The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Why we are selling subsidised Sallah rams, by Lagos council boss

    Why we are selling subsidised Sallah rams, by Lagos council boss

    Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Hon Rasaq Olusola Ajala, has explained that his Council decided to sell Rams to Muslims at subsidised rate to meet their religious obligations as part of his administration’s initiatives to ensure that the people feel the positive impact of democracy.

    The LCDA chair made this submission during the 8th edition of subsidised sale of Sallah Rams, which was held yesterday at the Council’s Secretariat, Town Planning Way, Ilupeju, Lagos.

    The programme, which started eight years ago, held early morning yesterday with a huge crowd of the LCDA residents, intent on buying Rams for the eid el kabir celebration, in attendance.

    In this year’s edition, over 1000 healthy Rams are up for sale at a subsidised rate of N75,000 each for Rams that could ordinarily sell for as high as N200,000.00 and above in the open market.

    According the LCDA Chair: ” This subsidised Rams sale is about meeting the needs of our Muslim brothers and sisters in accordance with the dictates of the Holy Quran, just as we sell chickens at subsidised rates during Christmas to our Christian brothers and sisters. Democracy is about people and their welfare, and this is what this scheme is all about”

    To benefit from this scheme, the Chairman explained, “you do not need to be connected to anyone in the Council. The only requirements are your voter’s card, which is to identify you as a voter in the local council development area and your radio and television licence, to show that you are a patriotic citizen of the Council.”

    The subsidised Rams sale event, according to participants, demonstrates vividly the organisational acumen of the Council under the leadership of Mr Rasaq Ajala.

    Although a mammoth crowd had converged on the Council premises as early as 6am, the sale was so orderly that the possibility of stampede or any untoward occurrence was almost nil. 

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    The buyers formed a long queue by the entrance to the gate and they ushered into the premises, in groups between 15 and 20, to a tent where their means of identification, voters’ card,  is screened. Upon satisfactory screening, the buyer is given a number, and he then joins  another queue from where he is  ushered into another tent where payment is made. The receipt has the card number earlier given at the screening tent. It is this screening card number and the receipt he presents at the Ram Collection Point.

    Tajudeen Ajagbe,  a resident of Ilupeju and one of the buyers who arrived early enough to be among the second set of those who were ushered into the Council, described the arrangement as “seamless and commendable.”

    “Hon Ajala, our able and capable Chairman has demonstrated superb leadership abilities. What you are witnessing now is a testimony to those leadership qualities. This delightful and commendable subsidised Sallah Rams sale, which started eight years ago, is a reflection of the Chair’s leadership style and his undying love for the downtrodden. He has etched his name on the right side of history, and posterity will remember him for his people-friendly programmes, one of which is what you are witnessing now.”

  • Olubadan confers chieftaincy titles on Abidikugu, wife

    Olubadan confers chieftaincy titles on Abidikugu, wife

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakukehin has conferred ‘Agba Akin Bobajiro’ and ‘Yeye Agba Akin Bobajiro’ chieftaincy titles on a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DAKA Foundation, Dr. Kazeem Abidikugu and wife, Chief Mrs. Victoria Abidikugu.

    Speaking after the conferement, Abidikugu thanked Olubadan and the Olubadan-in-council for counting him and wife worthy of the titles.

    He demanded constitutional roles for traditional rulers across the nation.

    He urged the National Assembly and Federal Government to give constitutional roles to traditional rulers to reduce insecurity to the barest minimal, saying traditional rulers are more closer to the people.

    He stated that security is the backbone of any society, which is tied to its social, political, economic and cultural growth.

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    Abidikugu, a UK based Psychiatric Consultant, said there is the need for the government to involve traditional rulers in governance particularly on the security issue because they are closer to the people.

    He called for constitutional amendment by the National Assembly to accommodate such roles for traditional rulers in governance, adding that security is germane to the peaceful coexistence of any community and national development.

    Agba-Akin Bobajiro said the government should make traditional rulers more responsible constitutionally to their domain, in order to reduce social vices to the barest minimal.

