A growing internal dispute within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has brought the Ibadan Northeast/Southeast Federal Constituency into focus, as stakeholders from Ibadan Northeast Local Government have raised concerns over what they describe as a long-standing pattern of marginalisation in the party’s candidate selection process.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, the concerned stakeholders warned that any move to field another candidate from Ibadan Southeast in the 2027 general elections could deepen internal divisions and weaken the party’s electoral prospects in the constituency.

The group argued that historical patterns since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 reveal a disproportionate dominance by Ibadan Southeast in producing representatives for the federal constituency.

According to the statement, out of seven electoral cycles, Ibadan Southeast has produced five representatives, while Ibadan Northeast has produced only two.
Providing a breakdown, the stakeholders noted that Kazeem Adeshile (1999–2003) and Taofeek Arapaja (2003–2007) both hailed from Ibadan Southeast. Representation later shifted to Ibadan Northeast with Olusefun Akinloye (2007–2011) and Bukola Ajaja (2011–2015). However, since 2015, the seat has reverted to Ibadan Southeast, with Dapo Lam Adesina serving between 2015 and 2019, followed by the incumbent, Abass Agboworin, who has held the position since 2019.

Describing the trend as a “pattern of exclusion,” the stakeholders maintained that the principles of fairness, equity, and inclusiveness must guide the APC’s decision-making process ahead of the 2027 elections.
While acknowledging that competence, loyalty, and political experience remain critical considerations in candidate selection, the group stressed that such qualities are not exclusive to any one local government.

They argued that Ibadan Northeast possesses a pool of qualified aspirants capable of representing the constituency effectively at the federal level.

The stakeholders further strengthened their case by pointing to the demographic advantage of Ibadan Northeast, noting its larger population and landmass compared to Ibadan Southeast. They argued that this demographic reality should translate into equitable political representation within the party.

The statement also linked what it described as the APC’s fluctuating electoral performance in the constituency to an “unjust and rigid” candidate selection process. According to the group, continued exclusion of Ibadan Northeast risks alienating a significant voting bloc, thereby creating opportunities for opposition parties to gain ground.

“The people of Ibadan Northeast are not asking for charity but their rightful turn,” the statement read, urging the leadership of the APC at both state and national levels to ensure that the party’s candidate for the 2027 election emerges from Ibadan Northeast Local Government.

Tension is mounting across Oyo Federal Constituency following the circulation of a controversial list allegedly endorsed by certain interest groups, a development that has sparked protests and heightened political anxiety in several communities.

At the centre of the agitation is the reported fourth-term aspiration of Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, popularly known as Skimeh, who has represented the constituency in the House of Representatives for three consecutive terms.

Under the aegis of Oyo Vanguard for Good Governance, protesters have adopted the slogan “O TO GE” (enough is enough), insisting that the constituency deserves fresh representation and broader political inclusion.

In a series of coordinated visits, members of the group moved from one traditional palace to another to register their grievances. Among the monarchs visited were the Alaafin of Oyo; Oba Stephen Oparinde, the Akibio of Ilora; Oba Cornelius Abiola, the Alawe of Awe; the Amoorin of Akinmoorin; and the Onifiditi of Fiditi.

At each palace, the message remained consistent: a call for fairness, equity, and a break from what they described as prolonged dominance of the federal seat by one political bloc.

One of the spokespersons for the protesters argued that Atiba Local Government, particularly under Adeyemi’s tenure, has held the House of Representatives position for an extended period without commensurate visible development. He maintained that Oyo Federal Constituency is home to thousands of capable, educated, and energetic youths who should be given the opportunity to serve.

“We are saying enough is enough. Leadership should not be monopolized. Oyo deserves inclusive representation and measurable results,” he stated.

Responding to the protesters, Oba Stephen Oparinde, the Akibio of Ilora, commended the group for conducting themselves peacefully and for expressing concern about the future of the constituency.

“What you are doing is important and long overdue,” the monarch said. “It is not wrong to demand fairness, balance, and proper representation. Leadership should not remain with one person or one place alone. Continue to let your voices be heard clearly and consistently.”

Similarly, Oba Cornelius Abiola, the Alawe of Awe, acknowledged the seriousness of the movement while urging restraint and unity.

“As traditional rulers, we are not politicians, but we are aware of what is happening among our people,” he said. “Your call for fairness and change is understandable. Remain peaceful and focused. Change may take time, but with persistence, it will come.”

