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Between Omoyele Sowore & Fela Durotoye: An Eyewitness Report

Published

8 years ago

April 10, 2018

Eric

By Bayo Adeyinka

2019 may very well be the last opportunity for Nigeria to turn things around and salvage what remains of this nation. That’s the thought that has haunted me for the past one year. And since I know everything rises and falls on leadership, I have more than a passing interest in the aspirants and candidates for political leadership in our nation. Without mincing words, Buhari has failed and predictably so. One can point to several indicators of his monumental failure but one positive outcome of his glaring failure is the fact that for the first time in our nation’s history, several individuals have suddenly realized that they can actually run this country better than he did. Buhari’s inefficiencies, inactions and inadequacies have so much belittled the Office of the President to such an extent that we shall witness a record number of contestants for that Office in 2019. At the last count, the following people have indicated their interest in the number one office in the country:

Omoyele Sowore
Fela Durotoye
Daniel Akinlami
Nicolas Felix
Donald Ike Igwegbu
Victor Ani-Laju
Mathias Baba Tsado
Clement Jimbo
Ahmed Buhari
Adams Garba
Jaye Gaskia
Thomas Wilson Ikubese
Erastus Anslem
Enyinnaya Nwosu
Abubakar Alkali
Ibrahim Abubakar Lajada
Emiola Ojajuni
Miss Godstime Iroabuchi Sidney
Kingsley Moghalu
Atiku Abubakar
Ayo Fayose
Chris Emejuru
Omike Chikeluba Lewis
Abubakar Saraki
Donald Duke
Ibrahim Dankwambo
Sule Lamido
Rabiu Kwankasso

These are the names that have either declared their ambition or are suspected to be interested in running for the exalted seat. However, two of the aspirants seem to have given their ambitions a head start. Omoyele Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters and Fela Durotoye, a business strategist and motivational expert have been doing the rounds. Both of them were in Ibadan on Friday, April 6 to engage the public.

I was present at the University of Ibadan Conference Centre where Sowore’s ‘Take It Back’ engagement took place. The venue was flooded with several campaign memorabilia and people- mostly students and activists- wearing branded T-Shirts of Omoyele Sowore. Participants were required to register and some campaign collaterals were handed out. Fela’s music blared from the speakers in the hall. The event started 45 minutes behind schedule as the students were asked to go out of the hall to welcome Sowore. I felt that was unnecessary- especially for someone who came late. If we aspire to bring a true change, punctuality must be a trait we have to imbibe.

Edmund Obilo moderated the event. Obilo was simply outstanding in the way he anchored the session. It is to Obilo’s credit that the event held with few hitches as he navigated a few disruptions smoothly. There were a few speakers before Sowore came to the podium. Kemi Olunloyo spoke eloquently about her experience at Port Harcourt Prison. When Sowore took the floor, he spoke about his interventions to save Nigeria and how Sahara Reporters was revolutionary journalism. He said he has disrupted the media space and he wants to disrupt the political space. Here are a few more things Omoyele Sowore said at the event:

1. I will love to give you manifestos but we have acres and acres of manifestos that were never implemented by men without character.
2. Now is the time to disrupt the system and take it down. It is up to them to choose where they want to be spanked. It is up to them to choose to leave peacefully.
3. I didn’t have shoes but I had self esteem, I had integrity and I had dignity.
4. I wanted to leave a legacy at the University of Lagos that I could sacrifice my life to protect others who needed a future.
5. It is too late now. I have been to the mountaintop and I have seen the promised land. What matters to me now is how you get your dignity back.
6. It has taken them 18 years to renovate Lagos-Ibadan expressway. We don’t have electricity. It is by design. This is the only country where we pay for darkness-$16b was spent to improve the darkness in Nigeria under the man in Ota who is organizing a third force. Whether there is a first force, second force or third force, all of the forces will be on the run in 2019.
7. I will put security first. After that is power.
8. Kola Aluko stole $3b. It didn’t cause inflation. When Mrs Jonathan started opening all manners of accounts, it didn’t cause inflation. But when you say that money should be given to our workers so they can send their children to school or get them medicine, we say it will cause inflation.
9. I am not making promises based on fictional figures. What we have calculated is that it will cost Nigeria just $1.3b more to pay workers N100,000 minimum wage.
10. I will pay workers N100,000 minimum wage and those of you who are youth corpers will be paid N50,000 and we will be heading very quickly to N100,000 because youth corpers should be able to earn minimum wage as well. If you’re a youth corper and anything happens to you during your youth service, your family gets paid a sum of N10m or you’re disabled.
11. We will invest the sum of N50,000 on behalf of each Nigerian student so that when you can’t pay your school fees, you’re not denied your final results.
12. I’m not in a hurry to put up my plans because you know the other side, they are thieves, content thieves, they will steal our ideas and claim it to be their own.
13. I don’t want to compare Nigeria to the UK or US but I want to compare Nigeria to Ghana.
14. I am not into labels. Nigeria is sick and needs a doctor. Whatever ideology we call that is what I am. By the time we are done with Nigeria, our own ideology will emerge and will be adopted all around the world.
15. When people were given 505 in those days, I rejected it. Why will I compromise now?

