The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Asiwaju Mandate Group urges Tunji-Ojo to ignore critics

    Asiwaju Mandate Group urges Tunji-Ojo to ignore critics

    The Asiwaju Mandate Group (AMG) has called on Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to remain focused and undistracted by the recent wave of media propaganda orchestrated by political detractors who feel threatened by his rising influence and unmatched record of service.

    In a statement jointly signed by the Director-General of the Group, Asiwaju Olumuyiwa Asagunla, and the Chairman, Leaders’ Council, Senator Yele Omogunwa, the group described the ongoing media attacks against Dr. Tunji-Ojo (BTO)  as “a desperate attempt by political jobbers and failed opportunists to malign a man whose impact has become too significant and conspicuous to be ignored.”

    The statement reads in part: “Beyond political rhetoric, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has transformed lives and strengthened democratic structures far beyond what anyone thought possible for a minister without executive powers. His record of empowerment and strategic leadership stands tall in Ondo State and the nation’s political space.”

    The group recalled with emphasis the pivotal role Tunji-Ojo played during the political crisis that nearly led to the impeachment of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa when he served as Deputy Governor.

    “At a time when the State was on the brink of political turmoil, Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s intervention was decisive. He stood firmly to ensure that members of the State House of Assembly earlier compromised were revived to look up to the cabal then working against the Deputy Governor. It was his timely mediation and influence that helped preserve stability and the sanctity of Ondo State’s political structure,” the statement reads. 

    Read Also: Campaign of calumny against Tunji-Ojo won’t work, says Rivers APC

    AMG further commended Tunji-Ojo’s unrelenting efforts in sustaining the political mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing him as “one of the few public figures who have matched loyalty with strategic action.”

    The group also highlighted Tunji-Ojo’s unprecedented contributions to strengthening the APC structure across Ondo State. 

    Addressing recent calls by some political actors urging President Tinubu to stop the Minister from contesting the 2028 Ondo Governorship election, AMG stated emphatically that the right to aspire is constitutionally guaranteed and ultimately rests with the people.

    “Let it be known that every citizen, including Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reserves the democratic right to seek elective office. However, the Honourable Minister has neither declared any ambition nor hinted at such. 

    “Those spreading unfounded rumours are only exposing their fears and inadvertently affirming his political worth. For now, his total focus remains on delivering effectively as Minister of Interior and ensuring the success of President Tinubu’s administration.”

  • PDP replaces Mbah with Senator Ben Obi as convention committee secretary

    PDP replaces Mbah with Senator Ben Obi as convention committee secretary

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has named Senator Ben Obi as the new secretary of its elective national convention organising committee, replacing Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah.

    Governor Mbah, who served as secretary to the main organising committee led by Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, was replaced following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday. The PDP’s elective national convention is scheduled to hold on November 15 and 16 in Ibadan.

    Senator Obi, who represented Anambra Central in the Senate, was the running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in the 2007 presidential election under the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    READ ALSO: CBN, finance ministry present Nigeria’s economic progress at G24 meetings

    In a statement issued after the NWC meeting, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the party remains focused and undistracted in its preparations for a successful convention.

    The statement reads, “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) has approved the appointment of Sen. Ben Ndi Obi as Secretary of the National Convention Organizing Committee (NCOC) for the conduct of the 2025 PDP Elective National Convention scheduled to hold on Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November, 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

    “The NWC commends the NCOC under the Chairmanship of His Excellency, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State for its tireless efforts towards the success of the 2025 National Convention.

    “The NWC calls on all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of the PDP to remain united, steadfast and focused on the successful conduct of the National Convention and the overall progress of our great party.”

  • Why we invited Abure to meeting with party leaders, by INEC

    Why we invited Abure to meeting with party leaders, by INEC

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained that it invited the embattled National Chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, to its meeting with political parties based on a valid court order recognising him as the party’s leader.

    Acting Chairman of the Commission, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu, made the clarification on Wednesday during INEC’s regular quarterly meeting with media executives in Abuja.

    She said the decision followed a ruling by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Gwagwalada, which directed the Commission to recognise Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.

    Responding to questions on why Abure attended INEC’s meeting with political party leaders on Tuesday, Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu explained that the Commission was acting in compliance with the court’s directive.

    “As a law-abiding institution, INEC has always obeyed court orders. If the faction led by Mr. Lamidi Apapa or Mr. Usman Nevada presents a valid court judgment in their favour, the Commission will also comply accordingly,” she stated.

    READ ALSO: CBN, finance ministry present Nigeria’s economic progress at G24 meetings

    The Acting INEC Chairman further reiterated the Commission’s commitment to working with the media, civil society organisations, political parties, and other stakeholders to ensure a free, fair, and credible governorship election in Anambra State.

    She disclosed that 10 out of the 13 key activities outlined in the election timetable had been completed. The remaining three — publication of the notice of poll, end of campaigns, and election day — are on schedule, she added.

    Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu also confirmed that all non-sensitive election materials have been delivered to Anambra State, while voter education and sensitisation efforts are ongoing ahead of the poll.

    She disclosed that about 43 media organisations have applied to commission for accreditation to deploy 363 personnel for the election coverage. 

    She reminded journalists that the portal would close at midnight on October 24, with no extension, stressing that the accreditation tags issued by the Commission carry security codes that can be verified by security agencies, while asking accredited journalists to carry out their duties with professionalism and to always verify information with the Commission before publication.

    She also informed them of the ongoing electoral activities, including preparations for the FCT Area Council Elections scheduled for February 2026, as well as the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise which will run until August 2026. 

