Wole Arisekola Pens Open Letter to Tinubu, Warns of Political Exodus in Adamawa

Prominent Ibadan businessman and publisher of The Street Journal Newspaper, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, raising alarm over mass defections from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State and calling for urgent political recalibration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The letter, made available to journalists on Friday, expressed deep concern over what Arisekola described as a troubling trend in Adamawa’s political landscape, especially among members of the ruling party.

“Your Excellency, the recent resignation of Aisha Binani and other prominent politicians from Adamawa State is deeply concerning. I have refrained from writing publicly, despite having many channels to reach your office, to avoid being dismissed as gossip. However, the gravity of the situation compels me to share this now in a public forum.”

Arisekola, who has maintained longstanding relationships with political figures across the country, warned that loyalty to individuals rather than the party could backfire.

“Since arriving in Abuja in 2006, I have had the privilege of befriending many politicians across Nigeria. History shows that leaders can be betrayed by loyalists who prove disloyal —irrespective of shared ethnicity or faith. Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan entrusted his administration to individuals who eventually betrayed him. As karma often dictates, those betrayals are now part of history.”

He noted that the situation in Adamawa was particularly troubling, as the state appears to be haemorrhaging loyal APC members to opposition parties without reciprocation.

“Have you noticed, Sir, that Adamawa State appears unique in that most loyal APC members are decamping to opposition parties? Remarkably, not a single opposition leader in Adamawa has crossed over to the APC. Imagine: the National Security Adviser and a former Secretary to the Federal Government hail from Adamawa, yet their political affiliates are leaving in droves.”

He further warned that comparisons were now being drawn between Tinubu’s current stance and the political missteps of the past administration.

“Members of your party now whisper that you risk repeating Jonathan’s mistakes—allowing emotions or loyalty to an individual to override party interests ahead of 2027. Those you trusted in Adamawa may no longer be loyal to your party!”

Drawing from the wisdom of the late political godfather Chief Lamidi Adedibu, Arisekola cautioned against losing valuable party members due to internal divisions.

“As the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu wisely said: ‘In politics, a million friends are not enough, but one enemy is too much.’ His doctrine was that it’s better to weaken the opposition than lose even one party member.”

He urged the president to reconsider the internal politics of the APC in Adamawa State, arguing that party loyalists and campaign supporters must not be alienated.

“Your success is most important to genuine supporters —not people seeking retaliation against past rivals. The leadership of the APC in Adamawa may no longer fully align with your vision. I respectfully urge you to reassess decisions that allow those who truly supported your campaign to be sidelined or driven away.”

“What matters most now are those who can deliver votes for the APC in Adamawa. True friends of the party throughout the country are working tirelessly to attract top opposition leaders back, even as some descend with their state machinery into the APC fold.”

To support his point, Arisekola highlighted a number of high-profile defections into the APC over the past months.

“In this broader context, several high-profile defections to the APC have materialized, including: Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), who defected from the PDP in January 2025. Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central), who rejoined the APC in February 2025. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, former Governor of Kaduna State, defected from PDP in early 2025. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta State) and former Vice President Ifeanyi Okowa, both defected from PDP in April 2025. Senators Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi, and Garba Maidoki of Kebbi State joined APC after meeting you at Aso Rock in May 2025.”

He emphasized that while these defections are encouraging, grassroots support must be preserved to secure the party’s future.

“These impactful defections show the party’s appeal but also underscore the need to retain grassroots support, especially in regions like Adamawa.”

“A Yoruba adage says, ‘Igi gogoro máa gùn mí l’ọ́jú – okeere lán ríwọ̀’—a straight, tall tree easily catches the eye of lightning. Those who love you now are striving to bring opposition leaders back in your favour.

“Celebrated examples include Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, who turned his PDP-led state machinery in favour of the APC, and in Osun State, former Governor Oyetola recently welcomed two PDP senators into the APC fold. In Delta State, Barrister Festus Keyamo and other APC leaders embraced the entire PDP-led government in their state.”

The media mogul ended his letter with a veiled critique of recent federal appointments and a prayer for President Tinubu’s success.

“Your party members all over the country are now worried about the high-profile appointments that were zoned to Adamawa State. Why is the APC losing all its top politicians from the state?”

“Some may ask why this should concern me. Most of the people who will ask such questions were not part of your journey from the beginning. But politics is a numbers game, and those who understand politics know loyalty and votes matter above all else.”

“I pray for your success in the next general election, that Allah protects and gives you the wisdom and health to steer Nigeria to its promised land. Amen. Yours respectfully, Mogaji Wole Arisekola.”