Across the constituency, the chant “O TO GE” is gaining momentum, symbolizing what the group describes as a collective rejection of continued dominance by a single individual.

The Oyo Vanguard for Good Governance maintained that their position is clear and unequivocal: Hon. Akeem Adeyemi should not represent Oyo Federal Constituency again, insisting that the seat must no longer remain in the hands of the same person after three consecutive terms.

The Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa, has conferred a special honorary award on Honourable Kamorudeen Olawale Yusuf, Personal Assistant on Special Duties to the President, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education and community development in Nigeria.

The award was presented during OGITECH’s 1st Annual Registry Workshop, held recently at the institution’s Igbesa campus. The event, themed “Contemporary Higher Education Registry: The Imperatives of Reskilling and Upskilling,” brought together stakeholders from across the higher education sector to explore ways to modernize administrative practices and strengthen institutional registry systems.

In a statement, the management of OGITECH described Yusuf as a “son of the soil” whose rise to a key position in the Presidency serves as an inspiration to students and staff alike. It noted that his dedication to public service, community development, and the advancement of education aligns with the values the institution seeks to promote through its administrative and capacity-building initiatives.

The Rector of OGITECH said the award was a revelation to Yusuf’s exemplary service and his role in fostering educational growth, adding that his achievements reflect the ideals of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning.

Receiving the award, Yusuf expressed gratitude to OGITECH, noting that the recognition would further motivate him to contribute to educational development and community empowerment.

The registry workshop also featured presentations on digital transformation in higher education, capacity building for administrative staff, and strategies for enhancing efficiency and accountability within institutional registries.

The institution said the event marked the beginning of an annual platform aimed at improving administrative practices and equipping personnel with the skills required to meet the demands of modern education.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has come under scrutiny following his failure to resign from office ahead of the reported deadline to contest the Oyo State governorship election.

Adelabu was expected to step down from his ministerial position on or before March 31, in line with an alleged directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requiring political appointees seeking elective positions to vacate their offices within a stipulated timeframe.

However, as of the time of filing this report, the minister has neither resigned nor issued any official statement regarding his political intentions, raising questions about the status of his governorship ambition.

The development has triggered mixed reactions among party members, stakeholders, and residents of Oyo State. While some argue that his failure to comply with the directive may have automatically disqualified him from the race, others believe the situation remains unclear pending an official position from the presidency or the minister himself.

Political observers note that the absence of communication from Adelabu or his aides has further fueled speculation, leaving party loyalists and the public uncertain about his next move.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the minister and the presidency for clarity on whether the missed deadline will impact his eligibility to contest the Oyo governorship election.

As Nigeria gradually marches toward the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere is already thick with permutations, alliances, and calculated rhetoric. Yet, beneath the noise of emerging coalitions and hurried political realignments lies a fundamental truth: no amount of orchestrated gang-up by opposition figures can easily derail the growing momentum of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Since assuming office, President Tinubu has demonstrated a rare blend of courage and pragmatism in confronting some of Nigeria’s most deeply rooted structural challenges. His administration has not taken the easy road. Instead, it has embraced bold reforms decisions many before him avoided due to their political sensitivity. From the removal of fuel subsidy to the unification of the foreign exchange system, these policies, though initially painful, are laying the foundation for long-term economic stability and national renewal.

Understandably, critics particularly those now rallying under the banner of a so-called “coalition” have been quick to amplify the temporary hardships that often accompany reform. However, history shows that meaningful progress is rarely achieved without short-term sacrifice. Notably, many of the voices driving this coalition today were either complicit in or beneficiaries of the very systemic inefficiencies Nigeria is now striving to correct.

This raises a critical question: can a coalition built on convenience and mutual ambition, rather than shared vision and ideological clarity, truly offer a credible alternative to Nigerians?

What is being presented as unity is, in reality, a fragile convergence of political interests a coalition of ambition rather than purpose. Such alliances, lacking coherence, are often burdened by internal contradictions. They struggle not only to articulate a unified policy direction but also to inspire public trust.

In contrast, President Tinubu’s leadership reflects depth, experience, and strategic foresight. From his transformative tenure in Lagos State to his influential role in shaping national political alignments, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to think long-term and act decisively. Today, early signs of economic recalibration are emerging: improved revenue generation, renewed investor interest, and a more structured fiscal framework.