    According to her, the CVR has so far recorded an impressive turnout, reflecting Nigerians’ faith in democracy and the Commission’s efforts to ensure that all eligible citizens are able to exercise their franchise.

    She reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and credibility, assuring that the Commission would continue to engage stakeholders regularly to strengthen public trust in the electoral process.

    She said, “Our democracy is stronger when citizens are informed, engaged, and confident in the process. We will continue to work hand in hand with the media, civil society, and all stakeholders to safeguard the vote and deepen our democratic culture.”

    NUJ President, Alhassan Yahaya commend the Commission for sustaining its partnership with the media, saying it underscores the central role of the media in the electoral process.

    Yahaya said, “The media remains one of the most critical stakeholders in democracy — not only as observers but as facilitators of credible, transparent, and peaceful elections. Our duty is to ensure that citizens are well informed, that political actors are held accountable, and that the process is reported with accuracy, fairness, and responsibility.

    “We acknowledge INEC’s efforts to continuously improve electoral administration through technology, inclusivity, and transparency. However, these reforms must be effectively communicated to the public, and that is where the media comes in. 

    “It is through our reports, analyses, and engagements that citizens develop trust and understanding of the system.

    “As we approach future elections, it is imperative that the collaboration between INEC and the media be deepened. We must enhance capacity building for journalists covering electoral matters, strengthen fact-checking to combat misinformation, and ensure timely access to information from INEC’.

  • Northern minorities warn against ethnicising INEC Chairman Nomination

    Northern minorities warn against ethnicising INEC Chairman Nomination

    The Northern Nigeria Minorities Group (NNMG) has cautioned against attempts to ethnicise the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing such actions as divisive and harmful to national unity.

    In a statement signed by its Convener, Chief Jacob Edi, the group expressed concern over what it called “ongoing efforts by certain individuals and interest groups to ethnicise” Professor Amupitan’s appointment. It noted that the nominee hails from the Okun ethnic nationality in Kogi State, one of the minority groups in Northern Nigeria.

    NNMG condemned recent social media attacks and commentaries by some “self-styled northern voices” accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of ethnic bias in the appointment, insisting such claims were baseless.

    READ ALSO: CBN, finance ministry present Nigeria’s economic progress at G24 meetings

    “Nothing could be further from the truth,” the statement read. “This is the first time in 65 years since the establishment of a statutory electoral commission in 1959 that a northern minority has been appointed to lead it.”

    The group recalled that in past administrations, no northern minority had opposed the appointment of individuals, mostly from the North West and North East, to head the electoral body for several consecutive years.

    NNMG urged Nigerians to acknowledge that northern minorities are equal stakeholders in the Nigerian project and should not be subjected to ridicule or suspicion when entrusted with national leadership roles.

    “We recall that this unfortunate trend of delegitimising northern minority appointments gained traction during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, when any appointment extended to a northern minority was derisively dismissed as ‘not northern enough,’” the group said. “The current ethnicisation of Professor Amupitan’s appointment is a direct continuation of that ugly and retrogressive trend, and it must stop.”

    The NNMG stressed that the North is not defined by ethnicity but by its geographical breadth and diversity, describing those promoting ethnic-based criticism as “enemies of national unity and progress.”

    It expressed concern that some individuals in the region still perceive northern minorities as mere demographic fillers “unworthy of the privileges and recognition that come with our place in the federation.”

    “Such thinking is antiquated, divisive, and inimical to the spirit of modern governance,” the statement added. “After 65 years of independence, our guiding principle should be competence, integrity, and capacity, not parochial sentiments that have stunted our national growth.”

    The group described Professor Amupitan’s nomination as a bold step toward inclusivity, equity, and meritocracy, commending President Tinubu for recognizing the North’s diversity and giving all constituent groups a sense of belonging in his appointments.

    It further warned against attempts to polarise the country along ethnic or sectional lines, calling on political actors, commentators, and citizens to rise above identity politics and focus on building strong institutions that function effectively regardless of who leads them.

    “The time for ethnic arithmetic is over,” the NNMG declared. “The era of competence, fairness, and national responsibility must begin in earnest.”

    Chief Edi reaffirmed that northern minorities remain a stabilising force in the federation, saying: “When placed together, we are not just ‘minorities’; we are the real majority that believes in the unity and progress of Nigeria.”

  • PDP chairmen pass vote of confidence on leaders

    PDP chairmen pass vote of confidence on leaders

    The Forum of State Chairmen of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has pledged working with key organs to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general election. 

    The Forum reaffirmed commitment to work harmoniously with these organs in rebuilding, revitalising, and repositioning the PDP as Nigeria’s credible alternative and leading political force, while passing a vote of confidence on all organs of the party. 

    In a statement at the end of its meeting, the Forum accused some members of the party of working with external forces to truncate the forth coming elective National Convention and undermine the party. 

    In a statement signed by the Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi and Secretary, Sir Edward Percy Masha, the Forum accused the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC)  of embarking on some undemocratic and systematic efforts, coercing PDP members and leaders to defect. 

    The statement reads in part: “The meeting deliberated extensively on issues affecting the unity and stability of the party, reviewed preparations for the forthcoming National Elective Convention slated for November 15–16, 2025, and assessed the state of the opposition across the federation.

    “The Forum strongly condemned the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its undemocratic, desperate, and systematic efforts to intimidate, harass, and coerce PDP leaders—including governors, senators, and members of the National and State Assemblies—into defecting.

