Politics
Who Bewitched Aregbesola? The Falling Out of a Trusted Ally and the Tragedy of Political Betrayal
Editor’s note: In this piece, Dr. ’Toks Oguntuga, political analyst and communication expert, recounts how Rauf Aregbesola rose through Tinubu’s support only to break away in dramatic fashion. His analysis shows a painful story of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal in Nigerian politics.
A peasant made prince
Once upon a not-so-distant time, Rauf Aregbesola was a struggling technician, a humble man who mended refrigerators and air conditioners in Lagos, eking out a living in the shadows of obscurity.
By the invisible hands of fate, or more accurately, by the benevolent reach of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rauf was lifted from obscurity into relevance.…Click link for details
In 1999, Tinubu, then Governor of Lagos State, appointed him Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, a position he held for an unprecedented eight years. It was not merely an appointment; it was an elevation. A political anointing
From there, Tinubu did not stop. He cleared the path for Aregbesola to contest the Osun State governorship, a battle Tinubu financed, fought, and won for him. Again, eight years of uninterrupted power. And when the gubernatorial mantle passed, Tinubu’s political structure stood behind his appointment as a federal minister under President Muhammadu Buhari.
That’s 24 years of continuous political relevance, a legacy only possible through the unwavering trust, investment, and mentorship of one man: Tinubu.
The godfather and the knife
Yet, in a stunning twist of Shakespearian betrayal, the very man who was once so trusted that Tinubu could allegedly say: “If you see me asleep and you see Rauf coming to me with a knife in his hands, don’t stop him or wake me.” — Prof. Adeyeye (former Senator)
…is the same man who, in the heat of political ambition and wounded pride, turned the proverbial knife.
When Tinubu supported Gboyega Oyetola, his cousin, as Aregbesola’s successor in Osun, a storm of resentment brewed in Aregbesola’s heart. Rather than submit to the democratic will of his political structure or show the humility of a statesman, he openly turned against his benefactor. He mocked, derided, and accused Tinubu of “playing God.”
This is not dissent. This is desecration.
This was not ideological divergence.
This was naked treachery. Aregbesola did not merely disagree; he defected. He abandoned the party and camp that fed, nurtured, and made him. He joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move calculated to weaken his former party and sabotage the political destiny of his long-time benefactor.
The collapse of moral credibility
To those who defend Aregbesola, I ask: What moral standing can a man claim who turns his back on the very ladder that lifted him?
Leadership demands character. Integrity. Gratitude. Even in disagreement, there is a path of honour. That path does not include public calumny or political sabotage.
Aregbesola had the political right to be disappointed, but he had no moral right to weaponize that disappointment into betrayal.
The breakdown of logic
If Tinubu is indeed the godfather, the mastermind, and the architect of Aregbesola’s political life, as every historical fact supports, what logic compels one to bite the very hand that built him?
How can one justify burning the bridge after safely crossing the river? Political succession is never a birthright. It is a negotiation. A consensus. A privilege, not an entitlement. That Aregbesola would turn against his political home simply because he did not get to anoint his own successor is not only immature, it is antithetical to democratic politics.
The tragedy of it all
This is more than a political squabble. It is a tragic story of ingratitude. A man loved, trusted, and empowered, turning into a rebel with no just cause. The pain is not just Tinubu’s; it is every mentor’s nightmare. It is every father’s heartbreak. It is every organization’s risk when loyalty is measured only by convenience.
We recall the years of loyalty, the photographs of unity, the speeches of mutual admiration, and now contrast them with a bitter, divided legacy. The tragedy is not that they disagreed. It is that Rauf forgot.
So, who Bewitched Aregbesola?
Was it ambition? Was it pride? Was it an illusion of independence? Or was it the age-old disease of power making men forget their origins?
Only Rauf can truly answer that. But we, as Nigerians, as observers, as professionals, and as future leaders, must take a clear lesson:
Loyalty must never be seasonal. Gratitude must never be optional. And betrayal must never be normalized.
In the corridors of politics, as in life, there will always be disagreements. But there must also be decorum, fidelity, and above all, gratitude.
