This article by Tosin Fatoyinbo echoes my fears:



by Tosin Fatoyinbo

Okay, first I have to express my disappointment; I ‘googled’ the name “Jimi Agbaje” and discovered that he had no profile on Wikipedia. I thought to myself, who runs for Lagos Governor without having a profile on Wikipedia. That does not speak well of his campaign team I must say. But that is not the talking point of this piece.

It’s no longer news that Jimi Agbaje has the intention to run for governor of Lagos under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party. Lagos remains the only state in the South West yet to be ruled by any PDP led government. As it is today, the party is strategizing and re-structuring to capture Lagos for the first time since 1999.

Jimi Agbaje is a lovely man, a professional, pharmacist by profession and loved by many, yet there are questions that must be asked. History often asks us to take a peep at the timeline of the past as well as consider the events of the present; so we can set the right landmarks in the future. I have some questions for Pharmacist Jimi Agbaje… just out of curiosity.

One godfather (Tinubu) to another (Bode George) will Lagosians want this?

To imagine that Lagosians weary of the godfather factor which has dictated the way things were run since 2007 will allow the menace to reincarnate in another form is sickening and I very much doubt that this will happen. Jimi Agbaje’s defection had the strong hand of former NPA Chairman, Chief Olabode George in it. Bode George controls a faction of the PDP and is believed to be ready to flex his muscle for Agbaje.

‘Godfatherism’ is fast becoming an irritant to the Nigerian voters, they want a candidate who can stand on his own; one who will be responsible for the decisions he makes, one who won’t think twice before allocating sums for project. This is not to say that outside influence can ever be dispensed with in politics. I doubt if that will ever happen but such outside influence cannot be concentrated in just one man to whose whim and caprices the sitting executives bows. Bode George is yet another man who is seriously attempting to make up for the humiliation suffered by his dethronement as the leader of the PDP in Lagos state. Godfatherism starts gradually, Ahmed Tinubu may never have imagined that he will become this influential when he was leaving office in 2007 but today he is the godfather of all godfathers. One of the last standing godfathers in Nigeria. Agbaje’s over dependence on George is likely to hurt him. George took Agbaje to President Jonathan for a secret meeting and then came back to Lagos saying Jonathan had endorsed Agbaje but it was later revealed that the President never endorsed him but asked him to pass through the primaries and should he fail, a ministerial slot awaits him. That George could lie about the Jonathan’s decision tells it all.

So Agbaje must tell us how he plans to handle Chief Olabode George if he is elected Governor especially as insiders insist Bode Oyedele is fully in line with Bode George’s plans and will be imposed on Jimi Agbaje as his deputy gubernatorial candidate.

Closeness to APC

Agbaje must clarify his relationship with the APC – did he return to APC from DPA as newspapers and pundits keep saying that his defection was from APC to PDP recently? More importantly: when did he become a member of PDP – last two months, six months ago or two years ago? There is the strong sense within the PDP ranks that Agbaje remains close to the APC and cannot be trusted. He has the uneasy task of persuading the PDP faithful that he has severed the umbilical cord linking him APC. He visited Tinubu when he returned from his medical trip abroad which by the way, Tinubu said was a ‘consultative’ trip. Indeed.

It is no secret that there is no iota of love between the PDP and the APC. The rivalry is keen and Lagos is the battle ground of this rivalry. Thus any aspirant who has even a whiff of a connection to the APC will have a hard time convincing core PDP members.

Redefining charisma

Agbaje is indeed loved by many Lagosians, but it is not the kind of fierce passionate love that turns into votes. Barack Obama was loved passionately by the Americans in the run off to the 2008 Presidential elections. People cried at his each of his words. They loved him so much. As the votes were announced, there was uproar all over the world. A black just got elected as the President of the most powerful nation in the world. That is the specie of passion needed to win an election. Even President Goodluck Jonathan had some of it in 2011. He ran a campaign that rode on his poor background. It was his selling point and soon pity metamorphosed into love and he got elected. Truth is, Agbaje is very much loved but he’s loved like one loves a pet, not the love politicians have, not the charismatic forceful appeal of a savior figure to whom the people look. The love that wins elections is a far cry from the love that movie stars and music artistes enjoy which is what Agbaje has at present and the records are clear: despite running a hippy campaign like Uche Ibukun Ohimai of FRESH Democratic Party in 2007, Agbaje came distant third and is yet to win a single election directly or by proxy in the history of Lagos elections.

Agbaje is the kind of tame leader who is loved for avoiding controversy largely by staying quiet on the things that matter, such as the LASU school fees hike for instance or the Lekki tollgate. Agbaje has failed to speak up on salient issues but elections are won by those who stand for something at the risk of offending those who disagree.

Too elitist

Lagosians are searching for an alternative to the elitist APC, and Agbaje does not look less elitist, he even wears a neck chain. Not like that really counts but the image he is passing around bears too much resemblance to the APC-elitist style which PDP hopes to capitalize on and he has got to address that fast.