    According to him: “Traditional rulers are closer to the people than even local government chairmen. It is very hard to see anyone who will not recognise their monarch but they may not even know their local government chairman.

    “Therefore, for democracy to thrive, there is the need for the involvement of traditional rulers in governance constitutionally particularly in the area of security”.

  • Alaafin’s stool transcends Oyo – Olugbon

    Alaafin’s stool transcends Oyo – Olugbon

    …reiterates support for Makinde’s administration

    The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has affirmed that the Alaafin of Oyo’s stool holds significance beyond Oyo State, describing it as the foremost and most powerful traditional seat in all of Yorubaland.

    Oba Alao made this known while speaking with reporters shortly after receiving the newly enthroned Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and his wife, Ayaba Abiwumi, during a royal visit to the Olugbon’s palace.

    The visit marked the Alaafin’s first official visit to any traditional ruler since his ascension as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

    Reiterating his support for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Oba Alao expressed confidence in the governor’s ability to revitalise the Council of Obas and Chiefs, thereby strengthening traditional institutions across the state.

    Commenting on the recent debate over the supremacy of the Alaafin’s stool, the Olugbon highlighted the deep-rooted historical ties between his throne and that of the Alaafin, spanning several centuries.

    He expressed gratitude to Oba Owoade for choosing the Palace of Orile-Igbon as his first stop, describing the gesture as a testament to the cordial relationship between their thrones and a positive signal for greater unity among Yoruba monarchs.

    Obs Alao said, “Well, the implication is that I’m highly elated and very thankful to God and with utmost gratitude also to the Alaafin stool for him to deem it fit, this is his first visit since inception to any palace. And choosing to come to the Olugbon Palace to visit me, honestly, I would not take it for granted. I do appreciate his visit.

    “And also, the implication is we have had this bond, this relationship, for about six, seven hundred years, way back when Oyo-Ile was established. And also, we are both direct descendants of Oodua, Olugbon, Aresa, and Onikoyi. And, you know, we’ve had an alliance for a way back.

    “And our relationship still exists. So this bond is very mutual and is stronger. So, on that premise, that’s why he’s here also. And I appreciate him, and I thank God for this wonderful visit.

    Harping on the importance of upholding the correct version of history in the ongoing debate on leadership of the Council of Obas and Chiefs in the state, the monarch said, despite the dynamism of history, certain facts must not be twisted.

    “History is sacrosanct. Tradition is sacrosanct. Culture is sacrosanct. There is no way, whichever way you want to paint it, even though the world is dynamic today, the world is not static.

    “But at the same time, our history remains an indelible part of our lives. And very, very sacrosanct. I’ve told many people in many forums that Alaafin of Oyo is a stool that goes beyond Oyo State. And it cuts across Yoruba land. It is a stool that is so revered. And for us, even in Oyo State, it’s the number one, most powerful stool, which we all recognise.

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    “And the state government knows. You will recollect, when the governor was addressing the newly Alaafin during his coronation, he said so. He said, Alaafin’s stool, he will do his best to make sure that the long history and culture which Alaafin wielded will remain sacrosanct and he will always protect it.

    “And he said also, I quote him, he said that the stool goes beyond Oyo State and it cuts across Yoruba land and the whole of Nigeria. So Alaafin stool is not a stool anybody would take for granted.

    “The history is there from the way before the Oyo Empire, it had been in existence. And it is a stool that we all cherish, we all embrace, and we all love. And that’s why you see us, we are always around him to protect the stool.

    At the convocation of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, the monarch expressed optimism that the Makinde-led government is doing its best to put the right things in place so that the Council can have a good sail.

    “Well, the government is working on it. I vehemently believe in Governor Seyi Makinde’s government. He’s my boss, he’s my friend, and we’ve even discussed this issue.

    “And he meant well. All he wants is he wants the stool, the Council of Obas, to start working again. It has been dormant in the last many years. So, he meant well. So, you know, in the process of you putting things together, there will be some hiccups. And those hiccups, we’ve discussed it, and we’re working on it.