The Rauf Aregbesola saga is not just a political fallout; it is a cautionary tale.
Let no man rise so high that he forgets the hand that held him up. For in the end, history remembers not only those who climbed but those who kicked away the ladder after reaching the top.
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” — Cicero
And ingratitude? It is the silent dagger in the back of trust Dr. ‘Toks Oguntuga is a seasoned academic researcher, strategic communication expert, political analyst, and speechwriter with a PhD in Presidential Crisis Rhetoric and over a decade of experience in high-stakes political and communication environments.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Legit.ng/dailyvoice.ng
-Source: Legit
Hon. Istifanus Mwansat has reacted to rumors suggesting Governor Caleb Mutfwang is preparing to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mwansat, a former Speaker of the Plateau Assembly and now Senior Special Adviser on Political Matters and Special Duties, dismissed the speculation, calling it unnecessary and misleading.
Speaking in an interview, he addressed the recent wave of defections rocking the PDP and the pressure on top party figures across the country.
According to him, political movement is driven largely by fear, ambition, and the belief that “if they remain outside the ruling party, their chances of being counted politically are slim.”
He insisted that many politicians are running to the ruling party for survival rather than ideology, describing it as a “safe haven” for those hoping their “sins will be forgiven.”
Mwansat also expressed concern over the country’s political culture, saying hunger and poverty have weakened democratic values and shifted voter decision-making to “the depth of the contestant’s pocket.”
On whether defections could weaken the PDP ahead of 2027, he maintained that the party still has solid structures at the grassroots and will “bounce back and put up a strong fight” in the next general election.
When asked about claims that Nigerian politics lacks solid ideology, he agreed, stating that party-switching has become too common, especially among lawmakers who “violate the same laws they make.”
Responding to repeated claims that Governor Mutfwang may join the APC, Mwansat insisted the governor has made his position clear.
The Aide noted that Mutfwang has repeatedly said he is not leaving the PDP, stressing that his political direction is guided by God and the people of Plateau.
“The governor has consistently re-emphasized that he is not moving and will not move… the governor is not moving,” he said.
He also reacted to reports that some APC members had already rejected Mutfwang, describing such statements as empty politics.
According to him, the governor never indicated interest in joining the APC for anyone to “reject” him.
Mwansat said the APC in Plateau is only trying to push a narrative to create confusion, adding that if Mutfwang ever wished to defect, “reasonable APC members would be excited.”
Commenting on internal party grievances, he acknowledged some PDP members are unhappy but urged patience, noting that the governor is carrying a heavy burden as the only elected PDP official left standing in the state after court rulings overturned earlier victories.
He added that politics is dynamic, and while some individuals leave, others are returning silently. The senior special adviser to the governor noted that two former APC lawmakers recently held talks to rejoin the PDP.
On the relationship between the State Assembly and the governor, he described it as cordial, saying both sides are focused on “the Plateau project” rather than partisan rivalry.
Eminent leaders and concerned stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have welcomed the recent ruling of the Abuja Federal High Court halting the party’s planned national convention in Ibadan, describing it as a “restoration of order, legality, and confidence” in the opposition party.
The group met in Abuja on Friday following the verdict delivered by Justice James Omotosho, which restrained the PDP from holding its November convention pending compliance with constitutional and procedural requirements.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the stakeholders said the judgment reaffirmed the supremacy of the PDP Constitution and the rule of law in the management of party affairs.
The communiqué stated, “We commend and affirm our faith in the judiciary. As loyal and committed party leaders, our doors are open to reconciliation, inclusion, and collective rebuilding.
“We invite all genuine members of goodwill across the country to join hands with us in restoring our great Party to its founding ideals.”
The PDP elders lauded the judiciary for what they described as a courageous decision that reinforced fairness, justice, and discipline within the party.
The group said, “We, the Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), met in Abuja to review the landmark judgment delivered today, October 31, 2025, by the Federal High Court, Abuja, affirming the supremacy of the Party’s Constitution and the rule of law.