Equally important is the strength of the political machinery supporting his administration. Unlike the opposition’s tentative alliance, the ruling platform remains cohesive, deeply rooted, and electorally experienced. This structural advantage is significant in a political environment where organization and grassroots connection often determine outcomes.

Nigerians are also discerning observers of governance. While the pains of reform are undeniable, there is a growing recognition that the current administration is attempting a systemic reset rather than superficial adjustments. This distinction may prove decisive as the 2027 elections approach.

The belief that any coalition, regardless of its internal inconsistencies, can unseat an incumbent government oversimplifies Nigeria’s political dynamics. Electoral success demands more than alliances it requires credibility, consistency, and a proven record of leadership.

As the nation looks ahead, the choice will become clearer: continuity anchored on reform and experience, or uncertainty driven by a coalition still defining its identity.

If current reforms continue to gain traction and translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians, the electorate may well choose stability and progress over political experimentation. In that context, no amount of coordinated opposition will be sufficient to halt President Tinubu’s path toward a renewed mandate in 2027.

Dr. Olusola John Ojo, PhD, is a public administrator and policy analyst.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State, Waslat Adegoke, has come under criticism following the last-minute cancellation of the state’s participation in the ongoing National Para Sports Festival in Abuja.

Affected athletes accused the commissioner of failing to complete the administrative process required for the release of funds, alleging that the necessary documents were not presented for approval despite official notification for the competition being received months earlier.

The para-athletes said the development left many of them stranded after travelling from different parts of the state to Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, where they had assembled ahead of departure for Abuja.

Some members of the contingent were also said to have arrived in Abuja before they were informed that Oyo State would no longer participate in the competition.

The 3rd edition of the festival, which began on Sunday, has drawn athletes with disabilities from across the country to compete in athletics, wheelchair basketball, para powerlifting and amputee football, while defending champions Bayelsa State are seeking a third straight title.

One of the affected athletes, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the cancellation had caused financial and emotional hardship, particularly for athletes who funded their transportation personally.

“We prepared seriously for this competition and spent our own money coming from different locations. Some of us even reached Abuja before hearing that Oyo State would not participate again. It is painful because this competition matters to our careers,” the athlete said.

The athletes described the incident as another sign of what they called repeated neglect of para-athletes in the state, noting that the cancellation had denied them the opportunity to compete for medals, improve rankings and secure national recognition.

They also called on Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene and ensure payment of outstanding bonuses and award compensation owed to medal winners from previous national competitions.

According to them, several states have already paid their athletes, while Oyo athletes are still awaiting settlement of entitlements.

“This award compensation is what we usually depend on to improve our lives. The governor promised to host us after our last protest, but the commissioner who is expected to push our files for implementation has continued to fail in her responsibilities,” another athlete said.

The athletes also raised concerns over delayed confirmation of appointments and promotion of para-athletes employed under the Oyo State Sports Council.

They warned that poor welfare, lack of job security and delayed incentives were pushing talented athletes to leave Oyo State for other states offering better opportunities.

The athletes appealed for an urgent investigation into the circumstances that led to the cancellation and demanded compensation for losses incurred while preparing for the event.

The festival will run until April 3.

The Liberation Youth Movement has strongly kicked against what it described as a desperate attempt to foist a fourth-term agenda on the people of Oyo Federal Constituency, insisting that the era of political recycling must come to an end.

In a statement issued on behalf of concerned youths and stakeholders within the constituency, the group declared that leadership is neither a personal inheritance nor the exclusive preserve of any local government.

“While we acknowledge the years already spent in office by the current occupant, twelve years is not a trial period but a full chapter. That chapter must now close,” the statement read.

The group argued that Oyo Federal Constituency is blessed with capable, forward-thinking men and women who possess the energy and ideas required to move the constituency forward, stressing that continued recycling of one individual undermines fairness, equity, and political inclusion.

It further condemned what it termed a calculated attempt to manipulate public opinion through the circulation of a purported “anointed list” being presented as party consensus. According to the movement, such actions are deceptive and disrespectful to party members and the electorate.

Speaking on performance, the group expressed dissatisfaction with the representation at the National Assembly, particularly in the area of human capacity development. It described the impact as “underwhelming” and alleged that there had been insufficient responsiveness to the needs of constituents at critical moments.

