Ogun 2023: Political activities on ‘standstill’ as parties battle court cases

By Adeleye Kunle

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, political activities are yet to commence in Ogun State, Track News has observed.

The timetable of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) specifies that campaigns by political parties for Presidential and National Assembly elections commenced on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. On the other hand, governorship and State House of Assembly candidates are expected to commence their campaigns on October 12, 2022.

However, checks by our correspondent revealed that electioneering activities are at a standstill in the Gateway State as parties and their candidates refused to launch their campaigns.

It was gathered that no fewer than 13 political parties are taking part in the 2023 governorship elections in Ogun State. The parties are battling for the 40 elective posts in the State – one governor, one deputy governor, three senators, nine House of Representative members and 26 State Assembly members.

As of today, no governorship candidate has flagged-off his campaign in Ogun State among the 13 listed for the post by INEC. Governor Dapo Abiodun, who is seeking reelection has not said a word about the campaign, nor has he formed a campaign committee for the 2023 election.

“I think the governor is very sure of his reelection. He doesn’t see any threat from other candidates. So, he feels he can start his campaign anytime he feels because other candidates are no match to him. Let’s see how it goes,” Adebola Ojo, a resident of Abeokuta told our correspondent