    “I’m behind the government. I’m in support of whatever they are doing. And at the end of the day, we’ll get things done well, and it will come well. And I believe, before the end of Makinde’s administration, the Council of Obas will start sitting, and everybody will be happy. We all will live, we coexist peacefully, as traditional rulers”, he added.

    Earlier in his remarks during the short visit, the Alaafin, who was accompanied by other traditional rulers, said he was paying the visit to the Olugbon and other traditional rulers in the zone for their support and solidarity before, during and after his installation as the Alaafin.

  • Oyo lawmaker flags off ‘Light up constituency project’

    Oyo lawmaker flags off ‘Light up constituency project’

    The lawmaker representing Oluyole constituency in the Oyo Assembly, Hon. Waheed Akintayo, otherwise known as ‘Ilumoka Presenter’ has flagged off “Light Up Constituency Project” while meeting with residents of over thirteen communities in his constituency.

    The lawmaker, at the meeting in Olunde community primary school, Ibadan, handed over 10 solar powered street lights to the communities under the first phase of the project.

    Akintayo reeled out few out of many of his achievements which include facilitation of jobs for constituents, facilitation of health centre at Onila through CSDA, and provision of free transportation for school pupils.

    Others include the ongoing construction of a Police station at Muslim, projected to be commissioned before the end of this administration and raising of different motions of public concern on the floor of the house.

    Akintayo said “It is always good to engage with our people which I have been doing in my constituency. Oluyole state constituency is big, we have 10 wards under this constituency, so we move around as possible as we can. So, I decided to flag off my light up project from Olunde general in ward 7, which comprises of 13 big communities.

    “It is a known fact that there are differences in the constitutional roles of the executive and legislature, a lawmaker and a local government chairman. My responsibility is to make laws while executive is to executive projects, but I will always go extra miles to do what will make life meaningful for my people and facilitate initiatives that will bring dividend of democracy to my constituency.

    “I’ll install the solar powered street lights for them, anywhere they agreed to put them, hopefully some will be erected at the Olunde community primary school and some at the main market for proper illumination and security. I urge them to maintain and make judicious use of them.

    “Like they all know, I am a lawmaker that is accessible and my door is always opened for my people. Many of them reach out to me always and I promise to continue to engage with my constituents.”

    The broadcaster-turned- lawmaker who praised Governor Seyi Makinde for support and contributions to the socio-economic and security development of the state, also pledged to provide some security gadget for members of the vigilante group operating around the communities.

    President, Olunde General, Mogaji Salaudeen Kamaldeen said that leadership was never an easy task particularly at a time when everyone has to adjust to the economic reality in the country.

    He commended Akintayo for the visit and thanked him for the gesture.

    Also speaking, a community leader and chairman, Community Development Council in Oluyole local government, Chief Raimi Gbolagade hailed Akintayo for his numerous initiatives and programmes that are bringing developments to Oluyole constituency.

  • New City: Edo begins profiling of property owners

    New City: Edo begins profiling of property owners

    The Edo State Government has begun profiling property owners in the New City Development Area, formerly known as Coral City.

    Former Governor Godwin Obaseki had demolished several houses in his bid to develop the ‘Coral City’.

    But Governor Monday Okpebholo has resolved to tackle the lingering community land dispute by identifying actual owners of property in the area.

    A statement by the Secretary to the Edo State Committee on Land Dispute Resolution, Dr  Abdulwasiu Oyakhire,  called on all property owners in Lot-A and Lot-B of the project area to come forward with their ownership documents for verification.

    The statement said the exercise would   begin on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, and end on June 13, 2025.

    It said the profiling would be conducted simultaneously on-site by relevant state in both Lot-A and Lot-B.

    It said affected property owners were expected to present their survey plans or accurate property coordinates.

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    The statement read:  “This initiative follows a recent peace-building meeting convened by Governor Okpebholo with leaders from the Oke-Oroma, Obagie, and Amagba communities at the Government House in Benin City.