So what were my observations about Sowore’s Take It Back campaign? His campaign has a serious verve to it. The energy was evident in the room. He also has the gift of the garb apart from appearing rugged. He is an excellent communicator and has the ability to work up the crowd. However, the crowd I saw around him were mostly students and activists. Maybe that can be justified because of the venue of the event. Nevertheless, he needs to be able to widen the scope of his outreach. While not taking away anything from the presence of supporters like Kemi Olunloyo and Femi Aborisade, he needs to go beyond the human rights/activists community who seemed to dominate the meet yesterday. He also needs to break down his high-fallutin ideas. How exactly will he pay the proposed N100,000 minimum wage to workers and N50,000 to youth corpers? Under a federal system, how will states be able to cope? He waived away the issue of inflation but is this indeed practicable economics? Specifically, how will he deal with corruption and corrupt people? There were a few concerns raised by people who sat around me- is Sowore actually in this for the whole hog? How quickly can he build structures in the 36 states and the FCT? He has the advantage of owning a known media brand with extensive reach which he can leverage on for publicity and propaganda. He seems to have a slight issue with believability and perception may be because of his background as an activist.

I left the event when there was a break for the Muslims to observe their afternoon prayer and Sowore took a step that indeed appeared to be one that may resonate well with the Muslim community by joining them in prayers. He certainly understands the art of communication.

Later in the evening, I attended Fela Durotoye’s event at NuStreams Centre, Alalubosa GRA. The event was tagged ‘Running for a new Nigeria’. The event which started promptly was underway by the time I got there. I couldn’t even get a space to park my car. Fela has a way with words. If I have described Omoyele Sowore as an excellent communicator, then Fela Durotoye is a master communicator. Just like Sowore, Durotoye also spoke extemporaneously. The difference was just in the style adopted. Fela spoke like he was addressing a business class or he was handling a consulting session. You can’t be in Fela’s session and not take down a few notes so here are a few things he said:

1. It’s impossible for compassionless leaders to deliver a great society.
2. Leaders must have 3 qualities to deliver a great society: cthey must be competent, credible and have compassion.
3. Easy has no value.
4. 2019 is not going to be an election- it will be a choice.
5. The people together are together richer than the rich people.
6. I want to have the largest cabal in Nigeria- a cabal of 190m people.
7. Fela can only be known by those who don’t know him when those who know him speak to those who don’t know him.
8. This is not a candidate campaign- it’s an ideological campaign.
9. Focus creates blindness
10. We all want to be led and not ruled.
11. We are not trying to get power. We are trying to get opportunity to serve the people.
12. People do not doubt what they desire when they see it’s possible.
13. Those who violate your values who are closest to you- how do you treat them?
14. The day I take a kobo of Nigeria’s money by way of inflating a contract, may I never wake up the next day. Anyone that gives me a kobo has only paid for my coffin. The day I steal one kobo, you guys will read my obituary the next day.

