Just 5 days to the vital August 16, 2025, bye-election for the Ikenne/Remo North/Sagamu Federal Constituency, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has been accused of political intimidation. Several palace and political sources have come out to allege that the Governor recently threatened to dethrone traditional rulers who fail to deliver votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to the insiders, Dapo Abiodun summoned kings from the constituency to a closed-door meeting, asking them to arrive in government-arranged buses, not their personal cars.
During the tense and feisty session, Abiodun allegedly declared in very clear terms that their thrones will be taken from them if the APC is defeated at the polls.
According to political analysts, the governor’s stern warning is his way of redeeming his image after he suffered a humiliating defeat in the constituency during the 2023 governorship election.
Recall that during that election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) swept the Remo axis, hurting Abiodun’s political credibility in his own backyard.
“This bye-election is more than just another vote. It’s a battle for DA’s political survival. Losing again in Remo would shatter any claim that he commands any grassroots loyalty in his home base,” an insider said.
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Critics have said that the decision further fuels the increasing trend of weaponizing traditional institutions for political gain, an act that goes against neutrality during elections.
As of the time of this report, Governor Dapo Abiodun and his spokesperson are yet to respond to calls and messages seeking a reaction to the accusations.
The August 16 election is supposed to determine who will fill the vacant federal constituency seat made vacant after the death of Hon. Adewumi Onanuga. However, in Remo Land, it currently appears to be a tool to determine Dapo Abiodun’s political clout and future.
