Category: Politics and Governance

Grassroots Governance: Olajide Inaugurates Community Projects, Supports Traders.

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

The lawmaker representing Ibadan North Constituency I in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Olufunke Comforter Olajide, has inaugurated Community Projects, supports for traders, said her legislative efforts are driven by a sense of destiny to bring development closer to her people.

 

Olajide, who also chairs the House Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development, made the remarks during an empowerment programme and commissioning of projects held at Mount Olivet Grammar School, Ashi Bodija, Ibadan.

 

The event, organised as part of activities marking her birthday anniversary, featured the inauguration of several community-based projects across the constituency.

 

Among the projects commissioned were a newly constructed Amotekun Office in Ashi Bodija; renovated shops belonging to the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) in Yemetu that were recently destroyed by fire; and newly drilled boreholes with generators installed at Yemetu, Oje Market and Ashi Bodija to provide alternative power supply.

 

In addition, the lawmaker provided financial assistance to traders affected by the recent fire incident, distributed food items and gas stoves to vulnerable groups, and empowered over 200 trained youths with vocational start-up grants and tools.

 

Speaking at the event, Olajide reaffirmed her commitment to delivering tangible dividends of democracy to her constituents.

 

“I see myself fulfilling destiny by bringing development closer to my people in my own way,” she said.

 

She assured residents that more projects would be delivered before the end of her current tenure and expressed optimism about achieving greater impact if given another mandate.

 

“By the special grace of God, if given the opportunity to serve a second term, they should expect even greater impact. Even within the remaining period of this first term, there is still more to come,” she said.

 

Olajide attributed her passion for service and her desire to make meaningful contributions to society.

 

She also acknowledged the influence of Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, noting that her initiatives align with the administration’s grassroots-focused development agenda.

 

“As we follow in the footsteps of our governor, we are ensuring that governance is felt at the grassroots,” she added.

 

As part of her education support initiative, the lawmaker announced free JAMB and NECO registration for 20 outstanding students of Mount Olivet Grammar School.

Earlier, the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Olufunke, commended Olajide for her commitment to community development, describing the projects as reflective of the people-oriented policies of the Makinde administration.

 

Similarly, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro, urged beneficiaries to safeguard and properly maintain the facilities, especially the boreholes and generators.

 

Other dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi Bibiire; member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Folajimi Oyekunle (DON); Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun.

 

Representative of the Speaker. Rt Honorable Adebo Ogundoyin, the Deputy Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly. Hon Fadeyi, Alhaja Bose Adedibu, Chairman Oyo State Youth Agency, Prince Adebowale,  Alhaja yeye Aare Mariaham Akinola (De Damac).

 

Representative of Ayaba Mutiayat Olayinka Ladoja, Mogaji Abayomi, ODUDUWA women Advocacy Initialitative (OWAI) Ibadan North Party Chairman, Hon. Ademuyiwa Mustephea, All local Governments Excos, All councillors, Supers, Ward Excos, Wards chairmen and members of PDP families, friends and Host of others.

 

Hon. Daud Olalere (Ibadan North West); Hon. Olasunkanmi Babalola (Egbeda); Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Seun Onifade; party leaders, community representatives and residents.

 

Folarin: APC Must Strengthen Unity and Trust to Secure Greater Success Ahead

 

By Adewale Owoade

 

Senator Teslim Folarin, Oyo State Ambassador for the Renewed Hope Agenda, has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain united in purpose, focused in action, and unwavering in their determination to deliver meaningful progress for the people.

 

Folarin made this call during the inauguration ceremony of Local Government Area (LGA) Ambassadors for the Renewed Hope Agenda at the state party secretariat in Oke Ado, Ibadan.

 

“As we move forward, let us remain united in purpose, focused in action, and unwavering in our determination to deliver meaningful progress for our people,” Folarin stated.

He emphasised that through structured mobilization, cooperation, and collective responsibility, the APC will strengthen the party, deepen public trust, and position itself for greater success in the future.

 

Folarin further charged the newly inaugurated LGA Ambassadors to be visible, humble, and uphold integrity, as the Renewed Hope Agenda is centered on people-focused governance, disciplined mobilization, and purposeful leadership.

 

“Let me emphasise that leadership at this level demands visibility, humility, integrity, and consistency.

 

“Your conduct must inspire confidence, command respect, and at all times reflect the values of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the APC. This assignment is not about titles, but about service, performance, and results.”

 

He congratulated the newly inaugurated ambassadors and urged them to return to their Local Government Areas with clarity of mission, strength of character, and a renewed commitment to service.

