President Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday, held a secret meeting with the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the deputy governor of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun, and others on how to win a good percentage of the votes of the South-West state on March 28.
Freedom Online also learned that part of the meeting was how to garner support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the April 11 election “with the purpose of defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Ibikunle Amosun”.
Adesegun is the running mate to the SDP candidate, Senator Akin Odunsi, and it is generally believed that the presidency is funding the party. SDP recently adopted Jonathan as its presidential candidate.
The meeting was held at the Awujale palace in Ijebu-Ode.
Also in attendance were the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, Governors Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Anambra State Governor, Dr Peter Obi, Director-General of PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Dr Ahmadu Ali, minister-designate, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Senator representing Ogun East and SDP member, Adegbenga Kaka, immediate past deputy governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Salmot Badru, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Prince Buruji Kashamu, Hon. Dave Salako and the Ogun PDP governorship candidate, Prince Gboyega Isiaka.
Addressing reporters in Jonathan’s presence, the Awujale advised fellow monarchs to treat all candidates equally.
”It is not possible for any Oba to go out and say vote for this, vote for that; that person is looking for trouble. But give them the opportunity to present their programmes so that people can make up their minds on what to do. I think this is a very sound democratic principle and that is what I have decided to do, to give you the opportunity of meeting with the people”.
Before the secret meeting, another enlarged meeting was held at the palace during which Jonathan unveiled his plans for Ogun State, if re-elected on March 28.
Jonathan sought the blessing of the royal father after which he was decorated with a white traditional attire and presented with a calabash of kolanuts.
The Olori Omoba of Ijebuland, Otunba Subomi Balogun, honoured the president with the symbolic presentation on behalf of the Awujale.

















