Boss Picks
2019: PDP’s Army of Presidential Aspirants
Published
8 years agoon
By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
With all eyes on the October 5 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Primaries ahead of the February 2019 elections, the stage is set for not less than 12 heavyweights of the Nigerian political space to slug it in a winner takes all contest to determine the best among the rest. Not only will the best among the rest be determined, also that single individual with the political, social and economic clout to unseat President Muhammadu Buhari, will be expected to emerge.
Already, political intrigues and maneuvers have become the other of the day as aspirants have begun a sensitization tour of all PDP formations across the Federation to canvass for votes as the big day speedily approaches.
Among the presidential hopefuls are four bigwigs who just defected from the ruling All Progressives Party (APC) to pull their weights towards wrestling power from the incumbent president and party – they are a former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, former Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso and the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki. These men, in their respective rights cannot be dismissed as ordinary. They are in the words of late Dr. Ozumba Mbadiwe, ‘men of timbre and calibre’. The list just thinned down however, with the decamping on Friday of one of the aspirants, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau to the ruling APC. He had alleged injustice and dissolution of the Kano PDP executive to favour new entrant, Kwankwaso, as his reason for decamping.
The beauty of their campaign so far is that none of them has called the other any names nor engaged in campaign of castigation or calumny against another since they declared their intentions. In fact, the likes of Atiku Abubakar is not limiting his consultations to PDP formations, but to fellow aspirants as well.
With just about 25 days left before the D-day, the identity of the man who will carry the day is still not known or speculated as the aspirants are riding high in the wave of nationwide consultations.
Below is a brief of the aspirants and their individual chances:
.Atiku Abubakar

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is probably the first of the aspirants who showed serious intention to vie for the number one seat since defecting from the APC in December 2017. He has not hidden his desire to be president for a very long time. He served as former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s deputy from 1999 to 2007.
However, as a result of personality clash with his boss as the build up to the 2015 general elections gained ground, he defected to the APC where he contested the APC presidential ticket but lost to President Muhammadu Buhari, coming a distant third.
Many believed that Atiku’s return to the PDP is as a result of a near impossible chance of getting the APC against Buhari who has declared to run for a second term in office.
It is not known if Obasanjo, touted as one of the kingmakers of Nigerian politics has forgiven him wholeheartedly to give his support, otherwise, Atiku, who has eyed the presidency on four occasions may be heading for another fall at the primaries. Not wonder why he cried bitterly on the day he picked up his nomination forms. Again, his trump card of promising to restructure the country within six months in power may somehow boost his chances. If Atiku fails this time, it may be absolutely difficult for him to get another shot. But nothing is impossible!
Aminu Tambuwal

A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal is the current governor of Sokoto State, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP. The man, who stakeholders believe has the backing of the Sultanate, is hinging on the support he had while supervising the affairs of the House of Representatives. However, his stand in his home state is divided as not all apparatuses of his government defected with him to the opposition. He is however, so confident of emerging the flag bearer of the party.
Rabiu Kwankwaso

A former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso like the previously discussed recently defected back to the PDP after a long-running superiority battle with his successor, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. He has a cult-like followership as the leader of the popular political movement called Kwankwassiya movement. In his first attempt at a shot to the presidency, he finished behind Buhari.
Kwankwaso’s intention to declare for the presidency on August 29 at the Eagle Square was thwarted and he ended up using the Chiba Hotel on Solomon Lar road.
Ahmed Makarfi

He is also a former two-time governor, but of Kaduna state and has also spent eight years as a senator in the National Assembly. Makarfi is known to have held the PDP together shortly after it lost the 2015 Presidential election, the running battle with Alhaji Modo Sheriff notwithstanding He has said that he is the only one who can dethrone the incumbent president, adding that he has what it takes to rule the nation after successfully governing “a complex state like Kaduna for eight years”.
Sule Lamido

