Ghani Arobo’s court triumph has set the political waters in Ondo ablaze
Friends, the buzz around Owo/Ose Federal Constituency is hotter than Lagos traffic at rush hour. After a protracted legal battle, APC’s Ghani Arobo finally walked out of the Federal High Court in Akure with a fresh certificate of return, confirming his candidacy for the 2027 elections. The victory, however, has not quelled the murmurs within the party; instead, it has opened a fresh chapter of negotiation, reconciliation, and – you guessed it – a call for unity.
What happened?
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 15 Nov 2026 | APC primary in Owo/Ose marred by disputes; several aspirants walk out |
| 20 Dec 2026 | Court petitions filed by aggrieved members challenging the primary results |
| 3 Jan 2027 | Federal High Court delivers judgment in favour of Ghani Arobo |
| 5 Jan 2027 | Arobo addresses party members, urging them to rally behind him |
Arobo’s statement, delivered at the APC headquarters in Akure, was a mix of gratitude and a plea for solidarity. He thanked his supporters for “standing firm like the iroko tree,” but he also warned that division could hand the seat to the opposition PDP, which has been gaining ground in the southern districts.
“If we do not stand together, we will be like a broken kola nut – useless to anyone,” he said, invoking the old Igbo proverb that still resonates across our borders.
The supporters’ view
Many of Arobo’s loyalists are celebrating the court’s decision as a vindication of the party’s internal democracy. Chief Emmanuel Udo, a prominent APC stalwart from Ose, posted on his WhatsApp group:
“The court has spoken, and the truth is out. Let us now focus on the real battle – winning the 2027 seat for the people of Owo/Ose. No more petty quarrels.”
These voices argue that the legal process, though lengthy, restored confidence in the party’s mechanisms. They point to Arobo’s track record – a former local council chairman who championed the ‘Clean Water Initiative’ in Owo, delivering boreholes to over 30 villages. For many, his hands‑on approach outweighs the procedural hiccups that preceded the court case.
The dissenting side
On the other hand, the aggrieved aspirants – notably Hon. Olajumoke Adebayo and Mr. Babatunde Olumide – have not been quick to swallow the verdict. Their supporters claim the primary was rigged and that the court’s ruling favoured a candidate with strong connections to the state governor’s office.
“Justice may have been served in the courtroom, but the court of public opinion remains skeptical,” posted Olajumoke’s campaign manager, Mrs. Ifeoma Okonkwo, on Facebook.
They argue that genuine unity can only be achieved if Arobo acknowledges the grievances, offers transparent reconciliation mechanisms, and perhaps shares campaign responsibilities with the sidelined aspirants. In the eyes of these factions, a simple “let’s unite” speech is not enough; they want concrete steps – a joint committee, equitable distribution of campaign funds, and a clear plan for inclusive governance.
Arobo’s response to the critics
In a follow‑up interview with Punch, Arobo promised to “open the doors of his campaign office to anyone who wishes to contribute constructively.” He also hinted at forming a “Unity Council” comprising representatives from all aggrieved factions, tasked with monitoring campaign activities and ensuring that the grassroots voice is heard.
“If we are to succeed, we must remember that the people of Owo/Ose chose us, not our egos. Let us therefore move forward as one family,” he said, echoing the Yoruba saying ‘Ibi tí a bá ń bẹ̀rẹ̀, a máa parí.’ – where we start, we shall finish.
The broader political picture
The PDP, sensing an opening, has already deployed its heavyweight, Sen. Gbenga Akinfenwa, to canvass support in the constituency. Analysts from The Nation argue that the PDP could capitalize on any lingering APC fractures, especially if the unity council is perceived as a token gesture.
Nevertheless, some political pundits, like Prof. Chinedu Obi of the University of Ibadan, caution against over‑hyping the drama. He notes that “Ondo politics has always been a dance of alliances; today’s court victory is just another step. What matters now is the ability of the APC to mobilise its grassroots machinery and deliver on promises.”
What does this mean for the average voter?
For ordinary Ondos, the stakes are practical: infrastructure development, youth empowerment programmes, and security. Arobo’s past performance on the water project earned him goodwill, yet his opponents argue that the “water promise” has not translated into consistent power supply or road rehabilitation.
If the APC can truly bridge the internal divide, they stand a better chance of presenting a cohesive manifesto that addresses these everyday concerns. Conversely, if the rift deepens, the PDP could position itself as the “fresh start” the electorate is yearning for.
Food for thought
“Unity is not the absence of differences, but the ability to manage them,” said the late Chief Obi Uchendu, a revered elder statesman from Edo. In the context of Owo/Ose, the question is whether Arobo’s overtures are genuine reconciliation or merely a political maneuver to secure the 2027 ticket.
So, fellow forum members, what do you think?
- Will the proposed Unity Council be enough to calm the aggrieved factions?
- How likely is it that the PDP will exploit any lingering APC discord?
- And most importantly, what should the people of Owo/Ose demand from any candidate who hopes to represent them?
Share your insights, anecdotes, and perhaps a proverb or two that captures the spirit of this unfolding saga. Let’s keep the conversation lively, informed, and, as always, rooted in the realities of our beloved Ondo State.