The leader of the Centre for the Advocacy of Human Rights and Social Justice, Olufemi Akindele, on Monday accused a serving Ogun State senator of orchestrating a smear campaign against Governor Dapo Abiodun, insisting that no amount of blackmail would derail his senatorial ambition.
Akindele, in a statement issued in Abeokuta, described the alleged campaign as “desperate and malicious,” urging members of the public to disregard what he called a sustained effort to mislead and discredit the governor.
He specifically faulted the circulation of a document titled “31 Questions for Governor Dapo Abiodun,” which he alleged was sponsored by the senator under the guise of concerned youths from Ogun East.
The rights advocate said, “For seven years, this individual has flooded the public space with toxic falsehoods, hiding behind faceless propagandists and hired pens. His latest ‘31 questions’ stunt is nothing but another episode in his long-running theatre of blackmail and desperation.”
Akindele maintained that the claims contained in the document were either previously dismissed by courts, including the Supreme Court, or entirely fabricated to mislead the public.
“These so-called questions are not rooted in facts or reality. They are the warped inventions of a man clearly rattled by his fading political relevance. He is clutching at straws, hoping to drag others down as he sinks,” he added.
He further described the unnamed senator as “morally bankrupt and politically treacherous,” alleging that the lawmaker had betrayed the political leadership that once supported his rise.
“It is a matter of public record that Governor Abiodun extended goodwill to this man, lifting him from political obscurity and facilitating his rise. Yet, he repaid that gesture with betrayal, colluding with opposition forces to sabotage the governor’s re-election efforts,” Akindele said.
The CAHRSC leader also accused the senator of undermining the ruling All Progressives Congress from within, alleging that he had failed to fully align with party structures while fraternising with opposition elements.
“He cannot eat from the APC table and dine with the PDP at night. This double game has now caught up with him, and the panic is evident,” he stated.
Akindele argued that the senator’s recent outbursts were driven by fear of electoral defeat, claiming that his chances of returning to the Senate were slim.
“With zero prospects of returning to the Senate, he has resorted to emotional blackmail and cheap populism, pretending to be a victim. Ogun East people are far too discerning to fall for such theatrics,” he said.
He urged residents of the state to ignore what he described as “a flood of lies,” adding that the endorsement of the governor by stakeholders of the APC reflected the will of the people.
“If he has any grievances, he should take the lawful route, beginning with addressing his suspension and seeking reconciliation within the party. Resorting to mudslinging only confirms his desperation,” Akindele added.
He concluded by insisting that the governor’s political trajectory remained firm.
“No amount of noise, blackmail, or propaganda will stop the inevitable. The train has left the station, and this time, it will not wait for political saboteurs,” he said.