    “During the meeting, the governor emphasized the need for all stakeholders to submit their documents to the verification committee for profiling, authentication, and eventual regularization for the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O).

    “Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace in the area, stressing that harmonious coexistence among residents is vital for the development of the New City.”

  • Artist to unveil sculpture at Ojude Oba

    Artist to unveil sculpture at Ojude Oba

    Multidisciplinary artist, Yusuf Dongo is set to unveil the largest upcycled metal sculpture in Ogun State at this year’s Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode.

    The artist, who hails from Ijebu-Ode, said the large-scale installation pays homage to the cultural legacy and historical figures of Ijebuland. The sculpture, completed over a span of three years, features intricate relief portraits and busts of both past and present Baloguns, as well as a bust of the Awujale, Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarch.

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    He  said the new sculpture explores themes of identity, memory, and value through upcycling, while maintaining deep roots in Yoruba cultural traditions. Many of his works, he noted, are titled in Yoruba to preserve cultural resonance.

    In a statement, Dongo described the work as a cultural monument, designed to foster dialogue and promote creative engagement.

  • Kwara lawmaker seeks action against bandits, kidnappers

    Kwara lawmaker seeks action against bandits, kidnappers

    House of Representatives member for Edu//Moro/Patigi Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Ahmed Adamu Saba has urged President Bola Tinubu, Kwara State Governor Abdul Rahman AbdulRazaq to save his constituents from bandits and kidnappers.

    Saba, who also sought the intervention of security agencies, expressed sadness on the abduction of a businessman and his manager in one.of the communities.

    The lawmaker in a statement by his Special Assistant on Digital Media Bello Hamidu, said the development had caused serious safety concerns in the affected communities and also thrown the residents into mourning.

    “Infact, as we speak, they’re asking for more ransom and threatening to harm the victims.

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    “My people can no longer sleep with their two eyes closed, so to go to farm for their means of livelihood is now difficult for the fear of being attacked.

    “My people can no longer freely go to do their legitimate businesses, it’s that bad.

    “This is not acceptable, and this kind of inhuman and criminal activities can no longer be accepted. Something needs to be done urgently to return the situation to normal in my constituency.

    “This development is unacceptable in any community and surely cannot continue to happen.”

    He called for calm, assuring that peace would soon return to the affected communities.

  • Sanwo-Olu launches €410m Omi Eko water transport project to ease Lagos gridlock

    Sanwo-Olu launches €410m Omi Eko water transport project to ease Lagos gridlock

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has launched the €410 million Omi Eko Water Transport Project, a major initiative aimed at decongesting Lagos roads by unlocking the state’s underutilised waterways. The project, backed by the European Union and private sector partners, is set to commence in June.

    Omi Eko, meaning “Lagos Waters,” will establish over 15 ferry routes, deliver 25 high-capacity ferries, upgrade existing jetties, and introduce a central control and command centre to enhance safety and coordination on the inland waterways.

    Speaking at the project signing ceremony in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said: “This is more than a transport solution, it is a transformational project. For decades, our roads have carried more than they were designed for, and the consequences are clear: gridlock, lost productivity, and environmental pollution. With Omi Eko, we are opening up the blue corridors of Lagos and bringing relief to our people.”

    Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering the project on schedule and ensuring value for money. “We are not here to talk. We are here to deliver. Our people deserve better, and with Omi Eko, we are giving them better,” he said.

    The governor emphasised the strategic role of waterways in the state’s long-term mobility plan. “Lagos has over 22 percent of its landmass covered by water. It is only sensible to fully exploit this God-given asset to connect communities, boost commerce, and reduce dependence on road transport,” he said.

    The financing model is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), combining €190 million in private investment with €220 million in grants and concessional loans from the European Union and affiliated development institutions.

    Samuela Isopi, EU Ambassador to Nigeria, described the project as “a milestone in the EU’s commitment to sustainable development and urban resilience in Africa.”