 

In his address, the Southwest Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, emphasised that the LGA Coordinators must work towards ensuring President Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 election by a landslide.

He praised the president’s significant achievements, particularly in economic development.

 

“You are ambassadors of Mr. President in your local governments. Please represent him well,” Adeyeye said. “You are tasked with promoting the president’s work and projecting his image to the people of your local government.”

In their goodwill messages, Bayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, and Senator Safadeen Alli, encouraged the newly inaugurated LG Ambassadors to maintain good conduct, gather vital information, and stay disciplined as they take on their new responsibilities.

 

The inauguration ceremony was attended by APC Chairman Alhaji Olayide Abas, who led his executive to the event, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Convener of Peace Advocates Prince Niran Adeyoju, former state chairman Chief Akin Oke, Senator Ayoade Adeseun, and other distinguished guests.

 

Majority Leader accuses colleague of defamation, demands probe

By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

The Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Sanjo Adedoyin, on Tuesday accused a fellow lawmaker, Mr Ibrahim Shittu, representing Saki West State Constituency, of making defamatory and malicious allegations against him and the leadership of the Assembly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adedoyin, who represents Ogbomoso South, raised the matter as a personal explanation on the floor during the first plenary sitting for 2026.

The Majority Leader described the allegations as a grave infringement on his legislative privileges and a direct attack on his integrity and the institution of the Oyo State House of Assembly.

Adedoyin said the controversy arose from a speech delivered by Shittu during a public programme in Saki Town, which subsequently circulated widely across social media platforms.

“In that speech, I was falsely accused of offering and receiving bribes from the Chairman of Saki West Local Government to influence or alter the course of an investigation into allegations against him.

“I categorically and unequivocally state that these allegations are baseless, malicious and entirely untrue,” he said.

He said that he merely acted on the directive of the speaker to look into petitions submitted against the local government chairman, insisting that due process was strictly followed.

“For the record, Mr. Speaker directed me to look into the petitions submitted against the chairman, and I dutifully carried out that responsibility.

“The claims of bribery involving the House leadership were “mischievously fabricated to mislead the public for political gains,” he said.

The Majority Leader further alleged that Shittu extended his accusations to the office of the speaker, alleging that the speaker was altering the course of justice due to political party considerations.

“Such insinuations are not only false but dangerous, as they attempt to portray this house as partisan and unjust.

“Let it be firmly stated that the Oyo State House of Assembly has never been involved in political favouritism,” he said.

He also accused the Saki West lawmaker of ridiculing the House Special Ad-hoc Committee that carried out oversight functions in Oyo North.

“Shittu allegedly absented himself from the committee’s assignment.

“His deliberate absence from critical legislative duties speaks volumes about his commitment to the responsibilities entrusted to him by his constituents,” Adedoyin said.

Describing the comments as calculated attempts to embarrass and discredit the Assembly, the Majority Leader noted that the incident was not an isolated one.

“This is not the first time Hon. Shittu has embarked on character assassination, spreading falsehoods and calculated lies against the leadership and institution of this Assembly,” he added.

Adedoyin said the allegations had caused him and his family severe distress.

“My image has been gravely damaged. I have received several disturbing calls from friends and colleagues, while my entire family is presently suffering psychological and emotional trauma as a result of these false allegations,” he said.

He , however, appealed to the speaker to invoke the powers of the House to investigate the matter in line with the Legislative Powers and Privileges Act, 2017, and Order VII of the Assembly’s rules.

“This intervention is necessary not only to protect my personal integrity but also to safeguard the dignity of this house and deter future occurrences of such misconduct,” Adedoyin said.

Reacting to the personal explanation, the Speaker, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, cautioned lawmakers against making unnecessary, unfounded and exaggerated comments capable of igniting tension, misleading the public and undermining the integrity of the legislative institution.

He stressed that members must exercise restraint, uphold decorum and remain guided by the rules of the house in all their public engagements.

“Noting that the legislature must always be seen as a responsible and disciplined institution.

“To safeguard the dignity of the house and ensure that due process is followed

NAN reports that the speaker, however, referred the matter to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges for further legislative action.

He however, directed the committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and report its findings back to the House within one week.

NAN rpeorts that the House thereafter, resolved to await the committee’s report before taking further action on the matter.

By Mohammed Baba Busu

A popular Latin adage says – Vox populi, vox Dei, that is “The voice of the people is the voice of God”.