    “The Forum described these acts as an assault on democracy, warning that the ruling party’s conduct is a dangerous step toward establishing a de facto one-party state, which Nigerians must collectively resist.

    “The Forum expressed grave concern over the activities of certain individuals within the PDP who, allegedly acting in concert with external interests linked to the APC, have been working to derail the party’s National Convention.

    “Specifically, the Forum condemned the actions of Austine Nwachukwu (Imo State) and Amah Abraham Nnana (Abia State), who recently sought a court injunction to halt the convention. Their actions were unanimously described as a betrayal of the party’s unity and collective resolve.

    “Consequently, the forum resolved to suspend both members from the body and appointed Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo State PDP, as the new Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum.

    “The forum passed a vote of confidence on the National Working Committee (NWC), the PDP Governors’ Forum, and all statutory organs of the party. It reaffirmed its commitment to work harmoniously with these organs in rebuilding, revitalizing, and repositioning the PDP as Nigeria’s credible alternative and leading political force.

    “The forum called on all party members, supporters, and stakeholders across the country to remain calm, united, and steadfast.

    It pledged continued cooperation with the party’s national leadership as it undertakes deliberate, strategic steps to strengthen the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections”.

    Read Also: PDP chair, legal adviser clash in court

    The meeting had in attendance 25 chairmen of out of its 36 State chapters & FCT, highlighting the growing influence of the forum in the party’s and national discourse 

    Those who attended the meeting include 

    Mohammed Bello Aliyu Goronyo (Sokoto), Yusuf Ado Kibiya (Kano), Mohammed Nura Amadi (Katsina), Ismaila Mohd Dogara (FCT)  Victor  Modupe Aisido (Ondo), Tony Aziegbemi (Edo), Abubakar Bawa (Taraba), Abayomi Tella Ogun), Sen Umar El-Gash (Yobe) and Zanna Gaddama Mustapha (Borno). 

    Others are Alh Adamu Bako (Nasarawa), Pharm Samaila Adam Burga (Bauchi), Ememona Anyebe (Kogi), Comrade Chidi Chidebe (Anambra), Aliyu Mohd Halidu (Niger), Ezekiel  A Adaji (Benue), Isa Bawa Adamu (Kwara), Edward Percy Masha (Kaduna). 

    Some state Chairmen who attended the meeting online are Babandi Ibrahim Gumel (Jigawa), Dr Jamilu Jabo (Zamfara), Hassan  A  Chris (Plateau), Usman Bello Suru (Kebbi), 

     Major Gen Amin Kwaskebe (Gombe) and  Shehu I- Gash (Adamawa). 

  • Nwosu’s infrastructural agenda for Anambra

    Nwosu’s infrastructural agenda for Anambra

    By Ephraim Nwokoye

    The most common definition of democracy often associated with former President of the United States of America (USA), Abraham Lincoln, is “government of the people by the people and for the people.” This presupposes that democracy does not exist in a vacuum, but revolves around the people in any society.

    Similarly, the aim of development entails enhancing the wellbeing of the people. Thus, judging by the experiences from advanced democracies across the world, including the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada and France, a correlation exists between democracy and development.

    While democracy aims at engendering development, the latter sustains and enhances the former. However, the story appears to be different in Anambra State today under the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) government led by Governor Charles Soludo. In the past three and half years of the Soludo administration, it appears that the people have been removed from the equation. Rather than pursue human centred development, the Soludo government has spent billions of Naira on cosmetic projects and programmes that have very little or no meaningful impact on the lives of the people.

    For instance, education is globally acknowledged as the bedrock of development. Many people expected Professor Soludo, coming from an academic background, to prioritise education. The latest ranking of Anambra State as 33rd in education infrastructure and capital expenditure by Philips Consulting, a leading business and management consultancy firm in Nigeria is an indication that he has performed abysmally in the education sector.

    Besides education sector, current government in Anambra is either giving half-hearted or no attention to other critical sectors, such as security, urban development, science and technology, rural development, health, agriculture, industry and commerce, infrastructure and human capital development.

       The state of insecurity in Anambra state under the current administration in particular, has been unprecedented in the history of the state. Pundits believe that insecurity is thriving in the state because governance is not human centred.

    It is this yawning gap in governance in the state that the Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), John Chuma Nwosu is eager to fill if elected into office as the Governor on November 8, 2025. Since the commencement of the campaigns in June, Nwosu has been traversing the 177 communities in Anambra, preaching the seven-point SHEEEMS agenda of ADC to the people.

    “My agenda is anchored on a social contract that guarantees focused attention on Security, Healthcare, Education Economy, Environment, Markets and Social Welfare for the people,” Nwosu told journalists in an interview recently.

    At this juncture, readers are invited to critically analyse the import of the ADC agenda. First and foremost, security is an enabler of investment. Being a businessman and entrepreneur, Nwosu appreciates the fact that no investor would take his fixed and floating capital to an “unsafe” environment. This explains why he intends to adopt a hi-tech approach to combat insecurity in Anambra State, including the establishment of a digital Central Command Control Centre and mounting of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across the state.

    Read Also: Tinubu seeks Senate’s confirmation of chairman, 28 commissioners for FCC 

    Secondly, there is a saying that a healthy nation in a wealthy nation. This underscores the importance of healthcare in the ADC agenda. If elected into office, Nwosu proposes to priotise the rehabilitation and equipment of numerous comatose government owned health centres and hospitals in Anambra State, to transform them from their current state as “mere consulting clinics” to top notch health institutions.