    “Omi Eko represents what partnership should be—ambitious, inclusive, and climate-conscious. The EU is proud to support this landmark investment, which aligns with our Global Gateway strategy and reflects our long-term commitment to Nigeria’s development,” Isopi said.

    Phase one of the project will focus on priority corridors, including Ikorodu-Marina, Badore-Falomo, Ijegun-Ebute Ero, and Ipakodo-CMS. According to state officials, the system is projected to serve over 1.5 million commuters monthly and reduce road congestion significantly.

    Damilola Emmanuel, Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), noted that the project was designed with safety, efficiency, and sustainability in mind.

    “We are not just building a transport system—we are building trust in the waterways. With modern ferries, better terminals, digital ticketing, and coordinated control systems, Lagosians can expect a world-class experience,” Emmanuel said.

    The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), co-supervising the rollout, confirmed that construction will begin in June and span multiple phases.

    Urban mobility experts have also welcomed the development. Dr. Bunmi Ajayi, a former World Bank consultant on transport, remarked, “This is the kind of intervention Lagos has needed for years. Water transport is cheaper, faster, and more environmentally friendly. If properly executed, Omi Eko could shift thousands of cars off our roads daily.”

  • Sanwo-Olu lauds Tinubu’s bold reforms, says positive indicators emerge two years on

    Sanwo-Olu lauds Tinubu’s bold reforms, says positive indicators emerge two years on

    Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has hailed the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the first two years of his presidency as a period marked by bold reforms, transformative policies, and “positive indicators” pointing toward economic and national revival.

    In an opinion piece on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu offered a comprehensive review of Tinubu’s tenure so far, asserting that while challenges remain, the trajectory of governance under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government is decisively upward.

    Recounting Tinubu’s now-famous inaugural declaration – *“Subsidy is gone and gone for good”* – Sanwo-Olu noted that the President’s stance on removing fuel subsidies marked a turning point in Nigeria’s economic direction. According to him, this decision, though initially painful for many Nigerians, has since ushered in a wave of strategic reforms aimed at long-term national benefit.

    “The removal of subsidy, though sudden and jarring, was necessary,” Sanwo-Olu wrote. “President Tinubu followed it up with palliatives and initiatives like the deployment of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, saving the country over N1 trillion monthly in importation costs.”

    Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the floating of the naira and the unification of the foreign exchange system as courageous steps aimed at stabilising the economy and eliminating distortions in currency markets.

    “While the naira is not fully stabilised yet, the spiral has been halted and a rebound is anticipated,” he said, referencing improved foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and a growing external reserve.

    The governor pointed to significant infrastructure projects—including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Highway, and ongoing rail and power projects—as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to balanced national development. He noted that such projects had not only defied initial criticism but had become “positive indicators” for potential investors.

    Other key policy moves under Tinubu, as cited by Sanwo-Olu, include the Student Loan Scheme, Consumer Credit Corporation, Digital and Creative Enterprises programme, and extensive support for small and medium-scale businesses. He revealed that over N95.6 billion had been disbursed in student loans and over N570 billion released to states for livelihood support, with nano-businesses also receiving significant backing.

    In terms of fiscal performance, the Lagos State governor said Nigeria’s government revenue had more than doubled in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, citing a N9.1 trillion increase. He further praised the recent signing of a new National Minimum Wage of N70,000 and the provision of N1 billion grants to large-scale manufacturers as major milestones.

    Sanwo-Olu also lauded Tinubu’s push for financial autonomy for local governments, stating it was necessary to ensure development reaches the grassroots. Citing Lagos’ own successful model, he said true autonomy at the local level was key to unlocking national progress.

    While acknowledging lingering security concerns, Sanwo-Olu said the administration’s efforts had significantly weakened “anti-social elements,” with the security apparatus steadily regaining control. He expressed optimism that peace and order would soon be fully restored across troubled regions.

    Reflecting on the nation’s democratic health, he observed a surge in political defections into the APC as an endorsement of Tinubu’s leadership, noting that such moves were not coerced but driven by shared vision and conviction.