Also a two-time governor of Jigawa state, Lamido is another prominent member of the PDP who did not join the fray of defection when the situation was bad for the party. He has remained with party even when he was prosecuted and jailed. He served as Nigeria’s foreign minister from 1999 to 2003 and was elected Governor of Jigawa state in April 2007 and April 2011. Lamido is 70, and insists he has the qualities needed to move Nigeria forward.
Bukola Saraki

Also a two-time governor of Kwara state, Saraki is Senate President of Nigeria, and has been for three years. His three years as National Assembly leader has been characterized by what he described as government persecution as he had hopped from tribunal to another, answering one case after another. His uhuru came when the Supreme Court declared that he has no case to answer, and afterwards he defected to the PDP, a party he left in 2014.
His three years in the Senate has been described by many as wholesome though the ruling party thinks otherwise. Under his leadership, the Senate has passed more bills than any Senate so far, and he is still not completed a tenure.
Ibrahim Dankwambo

He is the incumbent Governor of Gombe State, the only state controlled by the PDP or any opposition in the North East. Dankwanbo believes his intention to run for the presidency is a response to the call by his people to come and deliver good governance. He said he decided to contest to “consolidate on the gains of democracy and save the country from hunger and starvation”. He had lamented the inability of the Northeast zone to produce a leader since late Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and says its time for the zone to bounce back to reckoning
Attahiru Bafarawa

Anothet two terms governor, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa was the governor of Sokoto state from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007. He is 64 years, and is bent on having another shot at the presidency after a failed first attempt in 2007 under the platform of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) which he formed.
Datti Baba-Ahmed

An experienced lawmaker, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed was elected a member of House of Representatives in 2003 under the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) representing Zaria federal constituency in Kaduna state. He has boasted that he has the capacity to demystify the power of incumbency with a track record of defeating in 2011, Ahmed Makarfi, the incumbent senator and former governor of Kaduna state, for the Kaduna North senatorial seat. He said with that, he would also demystify the incumbency of President Buhari if he secures the ticket of his party.
Tanimu Turaki Kabiru

Known simply as Tanimu Turaki, the Kebbi State born presidential aspirant is a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs during the administration of Goodluck Jonathan. He was also Supervising Minister, Ministry of Labour and Productivity between 2014 and 2015, and current chairman of PDP Former Ministers’ Forum of Nigeria.
Tanimu is one of the earliest aspirants that declared their ambition, and is counting on his wealth of experience in the public sector to put Nigeria back on track. These he said stand him out among the rest. He has also been very vocal as regards his desire to occupy Aso Rock.
Jonah David Jang

A serving Senator and former two terms governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang is of the opinion that it is time for the Middle Belt to rule Nigeria. Though he is facing a 12-count charge of diverting N6.3 billion alongside a former cashier in the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Yusuf Pam, a charge he believes is politically motivated, Jang is so sure that he has a track record that will deliver the PDP ticket to him.
David Mark

When Senator David Mark threw his hat into the ring of presidential aspirants, he actually took most people by surprise; not many people expected it. The reason according to some stakeholders lies in the fact that since he left the office of the Senate president in 2015, he has contributed little or nothing in national discourse. His silence, they say, was no longer golden, even in the face of much killings in his home state, Benue.
Mark, however, will not be forgotten for his ‘doctrine of necessity’ which conferred acting president status on Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, when a so called ‘cabal’ was alleged to hold the country to ransom. Again, his aspiration is backed a group of retired army officers.
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Glo Celebrates Executive Director, Sade Michael-Adenuga at 31
Published
3 weeks agoon
July 1, 2026By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
Communications giant, GLOBACOM, has celebrated its Group Executive Director, Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga, as she clocks 31.