Indeed, these are not the best of times for one of Nigeria’s finest legal icons – Muhammed Ndarani Mohammed (SAN), the Hukunchi Nupe and Hukunchi Kasan Hausa, popularly known as Ndarani (SAN).

This is because of the intense pressure and calls from various associations, groups, individuals, associates and many residents of Niger state, particular those in local governments that constitute the Niger South Senatorial district (Zone A), for him to declare his intention to join the senatorial race come 2027.

The pressure is getting intense as each day passes by. These calls and pressure for Ndarani to indicate interest in joining the Niger South senatorial race did not take many residents of the state by surprise.

This is because over the years, Ndarani, a learned silk has demonstrated immense care and love for Niger state in general and residents of his senatorial district in particular. No one can dispute the organic love Ndarani has for his people. He has been showing up and standing with them in times of need and distress.

The current pressure being mounted on Ndarani (SAN) brings to mind the saying that: “The good you put out into the world… never goes unnoticed by the universe. It might return to you through an unexpected opportunity, a helping hand when you least expect it, or simply a sense of peace and fulfillment.” Indeed, the good deeds of Ndarani to residents of Niger state over the years, is returning back to him.

Apart from the calls by individuals and other critical stakeholders, recently, two prominent groups joined in increasing the pressure on the legal icon, appealing him to consider joining the senatorial race. In fact, critical stakeholders have begun meetings and strategising to ensure the victory of Ndarani come 2027.

Recently, two groups – the Supreme Support for Good Governance (SSG-3) Niger South, and the Ndarani Advocacy Movement (NAM), presented letters requesting him to contest the Niger South (Zone ‘A’) senatorial seat.

In their letter, the Ndarani Advocacy Movement (NAM) said: “We are here today because we believe you are the most qualified to represent Niger South in the Senate.

“Sir, we have done our research on your life’s journey, your remarkable record of academic excellence and professional achievements as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has convinced us to support your aspiration for Senate.

“Your personal attributes – humility, empathy, philanthropy and exceptional communication skills, makes you a unifying force to drive meaningful progress in our district.

“We need your vision, passion and expertise in the senate to elevate Niger South Senatorial District to new heights.“

On the other hand, the Supreme Support for Good Governance (SSG-3) Niger South, made similar call in their separate letter titled: ‘Letter of request to contest for senatorial position (Zone A).’ Part of the letter reads: “Your philanthropic efforts, grassroot presence and public popularity have made you the preferred choice among youths from the eight local governments in the zone. Your leadership is seen as a beacon of hope for improved political leadership and representation.

“We recognise your commitment to serving the community and the nation through different fora and we believe your grassroot engagements, experience, expertise and international engagement will be invaluable in the Senate. Our goal is to offer, publicly present, support your candidacy and work collectively towards its actualisation for a brighter future of our communities and Nigeria at large.

“For avoidance of doubt, the Niger Coalition of youth groups will be responsible for the purchase of the necessary forms for your proposed candidacy. This is in the spirit of people-driven candidacy and representation needed to ensure transparency and accountability.”

This is apart from many other groups that are already meeting and strategising on how to woo residents of the senatorial district to massively join in supporting the Ndarani candidacy.

Only few days ago, stakeholders under the umbrella of “Critical Stakeholders/Enablers for the NDARANI Senatorial Candidacy Project”, held a crucial meeting in Minna. The meeting was, as usual, aimed at formalising strategies to ensure the success of the he Ndarani (SAN) senatorial project.

Critical stakeholders and enablers have mapped out strategies for the senatorial success of Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, in Niger South.

The stakeholders Critical Stakeholders/Enablers maiden Meeting for the NDARANI, SAN Senatorial Candidacy Project took place in Minna, the state capital on Thursday to formalize their strategies.

The meeting attracted key political actors, grassroots leaders and stakeholders from across Niger South Senatorial District (Zone A).

The Convener of the meeting, President General of CAGRAT and National Chairman Nupe Development Forum(Nupe-Defo) Engr. Muhammadu Dagaci, Zarumi Agaie, stressed that credible leadership and good governance can only be achieved when citizens actively participate in building consensus and working collectively towards shared goals.

“Representative democracy is for the people, and it is time we took ownership of it,” Dagaci said.

“We must be more participatory, more duty-conscious, and protect our rights and freedom as guaranteed by our laws.”

He urged participants to work together to ensure credible elections, accountable leadership and governance that prioritises development and the happiness of the people, warning that “self-imposed candidates have plagued our democracy for too long, and it is time to put an end to it”.

