By Our Reporter
A former National Spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Mark Adebayo, has dismissed as “propaganda” a report alleging that former Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, was embarrassed by a crowd during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Ogun Central Senatorial District.
In a strongly worded statement, Adebayo said he came across what he described as a “deliberately distorted report” of events at the meeting held at the Hilltop residence of Olusegun Osoba. He accused the blog that published the report of bias, alleging it was part of a calculated attempt by detractors to undermine Amosun’s political standing.
According to him, the claim that Amosun was jeered by a crowd outside the venue was false and reflective of “warped thinking” by the report’s author. He insisted that the former governor continues to enjoy massive support in Ogun Central, stating that Amosun rarely attends public events in the state without receiving what he termed a “thunderous welcome,” surpassing even that accorded to a sitting governor.
Adebayo argued that Amosun’s political influence has grown beyond what he described as “dirty attacks,” maintaining that no politician in Ogun State’s history commands a comparable level of acceptance in Ogun Central. He attributed this to the former governor’s generosity and connection with the grassroots, which he said cuts across religious and social divides.
The public affairs analyst further contended that attempts to diminish Amosun’s legacy would fail, noting that his achievements in Ogun Central and the state at large remain significant and cannot be erased by political opponents.
He also referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a “master strategist” with deep political insight, adding that such experience makes it difficult for anyone to misrepresent political realities to him. According to Adebayo, Tinubu understands the political terrain and can identify individuals capable of delivering electoral victories.
Dismissing criticisms against Amosun as “noise” and “propaganda,” Adebayo said the former governor’s capacity to influence elections remains evident, asserting that “even the blind can feel” his political strength.
He clarified that he is not a member of the All Progressives Congress and has never had a personal meeting with Amosun, but emphasized that his views are based on “first-hand information and undiluted field assessment” as a stakeholder in Ogun State.
Adebayo said he felt compelled to respond due to what he described as deliberate attempts to “rubbish the legacies” of leaders who have contributed significantly to the state’s political development. He added that even the party’s consensus governorship candidate would recognize the importance of maintaining alliances with influential political figures such as Amosun, whom he described as having strong name recognition and a loyal voter base.
He warned against politically motivated smear campaigns, noting that while individuals may be paid to carry out such attacks, poor execution often exposes the intent and undermines credibility.
Reaffirming Amosun’s relevance, Adebayo said the former governor “is not one to be pushed aside” in Ogun politics, stressing that he has paid his dues and remains a major force in Ogun Central. He questioned the intensity of opposition against Amosun, particularly in relation to the 2027 Senate race, suggesting that public opinion at the grassroots level strongly favours the former governor.
Highlighting a core principle of politics, Adebayo noted that alliances and rivalries are often fluid, driven by interests rather than permanence. He criticized what he called “ignorant” attacks on Amosun, questioning why critics appear more agitated than those directly involved.
The statement concluded with a Yoruba expression underscoring divine authority over human affairs.