In a message via the Group’s X account, Globacom celebrated the go-getting abilities Ms Michael-Adenuga, recognising her dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment, which have continued speak loud in the growth and development of the Gbobacom Group.
The message reads:
“Today, we celebrate Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga, whose dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment continue to make a meaningful difference.
“As you mark another year, we wish you good health, happiness, and many more years of fulfilment and remarkable accomplishments. May the year ahead bring every opportunity to continue making an enduring impact.
“Happy Birthday, Madam Sade Michael-Adenuga.”
Sade Michael-Adenuga is the last daughter of the billionaire businessman, philanthropist and founder of the Glo brand, among many other business concerns.
Beautiful and highly ceregral, Sade is a certified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. She currently serves as a Group Executive Director of Globacom Group, and is the founder of QuickLaw.
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Adeleke and Momodu: A Classic Tale of ‘Twin’ Brothers
Published
2 months agoon
May 18, 2026By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
The story of the Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu, and the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is one told from a multiple dimension. It encompasses passion, love, friendship, camaraderie, collaboration, and more importantly, brotherhood.
Here’s a classic tale of two individuals, who started as acquaintances, transmuted into being friends, and today has become inseparable, not just as brothers, but as ‘twin’ brothers. No wonder the Bible says, there’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother; that’s the story of ‘Demola and Dele. A typical example of Double D. A classic tale of friendship made in heaven.
Both have seen measured successes in their various fields of endeavours. Adeleke, besides being an accomplished entrepreneur, has in his own way, conquered the field of politics, having served as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and presently serving as the Executive Governor of Osun State.

Momodu, on his part, has not in any way lacked behind. Beyond establishing and sustaining Africa’s number one celebrity magazine, Momodu is an iconic journalist, publisher, businessman and a motivational speaker, who has both working and personal relationships with many influential world leaders. He has been one shot away from the highest office in the land, having contested for the Nigerian presidency, first as a candidate in 2011, and as an aspirant in 2023.
Born same year, 1960, same month, May, the brothers have from time in memorial, shared a common bond that has given onlookers the apertite to ask more questions about their originality. But while one is from Edo State, the other is from Osun. However, the state barriers notwithstanding, Adeleke and Momodu has proved to the world what true friendship means.
Over the weekend when Momodu celebrated his 66th birthday, just three days after Adeleke celebrated his at the Government House, in Oshogbo, the Governor gladly referred to Momodu as his ‘twin’ brother, a motion that everyone readily agreed with. It is worthy of note that while Adeleke was born on May 13, 1960, Momodu was born on May 16, 1960. Friends and associates always insist that Adeleke is three days older than Momodu, and that one fact Momodu has come to live with, and joyously celebrates.

In his message at the birthday celebration, held with incisive discussion on the theme, Ignorance and The Danger of Xenophobia, at the Dele Momodu Leadership Centre, Alalubosa, Ibadan, the Governor extolled the qualities of Momodu, fondly referring to him as ‘my twin brother’. He hailed Momodu for always using his birthday to speak to the conscience of Africa, especially in the last three years.
At the event, organized by The Dele Momodu Foundation, with the theme, “Ignorance and the Danger of Xenophobia.” Speakers at the occasion condemned the rising tide of xenophobic attacks, particularly those targeting Nigerian citizens in South Africa, warning that such hostility undermines regional progress, peace, and continental unity.

