Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Dapo Abiodun blocks Atiku from using Abiola Stadium for Abeokuta rally

“People of high profile in the society are expected to be in attendance and the facility is not yet in good condition to accommodate events until it is completed and ready for use.

• January 17, 2023
Governor Dapo Abiodun and Atiku Abubakar
Governor Dapo Abiodun and Atiku Abubakar

Governor Dapo Abiodun has refused a request by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to use the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, for its campaign rally. 

The request, submitted to the Ogun State Ministry of Youth and Sports on January 3, was declined. 

The response, written by the director for administration and supplies, I.A. Kuforiji, on behalf of the permanent secretary, said the stadium was undergoing major renovations in several areas and could not be made available for use. 

“Further to your letter of 3rd January 2023, in respect to the above subject, I have the directive to inform you that the MKO Abiola International Stadium is undergoing a major renovation of the spectators’ seats and other important areas within the premises,” stated the Ogun government’s response to PDP’s request.

The letter added, “As we are all aware that people of high profile in the society are expected to be in attendance and the facility is not yet in good condition to accommodate events until it is completed and ready for use. In this regard, the ministry would not be able to accede to your request for the above-stated reason.” 

The PDP’s request to use the stadium for its primary election in April 2022 was also refused. In a letter, Sunday Solarin, the party’s secretary in Ogun, criticised the Ogun government’s decision, saying that state assets should be for the public regardless of political affiliations. 

“It is pertinent to mention that the use of this state asset was sought in April 2022 vide a letter dated 5th April 2022 requesting the use of the facility for the conduct of our party primary. Surprisingly, our humble request was kept in abeyance to date, which translated to tactical denial,” stated Mr Folarin. “While we will like to put this unwarranted denial behind us, we wish to vehemently emphasise that the use of state assets should be to the benefit of the general citizenry irrespective of any leaning.”

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

FULafia

Education

Armed bandits attack, kidnap Nasarawa university students

The police said one of the abducted students was rescued.

Uba Sani of Kaduna State (Credit: Twitter)

States

Kaduna to procure 120,000 bags of fertiliser, construct 11 roads in Zaria

Kaduna State Executive Council approved the procurement of 6,000 metric tons of fertiliser, which translates to 120,000 bags of the farm input, to support smallholder farmers.

Armed cops

States

Alleged kidnappers shot dead in Akure, police say

The police command in Ondo state says two suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun duel with operatives along the Akure–Owo Expressway in Ilu-Abo, Akure North council area.

FBI agents, stash of dollars

Anti-Corruption

U.S. defence official convicted for aiding Nigeria-based scammers launder millions of dollars

Mr Marcus is scheduled to be sentenced on October 16 and faces a maximum possible term of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Bashir Ojulari

Economy

NNPC signs six strategic gas deals to boost industrialisation, energy security

NNPCL has signed six strategic agreements with key industry partners to deepen gas utilisation, strengthen energy security and accelerate Nigeria’s gas-based industrialisation drive.

Renaissance announces major oil discovery offshore Nigeria

Economy

Renaissance announces major oil discovery offshore Nigeria

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited has announced a significant hydrocarbon discovery following the successful delivery of the JK-004 exploration well.