*Masses treat him to roaring applause
*How his sterling stewardship earned APC electorate love, put Ogun on the global map
Abeokuta literally heaved and creaked as the cream of Nigerian politicians, preeminent businessmen and women and everywhere in-between stormed the gateway state to support Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Thanks to Gov. Dapo Abiodun. Tinubu, accompanied by his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, addressed a carnival-like rally where party faithful and supporters were in one accord.
Tinubu is ritualized personality, a streamlined pond, and a totem for sloganeering. He is detestable to his foes yet excitingly speckless to loyalists. The former squander expensive time maligning him, perhaps because their preferred candidate’s perfection is chiefly for display, not exploitable. He can only tickle their fancy from his social media balcony – his window of appearance.
If all politics thrive by a window of appearance, Tinubu’s face is the sun of consciousness rising over his professed horizon. To his rivals and detractors, Tinubu is both exposed and enclosed, a torment and an idol. He is naked yet armoured, vilified yet ritually adored. Funnily enough, in the flora of imagination, he is a hero, a villain, a mentor, and a political godfather. He is a father, a husband, a brother, an uncle, and grandfather. He is also a patriot. A human.
Asiwaju epitomises merit and affluence with indescribable allure. He’s got a heart of gold too. This is understandable for a man who challenged resolve with steely grit and exploited the arduous planes of ambition and toil till he encountered grandeur at the crossroads where wild contemplation and hard work morph into triumph.
As the rays of dawn streaked through the MKO Abiola skyline, it was evident that that day was going to be a total departure from the drudgery of everyday life in Ogun. Indeed, time did not stop that Wednesday afternoon, it only moved sideways for the colourful politician to be celebrated by powerful and preeminent Nigerians. And for a man that has been in the corridors of power for over four decades; it beggared no misgivings that the presidential rally hosted by the very hardworking governor of Ogun state, Prince Dapo Abiodun, be intimate yet, extravagant.
As the rally kicked off, the venue shook from the base to the rafters as the deluge of encomiums and applause caused its hallowed chambers to tilt in Dapo Abiodun’s honour. Effortlessly, Abiodun bowled everyone over with his infectious candour and charisma. People who know him well never got tired of purring odes about him He made new friends and converted new disciples with the event.
Interestingly, however, joy was bold on the faces of Tinubu and other party leaders as they were ushered into the stadium by a huge crowd that had waited for them for hours.
Party supporters who were decked in various attires and carrying banners supporting Abiodun and senatorial candidates Salisu Suhaib (Ogun Central), Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (West) and former Governor Gbenga Daniel (East) sang and danced.
On the podium was the ace fuji musician, Ayinde Wasiu, who thrilled the crowd with philosophical songs.
Nollywood actors and actresses, including Jide Kosoko, Hassan Ogogo, Foluke Daramola, Yinka Quadri, Fathia Balogun, Saidi Balogun and Remi Surutu, also stormed the venue to entertain the crowd.
The governor and parliamentary candidates received party flags from the party leadership.
Prominent Southwest leaders showed up in solidarity with the governor, attesting to his achievements in the last three and half years, and showcasing his manifestos for a brighter future.
At the special rally were House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his wife, Dr. Ibijoke, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahmaan AbdulRazaq, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Lagos State Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, his wife, Oluremi, Ondo State Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa who represented Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, former interim National Chairman of the APC Chief Bisi Akande, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, former Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola, former APC National Chairman who is also the Deputy Director-General of the presidential campaign council, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and Ogun APC leader, Aremo Olusegun Osoba.
The rally was also witnessed by APC National Secretary Iyiola Omisore, National Women Leader Betta Edu, National Youth Leader Dayo Israel, one-time Lagos State Finance Commissioner Wale Edun; Lagos House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa; Seyi Tinubu, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Segun Erewa, Senator Gbenga Obadara, Otunba Femi Pedro, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Ijaloja-General Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, Abiodun Akinlade, former Ogun State Deputy Governors Yetunde Onanuga and Salmot Badru; and former Ogun State House of Assembly Speaker Saraj Adekunbi.
Senator Ibikunle Amosun, former governor of Ogun State, was absent. The event coincided with his 65th birthday.
A staunch supporter of Tinubu, he had in a message wished the Jagaban Borgu a successful rally in the state.
Tinubu praised the party supporters for their commitment, noting that they trooped out in large numbers, despite the current fuel scarcity.
Speaking to the youth, the APC candidate said they will enjoy quality education, not truncated by strikes, and jobs after graduation.
