As more contenders have joined the simmering race by members of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) to outshine one another in its forthcoming election, criticisms have also started trailing each member vying for leadership post in the association.
Among the big wigs gunning for the presidency of ANTP, nfc learnt, are the incumbent president, Prince Jide Kosoko and his vice-president, Prince Bamidele Odule.
While Kosoko is said to have achieved some of his goals as president of the association, his aspiration for a re-election might fail, considering the fact that members are now craving for a youth as president.
Odule, who stepped down for Kosoko and subsequently became his vice-president, may not have an easy battle to contend with, because he was alleged to have performed below expectation as vice-president of the association.
Meanwhile, a source told nfc that Yinka Quadri may end up not contesting as president of ANTP as he considers himself a king-maker. But findings have further revealed that if Kosoko finally gets a second chance, Quadri has already been pencilled down to serve as his vice-president.
For Yemi Solade, the coast may not be too clear for him to be recognised as ANTP’s helmsman, since, according to sources, he is considered a president that is probably going to intimidate and subjugate his subordinate.
“He had once disclosed that the association will be hot for the illiterates among us. And if you really want to be sincere not all of us are educated, so he may not win,” a member opined.
In the Lagos chapter of the association, Rammy Shitta-Bey, seems to be highly favoured, but if criticisms accruing from his past tenure as governor of the chapter are considered, there could be fire on the mountain for him.
Alhaji Ade Adenrele, a former referee with the Nigerian Football Federation, who is also contesting for the post, has a slim chance of winning the election as members still consider him as old-skool candidate. Also, Chief Timothy Agboola a.k.a. Ereke ni Shop’s aspirations may be thwarted due to his relationship with other members. Most of them believe he is not a popular candidate.
And in the Ogun State chapter, Bolaji Amusa, a.k.a. Mr. Latin is believed by some of the members of the association to have an upper hand over Ebun Oloyede, popularly known as Olaiya. While Mr. Latin is the present governor in the state , Olaiya is said not to be popular.
