Politics
MKO Abiola: 27 Years After
Contributed by Dr Hafsat Abiola President KUDIRAT INITIATIVE FOR DEMOCRACY (KIND), and Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin President, Women Arise
Today we remember MKO Abiola.
He came like a dream and lived as a legend.
Of his accomplishments, he was a marvel: a child born into poverty but surrounded by such a wealth of culture and community that, from an early age, he understood that the greatest glory came from serving people.
A prodigy of Baptist Boys High School where his identity as a muslim did not stop him from benefiting from scholarships set up by missionaries; and ultimately coming fourth in the international chartered accountancy exam in England.
MKO believed in Nigeria and in Nigerians and loved both above all else.
He would have been a success anywhere, but like many patriotic Nigerians of his time, he chose Nigeria for his stage.
And what a stage it was for much of his adult life, marked by feats of business and personal success that was matched by his prodigious philanthropy.
If there was a final test that caused a man that seemed to be an unstoppable force of nature to stumble, it was the quest to ensure that Nigerians would say farewell of poverty.
He set forth on his attempt but, alas, he did not succeed.
However, that his final chapter culminated in the pursuit of a better Nigeria for all probably defined him best.
MKO believed in Nigeria and in Nigerians and loved both above all else.
So as divided as the country may be today, fractured and riven by suspicion and fear; as dispirited as many citizens may feel when confronted by the lack of visible progress on insecurity and broader prosperity, on this 27th anniversary of MKO’s death, we would do well to remember that the unity some threaten to upend may be a pre-condition for winning the fight for our country and its future.
And that the quest to end poverty in Nigeria isn’t for one man, whether MKO or whoever leads our country, however brilliant and blessed he may be, but for us all.
• Contributed by Dr Hafsat Abiola President KUDIRAT INITIATIVE FOR DEMOCRACY (KIND); Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin President, Women Arise
News
Prominent PDP Figure Kola Ologbondiyan Resigns from Party After Decades of Service
In a surprise move that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s opposition politics, Kola Ologbondiyan, the former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has formally resigned from the party, ending a storied career that spanned national leadership roles and high-stakes election campaigns.
Ologbondiyan, a seasoned political communicator and ex-journalist, announced his departure in a heartfelt letter dated December 5, 2025, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Okekoko Ward (Ward 09) in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The missive was made public on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, underscoring the finality of his decision amid ongoing internal PDP tensions.
In the letter, Ologbondiyan reflected on his journey with the party, extending profuse thanks to its leadership for the platforms afforded to him. “Let me start by thanking you as well as other levels of leadership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the opportunities provided for me to serve the party as well as our fatherland, Nigeria,” he wrote, evoking a sense of closure to his contributions.
The resignation stems from a deeply personal reckoning, Ologbondiyan explained. After a thorough self-assessment of his role within the PDP’s structure, he determined that stepping away was the most appropriate path forward.
“It is now imperative to bring your attention to the fact that I have reviewed my participation in the PDP and came to the conclusion that, for personal reasons, I need to make my exit. I have therefore come to a decision to formally withdraw my membership of the PDP, henceforth,” he stated plainly.
He concluded the correspondence by notifying the ward executives of his immediate exit and extending warm wishes for the party’s future endeavors, a gesture that tempers the news with goodwill rather than acrimony.
Ologbondiyan’s tenure in the PDP was marked by pivotal media and advisory roles. He previously served as Director of Media and Publicity for the PDP Presidential Campaign Council during the 2019 general elections, where he helmed communications for Atiku Abubakar’s bid against then-incumbent Muhammadu Buhari.
Earlier in his career, he worked as a media aide to former Senate President David Mark, who now leads the African Democratic Congress (ADC), though no immediate ties to that party have been indicated in Ologbondiyan’s announcement.
The resignation comes at a precarious moment for the PDP, which has grappled with internal divisions and electoral setbacks since losing the presidency in 2015. Political analysts speculate that Ologbondiyan’s departure could signal broader disillusionment among the party’s old guard, though he has not yet hinted at future affiliations.
As of Sunday, reactions from PDP stalwarts remain muted, with the party’s national headquarters yet to issue an official response.
Ologbondiyan’s exit leaves a void in the PDP’s publicity machinery, where his sharp-witted defenses often shaped public narratives during turbulent times.
News
Osun PDP Congress: Thugs Arrested, Alleged Governor Makinde Mobilised Them
Scores of Hoodlums Arrested, confessed Governor Makinde mobilised them. Members of the Oyo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dominated today’s governorship primaries of the PDP held at Osogbo, investigation and eyewitness accounts at the venue have revealed.
Buses filled with PDP members were seen entering from both Iwo and Ikire end of Osun state last night and early this morning with many of the buses stopping at Adolak hotel, the venue of the congress.
A check through the hall revealed that Osun PDP members were not in attendance even though the Ibadan based zonal youth leader of the PDP was identified as the anchor mobilised of the Oyo state PDP members for the Osun Congress.
A chat with some of the individuals at the Congress confirmed that they were mostly from Oyo state with some of them actually confirming that they were recruited to attend.
The presence of Police men and women from Oyo state who provided security cover for the mobilised party members.
Some political thugs were however arrested and they narrated how they were mobilised from the Government House in Oyo state.
On why Oyo PDP members had to be mobilised for the Osun Congress, a party chieftain from Oyo state who was also present said “Osun PDP did not conduct the mandatory three adhoc delegates to vote at the Congress.
“ So we fill the vacancies with our people from Oyo state. We cannot allow PDP to die here. That is why we have to so mobilise”, the source noted.
Politics
Osun PDP Governorship Primary: Adebayo Adedamola Emerges Winner
Adedamola polled 919 votes out of 957 cast in the primary held today in Osogbo, the state capital.
•Adebayo Adedamola
Adebayo Adedamola on Tuesday emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the Osun 2026 election.
Adedamola polled 919 votes out of 957 cast in the primary held today in Osogbo, the state capital.
The chairman of the primary, Humphrey Abba, announced the result, stating, ”Void votes 20. We told you earlier that one of the aspirants withdrew.
“The candidate that got the remaining votes is Adebayo Adedamola with 919 votes and stands elected and returned.”
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