    He also intends to ensure that these health institutions do not run short of drugs and other consumables all year round.  

    Thirdly, Nwosu’s agenda prioritises education. He plans to take Anambra from a bottom position in the ranking of states in education infrastructure and capital to the top position. He intends to allocate 40 percent to education in the state’s budget, surpassing 33 percent allocation to education by Governor Peter Mba in Enugu State. The ADC candidate proposes to assemble educational experts to formulate an educational policy for Anambra State, aligned with the national policy on education, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), with a view to making Anambra a hub for innovation in the country.

    After Education, Economy is the fourth point of the ADC agenda. In this area, Nwosu intends to work collaboratively with development partners such as the World Bank, African Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) to boost agriculture and agri-business, in order to improve the economy of Anambra, both on macro and micro bases. This would be done through an integrative approach to harness both the human and material potential of the state.

    Environment, which is the fifth focal point of SHEEEMS agenda, sees the environment as comprising land, water and air, including all the layers of atmosphere, all organic and inorganic matter, and living organisms and their interactive natural systems.

    The Soludo administration has been unable to address, not to talk of tackle aggressively the existential threat posed by environmental degradation. Hence, Nwosu prioritized the environment because it is from our environment that we make our living. The ADC government intends to tackle environmental degradation and climate change challenge vigorously, unlike the APGA government pursuing cosmetic development, the APGA government having failed to fulfill its promise of clean, green, planned and sustainable cities, communities and markets in Anambra.

       The sixth point in the SHEEEMS agenda is markets. This point is important because Anambra State has the largest concentration of markets in Southern Nigeria, including Onitsha Main Market, which is the biggest market in West Africa.

    Currently, under the Soludo administration, the markets exist for the purposes of revenue collection.

    Nwosu plans rehabilitate the markets and equip them with modern facilities, including fore fighting equipment to put an end to frequent losses, often running into billions of Naira, incurred by traders during market fire disasters. 

       The last point in the SHEEEMS agenda is social welfare for the people. This is another area where the APGA government has failed abysmally. The ADC government intends to provide the people, not only with basic amenities, but also support women, children through welfare programmes to be executed simultaneously in the 177 communities in the state.

       In sum, the SHEEEMS agenda seems to be anchored on the belief that good governance is about visible service delivery and the responsibility to protect the citizens. Both, according to Nwosu, are anchored on the people being satisfied enough to trust the government and benefitting from measurable and sustainable development. He also sees both as confidence building measures.

       Nwosu believes that both APGA and the federal ruling party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) are united in their record of disappointment for the Anambra people, especially in the area of security and citizens’ welfare. He calls the analogous amalgam as APCGA. Indeed, for JCN, as the governorship hopeful is fondly called, the balloting on November 8 has become very easy for our people. By this he means that the people have taken the ADC as the credible and inclusive alternative.

       Responding to a question on the inclusiveness of the ADC ticket, Nwosu had noted: “What is more? The ADC parades a balanced religious ticket comprising a catholic and an Anglican, because my running mate, Dr Ndubuisi Nwobu, an Anglican comes from Anambra Central Senatorial Zone. Together, we satisfy the zoning arrangement that guides the distribution of political offices among the three Senatorial Districts of the state.”

    Nwokoye writes from Oba, Anambra State

  • Rotimi: Ekiti is united behind Oyebanji’s vision

    Rotimi: Ekiti is united behind Oyebanji’s vision

    House of Representatives Spokesman and Secretary of the Ekiti State National Assembly Caucus, Akintunde Rotimi Jr spoke with Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU on national legislative priorities, governance reforms, and politics in the Fountain of Knowledge.

    It has been humbling and deeply fulfilling. The 10th House under Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, has prioritised professionalism, openness, and responsiveness. We want to leave a legacy that addresses the trust deficit between Nigerians and their representatives in parliament by collectively giving meaning to our respective mandates. My role has allowed me to help project that vision, telling the story of a people-centred, reform-driven House.

    Managing the balance between government communication and public accountability has been a learning curve. It requires strategic messaging that communicates legislative achievements, government initiatives, and civic opportunities to the public in a way that inspires trust and encourages engagement. The confidence of the Speaker, the collaboration of colleagues, the support of critical civil society partners, and the responsiveness of the public have made the work both challenging and immensely rewarding. It is a daily exercise in translating policy into accessible dialogue for citizens.

    With the National Assembly recently resuming from the annual recess, what should Nigerians expect in terms of legislative priorities and productivity?

    Nigerians should expect even greater productivity and focus. In the months ahead, we will prioritise constitutional and electoral reforms, as well as legislative efforts to address insecurity and accelerate economic recovery.

    We aim to conclude over 87 constitutional amendment proposals before December, covering key areas such as devolution of powers, judicial reform, policing, and greater inclusion of women and people with disabilities. The ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act will further strengthen transparency, curb electoral violence, and make the process more inclusive and credible.

    On security, we will push reforms that give states more control over community policing under federal oversight. Economic revival remains central.

    Between June 2023 and mid-2025, the 10th House has considered over 2,263 bills, passed 237, and secured 50 presidential assents, making it the most productive House since 1999. Citizens can therefore anticipate a legislative season that is both reform-driven and responsive to national aspirations.

     Looking at Ekiti, how do you assess the political landscape ahead of the 2026 governorship election, especially as Secretary of the Ekiti National Assembly Caucus?