DELE MOMODU – MAY 16, 1960
Dele Momodu, without an iota of doubt stands tall among those who have been diligent in businesses, and it is therefore, no surprise that he has stood, and is still standing not just before kings but with kings.
Born Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu on May 16, 1960, some 63 years ago, Chief Dele Momodu as he is known in the business circle, and Bob Dee, in the social stage, is by every standard a man who is diligent in his business. And it is no wonder that he has not only stood before kings, he had and continues to dine with kings. There is practically no influential person that Dele Momodu does not know across the length and breadth of Nigeria, Africa and on the inter-continental stage. He is that large!
By every standard a rare breed, Momodu is many things in one; journalist/publisher, businessman, philanthropist, actor, politician and motivational speaker. Among all these he considers himself simply as a reporter, and even with a retinue of seasoned staff still ventures into the field to scoop exclusives. Those who have referred to him as a workaholic are not far from the truth. Even he, himself has an oft quoted line thus “those who come from poor background cannot afford to sleep too much”.
A beacon of the Momodu family, Dele, the last of three siblings, was ‘privileged’ to lose his father at the age of 13, and was therefore sentenced to the complete tutelage of his mother, and sometimes relatives. His mother became practically his mentor, teacher and soulmate until she passed away on May 18, 2007, two days after Dele’s 47th birthday. According to him, one of the many morals his mother, who he revered next to God, taught him, is never to despair even when times are tough. Even in her near poverty state, Dele maintained that ‘she didn’t give up on me.’
The accomplished journalist, whose first name was derived from Ayobamidele, meaning “my joy has followed me home”, is a proud 1982 graduate of the University of Ife, (now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife) where he obtained a degree in Yoruba Language, and followed it up in 1988 with a master’s degree in English Literature.
He kicked off his professional career as a lecturer at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science in Ile-Ife, between 1982 and 1983 while serving as a corps member. He went on to become the private secretary to the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo, a position he held from 1983 till 1985. In 1986, he was elevated to serve the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II, managing his Motel Royal Limited.
Momodu is the proprietor of the no 1 celebrity journal, Ovation International Magazine, The Boss Newspaper and Ovation Television.
The Akinrogun of Gbonganland, who is also the Aare of Iwoland, has also been honoured with the Prestigious Value Leadership award by an organisation, Nigeria, which is a subsidiary of Moonlite Integrated Concept, among an avalanche of awards, honours and tags. Momodu us consistently praised for his admirable efforts, which have not gone unnoticed.
ADEMOLA JACKSON ADELEKE – MAY 13, 1960
Born of the Adeleke family of Ede in Osun State on May 13, 1960, Adeleke commenced his primary education at Methodist Primary School, Surulere Lagos State before he was privileged to relocate to Old Oyo State to continue his education at Nawarudeen Primary School, Ikire.
Adeleke was born Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke to a Muslim father and Nnena Esther Adeleke, an Igbo Christian mother. Like him, Adeleke’s father, Raji Ayoola Adeleke was a Senator and the Balogun of Ede land in Osun State. His father, Raji Ayoola Adeleke was also the leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).
On completion of his primary education, he moved on to The Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, Ede to begin his post primary schooling. In the later years however, he attended Ede Muslim Grammar School Ede, where he completed his secondary school education and subsequently relocated to the United States of America, joining his two older brothers, who were also studying there.
In the United States, he joined Jacksonville State University, Alabama, and studied Criminal Justice, with minor in Political Science.
To prove doubting Thomases, who wiped up controversies around his educational qualification, wrong, he went back to school and got enrolled at Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the United States, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 2021.
A businessman and administrator of no mean repute, Adeleke was the humble Group Executive Director at his brother’s company, Pacific Holdings Limited from 2001 to 2016, where his credible performances shot the company to enviable heights; a height it is still enjoying till date.
It is imperative to note that before he joined Pacific Holdings Limited, Senator Adeleke worked with Quicksilver Courier Company in Atlanta, Georgia, US, as a service contractor from 1985 to 1989. His dexterity to work earned him a progression in career, and he berthed as Vice President at Origin International LLC, Atlanta, Georgia, US, a flavours and fragrance manufacturing company. His meritorious stewardship lasted a period of five years, from 1990 to 1994.
Not a few has described Adeleke as the philanthropic capital of Ede, as his influence in aiding the less privileged and downtrodden remains top notch. He is a voracious believer in community development, and has not spared any expense to see that his community receives global influence.
Politically, Adeleke is a beacon of light and hard nut to crack, having remained an albatross to opposing powers and a reference point to ideal administration.
Shortly after he lost his brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who died in April 2017, he contested the Osun West 2017 Senatorial by-election, emerging as the winner under the Peoples Democratic Party, where he decamped to from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Having emerged senator, Adeleke’s political influence waxed stronger, an on July 23, 2018, he emerged as the governorship candidate of PDP in Osun State.
Adeleke ran for Osun state governorship election under the PDP against top contenders Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola of APC and Iyiola Omisore of SDP on 22 September 2018. The election was declared inconclusive by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) while Adeleke was leading, and a rerun slated on September 27, 2018. The candidate of the APC Oyetola was declared winner after the run-off. Adeleke protested the result describing the election as a “coup”.
Much as on March 22, 2019, the tribunal sitting in Abuja declared Adeleke the winner of the election, the Supreme Court later affirmed Gboyega Oyetola as the authentic winner of the 2018 Osun State governorship election on Friday, July 5, 2019
Popularly known as the Dancing Senator because of his penchant to joyfully react to the sounds of music, Adeleke is uncle to one of Nigeria’s popular musicians, Davido.
Governor Adeleke is married to two beautiful women. They are blessed with three children who are all entertainers. They are B-Red and Shina Rambo and a daughter, Nike Adeleke. He is the uncle of one Nigeria’s primus inter pares in entertainment, Davido.
As expected, Adeleke is moving Osun State to the greatest of heights as he promised, and many who know him agree that there are still very many more in the offing even as he navigates his political prowess to win again on August 15.
These ‘twin’ brothers have become a toast of reference. They are hardworking, philanthropic in nature, and always happy.
Yes, always happy as the smiles and dance in their gaits at all times are unmistakable.
Cheers to brotherhood!
Cheers to Ademola Adeleke and Dele Momodu!
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Koumagnon Family Pledges Unalloyed Support for Romuald Wadagni As President
Published
3 months agoon
April 9, 2026By
Eric
By Eric Elezuo
The Koumagnon Family and Allied Families of Seme-Kpodji, of the Republic of Benin, led by Monsieur Alberto Koumagnon, has declared their unflinching support for the candidacy of Romuald Wadagni as he steps out on Sunday to vie for the presidential seat of the Republic of Benin.
In statement of declaration, the families observed that Wadagni is propelled by a ‘vision embodied in this ambitious, realistic project, resolutely focused on the future of our country’.
The declaration is presented in full:
DECLARATION OF SUPPORT BY THE GREAT KOUMAGNON FAMILY AND ALLIED FAMILIES OF SÈMÈ-KPODJI FOR CANDIDATE ROMUALD WADAGNI

