Rauf Aregbesola, national secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says the 2023 presidential election result in Lagos showed that control of state governments does not determine electoral outcomes.
Aregbesola spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the public launch of ‘The Loyalist’, a book written by Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the ADC.
He said results from the south-west and south-east during the 2023 general election contradicted the belief that governors can deliver votes against the will of the electorate.
His comments come amid a wave of defections to the APC by governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The defecting governors include Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Agbu Kefas of Taraba, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau.
Several members of the national assembly, state lawmakers, former governors, ex-ministers and other party leaders have also defected from the PDP to the APC.
Tinubu and other APC leaders have dismissed claims that the defections indicate a drift towards a one-party state.
Reacting, Aregbesola, who left the APC for the ADC last year, urged the ruling party to ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted in a free, fair and credible manner.
“Something is going on that is worrisome, especially for those of us who are democrats or aspire to be democrats,” Aregbesola said.
“The fact that certain governors are defecting to the APC shows that our unity is weakened.
“I laugh because recent statistics in Nigeria, based on the last election, do not support this belief.”
The former Osun governor said the APC controlled all south-west states except one during the election.
“Despite this, the maximum performance of the party in that election was 55 percent, with the other parties sharing the rest,” he said.
Aregbesola said the same pattern played out in Lagos, adding that south-east result was even more striking.
“The APC candidate (Tinubu) lost his ward, local government and state,” he said.
“So please, for goodness’ sake, when it is claimed that governors win elections against the people’s will — where?
“The APC had only 5.8 percent of the total vote from that (south-east) zone.
“The results of these two zones clearly show that governors do not win elections — the people do.”
He said what is required from those in charge of elections is a commitment to a free and fair process.
“So first, commit yourself to a free and fair election, and let us see what the result will be,” he added.
Femi Adebayo’s estranged wife accuses him of deploying 20 armed men to evict her from restaurant
By Pelumi Bolawa January 27, 2026
Omotayo Sanusi, the estranged wife of actor Femi Adebayo, has responded to the controversy surrounding the recent eviction and temporary closure of her restaurant Iyanaladuke.
Last week, a video circulated online showing armed police officers escorting individuals from the restaurant premises.
Reports alleged the property was foreclosed due to financial default.
Reports are circulating online alleging that the business premises of Femi Adebayo’s wife, Tayo, have been sealed off by armed individuals due to a bank takeover.
The claims suggest the property was used as loan collateral without her knowledge.
While some speculated that Adebayo was attempting to frustrate his estranged spouse, a family member of the actor Taiwo Abdulmalik offered a counter-narrative.
Taiwo disclosed that the property had been acquired by Adebayo via a bank loan and was reclaimed by the bank due to repayment issues.
She added that after the foreclosure, Adebayo secured temporary accommodation for Sanusi’s family and staff.
Breaking her silence in a now-deleted social media post, Omotayo framed the incident as a failed attempt to disgrace her, declaring it had instead become her glory.
“I’m going through a tough time and really didn’t want to air it on social media but here I am. Last year, I was bashed and falsely accused, but thank God for the good people around me who stood by me,” she wrote.
“Now it seems the tables have turned-what was meant to disgrace me has turned to glory.
“The lies are falling apart and people are seeing the true character. I can see the desperation, the damage control.”
She questioned the use of nearly 20 armed officers for the eviction and condemned the treatment of her mother.
Omotayo claimed her mother was manhandled by security personnel during the operation and stated she had remained quiet primarily for the sake of their son.
She further accused Adebayo of being absent from their child’s life for a year, until a recent visit to the boy’s school, which she characterised as a staged photo opportunity.
“What did you expect when you took almost 20 armed men to a public place to evict people?” she asked.
“Of course, the news would spread! You started it, keep fueling. My aged mother was thrown out with a G*n knowing fully well she’ll be there as she comes around to help me with my child! Who are you to talk to me about God! You don’t know God! You only put up the act.
“You always want to silence me by targeting my reputation.. I’m done keeping quiet! You can’t silence me anymore! The desperation to save your name, you don’t care who goes down! I’m not going down with your lies! Whoever published those false narratives in Punch Newspapers should retract it.
“I’m only quiet because of my son-please don’t push me! You staged a visit to his school on Wednesday after being absent for a whole year even when you office is just a few mins walk from home!
“You took a picture to garnish our image and watched us thrown on the street from my marital home on Friday and now published the visit in Punch. I knew what was coming the moment I was told of your impromptu visit and picture play.”
Omotayo earlier announced a temporary closure of the restaurant.
Adebayo married Omotayo on 9 October 9, 2016. They have one son. The actor also has three children from an earlier marriage.
