as the room radiated warmth, glory and success.

The event kickstarted with the arrival of the chief host, Alhaji Dangote, who after seranading the capacity filled hall with his happy disposition and pleasantries, stood in patriotism for the rendition of the National Anthem, alongside other dignitaries.

Thereafter, the Chief Host, Alhaji Dangote delivered his welcome address, admonishing the guests to feel at home at the well organised event, while welcoming all and sundry to the Distributors’ Award Ceremony, just as he commended TwinsFaja and other distributors for their unwavering commitment and resilience “in driving our business forward, even amidst economic challenges.”

He added that “their perseverance and determination in ensuring our products remain available in the market. Thanks to your efforts, we have secured over 57 per cent of the market share, and we encourage you to continue pushing for more growth.”

Dangote noted that “this year’s theme serves as a rallying call for unity and collective growth as we strive for unmatched market leadership in 2026. This theme reflects the strength of our partnership with valued customers, which continues to drive the success of Dangote Cement.”

Aliko Dangote identified and highlighted the distributors as the backbone of the company’s growth and success, and encouraged them to aim for even higher performance levels in 2025.

The awards categories were in phases; Regional Award, Growth Award, Best Performing Customers, and for their continued loyalty and patronage, Dangote Cement rewarded the distributors and customers with various choice gift items and cash worth N11 billion.

At the 2026 edition of its Customers Awards & Gala Nite Veentage band and the invincible Flavour Nabania were on hand to dish out the best of entertainments to the guests with spectacular performances, prompting them to shuffle endlessly to rhythm of togetherness.

While speaking with Ovation Media Group, a very elated Mrs. Fajana expressed her heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, staff and her customers for their contribution and support. She noted that out if a dint if hard work, TwinsFaja has successfully emerged the number one company in Lagos and Ogun, and number seven in Nigeria.

“I am so happy. I appreciate my president, Alhaji Aliko Dangote. I worked very hard and to God be the glory, we are number 7 nationwide customer. This means that we are number 1 both in Lagos and Ogun State. I thank God and all our customers because without them, I can’t achieve this. Thank you to all our customers and staff. God bless you all,” Mrs Fajana enthused.

Among Dignitaries that turned up for the all-important event were the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Obafemi Hamzat, Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Former Governor of Ekiti state, Chief Niyi Adebayo, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Founder, Zenith Bank International, Mr. Jim Ovia, Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Mrs. Adaora Umeoji, Chief Executive Officer of UBA, Mr. Oliver Alawuba and a host of others.

ABOUT TWINSFAJA GROUP OF COMPANIES

Established in 1994, and incorporated in 2007, the TwinsFaja Group is a major Nigerian conglomerate founded by accomplished entrepreneur, Mrs Kemi Fajana, and her husband. With minimal formal education, but with great business acumen and entrepreneurial discipline, the duo launched into the deep murky waters of business, and triumphed.

The conglomerate is focused on providing essential daily needs, especially in construction materials (cement, iron rods) and retail groceries through its large supermarket chain. Known for quality, integrity and customer service, the group aims to be a leading supplier in Nigeria and West Africa, expanding from building materials to a diverse online and physical retail presence, including fashion and home appliances.

The story of TwinsFaja, Kemi Fajana and her husband, is the typical example of how a little beginning can blossom into a huge and happy ending.

Reports have it that the couple dabbled into cement sales in the 1990s with just 50 bags, after Kemi diversified from her sales of baby items, and today, with resilience, focus and hard work, have spread across lengths and breadths, controlling over 13 supermarket outlets in both Lagos and Ogun states. They have have stakes in the oil and gas industry as well as the building materials sector.

TwinsFaja exemplifies the process in growth and development of the great oak, whose seed is infinitesimally small, but grows with an expansion that is great and imagine to imagine.

Today, apart from its stake across relevant sectors, Twinsfaja is recognized as one of the biggest distributors of Dangote Cement in Lagos and Ogun. It is believed that its capacity equals ability to move tens of thousands of tonnes of cement in a strong week, and with over 2,000 employees in its payroll.

Though the company’s annual turnover is a matter closeto the chest of the CEO, Kemi Fajana, a platform, Billionaires.Africa estimates that the group’s turnover could be in the neighborhood of $20 million annually or more.

We congratulate Mrs Fajana, the TwinsFaja conglomerate and family, and their loyal customers for another gracious milestone in their quest to provide quality in its everyday business life.

Photos: Funmi Ilelabayo

Boss Picks

Benin Agog As Accomplished Entrepreneur and Journalist, Dele Momodu Set to Formally Declare for ADC

Published

1 week ago

January 14, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

All is set for the grand declaration of veteran journalist and publisher, Chief Dele Momodu, as he formally joins the coalition party, African Democratic Congress (ADC), in Benin City, the capital of his home state, Edo.

The event, billed to take place at the New ADC State Secretariat, Ogbelaka Road, Benin City, on Thursday, January 15, 2025, is expected to bring together the creme de creme of the ADC family and more.

Speaking exclusively to The Boss, Momodu, who announced his switch to ADC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a few months ago following irreconcilable crises that had ravaged the party, said that the coming together of political juggernauts to make up the ADC is the best thing that has happened to the nation in recent times.

“Our coming together is divine, and has paved the way for the restoration of life for Nigerians, towards rescuing everyone from the shackles of oppressive rule in the last 10 years, and counting.

Momodu with former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar

“ADC is a testament of readiness towards taking back what belongs to us as Nigerians,” Momodu said.

With the leaders of the party expected to be in attendance, the declaration event will be broadcast alive across major media platforms including Arise News Television.