The president general reminded the audience that leadership is generational and that succession planning remains central to sustainable development.

“One generation does not rule forever; we must work together to build a better future for ourselves and generations yet unborn,” he stated.

The Coordinator, Supreme Support for Good Governance (SSG-3) / Niger South Youth Coalition Political Movement, Muhammed Mahmud Etsu explained that the movement is anchored on the principles of inclusive governance, transparency, accountability and effective representation, noting that Ndarani’s antecedents in public service, legal advocacy and community development resonate strongly with their vision for Niger South.

He stressed that the coalition is prepared to work with other stakeholders to build a broad-based political consensus capable of delivering victory at the polls, while fostering unity and peaceful political engagement across the zone.

They noted that Ndarani’s vision and mission, coupled with his track record of achievements, positioned him as a credible candidate capable of taking the zone to greater heights.

Several speakers, who admitted they had not met him personally, said they had consistently heard of his immense contributions to the development of Nupe land, describing them as commendable and a clear indication that, if given the mandate, the zone would enjoy effective and people-oriented representation.

Ndarani was described at the meeting as an international senior lawyer and renowned human rights activist, widely respected for his humility and commitment to the welfare of ordinary people.

The meeting ended with a renewed resolve by the stakeholders to deepen consultations and grassroots mobilisation in support of the senatorial project of Ndarani.

Indeed, at this point, Ndarani (SAN) has no option than to succumb to the pressure which is coming from different groups, associations, civil society organisations and individuals. He must accept it, because this is no more mere men that are speaking, it is God. Therefore, Ndarani must treat the barrage of calls with a sense of urgency, because “the voice of the people is the voice of God”.

Ndarani (SAN) must take these clarion calls seriously, because over the years, he has shown love to the people and the people have decided that it is time for them to pay him back. It is a well known fact that when you wish good for others, good things return to you with great measure of love. This is the law of nature. He should also know that kindness, good deeds and positive intensions create a ripple effect bringing blessings back in unexpected ways.

Some of the things that endeared Ndarani (SAN) and triggered his love in the hearts of the residents of Niger State is his continued determination to introduce youth-friendly initiatives and programmes aimed at improving unity and oneness among youths of the state. One of such initiatives is the introduction of a football competition among youths of remote areas where fourteen teams participated.

This, according to many residents of the areas, will not only improve peace building but will also assist in unraveling the hidden football talents of the state. Some of which in the near future can be shining stars in both local and international football teams, including Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

To show the seriousness and importance of the football match, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar; Shaba Nupe, Alhaji Manko Yilata, district heads; village heads; Imams; Prof. Tanko Suleiman, Vice-Chancellor, Edu Soko University, Bida; among others, attended the final match.

Another reason that made Ndarani (SAN) to enjoy such magnitude of love and support from people of Niger state is his ability to patiently and tenaciously follow up and secure compensation on the case between the Federal Ministry of Power and Samboro community over the devastating damages that affected the community as a result of the construction of the Zungeru Hydro Dam.

It would be recalled that sometimes in April 2023, the village head of Samboro community, Malam Usman, and 2,844 other members of the community approached the court through their Counsel, Muhammed Ndarani Mohammed (SAN), in case number NSHC/ KUT/6/2023 demanding compensation.

The doggedness and ingenuity of the Ndarani (SAN)-led legal team led to the award of over one trillion Naira compensation to the affected communities by the court.

This, indeed, was seen by residents of Niger state as a demonstration of care and love for the people considering that the Ndarani legal team handled the case pro-bono.

Also, in his usual characteristics of demonstrating care and love to residents of Niger State, Ndarani (SAN) visited the victims of the May 2025 Mokwa flood disaster.

It would be recalled that the massive flood disaster which was caused by a heavy rainfall submerged a considerable part of Mokwa town in Niger State causing severe damage.

During the visit, Ndarani (SAN) donated N30 million to the victims. This, many described as the highest donation from a single individual. According to them, this indicated the depth of love the legal icon has for his people.

Also, in 2025, in a deliberate effort to develop the Nupe language, Ndarani sponsored 10 students to study Nupe Language at the university level.

The scholarship programme took effect after the commencement of the Nupe Language degree programme approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2025.

The legal icon disclosed that he has kept aside millions of Naira to fund the scholarship of the beneficiaries from 100 to 400 level.

“We are fully prepared to support and formally unveil the Nupe Language degree programme once it begins.