Internal party structure lacking

Agbaje may have together with some renegade Afenifere elements, built the Democratic People’s Alliance (DPA) but as it stands this moment, he has no structure to rely on and unlike his time at DPA, he cannot simply just use his structure. He needs to have a structure within the party. He seems reliant on Bode George and Senator Ogunlewe but this might just not be sufficient. Bode George has consistently lost elections in his own polling unit since God knows when. He needs to build a formidable structure upon which he can rely to win the election in 2015. APC cannot be ousted from Alausa with a weak ‘personal’ structure which many of his supporters are pointing at. 2007 was a long time ago and it is not an unknown DPA.

Are PDP leaders sincere about winning Lagos?

And there is this little matter of how serious the PDP really is. Are they really willing and serious about been the Party in control of Lagos in 2015?

16 years, four elections and the PDP have never gathered up to 500,000 votes in a state as densely populated as Lagos. You want to ask how serious they really are. They must amass more than 1,000,000 votes in 2015 to stand any chance. Nay, more than that because Fashola about 1.5 million votes in 2011. How does the PDP intend to achieve that? How much resource are they willing to pull into it? How will the PDP dismantle the Lagos phenomenon, the man Tinubu with his deep pocket? I know there is federal might but Lagos has been impenetrable by federal might since Tinubu stood off Obasanjo some years ago over funds for the Local councils he created. In 2011, Ade Dosumu lost in his own backyard. He was defeated in his polling unit, and believe me, that is not a party that wants to win an election. They have to field a candidate who has the grassroot support. I am not sure Agbaje is that politician. And looking at his godfather Bode George – one wonders if the man is really interested in winning Lagos for PDP. In 2007, he attempted to force Hilda Funsho-Williams on Lagos PDP as its candidate. This was a woman who is not a Lagosian or a Nigerian by birth (but by marriage) and whose political experience was limited to sitting beside her husband during political meetings against an Obanikoro who had persuaded all other PDP aspirants to step down for him. It took the intervention of then President Obasanjo to ensure Koro emerged and put up a decent showing.

Again in 2011, Bode George’s political sagacity was on display as he backed Ade Dosunmu, a man who had never won any election in his entire political career to face a Raji Fashola whose political profile was on the rise.

The PDP leaders will do well to remember that Lagos is the headquarters of the APC and these men mean business. They cannot afford to lose Lagos. Let that sound loud and clear in the ears of the PDP that there is no better time to press for victory than now that APC has a divided house. If Bode George’s godfatherism has not delivered Lagos to PDP especially as he attempted to present obviously weakened candidate like Hilda Funsho-Williams, Ade Dosunmu and now Jimi Agbaje, perhaps it is time to change tactics and go for a man who can win elections.

The idea of a Jimi Agbaje candidacy for Lagos governor is laughable. What does Agbaje know about public service? What is his pedigree other than running a pharmacy shop? Is that what Lagos needs in a Governor?

The last time he ran he came 3rd, proving that he needs a lot more work in terms of grassroots connection. What is his strategy this time? Bode George? Has Bode George ever delivered any PDP candidate in Lagos to victory? Bode George supported Ade Dosunmu the last time he ran and the result was woeful. Where is this Agbaje fixation coming from? Agbaje is no different from an Ambode who the APC will likely field? If APC fields Ambode and PDP fields Agbaje, APC will send PDP back to the classroom of political strategy! I live in Lagos and PDPO should open their eyes and think! Lagos gubernatorial is for men who have the balls and the pedigree to face the APC Tinubu machine. Agbaje is a baby in this regard.


Is there anything Agbaje is bringing to the table that Ambode does not have? No! Both of them have the toga of 'technocrats' but Ambode beats him on that score because he has been in Lagos State Government as Commissioner of Finance.

But look at an aspirant like Musiliu Obanikoro. He is many things rolled up in one! The mere mention of his name evokes fear in the minds of Lagos APC. The fact that Lagos APC has spent so much time destroying his image in the media tells you that is the man they fear. The fact also that Lagos APC seems more comfortable with Agbaje tells us clearly that is the man they are certain they can beat!

Are you really from Lagos?

When I first registered you were from the same region where BH-houdini reign supreme now. Then you became Igbo from Anambra. This ya fascination with Lagos is a new one.

Anyway, is there anyone from Epe/Ibeju Lekki and Ikorodu among the aspirants?

SirShymex:
Are you really from Lagos?

When I first registered you were from the same region where BH-houdini reign supreme now. Then you became Igbo from Anambra. This ya fascination with Lagos is a new one.

Anyway, is there anyone from Epe/Ibeju Lekki and Ikorodu among the aspirants?

Ambode

aljharem:
The idea of a Jimi Agbaje candidacy for Lagos governor is laughable. What does Agbaje know about public service? What is his pedigree other than running a pharmacy shop? Is that what Lagos needs in a Governor?

The last time he ran he came 3rd, proving that he needs a lot more work in terms of grassroots connection. What is his strategy this time? Bode George? Has Bode George ever delivered any PDP candidate in Lagos to victory? Bode George supported Ade Dosunmu the last time he ran and the result was woeful. Where is this Agbaje fixation coming from? Agbaje is no different from an Ambode who the APC will likely field? If APC fields Ambode and PDP fields Agbaje, APC will send PDP back to the classroom of political strategy! I live in Lagos and PDPO should open their eyes and think! Lagos gubernatorial is for men who have the balls and the pedigree to face the APC Tinubu machine. Agbaje is a baby in this regard.