    Sanwo-Olu concluded by urging Nigerians to remain patient and support the administration’s policies, insisting that “the train has since May 29, 2023, left the station and is moving at a reasonable and promising pace to a better destination.”

    “Though it is not yet uhuru,” he said, “the indicators are positive, and President Tinubu deserves credit for steering the nation through turbulent waters with courage, clarity, and commitment.”

    The article comes as the Tinubu administration marks its second anniversary amid mixed public reviews, with supporters touting ongoing reforms and critics pointing to persistent economic hardship.

  • Kunle Adegoke’s declaration raises stakes in Osun gubernatorial election

    Kunle Adegoke’s declaration raises stakes in Osun gubernatorial election

    Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and astute political activist, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2026 Osun State gubernatorial election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Adegoke’s declaration comes amidst a flurry of political activities as the Independent National  Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, civil societies and other stakeholders prepare for the August 2026 Osun State gubernatorial election.

    The Osun State election is seen by observers as a litmus test for the Nigerian political system, coming a year ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Popularly known as K-RAD, Adegoke is making a second bid for the APC’s ticket, following his participation in the 2018 APC primaries.

    A native of Osogbo, Adegoke is well respected for his legal expertise and political and human rights activism within and outside the state.

    Adegoke’s socio-political platform, “Tiwa N Tiwa L’Osun” emphasises economic revitalisation and socio-political development.

    He has articulated a comprehensive blueprint (Assured Future) aimed at transforming Osun State’s critical sectors including economy, focusing on job creation, infrastructure development, and improved public services.

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    He also underscored the importance of pragmatic solutions to the state’s challenges, moving beyond ethnic, bloc or regional considerations

    Political observers said Adegoke stands shoulder high in the contest for the APC ticket citing his expertise, experience and activities within the APC, Osun State and the nation in general.

    He is widely respected as a bridge-builder and had been lauded for his efforts to unify the APC in Osun State. During the 2018 primaries, his candidacy was seen as a bridge between the party’s factions, earning him the moniker “saviour” in certain circles.

    His legal background and commitment to party ideals have positioned him as a respected figure capable of fostering cohesion within the APC.

    As the 2026 election approaches, the APC’s ability to navigate internal dynamics and present a cohesive strategy will be crucial. Adegoke’s emphasis on competence and policy-driven leadership positions him as a candidate focused on substantive governance issues, potentially appealing to a broad electorate seeking effective solutions to the state’s challenges.

    Observers said the coming months would be pivotal for the APC as it selects its gubernatorial candidate.

    They argued that the party’s decision-making process would need to balance considerations of regional representation, candidate competence, and electoral viability to maximize its chances of success in the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

    In the 2018 primaries, Adegoke, while raising concerns about certain anomalies, had chosen to remain faithful to the party’s decision, emphasizing his commitment to democratic principles and party loyalty and unity.

    While K-RAD personally has been a consistent advocate of meritocracy, holding that leadership should be determined by competence and the ability to deliver good governance, rather than regional affiliations, his declaration has also deepened ongoing debate about APC’s zoning arrangements for the upcoming election.

    Some party members have advocated for zoning the governorship ticket to Osun West to promote fairness and inclusivity.

    Despite his stance against zoning, Adegoke’s Osogbo origin has sparked discussions about regional representation in Osun’s political landscape.

    Some stakeholders argued that Osogbo, having not produced a governor since the state’s creation, deserves the opportunity.

    However, others caution against concentrating power in one senatorial zone, suggesting that such a move could alienate other regions and impact the party’s electoral prospects.

    Adegoke’s candidacy added to a growing list of APC aspirants vying for the governorship ticket. These included the party’s National Secretary, Dr. Ajibola Basiru (SRJ), Asiwaju Muniru Bola Oyebamiji  (AMBO); Senator Hassan Hussein; Iyiola Omisore; Dotun Babayemi and Senator Babajide Omoworare.

    Political analysts said the growing list of eminent personalities contesting for the APC ticket presents a major challenge of managing these ambitions to prevent internal discord and ensure a united front in the August 16 2026 gubernatorial election.