“We will also invite our associates and well-meaning individuals to support by sponsoring more students. By the grace of God, we intend to create opportunities for outstanding graduates to participate in international exchange programmes after graduation,” Ndarani said.

Besides, Ndarani (SAN) has provided succour and interventions in several communities in the areas of healthcare, water supply, electricity, rural road networks, agricultural inputs and entrepreneurship, among others.

There is no doubt, Ndarani (SAN) gave the first shot of demonstration of love to his people. They are now paying him back by saying with a loud voice “come and represent us in the Senate”. This call, Ndarani (SAN) must respond positively.

Baba Busu writes from Minna, Niger State

Youth Groups urge Ndarani, SAN to contest Niger South senate seat, pledge support

By Mohammed Baba Busu

Two prominent youth-based groups in Niger State have formally called on Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Alhaji Mohammed Ndarani, to declare his interest in contesting the Niger South (Zone A) senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

They cited his record of philanthropy, grassroots engagement and leadership credentials as some reasons behind their call.

The members of the groups who came in there large numbers made the presentation at a brief ceremony in Abuja on Monday

The Niger South Coalition of Youth Groups, in a letter endorsed by its Coordinator, Hon. Abdullahi Muhammad Gangwa, said the decision to propose Ndarani’s candidacy followed extensive consultations across the eight local government areas of the zone.

The coalition described Ndarani as the preferred choice of youths, noting that his public popularity, community presence and consistent service to humanity have positioned him as a beacon of hope for improved political leadership and effective representation.

According to the coalition, Ndarani’s experience, expertise and international exposure would add value to deliberations in the upper legislative chamber.

The group pledged to publicly present and support his candidacy and further undertook to purchase the required nomination forms, describing the move as a people-driven initiative aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

Similarly, the Ndarani Advocacy Movement (NAM) also urged the legal luminary to vie for the Senate, declaring him the most qualified candidate to represent Niger South.

In a separate letter signed by its Chairman, Hon. Theophilus A. Mamman, the group said its support was anchored on Ndarani’s distinguished academic background, professional accomplishments as a SAN and his personal attributes of humility, empathy, philanthropy and effective communication.

The group noted that Ndarani’s qualities have made him a unifying figure capable of driving meaningful development and elevating the status of Niger South at the national level.

It stressed that the zone requires his vision, passion and expertise in the Senate to advance the interests of the people.

Responding, Alhaji Mohammed Ndarani,SAN, the Hukunchi Nupe and Hukunchi Kasan Hausa, appreciated them for the visit and for calling on him to contest for Senatorial seat in 2027.

He assured them that he would answer their calls at an appropriate time after due consultation.

“I am so delighted and overwhelmed that you people have come down to pay me a courtesy visit and to ask me to contest for the seat of Senate, Niger South Senatorial district, Zone A come 2027.

“This your Clarion Call is a call for service to humanity.

“I am very optimistic that by the special grace of God, I will do a robust consultation and I will come with a very informed position that is going to help us all, Nupe extraction, Nupe Kingdom and Niger State,” he said.

He said, “I will consult widely with my family members, friends, associates and other critical stakeholders before communicating my decision to the groups

He urged them to continue to advocate for good people to vie for leadership positions in the interest of peace and development of Niger State and Nigeria at large.

The learned silk commended the initiative and the confidence reposed in him.

In a goodwill message, Engr. Mohammed Dagachi Etsugaie, the National President of Community Association for Grassroots Transformation (CAGRAT) who said he was at the historic occasion as a civil society runner and friend of Ndarani
described him as a man of integrity whose past records of achievements speak volumes.

He said it was a positive development in politics when people voluntarily consider and invite an individual to contest for public office in a representative democracy.

Engr Dagachi noted that such a call reflects trust and the belief that the person would offer quality representation.

According to him, the youths’ decision underscores their conviction that Ndarani’s presence in the Senate would translate into effective advocacy and tangible benefits for Niger South.

Speakers, after the speaker in their goodwill messages, extolled the virtues of the legal icon in their approval for his Senatorial Candidacy.

   

 

Ogbomoso APC stakeholders endorse Tinubu for second term.

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‎By Adewale Owoade.

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‎Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State has endorsed President Bola  Tinubu as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 general elections.

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‎The endorsement took place at an open-air stakeholders’ meeting held at Soun Ogunlola Hall, Oja’gbo, Ogbomoso, and was facilitated by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors led by Sen. Teslim Folarin.

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‎Folarin urged party members to take the message of the agenda to the grassroots, noting that unity within the party remained key to electoral success.