Fela showed two videos at the event- one about the visit of the late Prime Minister of Nigeria, Tafawa Balewa to the United States in 1961 and another one about a little boy who attempted to move away a tree that fell in the middle of the road under heavy rain. When others saw his efforts, one by one they joined him until so many people carried the tree so cars can have easy passage. It was truly an emotional clip that captures what a critical mass can do. Fela appears to be more believable than Sowore maybe because of some solemn invocations he made as he spoke. I think it’s a testament to his believability that someone donated the sum of One Million Naira to his campaign during that event. He pledged not to take a salary as the President and wants every Nigerian child to learn to speak Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba in schools before they learn French.

So what were my observations about Fela Durotoye’s campaign? The energy level wasn’t as high as that of Sowore’s. He is not as rugged as Sowore. The contest will not be a walk over so it demands someone who can speak the language of the street. The people around Durotoye appeared to be more sophisticated and elitist- though both Sowore and Durotoye share the same demographics and appeal to similar audience. In local parlance, I would say Fela’s audience was ‘ajebutter’ while Sowore’s audience was ‘ajepaki’. Fela communicated very effectively but as I sat in the audience, I wondered if an ‘agbero’ or market woman would understand or appreciate all he said. A significant part of his speech was done in ‘Christianese’- church language. Most sounded as if he was preaching. He needs to tone it down out of respect for the religious complexity of our nation. If I was a Muslim or belonged to another faith, I would have felt out of place at the event as it later took on the colouration of a religious event. I looked around at his team- how much of diversity did he consciously embrace as I recognized quite a few people who are pastors among them? He certainly needs to review this aspect by adopting a more global outlook. He also believes in increasing the salary of civil servants though he didn’t indicate by how much. His retort that the increase in salary will be paid from money that is no longer stolen is neither here nor there.

Fela however has a very sound structure which he shared with the audience. One can see that he leveraged on his consulting experience to draw up a strategy document upon which his campaign can be based. I nodded as he spoke about electoral intelligence, voters sensitization, membership growth and recruitment, budget and planning, research and statistics, city mapping and area grouping among others. He appeared to be more scientific in his approach than Sowore. Unfortunately, both Fela and Sowore seem to suffer from the same Achilles heels. When a lady asked the audience at Fela’s event to raise their hands if they have their PVCs, less than 20% of the members of the audience raised their hands. A friend walked up to one of those who adorned the branded Fela’s T-shirts and was obviously one of his volunteers and to our surprise, he didn’t even have his PVC. Yet, he was very vociferous during the event. I wonder how many of those LASU or UNILORIN students who attended Sowore’s event have their PVCs. Secondly, the demographics they appeal to are too elitist. They both need to dilute their messages without losing its core essence and reach out to the real people who vote during elections. Otherwise, they must do a yeoman’s job in getting a massive electoral turnout especially from first time voters.

If I had my way, I will marry the street credibility, energy and fluidity of Sowore with the strategy and stoicism of Durotoye. Apart, it is doubtful if any of them can win but together, they can take this country by storm. One thing is certain nevertheless- both of them will run this country better than Buhari.

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~Me: Aside from Duke, Atiku and perhaps Lamido, the rest of the lineup will go the same way as the likes of Bob Dee, never on the mark never mind getting set.

For a good run, a proper shot at the ultimate prize, the Ajebuta and the Ajepaki need to join forces, most of the others in the line up will join them, the exceptions being expected.

Featured

Vote Buying, Low Turnout Mar FCT Polls – Yiaga Africa

Published

19 hours ago

February 21, 2026

Eric

A civil society organization, Yiaga Africa, has released its preliminary report on the 2026 Federal Capital Area Council Elections held on Saturday.

The civic group reported that vote buying was witnessed at various polling units in the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted elections for the position of chairman in the six area councils of the FCT, as well as for 62 councillorship seats.

Yiaga Africa said it deployed trained and duly accredited roving observers to systematically monitor the conduct of the elections.

It said that its observers were deployed by 7:30am and covered polling units across the sixty-two wards of the FCT, with their mandate including observing key aspects of the voting process, including opening procedures, accreditation, voting, and counting.

