How Dapo Abiodun Finally Ended Ladi Adebutu’s Guber Ambition

In the Nigerian variant of politics, one can either be a winner or a loser. All the drama that goes into elections, tribunals, and appeals ends here. This is why the victory of Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, over his rival, Ladi Adebutu, at the Appeal Court is greatly celebrated by one party and the cause of heartache for the other.

Between Abiodun and Adebutu, one might perceive both rivalry and a commitment to outdo the other. Being the incumbent governor, Abiodun holds more of the hopes of the people in his hands, whereas Adebutu believes that the hearts of the people are with him. But the recent ruling of the Appeal Court did not go the way Adebutu wanted, reinforcing Abiodun’s confidence that Adebutu’s gubernatorial ambition would meet an early end during his tenure.

The ruling of the Appeal Court regarding the validity of Abiodun’s electoral victory in the March 18, 2023, governorship hustings in Ogun was unfavourable to Adebutu. According to the ruling, Adebutu’s appeal lacked merit and warrants dismissal. Thus, the earlier ruling of the election tribunal that Abiodun triumphed over Adebutu was upheld.

Adebutu reportedly had a mixed reaction to the ruling. First, he was not very happy that his case was dismissed outright. However, he was also excited that the court recognized some inconsistencies in the electoral conduct and commanded that the election be held in 92 polling units, calling out the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for declaring Abiodun the winner of the election despite these lapses.

But sources report that Abiodun has retired Adebutu and there’s nothing the latter can do about it. Perhaps, Adebutu might rest for a little while before prodding political curtains. Perhaps, he will go on campaigning in the grassroots, envenomating the hearts of his hearts against Abiodun.

But Abiodun remains in the government house, with Adebutu’s dream job. Even Adebutu cannot ignore this jab from Abiodun, showing the superior capacity for victory.