By Segun Olatunji
There is an ongoing, synchronised performance happening across the private radio stations in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and this deserves a standing ovation for its sheer theatrical comedy. Suddenly, several radio frequencies have concurrently discovered a deep, unyielding passion for a group called the Transparency and Accountability Network (TAN). This network, marshaled by one Dr. Oluwole Oladapo, recently claimed to have dispatched a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The grand objective? To forcefully pull Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) out of the 2027 Ogun State governorship race over yet-to-be-proved allegations of budgetary and project irregularities.
What is truly fascinating is not the petition itself—political seasons in Nigeria produce such documents like dry leaves in harmattan – brown, brittle, completely dead inside, and easily blown away by the first gust of truth.
The real spectacle is how quickly these private stations have transformed themselves into a unified propaganda megaphone, chanting the same script during their review segments with suspicious precision.
The Art of the Paid Script
Watching these broadcasters enthusiastically review a single, untested petition day in and day out feels like tuning into a poorly hidden marketing campaign. By systematically portraying Senator Yayi as an unvotable, fraudulent figure based strictly on a piece of paper from a relatively obscure group, these stations are walking a dangerous ethical tightrope. Journalism ethics demand balance, objectivity, and a clear distinction between unverified allegations and established truth.
While these radio stations are busy tearing down a valid candidate, they are doing so on behalf of a political ghost who currently has no legal standing on the 2027 ballot. They are singing a campaign anthem for a man who is not even in the stadium. Adebutu’s political ambitions are currently experiencing a harsh, permanent dry season, courtesy of INEC. Yet, these stations are still trying to sell us the dead, fallen leaves of a harmattan campaign
Instead, what the public hears sounds like a heavy violation of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Broadcast Code. Rather than offering responsible, decent broadcasting, these platforms have allegedly permitted their airwaves to be bought out, serving as a political wrecking ball for the opposition.
The ultimate irony here lies in the identity of the suspected puppet master. The entire campaign of calumny is widely believed to be financed and directed to pave the way for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu. The joke, however, is entirely on the radio stations and their paymaster. In a dramatic twist, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently omitted the PDP and excluded Ladi Adebutu from the final list of candidates for the February 6, 2027, governorship election. This enforcement followed strict statutory rules regarding party membership registers under the Electoral Act.
So, while these radio stations are busy tearing down a valid candidate, they are doing so on behalf of a political ghost who currently has no legal standing on the 2027 ballot. They are singing a campaign anthem for a man who is not even in the stadium. Adebutu’s political ambitions are currently experiencing a harsh, permanent winter, courtesy of INEC. Yet, these stations are still trying to sell us the dead, fallen leaves of a harmattan campaign.
A Direct Challenge to the NBC
This synchronised assault is a direct affront to the integrity of our airwaves. If any random group can draft a letter, slide it across a studio desk with an attached brown envelope, and secure a multi-station media trial against a public official, then professional broadcasting is dead.
The NBC must step in immediately. It needs to move decisively against these erring private radio stations in Abeokuta to defend the interest of democracy, good governance, and responsible journalism. Allowing the media to be weaponised so blatantly creates a chaotic precedent where airwaves belong to the highest bidder rather than the public interest.
Why the Propaganda Will Fail
Ultimately, the sponsors of this media circus fail to realise that the Ogun State electorate can see past the static on their radios. Voters do not cast ballots based on coordinated morning reviews; they vote based on tangible governance. Senator Yayi’s track record, particularly his extensive development strides as the Senator representing Ogun West, speaks directly to the people. From massive infrastructural interventions and educational support to widespread empowerment programmes and structural constituency projects, his impact is highly visible across communities. While the opposition drops dry, useless leaves of calumny all over the airwaves, Senator Yayi’s track record remains an evergreen tree — deeply rooted and structurally sound.
The electorate knows exactly who has delivered value and who is merely renting radio airtime to compensate for their legal and political absences. No matter how loud the microphones are turned up, propaganda cannot build roads, and a delisted politician cannot win an election. It is time for the Abeokuta radio stations to change the station and find a tune grounded in reality.
. Olatunji, a Journalist, Political/Crisis Communication Strategist, writes from Ilaro, Ogun State