Yiaga Africa said it observed that the election was conducted in a largely peaceful atmosphere, adding that voters who presented themselves at polling units were afforded the opportunity to exercise their franchise without widespread disruption but added that notwithstanding this enabling environment, voter turnout was generally low, with most polling units recording poor turnout.

It said that logistical challenges adversely affected the timely commencement of polling, particularly in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, where delays in the deployment of personnel and materials contributed to late opening in several locations.

It added that the relocation of certain polling units coupled with inadequate and untimely communication of these changes to voters generated confusion and may have resulted in voter disenfranchisement saying that such administrative lapses have significant implications for electoral access and public

On its preliminary findings, the election watch agency said: “Yiaga Africa observers reported a delayed commencement of polling in several polling units, primarily attributable to logistical inefficiencies and, in some instances, election security–related challenges.

“As of 9:00 a.m., set-up activities were still ongoing in the majority of polling units observed, indicating that essential preparatory procedures had not been completed within the timeframe prescribed by electoral guidelines.

“In the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), particularly in Wuse and Gwarinpa wards, several polling units opened significantly behind schedule. Observers noted that polling officials were still arranging materials and organizing the voting environment as at 9:00 a.m., with accreditation and voting commencing only after 10:00 a.m. On average, across the sampled polling units observed, accreditation and voting began at approximately 10:00 a.m.

“Consistent with the Commission’s guidelines, critical election materials including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices and the voter register—were deployed in the polling units observed.

“However, in Polling Unit 004, Wuse Ward, Zone 2 Primary School, the voter register was not initially available and was only produced after observers raised concerns and voters objected. In addition, essential voting materials were absent in certain locations. Voting cubicles were not observed in PU002 (Ward 09), PU006 (Ward 01), and PU012 (Ward 10) in Abaji Area Council. Furthermore, an ink pad required for the voting process was reportedly missing in one polling unit observed.

“Observers reported instances in which voters were reassigned to newly created polling units without prior or adequate notification. While Yiaga Africa acknowledges INEC’s efforts to notify affected voters via SMS, many of these messages were delivered on Election Day, with some received hours after polling had already commenced. The lack of timely and effective communication generated confusion at several polling locations, as numerous voters spent over an hour attempting to ascertain their designated polling units.

“In multiple instances, this administrative shortcoming contributed to congestion and
overcrowding, thereby undermining orderly queue management and potentially
discouraging voter participation.

“The observation further revealed significant disparities in voter distribution within the same polling locations. Such pronounced imbalances raise serious concerns regarding the coherence, and reliability of the Commission’s polling unit expansion and voter redistribution framework.

“Closing of Polling Unit before the official 2:30pm: Observers reported some polling
units closing the polling process before the official 2:30pm close time. While some
polling units experienced poor voter participation, the guideline requires the polling unit to remain open until 2:30pm or the last person on the queue votes.

“Security Deployment and Observer Access: Yiaga Africa observed heavy security deployment in certain locations, which, in some instances, impeded the movement of accredited election observers and restricted access to polling units. Observers further noted that the heightened security presence created barriers for citizens attempting to
access polling units to exercise their right to vote.

“Vote buying: The persistent menace of vote buying once again manifested during the election. Yiaga Africa observers documented incidents of vote buying at polling units, underscoring the continued vulnerability of the electoral process to monetary inducement.

“Despite prior assurances and directives issued by INEC to security agencies to identify and apprehend both vote buyers and sellers, these illicit practices reportedly continued in several locations.”

DailyPost

Featured

I’m Proud of You, Osinbajo Tells Abia Gov Alex Otti

Published

3 days ago

February 19, 2026

Eric

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has applauded Governor Alex Otti of Abia State for what he described as purposeful, people-centered leadership that is repositioning Abia State for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Speaking during his visit to the governor in his office on Wednesday, February 18, which coincided with Otti’s birthday, Osinbajo expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s hospitality and outstanding performance in office, noting that the true essence of public service is making meaningful differences on the lives of the people.

“I am extremely proud of the work you have done so far, you have lived up to expectations – not only to the people but also to your friends and associates. In the short time I have been here, I have seen tangible evidence of progress.” The former Vice President stated.

Prof. Osinbajo particularly commended Governor Otti’s bold social welfare reforms, including assenting into law, the Senior Citizens’ Law.