The great KOUMAGNON family and allied3 families of Sèmè-Kpodji, deeply committed to the values of peace, progress, and development, followed with particular interest the presentation, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, of the “Further Together” (Plus loin ensemble) social project by our dear candidate, President Romuald WADAGNI.
Following this important political event, and gathering on this day, 04/04/2026, we wish to express our full support for the vision embodied in this ambitious, realistic project, resolutely focused on the future of our country.
From the outset, we, descendants of the KOUMAGNON family and allied families, commend the enlightened leadership of President Patrice TALON who, faithful to his commitment to building a modern and prosperous Benin, has been able to propose to the presidential majority a competent, credible candidate who brings hope for consolidating achievements.
In this dynamic of continuity and progress, the candidacy of President Romuald WADAGNI is fully in line with the continuation of the structural reforms undertaken over several years in all sectors, particularly in infrastructure.
In this regard, we recognize and commend the many achievements of the government, especially road infrastructure, which has significantly improved mobility and living conditions for the populations of the communes of Sèmè-Kpodji and surrounding areas.
Moreover, these remarkable efforts reflect a constant determination to connect localities, stimulate economic exchanges, and sustainably strengthen the attractiveness of our territories.
Building on these achievements and firmly oriented toward the future, we are convinced of the relevance of the “Further Together” project.
Therefore, the great KOUMAGNON family and allied families of Sèmè-Kpodji give their firm, committed, and unconditional support to candidate Romuald WADAGNI, as well as to his running mate, Mrs. Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yérima.
In the same spirit, we call on all daughters and sons of Sèmè-Kpodji, as well as all citizens committed to peace and development in our country, Benin, to mobilize massively in support of this hopeful momentum by turning out in large numbers on April 12.
We also wish to assure our dear candidate of our commitment to mobilize widely to ensure a high voter turnout in the commune of Sèmè-Kpodji.
Together, let us continue the efforts undertaken.
Together, let us consolidate our achievements.
Together, let us go further.
Long live Benin on its path toward progress!
Long live the WADAGNI–TALATA ticket!
Thank you.
Done at Sèmè-Kpodji, on 04/04/2026
The great KOUMAGNON family and allied families
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