“We hereby express our profound appreciation for this judicial intervention that restores order, legality, and confidence in the PDP as a law-abiding institution.”
They urged members nationwide to stand firm for “truth, justice, and the rule of law, the very values that define our great Party and its promise to Nigerians.”
According to the communiqué, the judgment by Justice Omotosho reaffirmed not only the supremacy of the PDP Constitution but also clarified the lawful roles and limits of key party officers in managing the party’s internal affairs.
“The judgment conclusively affirmed that Chief Dan Osi Orbih remains the authentic National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the PDP, and the purported appointment of Chief Emmanuel Ogidi is null and void,” the statement read.
It added that the court’s recognition of Orbih restored “integrity and discipline” to the party, while affirming that persons expelled from the PDP, such as Ali Odefa, had “no locus standi to act or litigate on behalf of the party.”
“By affirming the expulsion of Ali Odefa, the Court has restored integrity and discipline in the administration of the Party, while emphasizing that persons expelled from the Party have no locus standi to act or litigate on its behalf.”
The group further highlighted that the court reaffirmed the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, INEC electoral guidelines, and the PDP Constitution, stressing that all must be fully complied with before any valid convention can hold.
They stated, “The court reaffirmed that all external correspondences to INEC must be jointly signed by the National Chairman and the National Secretary, while the National Secretary remains the principal signatory to all official correspondences of the Party.
“The court further emphasized that no valid national convention of the party can hold until all due processes as stipulated by law and the party’s constitution are fully complied with.”
The PDP elders reaffirmed their commitment to the party’s founding principles of fairness, justice, equity, and inclusivity, urging members to support the rebuilding process anchored on legality and unity.
“We call on all faithful members and leaders to stand for truth, justice, and the rule of law — the very values that define our great Party and its promise to Nigerians,” they declared.
A former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bode George, has faulted the Federal High Court ruling that stopped the party’s planned national convention, describing it as “shocking” and “dangerous” for Nigeria’s democracy.
Naija News had earlier reported that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, restrained the PDP from holding its national convention earlier scheduled for November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.
The order followed a suit alleging that the opposition party failed to comply with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, and its own constitution while preparing for the exercise.
Justice Omotosho held that the PDP did not conduct valid state congresses before moving ahead to elect new national officers, noting that such lapses undermined internal democracy.
The ruling effectively halted the party’s preparations for its leadership renewal, raising fresh concerns about its internal unity and readiness for the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the development, Chief George, in a strongly worded statement on Friday, warned that the decision could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s political future.
“This judgment will consume this country. It is time the judge removed his wig and gown and joined politics,” George declared.
He argued that political parties must be allowed to manage their internal affairs without undue judicial interference, except in cases of clear constitutional violations.
“Judges are not politicians. Their duty is to interpret the law, not to meddle in party administration,” he said.
The PDP chieftain urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council to address what he termed an “unjustifiable intervention” capable of triggering political instability.
He questioned the basis of the ruling, stressing that INEC monitored all PDP congresses across the country and did not raise any objections.
“INEC is not complaining. The judge did not invite INEC officials. So why is he complaining? Does he have political interest?” George queried.
The former deputy chairman maintained that the PDP, founded in 1998, has a long tradition of adhering to due process in all its internal operations.
According to him, the court’s intervention undermines party autonomy and risks weaponizing the judiciary against democratic governance in Africa’s largest democracy.
George said, “The PDP has built structures over decades that allow for internal resolution of disputes. Turning the judiciary into an arbiter for every party issue will destroy the democratic fabric of this nation.”
George appealed to PDP members nationwide to remain calm and committed to lawful processes while pursuing legal means to overturn the ruling.
He noted that the party would explore available legal options in the coming days to protect its internal procedures and ensure preparations for future elections continue unhindered.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Omotosho in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025, follows mounting tensions within the PDP over leadership disputes and convention logistics.
The ruling comes just weeks after the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, welcomed the court’s decision, saying it signaled the end of “business as usual” within the party.
Meanwhile, party insiders say consultations are ongoing among senior leaders to determine the next steps ahead of the convention.
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