He described the initiatives as exemplary and deeply rooted in compassion and social responsibility, emphasising that the world’s most successful welfare systems are built on care for the vulnerable.

He also lauded the extensive road infrastructure renewal and improved connectivity across the State, describing the projects as visible symbols of purposeful and results-driven leadership. While reflecting on the demands of leadership, Prof. Osinbajo noted that while many aspire for public office, true distinction lies in delivery.

“Sometimes you wonder whether, after all the efforts to get into office, leaders are able to fulfill their promises. But in your case, you have done not just what you promised, but even more. You have made public service worthwhile,” Prof. Osinbajo added.

He prayed for renewed strength, wisdom, and divine favour for Governor Otti as he continues the work of transformation in Abia State.

In his response, Otti warmly welcomed Osinbajo, describing him as a brother, friend, and mentor, whose visit was deeply appreciated.

The governor clarified that the gathering was not a planned birthday celebration but just marking the day, noting that he rarely celebrate such occasions publicly, especially while serving in public office.

He expressed gratitude to well-wishers who came voluntarily and emphasised his preference for modesty and focus on service.

Otti thanked God for the progress recorded within 32 months in office, describing the administration’s achievements as modest but impactful.

He reiterated that governance must remain centered on the welfare and security of the people.

“Governance is about the people their welfare, their safety, and their peace of mind. If you enter office for any other reason, you miss the essence of leadership,” Governor Otti stated.

He recalled decisive actions taken in the administration’s first month, when some local governments were under the control of non-state actors. The governor said that firm intervention restored order and ensured that communities once inaccessible are now safe and open to residents.

Governor Otti also commended security agencies for their round-the-clock dedication, acknowledging their sacrifices in maintaining peace and stability across the state.

“We are grateful to the men and women who stay awake so that our people can sleep in peace,” Otti stated.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, on behalf of the State Executive Council, extended warm birthday wishes to the governor, praying for continued strength and fruitful years ahead.

Featured

Gunmen Invade Ondo Palace, Kill Monarch in Failed Abduction Attempt

Published

3 days ago

February 19, 2026

Eric

Suspected armed bandits have killed a traditional ruler, Oba Kehinde Falodun, the Alagamo of Agamo community, during a violent assault on his palace in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The attackers, reportedly about 10 in number, were said to have stormed the monarch’s residence on Wednesday evening in what residents described as an attempted abduction of the royal father and members of his household.

According to the Olori (Queen), who narrowly escaped, the gunmen initially attempted to whisk the monarch away but encountered resistance before the situation escalated.

“The bandits just came and started shooting. They were about 10. Three stayed at the entrance while others came inside. I ran into the bush. They shot at me, but it did not affect me,” she said.

She added that when the kidnappers failed to subdue the monarch, they resorted to violence.

“They kept dragging my husband, and I kept shouting for help. Later, they hit something on his head and stomach. He has been killed,” she said.

Confirming the incident on Thursday, spokesman for the Nigeria Police Force in Ondo State, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command received distress information around 7:50 pm from a community leader.

He said about six armed men invaded the palace, forcefully took the monarch from his compound, and fled.

“The victim was later found a few metres away with gunshot wounds. He was confirmed dead at the scene,” Jimoh stated.

He disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer, alongside tactical teams, immediately mobilised officers and local security groups, including Amotekun Corps, hunters, and Atuluse vigilantes, to comb nearby bushes in search of the attackers.

According to him, surveillance has been intensified across the area while efforts continue to track and apprehend the suspects.

“The Command assures residents that no stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice,” he added.

Meanwhile, elders and traditional chiefs in Agamo have condemned the killing, describing the late monarch as a peace-loving leader who played a major role in resolving disputes and promoting development in the community.

A community leader, who asked not to be named, said the attack has created fear and a leadership vacuum.

“This is a painful loss to us. Kabiyesi was very close to the people. We appeal to government and security agencies to act fast and ensure those behind this are arrested,” he said.

The incident adds to growing security concerns in the state, where kidnappings, attacks on farmers, and assaults on rural communities have increased in recent months.