Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has accused supporters of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, of smearing Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso following their political separation.

Sani was reacting to a recent statement by the ADC accusing Kwankwaso of supporting Obi out of personal ambition and working for President Bola Tinubu.

In a post on his X handle, Sani said the criticism of the two politicians, including allegations that they were working for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or Tinubu, stemmed from bitterness over their political split.

“The ADC guys are still bitter about the Peter and Kwankwaso divorce, hence the smear that they are working for the ruling party or the President,” he wrote.

He argued that both politicians had established independent political records and were entitled to make their own political choices.

“No consideration to the fact that they are all accomplished politicians with their own independent track records, and have the right to associate and disassociate,” Sani added.

According to him, the criticism was a consequence of the politicians’ refusal to be used for the political interests of others.

“This is the price they will continue to pay for refusing to be supplementary, and disposable cargoes in someone’s container.

“They wanted to use them and sacrifice them for ritual in their perennial political expeditions. Political parties shouldn’t be cultish groups where one can’t pull out in peace,” he said.

ADC supporters bitter over Obi, Kwankwaso’s ‘divorce’ — Shehu Sani

The omission of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu’s name from the list published by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is proof that he is the next governor of Ogun State, according to his running mate.

The claim was made by Lateefat Sowunmi-Kolapo, the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 election.

Sowunmi-Kolapo spoke on Friday after Jumat prayers at the Nawair-ud-deen Mosque in Abeokuta, where leaders of the Islamic society prayed for her and her principal’s victory.

According to her, the controversy trailing the INEC list and the jubilation by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are clear signs of panic over an imminent defeat.

She described the omission as unintended, expressing confidence in INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, whom she described as a globally recognised professional appointed by President Bola Tinubu and who, she said, would not taint his integrity.

“I am confident it was an unintended omission by the Commission. One of the appointments the President got right is that of Prof. Joash Amupitan as INEC chairman. He is a man of integrity,” she said.

Sowunmi-Kolapo mocked the APC’s celebration over the list, describing it as a dead-on-arrival mission and a symptom of impending defeat.

“Their euphoria is a symptom of a panic attack. They are soon-to-be IDPs — Internally Displaced Politicians — exhibiting symptoms of IDPA — Impending Defeat Panic Attack,” she said.

She insisted that no one could stop a genuine movement by people determined to protect their heritage, stressing that Ogun’s resources must work for its people.

“Ogun’s resources must work for its people. This is the bedrock of our ITURA DE mandate. The PDP administration of Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu will prioritise citizens’ welfare and ensure real financial autonomy for local governments,” she added.

The Chief Imam of Nawair-ud-deen Society, Abeokuta headquarters in Ogun State, Sheikh Tiamiyu Olamigoke, and other leaders of the society declared full support for the PDP ticket, describing Sowunmi-Kolapo, who is the Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Ameerah of Ogun State Muslims, as a compassionate leader who would serve the people.

The Otun Iya Sunnah of Egbaland and Iya Sunnah of Nawair-ud-deen, Alhaja Risikat Ogunfemi, also called on the Egba Muslim Community and Ogun State Muslim Community to rally behind the ticket, describing Sowunmi-Kolapo as the pride of the Muslim community.

Omission of name proves Adebutu is next Ogun Governor – Sowunmi-Kolapo