Is there anything Agbaje is bringing to the table that Ambode does not have? No! Both of them have the toga of 'technocrats' but Ambode beats him on that score because he has been in Lagos State Government as Commissioner of Finance.

But look at an aspirant like Musiliu Obanikoro. He is many things rolled up in one! The mere mention of his name evokes fear in the minds of Lagos APC. The fact that Lagos APC has spent so much time destroying his image in the media tells you that is the man they fear. The fact also that Lagos APC seems more comfortable with Agbaje tells us clearly that is the man they are certain they can beat!

Ambode was a former commissioner of finance ?
Are you sure you are from Lagos state?

OAUTemitayo:

Ambode was a former commissioner of finance ?
Are you sure you are from Lagos state?

Accountant-General not a commissioner of finance.

OAUTemitayo:

Ambode

He's from Ondo state not Epe. I see nothing wrong with him running for the office though.

GuyFawkes:


He's from Ondo state not Epe. I see nothing wrong with him running for the office though.

Heis from Lagos. forget those photoshops

GuyFawkes:


Auditor-General not a commissioner of finance.

I didn't say he was a former commissioner.
I only quote to deny so

As Ade Dosumu lost in 2011, so will Jimi Agbaje lose (if at all he wins the PDP ticket) in 2015. As for Tewonde George, I pity him because he lacks any credibility, whatsoever.

Senator Musiliu Obanikoro is the best candidate for PDP in Lagos State. He has enormous public service experience as against Jimi Agbaje who has non. The only problem is that both Bode George and Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe is that they don't see Senator Obanikoro as somebody they can control hence their determination to deprive him of the gubernatorial ticket. But they will fail!! Obanikoro is far more a Party man than Jimi Agbaje. Obanikoro is more ascessible than Jimi Agbaje and he has what it takes to rule a complex State like Lagos. To cap it all Obanikoro is a politician per excellence who will give APC and its godfather a good run for their money. Obanikoro knows what it takes to win an election and he understands what politicians go through and will never neglect them. Koro stands out!!!!! Barrister Kole Oyedele

k'osi koro k'osi ibo

I like Jimi Agbaje as an individual but the fact that if elected will open the gates for the likes of Bode george and Obanikoro in Lagos makes him the wrong choice.

lekkie073:
k'osi koro k'osi ibo

Yes o, If PDP want to lose again then they should present Jimi.

Majority of the supporters of Jimi don't have voters card thus are of no value

ba7man:
I like Jimi Agbaje as an individual but the fact that if elected will open the gates for the likes of Bode george and Obanikoro in Lagos makes him the wrong choice.

How did he open the gate for Obanikoro ?

isrecole:
Senator Musiliu Obanikoro is the best candidate for PDP in Lagos State. He has enormous public service experience as against Jimi Agbaje who has non. The only problem is that both Bode George and Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe is that they don't see Senator Obanikoro as somebody they can control hence their determination to deprive him of the gubernatorial ticket. But they will fail!! Obanikoro is far more a Party man than Jimi Agbaje. Obanikoro is more ascessible than Jimi Agbaje and he has what it takes to rule a complex State like Lagos. To cap it all Obanikoro is a politician per excellence who will give APC and its godfather a good run for their money. Obanikoro knows what it takes to win an election and he understands what politicians go through and will never neglect them. Koro stands out!!!!! Barrister Kole Oyedele

You have just summed it up !!!!

God bless you

Kokorokoo:
So how does that affect my vote for Agbaje in 2015?

It affects you because it is PDP lagos you are voting for

This is a man from Epe. LOL


The so called Ijebu people don't even know their own names.

Ambode an ijebu name ?

SMH

the same koro that couldn't win PDP primaries in 2007 he didn't win the primaries but he was still announced as the winner. that's democracy PDP style 16>19

GuyFawkes:


Auditor-General not a commissioner of finance.

Ambode retired as the Accountant General of Lagos state and not Auditor General.

@OP, if you are truly very conversant with the politics of Lagos, then you will realise that the political structure of PDP in the state is not strong enough to defeat APC. The little chance that PDP have in the coming election is to exploit the in fighting in APC. And for them to exploit this chance, they need a very credible and popular candidate that will appeal to Lagosians as a technocrat. The only serious PDP candidate that wears that technocrat toga is Jimi Agbaje. Obanikoro is your usual Nigerian politician who just want to occupy any political office, he has little or nothing to offer. Lagosians can't entrust the leadership of the state into the hand of such a political flip-flop. Agbaje stand a better chance of getting elected than Obanikoro.

all that glitter s is not gold

Godfatherism has been a graveyard of Nigeria political success

No.


I think it prepares the mind of the voters ahead to know the kind of candidate they are voting for

Jimi my man. Right guy, wrong party. If only he had remained in the then AC(though he was frustrated out), he just might have been the flagbearer of the party next year

Story for the gods

Who is scared of Agbaje?

Really

Wait small