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‎”We would seize the opportunity to pass on the message of Mr. President that he does not want any war again, he wants harmony, peace and harmony in the party, because without peace and harmony, you can’t achieve anything, and so that’s what we are trying to do.”

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‎Also speaking, Rep Aderemi Oseni, representing Ido/ Ibarapa east, said the mobilisation is to promote the Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 polls.

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‎”With this peace, peaceful atmosphere that you are seeing here in terms of leadership coming together, integrating ourselves together, I believe, 2027 presidential election, that is, national election and the state government election, for APC, is a done deal.”

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‎Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation called on APC members to sustain peace and work together for the re-election of President Tinubu and the party’s return to Agodi Government House in 2027.

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‎” Let us come together so that we can take over the government in Oyo State and continue with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 2027 to 2031.”

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‎The meeting featured the formal endorsement of Tinubu for a second term and the reception of hundreds of defectors from other political parties drawn from Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Oriire, Ogo-Oluwa and Surulere Local Government Areas.

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‎Prominent APC leaders at the event included former First Lady of Oyo State and Ambassador-designate, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Pharm. Olayide Abas, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari, Sen. Sarafadeen Alli.

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‎ Sen. Yunus Akintunde, Sen. Hosea Agboola, and Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN), among others.

‎2027: APC Launches Mobilisation Drive for Tinubu in Oyo.

By Adewale Owoade

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has commenced a statewide mobilisation drive in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, as party leaders and Renewed Hope Ambassadors began a 14–Federal Constituency tour aimed at unity and electoral success.

‎The flag-off ceremony, held at the Oba Adeyemi Stadium, Oyo town, attracted APC leaders, elders, ward executives and grassroots members from across the state, signalling renewed commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Oyo State Ambassador for Renewed Hope, Senator Teslim Folarin, said APC leaders in the state had resolved to set aside personal ambitions and work collectively for the party’s success in 2027.

“APC is Oyo State, Oyo State is APC. And I think, like I’ve said, what we’ve come to do today is to test the mic and then pass on the message of Mr. President, that they want unity in the party. Everybody should put aside their ambition, at the end of the day, what will be will be, but let’s us build with this party, let us focus on improving the performance of Mr. President and the party, come 2027. “

“This is the first of fourteen visits, we are still going to fourteen Federal Constituencies, this is just the beginning. You don’t have to ask me, you can see what you have seen. I’m delighted, I’m very happy with what I am seeing.

‎“People have been here since morning, despite the very harsh weather, it just shows their love for the party. I think we are on course because the message from Mr. President is that he wants us to improve our votes by thirty-five percent and with what I am seeing if we replicate this in all the fourteen Federal Constituencies, I think we would be okay. “

‎Folarin described the tour as a strategic effort combining grassroots mobilisation and stakeholder engagement to strengthen party structures across the state’s 33 local government areas.

In separate remarks, former First Lady of Oyo State and Ambassador-designate, Dr (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi, and the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, described the initiative as a unifying platform that reflected renewed discipline and cohesion within the Oyo APC.

Also speaking, Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central) urged Nigerians to support President Tinubu, noting that current economic challenges were global.

‎“We should keep on praying for the President and we should be more tolerant, we have to tolerate the situation more. It is not only in Nigeria that the economy situation is like this, is all over the world, things are very tough all over the world , and very soon relief will come.” Akintunde said.

Prof. Adeolu Akande, former Chairman of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said recent consultations among party stakeholders had strengthened unity and preparedness ahead of 2027.

‎“If you witness the turnout at today’s rally, there is no doubt that the party is ready, united and stronger and it resolved to win in 2027.

“The significant of the event of today is a demonstration of the new found love, unity and strength of the party, and this kind of rally is going to be held in the 14 federal constituencies of the state and considering the massive turnout of members there is no doubt that the APC is ready to over the mantle of leadership in Oyo state.”

Senator, Sharafadeen Alli, Femi Lanlehin, and Ayo Adeseun, alongside Engr. Idris Adeoye, Engr. Remi Oseni, Hon. Olaide Muhammedah, Bolaji Repete, Akeem Olatunji and other party leaders, echoed Folarin’s call for unity, stressing that the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda hinges on collective action rather than rivalry.

The event was attended by APC State Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abass; former Deputy Governors, Chief Iyiola Oladokun and Chief Moses Alake; Senators Abdulfatai Buhari and Sharafadeen Alli; Rt. Hon. Akeem Adeyemi and other party chieftains.