Prince Solagbade Amodeni, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), served as Chairman of Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State between 1999 and 2003. In this interview with Babatope Okeowo, he shares why he believes he is the most qualified among the aspirants vying for the chairmanship of the party in Ondo State.
How will you use your wealth of experience to strengthen the APC in Ondo State if elected as chairman?
Right from childhood, I’ve been an entrepreneur. If you're an entrepreneur, you understand that population and human relations matter most. I know how to relate with people and how to address them. I will bring this experience into my leadership. Everyone will feel a sense of belonging, and we will even attract members from other political parties.
With many new members joining APC in Ondo and across Nigeria, won’t this influx lead to internal implosion?
Every advantage has its potential downside. Membership growth is good for winning elections, but managing the resulting dynamics is key. That’s where experience comes in. Among the aspirants, our backgrounds differ significantly. Experience is what sets me apart. Your antecedents must speak for you—and mine do.
Given that there won’t be a governorship election in 2027, how do you plan to manage the ambition of those interested in senatorial and legislative seats?
It won’t be difficult. If I become party chairman, I will maintain regular engagement with all aspirants before the primaries. I will emphasize that only one person can win each ticket. I’ll also assure them that primaries under my leadership will be free and fair, and I will encourage them to accept results in good faith.
Some National Assembly members are suggesting automatic tickets to support President Tinubu. What's your take?
I’m neither in the National Assembly nor a member of the Federal Executive Council, so I can't speak for the President. I don't know their exact contributions beyond the political angle. But in terms of legislation, they've supported the executive. If the President wants to reward loyalty, it's his prerogative.
What impact could automatic tickets have on the party?
Most lawmakers were not elected to antagonize the executive. Their mandate is to work collaboratively. If there's alignment, that’s good for governance. As the Bible says, "Two cannot walk together unless they agree." If there's mutual understanding, so be it.
Candidate imposition has been a major concern. What’s your view?
In Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s era, candidate selection was based on merit and pedigree. They asked: what has this person done before? Who is he? How consistent is he in the party? I witnessed when Awolowo introduced Baba Adekunle Ajasin as our governorship candidate in Ondo. There was an assessment and trust. Today, the process is less thorough, but I believe we’ll get it right eventually.
How would you handle fallout from perceived imposition?
Let’s be realistic—the governor is the number one party leader in the state, just as the President is at the national level. My role as chairman would be to advise the governor with wisdom, but ultimately, he makes decisions. If he insists on a path, he must have his reasons. All we can do is guide with the benefit of experience.
"I have been a member of the APC for many years. I contested for the state chairmanship of the National Republican Convention (NRC) 35 years ago, so it’s evident that my involvement in politics began long before that."
How would you relate with other party leaders as chairman?
As executive chairman of Akoko South-East LGA, I performed so well that President Olusegun Obasanjo awarded me as the best-performing local government chairman in Nigeria. I had a great relationship with both civil servants and the political class. I know how to manage people and build consensus. I will bring that skill to bear in uniting the party.
What makes you different from other chairmanship aspirants?
Experience! I’ve been in APC for years. I contested for the state chairmanship of the National Republican Convention (NRC) 35 years ago. I was a foundation member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). I have served both at the local and state levels. My experience and age are assets. I understand how to manage both the old and the young.
What will you do differently from the current leadership?
Engr. Ade Adetimehin has done excellently. I will build on his achievements and add more value to the party structure.
What’s your take on defections to SDP, especially that of former Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai?
El-Rufai is chasing personal ambitions. He lacks the character to match his intellect. His defection is no loss to the APC; in fact, it’s a gain. No one of value followed him. Even his former commissioners didn’t join him. Over 3,000 people joined APC in Kaduna after his exit.
Do you think he has influence among former governors?
He may have been a former minister and governor, but influence is about followership. Nobody followed him to SDP. Even the SDP in Kaduna disowned him because he didn’t join through the proper channel.
What’s your advice on the situation in Rivers State?
The President knows more than we do about the security situation in Rivers. I won't fault his actions. I only advise that a state of emergency, if declared, should be short—ideally three to six months—after which democracy must be restored. The warring parties should be reconciled and given another chance.
What would you advise Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to prioritize?
I told him at a recent stakeholders’ meeting to empower party members with small contracts. Let them feel engaged. Also, he must intensify efforts on security and infrastructure. He has started well, but there’s room for improvement.
Many Nigerians are unhappy with the APC government. What’s your take on ongoing protests?
The truth is, 90% of Nigerians are dishonest. There’s a crisis of truth in the church, the mosque, and society at large. Dishonesty and corruption have taken over. Protests are often sponsored and wasteful. How genuine are these protesters? Who funds them? We must all decide to be honest. Change starts with individuals.
This government is not even two years old. Most of the tough decisions were inevitable. We’ve delayed hard reforms for too long. President Tinubu is the one bold enough to confront the issues. He’s belling the cat. Though he still has much to do, we must be patient.
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