Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, has taken a swipe at former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, following his recent political setbacks.

In a post on X on Sunday, Odinkalu said Omo-Agege could not have anticipated his current predicament when he was involved in the controversial removal of the Senate mace in 2018, an incident widely linked to the political tensions surrounding his support for the All Progressives Congress, APC.

According to Odinkalu, Omo-Agege suffered multiple political losses within a week, including his exit from the APC and defeats in senatorial primary elections in two different political parties.

Odinkalu added that despite the setbacks, Omo-Agege played a significant role in strengthening the APC’s political fortunes in Delta State.

He further argued that the developments serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of political power, saying many politicians who have benefited from Nigeria’s power structure are now facing unexpected outcomes.

“Leadership is a voluntary thing and there is no joy when those who do or seek it for the right reasons get denied repeatedly. But that is when they seek it for the right reasons.

“When @OvieOmoAgege burgled the mace of @SenateNGR to prove his readiness to do anything for @OfficialAPCNg, he hardly reckoned with a week like this past one.

“In one week, he has been constructively booted out of the #APC & lost 2 Senate primaries in 2 different parties – one to a man; another to a woman.

“The irony of it all is that Omo-Agege is arguably the person who gave the APC a credible change in Delta State.

“For many who have grown fat on the humbug of #Nigerian power, the #TinubuSystem is handing out rewards indiscriminately. It is a rude reminder of the transience of power,” Odinkalu wrote.

DAILY POST reports that Omo-Agege reportedly suffered a setback in his bid to secure the National Democratic Congress, NDC, ticket for the Delta Central Senatorial District.

The former Deputy Senate President had defected from the APC to the NDC after losing the APC senatorial primary election to former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to say “no thank you” to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, factional presidential ticket.

Keyamo explained that the PDP faction that gave Jonathan the presidential ticket is not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Recall that the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP had announced Jonathan as its presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

However, Keyamo urged Jonathan to reject the gesture for the sake of his global image.

Posting on X, Keyamo wrote: “This is some kind of bizarre comedy taken too far by supposedly grown adults and some names that were actually in the corridors of power at some point in this country.

“Giving a whole Presidential ticket to an ex-President and statesman by proxy and by a bunch of people not even registered on INEC’s website.

“And they don’t give a hoot, dragging such a revered figure into their charade that is certainly a journey to nowhere. Quite sad.

“For the sake of his global image, President Goodluck Jonathan must immediately issue a strong ‘no, thank you’ statement, lest Nigerians begin to recall the ‘clueless’ campaign that got him out of power – first sitting President to be so ousted.”

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has warned party members against bitterness, careless remarks, unguided utterances, and anti-party activities that could jeopardise the party’s chances at the polls.

Oyintiloye also predicted victory for the party but appealed to members to close ranks and be more united ahead of the August 15 governorship poll in the state.

The APC chieftain made the appeal while speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, urging party leaders and elders in the state to urgently address every perceived grievance and dissatisfaction among members.

According to him, “victory for the APC in the election is non-negotiable, and any factor capable of hindering the party’s success should be tackled head-on.”

Oyintiloye said it would be a costly mistake for the party to go into the election divided, stressing that unity and a common purpose were essential for victory.

He added that all loopholes and grievances that could prolong the party’s stay in the opposition should be addressed without delay.

“The governorship election is fast approaching, and there is an urgent need for us to come together as one big family.

“There is no doubt that some party members may be aggrieved for one reason or another, but such grievances should be urgently addressed to further cement our impending victory.

“No divided house can win a battle. That is why I am appealing to all members to come together and resolve whatever differences we have. APC is cruising to victory,” he said.

He expressed confidence that with the support and guidance of Chief Bisi Akande, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore, former APC National Secretary, party elders and other stakeholders, Osun would return to progressive governance after the election.

Oyintiloye said the election would be won by the APC, adding that the electorate were eager to return the party to power in the state.