    The 2026 governorship election in Ekiti will be shaped by performance, continuity, and consolidation. Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) represents the evolution of our progressive tradition. He has been part of several administrations since 1999, serving under Otunba Niyi Adebayo from 1999 to 2003, and under Dr. Kayode Fayemi in both his terms from 2010 to 2014 and 2018 to 2022. Today, he leads with humility, competence, and inclusivity.

    Governor Oyebanji has brought competence, character, and compassion into the political space. He has the endorsement of all living former governors, the National Assembly Caucus under the leadership of Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, traditional institutions, and party elders. That reflects inclusive leadership and consensus building.

    It is unprecedented, the degree of consensus among critical Ekiti stakeholders who are solidly behind Governor Oyebanji’s second-term bid. In my opinion, Ekiti people know where we are going, but it remains necessary to fulfil the democratic ritual of politics and elections.

    A section of the party has expressed reservations about the statewide endorsement of the government. How do you view this dissent?

    Differences in perception and ambition are normal in politics. What matters is how they are managed. Governor Oyebanji engages all tendencies, showing empathy and carrying everyone along.

    While a few people may dissent, it does not diminish the broader unity and confidence in his leadership. Ambition should not override collective interest. In Ekiti APC, belief in continuity and stability outweighs temporary disagreements.

    In a healthy democracy, a few dissenting voices are expected. They enrich the conversation and reflect the freedom our party upholds. What truly matters is that the overwhelming majority remain united behind Governor Oyebanji’s vision and the mission of advancing Ekiti’s development. Democracy is about numbers, and in this case, the overwhelming support is undeniable.

     What factors will guarantee a free, fair, and credible primary in Ekiti, and how confident are you in the structures put in place by the APC?

    Three things matter most: transparency, inclusiveness, and adherence to party rules. The process set by our leadership has met these criteria. The National Working Committee, State Executive, ward structures, and Screening Committee are committed to a peaceful, credible, and participatory exercise.

    The APC has also constituted a Reconciliation Committee to address post-primary grievances, showing maturity and readiness for unity. Ekiti people value order and fairness, and the APC has reflected those values. These measures show we are serious about entering the 2026 elections as a united, formidable family.

    Voter registration and engagement often influence turnout. How is Ekiti ensuring there will be no apathy on election day?

    Voter registration and civic engagement are crucial for meaningful participation. The Governor consistently encourages citizens to exercise their franchise and remain actively involved in governance. Collaboration between the state government, INEC, and civil society organisations has expanded registration campaigns, especially among youth and women.

    Voter education drives are deployed through community platforms, traditional institutions, and youth organisations to ensure citizens understand the process and its importance. Ekiti people are politically aware, but logistics and access remain challenges. By decentralising registration points, coordinating outreach, and providing timely information, the state is fostering a culture where apathy is minimised and every eligible voter is empowered to participate fully.

     How united is the party behind Governor Oyebanji, and what gives you confidence about this unity going into the primary?

    The party is overwhelmingly united. Beyond APC members, Governor Oyebanji has earned the respect and trust of stakeholders across Ekiti who are not even partisan. This reflects his consistent role in the state’s trajectory, from serving as Secretary of the Committee that lobbied for the creation of Ekiti State, through successive administrations, to his current leadership.

    He is seen as a bridge-builder and custodian of the progressive heritage. While a few have their ambitions, BAO is the rallying point for unity and good governance.

    In the past, governorship primaries in Ekiti have been rancorous. How can the APC ensure a peaceful and orderly exercise this time?

    History has taught us valuable lessons. The Governor and party leaders understand that disunity is counterproductive. The structures for this primary are deliberate, including inclusive consultations, fair screening, and a reconciliation framework.

    Read Also: ‎Stanley Uzochukwu congratulates Seyi Tinubu on 40th birthday

    Beyond structure, it is about fostering a political culture where fairness, transparency, and accountability are valued over personal ambition. When aspirants see the system as impartial and the process credible, tensions reduce naturally. Combined with strong party discipline, active monitoring, and a reconciliation mechanism, this is likely to be one of the most peaceful primaries in Ekiti’s political history.

    What are your thoughts on the recent disqualification of Engr. Kayode Ojo from the APC governorship primary?

    The party machinery at both state and national levels has ensured that our primaries meet all constitutional provisions and party guidelines, thereby preventing our eventual candidate from facing unnecessary litigations. The process has been thorough, transparent, and clearly communicated, including the reasons for Engr. Kayode Ojo’s disqualification.

    Avenues for redress and reconciliation exist, reflecting our commitment to fairness. On principle, you will never see me insulting Engr. Kayode Ojo or any stakeholder because I believe they also mean well for our state and our people. They do not need to be demonised for their ambitions, even if those ambitions go against the grain of the will of the majority. I maintain civility in my public commentary and relationships across the party and beyond.

    That said, given the structures on the ground and Governor Oyebanji’s overwhelming support, even if he had been cleared to contest, our dear Engr. Ojo would have been decisively defeated. I sincerely wish him well and hope he remains within the party to support Governor Oyebanji’s candidature and eventual success for a second term. I would strongly advise against needless litigations like those pursued during the last electoral cycle.

    As the state prepares for the governorship poll, is the APC concerned about opposition parties like the PDP or ADC, and what will be your strategy to remain competitive?

    The APC in Ekiti is not complacent, and we will not take anything for granted. Our focus is fidelity to the people and staying true to their mandate, especially those of us privileged to hold public office at this time, including the Governor, the Ekiti NASS Caucus, and the leadership and members of the State House of Assembly. Performance, accessibility, and consistent delivery will speak for themselves. When governance aligns with the aspirations of the people, politics becomes secondary, and opposition activities cannot gain traction in our state.

