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NDC Lagos Condemns “False, Misleading and Malicious” Publication Targeting State Leadership

  The attention of the leadership of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Lagos State Chapter, has been drawn to a misleading and malicious publication currently circulating online under the title: “A Call For An Immediate Vote of No Confidence on the Failed Leadership of NDC Lagos.” Ordinarily, the party would not dignify baseless propaganda and politically motivated attacks with a response. However, in the interest of our members, aspirants, supporters, and the general public, it has become necessary to set the record straight and correct the false narratives deliberately being spread to create confusion and disunity within the party. First, we categorically reject the false allegations of extortion, exploitation, and coercion against the leadership of NDC Lagos State. At no point were aspirants forced or compelled to make any unofficial payments. The only approved payments made by aspirants were the officially recognized screening fees as directed and approved by the National ...
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From Osun to Budapest: Adeleke, Ambo and the Burden of Arsenal Hope

 

Who Truly Understands Mikel Arteta’s Philosophy?



Football has once again proven itself to be more than a game. The triumph of Arsenal F.C. has revealed how sport can unite people across political divides, tribes, backgrounds, and social classes. From the streets of Lagos to viewing centres in Osogbo, celebrations poured endlessly as supporters embraced one another in joy, pride, and relief after years of waiting.

For many fans, Arsenal’s recent glory is not just about trophies. It is a lesson in resilience, patience, and the power of belief. It is the story of turning years of mockery into moments of celebration. In football, banter is unavoidable. Rival supporters mock, criticize, and provoke one another endlessly. Yet victory has a way of rewriting narratives.

Interestingly, the spirit of football banter often finds its way into politics, especially in Nigeria where supporters defend political camps with the same passion football fans defend their clubs.

Now, let us return home to Osun State, where political tension is gradually building ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The two major gladiators in the state’s political arena,  the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the governorship contender, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as “Ambo,” meaning “We’re Coming” , are both proud Arsenal supporters.

In another political atmosphere, this could have easily transformed into fierce football-driven political banter. Imagine if one belonged to Manchester City F.C. while the other remained a Gunner. Supporters would already be flooding social media with customized bottles, shirts, and symbols branded with APC or PDP slogans, each side claiming superiority both in football and politics.

But something different happened.

Their appearance in Arsenal’s famous red and white colours revealed something deeper than ordinary fandom. It showed loyalty to a cause. It reflected the mentality of people who understand setbacks, criticism, and the long road to victory. Arsenal supporters know what it means to endure disappointment and still believe another season can become glorious.

Perhaps that is why the symbolism matters.

As the countdown to the governorship election continues, one question may quietly echo across political camps in Osun: after Budapest, will there be another great test in Osun on August 15?

Football has shown that rivalry does not have to produce hatred. Competition can exist without violence. Passion can thrive without destruction. If football can unite millions despite intense rivalry, then politics too must rise above campaigns of calumny, ballot manipulation, and the politics of bitterness.

The people deserve an election defined by ideas, maturity, and vision, not intimidation and chaos.

To football lovers and political die-hard supporters alike, the coming election may carry lessons beyond party slogans. Somewhere between the noise of campaigns and the echoes from Budapest lies another contest of belief, patience, and strategy.

And perhaps, when all is said and done, Osun will discover which political camp truly understands Mikel Arteta’s philosophy: trust the process, survive the pressure, silence the mockery, and eventually emerge victorious.

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