    We are confident that the voice of the people will be heard strongly in support of the second term of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and indeed, also of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Our strategy is rooted in engagement, accountability, and demonstrating that the APC consistently prioritises the people’s welfare, ensuring that our governance remains participatory, responsive, and inclusive.

  • Brandishing BAO’s brand

    Brandishing BAO’s brand

    By Moyo Ekundayo

    “A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.” – Jeff Bezos In organisations, a brand is synonymous with the name, design, symbol, or any other features that distinguish a firm's products or services from those of its competitors and creates a unique identity in the minds of customers. Succinctly and saliently stretching it further, it could be amplified in the company’s logo, mission statement, visual presence, and customer service, with the intent and purpose of creating a value and competitive edge. Frankly speaking, branding is seemingly a matter of the perception etched in the minds of customers.

    In affirming this notion, Walter Landor, renowned brand designer, opined that “products are made in a factory but brands are created in the mind.” This author concurs with this statement in toto!

    In politics and governance, branding could be certainly complex and complicated. In the context and content of leadership praxis, pattern and paradigm, followers view leaders based on their approaches or styles. However, in most cases, followers arrive at a convergence or confluence depending on the lens utilised in viewing leaders. Hence, leaders are classified in leadership research or practice as strategic, servant, transformational, transactional, inclusive, laissez-faire, ethical, exemplary, autocratic, etc.

    BAO’s begining

    “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.” – Henry Ford Reminiscing the epochal event of 16th October 2022, in the land of honour, it will be precisely 3 years that His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) has been in the saddle as the Governor of Ekiti State of Nigeria. This write-up will endeavour to appraise and assess the administration of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, popularly referred to by his teeming admirers and adherents as BAO. Ab initio, BAO at his inauguration, at the historic Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, as the Governor stated inter alia: “My vision is for Ekiti State to be a land of prosperity, opportunity, peace and progress …. For this vision to be actualised we need to focus on a roadmap to get there.” The famous American legendary founder of Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford, has a word for Oyebanji in his avowed trajectory towards the ‘shared prosperity’ mantra of his administration. It is ingrained in the innate mien of Ford

    that “you can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.” In line with this, like the

    English man is wont and wired to state that the proof of the pudding is in the eating.  Has

    BAO’s administration been living up to its billing in this trajectory? How far has he been

    seen or perceived by the teeming Ekitikete as making his word his bond taking cognizance of his social contract with the people at his inauguration to justify the mandate bequeathed to him at the poll of 18th June 2022?

     BAO: being better?

    It is instructive, at this juncture, going on a memory lane to the outset of BAO’s

    administration, specifically, October 2022. Perhaps it is going to be a wake-up call to

    armchair critics of his brand. It is good to be engaged in robust and rugged critique. However, damning denial and denigrating personality and performance of an incumbent Governor is never a good ethical politicking in any clan, community or country. This author with calm reminiscence recollected the state of infrastructure in Ekiti in his publication in the Nation newspaper as a columnist way back on 13th October 2024. He wrote inter alia: “Moreover, prior to the inauguration of Oyebanji as the governor, mostly all arterial link roads entering and exiting Ekiti via Kwara, Kogi, Osun and Ondo were seemingly impassable …” BAO had to shuttle between Abuja and Ado Ekiti engaging NASS members, notably the Senate Leader, Distinguished Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, and relevant heads of federal agencies to come to the rescue of Ekiti. His government was earnest in renovating, repairing and reconstructing many roads as the case may be. Presently, Ado to Ikere is being reconstructed by the Federal Ministry of Works at a steady pace; Ado to Ijan to Ikare is ongoing, albeit, at a slow pace; awarded by the same Federal Ministry of Works. The incumbent Ekiti State Government, as we speak, has awarded road contracts up to N200 billion! There are 7 such roads awaiting commissioning this month of October 2025 to mark the 3rd anniversary of BAO in Ekiti. In essence, the words of Jeff Bezos, the founder and CEO of Amazon, owner of The Washington Post, is being corroborated: “a brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.” Without gainsaying it, Oyebanji is doing well in accomplishing his government’s 6 Strategic Actionable Pillars as enunciated in his inaugural address. These Pillars are: •Youth Development and Job Creation; •Human Capital Development; • Agriculture and Rural Development; •Infrastructure and Industrialisation; •Arts, Culture and Tourism; and • Governance.

    BAO: brand builder

    It is worthy to consider this treatise on brandishing BAO’S brand focusing on the words of Jason Hartman, the founder and CEO of Platinum Properties Investor Network: “your personal brand is a promise to your clients… a promise of quality, consistency, competency, and reliability.” Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) signed a social contract with Ekitikete on the 16th October 2022. It was to deliver on his 6 Strategic Actionable Pillars. How far has he gone in the trajectory? It is instructive before answering this question to ponder on what the key aspects of a brand are, if indeed Oyebanji is crafting or creating one in the Ekiti politically landscape! In all the 177 Wards of Ekiti, synonymous with the MTN brand, “everywhere you go”, the acronym of Oyebanji’s name: BAO is virtually on all lips! Definitively, and in a distinct manner, Governor Oyebanji, in his uncommon mien is rightfully positioned to clinch the 2nd term ticket of the ruling party, the APC. In the light of the aforementioned, can one objectively infer without mincing words, that BAO is building a brand that has a unique value proposition that possesses identity, differentiation, communication, elements, and value creation? The reality on ground in Ekiti will speak for itself in the coming days.

    BAO’S building bonding

    It would be recollected, during the 2025 budget process, that he muted to his esteemed Executive Members (Cabinet) that in the 2026 Budget that his administration having passed the mid-term would be focusing on agribusiness, welfare of the people and completing certain critical and core infrastructure. These are the government’s priorities. BAO set his face in similitude to the biblical flint. The output was that there was massive harvest of farm produce in all nooks and crannies of Ekiti. What is the outcome? It was elating and

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    gratifying to read that Ekiti State has the lowest food price index in all the states in the southwest of Nigeria in the 3rd quarter of 2025. This is the first time in decades. Food prices in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, used to be the highest in the southwest. Arriving here was not a joke! The state helmsman put together a Food Security Committee comprising of members of his cabinet who brainstormed on the way forwarded headed by the indefatigable and innovative Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade. This writer is also a member of the committee. More on this another day for other states to glean and learn from. Moreover, there are 7 road projects completed and awaiting commissioning for this 3rd anniversary. In addition, there are 5 General Hospitals completed with a state-of-the-art equipment in Ifaki, Ilawe, Efon Alaaye, Ayede and Okemesi. The ‘Bring The Youths Back Into Agriculture’ programme is working well in Ekiti contributing greatly to the Youth Development and Job Creation Pillar of the dministration. BAO is not paying lip service to Agribusiness. There are Young Farmers’ dormitories already completed in Ikere, Iyemero and Eporo. These agricultural programmes, including numerous cluster farms, are laudable projects spanning the 3 Senatorial Districts of Ekiti State.

     In summary, Ekiti DASHBOARD is live! This can be accessed via the link:

    www.spms.ek.gov.ng This is first strategic pillar monitoring system in any sub-national in Nigeria. Lagos State Government in partnership with the World Bank sponsored this writer with others in 2014 to the Kerala State of India that has a functioning dashboard depicting all critical projects of that state.

    There was opportunity to replicate it in Lagos.

    It did not happen for one reason or the other. However, this author shared this laudable idea with Governor Oyebanji.

     He gave his nod and today there are up to 722 projects initiated by this administration uploaded with detailed descriptions containing cost, location, pictures, video clips, status, etc.

    There are some completed and others ongoing. Going forward, all government interventions – programmes and projects – will be onboarded with feedback mechanism incorporated in the Ekiti Dashboard for Ekitikete anywhere in the world to access and make feedback. The Dashboard is an initiative of the Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD). It is therefore heartwarming that Ekiti is rated high in transparency among the states in Nigeria and also the safest to live and do business. Indeed, BAO is brandishing his brand worthily walking the talk by doing what he says he will do. The duo of leadership scholars and authors, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, in their legendary treatise, full of research conducted in all continents of the world, pinpointed exemplary leadership on leaders who stand tall with the moniker: “Do What You Say You Will Do (DWYSYWD).” This is the hallmark of exemplary leadership inherent in BAO as he confidently marches forward with great expectation to securing the 2nd term mandate of his party – the All Progressive Congress (APC), in the June 20, 2026, gubernatorial election in Ekiti State. 

    •Dr. Ekundayo, is the Special Adviser/Director General on Transformation and Service Delivery, to the Ekiti State Governor. He writes from Ado Ekiti. jekundayo@ekitistate.gov.ng

  • ‘Qualities expected from next Awujale’

    ‘Qualities expected from next Awujale’

    By Adebisi Mustapha

    With the resolution of the Olori Ebi crisis, which initially reared its head in the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu Ode, the coast appeared cleared for the selection of a worthy candidate to fill the vacant stool of Awujale of Ijebuland.

    The Fusengbuwa Ruling House of Ijebu Ode is the biggest of the four ruling houses in Ijebu ode having produced 25 Awujale in the past, with many junior obas on the stool in many towns outside Ijebu Ode.

    Expectedly, there have been many aspirants  from the different royal families within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House jostling for the stool. Majorly.

    Notable among the royal houses that made up the Fusengbuwa Ruling House are Bubiade, Folagbade, Tuwase, Jadiara, Fusengbuwa. But who does the cap fits.

    One name keep popping up amongst the princes of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and that is that of  Otunba Abiodun Onanuga, He is a personality that has cut a niche for himself in the real estate and construction sector of the country. He is also well endowed and imbued with what it takes to  sit and occupy  the stool of Awujale.  He is humble, has respect for tradition and culture of Ijebuland, breathe Ijebu and  is well loved by the young and old within his family, members of the various traditional institutions in Ijebu Ode among others.

    Royal families background

    The Giwa of Egbe Bobakeye Akile Ijebu is  Ijebu personified and truly a blue blood based on his families pedigree.

    His rich royal background could first be traced to the Fusengbuwa Ruling House  through his late father, Omoba (Alhaji) Ishola Onanuga, a prince of  Jadiara Royal family, through his maternal grandfather, Prince Fetuga and Olisa Olukoga of Ijebu Ode,  his maternal grandmother.

    His mother, late Alhaja Bisola Onanuga was the granddaughter of Omoba Alfa Kadiri of Bubiade Royal House of Ita’jana, Ijebu Ode and Obelu Lukan Royal House of Esure through her grandmother who was the first Iya Suna of Ijebu-Imushin. The late Alhaja Bisola Onanuga was also the granddaughter of Prince Talabi Awoye, son of the 20th Ajalorun of Ijebu Ife of Olufesogbade Ruling House.

    His grandfather was  late Omoba (Alhaji) Mustapha Onanuga a.k.a Captain Alaso Oke , who came from the Anikinaiya Ruling House. The late Captain Alaso Oke, as fondly called,  was the Giwa of the Obafowora Age Grade and one of the signatories to the nomination of the immediate past  Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Dr. Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON in 1959.

    His politics

    A progressive to the core, Otunba Abiodun Onanuga was  active in  politics and contributed to economic development  of Ogun  and Lagos states and at national level. He was a member of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) and served as member of the Transitional Committee of then Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 1999, member Ogun State Transitional Work Group in 2003 and Board member, Gateway Pharmaceutical  between 1999 and 2003. Presently he is a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) on which platform his wife, Yeye Yetunde Onanuga was elected Deputy Governor alongside former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

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    Other appointments

    He was also Board Member of Ijebu Development Board on Poverty Reduction since 2002 to date; member Ijebu Ode  Central Mosque Building technical Committee; Chairman Awujale Palace Extension Building Technical Committee.

    Presently, he is one of the members of the Ijebu State Creation Committee and arrow head of Council of Otunbas who sponsored the construction of an office in Ijebu Ode preparatory for the location of Passport Office  by the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs.

    Traditional titles

    In recognition of his contributions to socio- development of Ijebuland, he was honoured with chieftaincy titles by some Ijebu monarchs.  Aside from being a member of Council of Otunbas, Otunba Abiodun Onanuga was conferred with the title of Otunba Tayese of Esure Ijebu by late Alaiyeluwa, Obelu of Esure Ijebu, Oba (Dr.)  Kamoru Sansi in 1995. Thereafter in recognition of his social contribution to Ijebuland, he was conferred the title of Otunba Anikinaiya, reserved for blue bloods, by the Awujale and Paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Dr, Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, in 2008.

    These titles bestowed on him by these monarchs and his royal pedigree endeared him to other traditional rulers, a relationship he cherished, that made him to be grounded in the rich tradition and culture of Ijebu Ode and Ijebuland,

    Socio cultural activities

    Otunba Abiodun Onanuga is one of the arrowheads for the establishment of a socio-political group named  Ijebu Congress which membership spread across Ijebuland.

    As a stakeholder in the history  and culture of Ijebu Ode, he joined other like minds to push for the establishment of Ijebu National Museum and contributed immensely towards the realization of the project.

    He also initiated a committee of Bobakeye age group which visited the British museum in London in 2024 and which visited British National Archives in London to look for facts to clear and provide answer to certain issues and clear some ambiguities relating to the visit of Queen Elizabeth of England to Ijebu Ode in 1956 and some aspects of Ijebu history. The ‘expedition’ was rewarding as the investigation provided documentary evidence that has enriched the history of Ijebuland during colonial period.

    Bobakeye age grade 1956 to 1958

    As Giwa Bobakeye, he has maintained a healthy cohesion within the ranks of the members such that the membership remained united and not factionised over the last 30 years to date. He is also the Vice Chairman of Regberegbe Council of Ijebu Ode.

    Working life

    Otunba Abiodun Onanuga is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NUGACON, a construction and property development company established in 1982. The company was later incorporated as a limited liability in 1984 and has contributed to socio-economic development of Lagos and Ogun States in particular.

    Education

    For his primary education, Otunba Abiodun Onanuga attended Emmanuel Anglican Primary School, Italupe between 1963 and 1969 and the prestigious Ijebu Ode Grammar School between 1970 and 1974 where he won the award for  the Best Student in Technical Drawing.  He attended Federal School of Science , Victoria Island, Lagos for his’ A’ Levels  between 1974 and 1975 and Yaba College of Technology in 1976 and graduated in June, 1981 with flying colours.

    After serving his one year National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) at the National Housing Authority between 1981 and 1982, he wrote and passed the Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB) examinations and qualified as a Chartered Builder (MNIOB) and was later admitted into the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) in 1992.

    He was enrolled into the College of Fellows by the Nigerian Institute of Building (FNIOB) in 2005. Earlier in 2004, he was recognized professionally for attaining Excellence by the Nigerian Institute of Building(NIOB).

    He is a Member of Nigerian Institute of Management; Member Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI);  Member Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Member Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Industry, United Kingdom amongst others.

    • Mustapha, wrote from Ijebu-Ode

  • Mbah’s defection will reposition Enugu for economic transformation – APC

    Mbah’s defection will reposition Enugu for economic transformation – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the defection of Enugu Governor Peter Mbah to the ruling party will reposition the state as a strategic partner and beneficiary of the massive economic transformation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. 

    The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary,  Felix Morka, welcomed the Governor, other elected and appointive officers, leaders, and stakeholders to APC. 

    Morka wrote: “We congratulate Governor Mbah for his courageous decision to join Nigeria’s preeminent and progressive Party. 

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    “We are confident that this deft political move will consolidate and accelerate development and good governance in Enugu state.  It will bolster Governor Mbah’s leadership and impressive record of achievement for which he has been recognized with several local and international awards, including the 2025 Presidential GovTech Awards for innovation and technology-driven public service delivery.

    “The Governor’s decision to join the APC and align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a smart repositioning of Enugu state as a strategic partner, participant and beneficiary of the massive economic transformation currently underway in our nation, and will inure to the good and prosperity of the people of the state, and the entire South-Eastern Nigeria.”

    Tbe party assured the Governor and teeming new members of its fullest support, accommodation, and seamless integration into the APC family.