The statement also cited an instance involving delegates from Oyo Federal Constituency who reportedly faced challenges during a recent political engagement, alleging inadequate support and welfare arrangements compared to what obtained in other constituencies.

“This development has angered stakeholders and disillusioned loyal supporters. The silent majority is no longer silent,” the group stated.

The Liberation Youth Movement therefore called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to resist any form of imposition and ensure that the party’s primaries are transparent, credible, and fair to all aspirants.

“Oyo Federal Constituency does not belong to any individual or bloc. It belongs to the people. Internal democracy must prevail if the party is to remain united and competitive ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the statement concluded.

A former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has said Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, faces possible expulsion from the Peoples Democratic Party amid the party’s deepening internal crisis.

Fayose made the remarks at the PDP’s 2026 National Convention, where he aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing the gathering as a turning point for the opposition party.

According to Fayose, the convention signals a fresh beginning for the PDP after prolonged internal disputes, but warned that members perceived to be working against the party’s unity would not be accommodated.

“This convention is a new beginning for the party after the long battle. After this, the door is open to members who are sincere, but not for those undermining the party,” he said.

The former governor accused Makinde of engaging in contradictory actions, alleging that the Oyo governor had continued political negotiations within the party while simultaneously pursuing legal action at the Supreme Court.

“With one hand, he wants to negotiate, and with another hand, he went to the Supreme Court. We will not wait for him,” Fayose said.

He further claimed that Makinde was already under suspension and could face expulsion following the convention.

“He is already in suspension, and after this convention, he will be expelled. With the current developments, he is also likely to lose his political hold in Oyo State,” he added.

Fayose reaffirmed his support for Wike, whom he described as a leading figure in the party, commending his role in what he termed efforts to reposition the PDP.

“This party has leadership, and our national leader is Nyesom Wike. We are celebrating him and thanking God for his life,” he said.

The crisis within the PDP has intensified in recent weeks following the recognition of a faction of the party’s National Working Committee by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The development has further deepened divisions within the party, which is currently split into rival factions.

One faction, reportedly loyal to Makinde and led by Kabiru Turaki, had approached the Supreme Court to restrain the Wike-backed group from conducting the convention.

In the heart of Lagos, where conversations around the “Japa” wave, the migration of Nigeria’s skilled workforce, continue to dominate public discourse, a contrasting narrative is quietly taking shape. It is a story of commitment, local innovation, and belief in homegrown capacity.

As CardForté celebrates its fifth anniversary, its impact is being measured not merely by numbers or technological deployments, but by the lives it has transformed and the expertise it has cultivated within Nigeria.

From a young engineer in Ikeja gaining hands-on experience building secure digital systems, to local professionals mastering smart card production technologies once dominated by foreign firms, CardForté’s journey reflects a deliberate investment in people as much as in infrastructure.
For decades, Nigeria’s digital backbone, from secure identification systems to biometric verification platforms, has largely depended on imported technology and foreign expertise. When these systems faltered, solutions often required external intervention, creating delays, costs, and dependency.

Recognizing this gap, co-founder Seun Lawal said the company was built on a vision that goes beyond profit.

“It’s about making sure the light stays on here,” Lawal stated. “When a young professional masters smart card production or secure digital infrastructure on home soil, they don’t just earn a paycheck, they become a lighthouse. They teach others, they innovate, and they prove that ‘Made in Nigeria’ is not just a label, but a standard of excellence.”

Over the past five years, CardForté has positioned itself as more than a technology provider, it has become a training ground for specialized digital skills, fostering a new generation of Nigerian experts capable of designing, managing, and maintaining critical systems locally.

Co-founder Tunde Aka-Bashorun emphasized that the company’s work ultimately centers on people and trust.
“Trust is the currency of the digital age,” Aka-Bashorun explained. “When a grandmother in a rural community can verify her identity at a clinic in seconds, or a student receives a secure ID that opens doors to their future, that is not just technology, it is inclusion in its most practical form.”
By localizing production and expertise, CardForté has also improved responsiveness and reliability in service delivery. Issues that once required international support can now be resolved swiftly within Nigeria, strengthening confidence in digital systems and creating what the company describes as a “social contract” between developers and users.

Beyond its human impact, the company’s approach carries significant economic implications. By retaining technical skills and building local supply chains, CardForté contributes to reducing capital flight and ensuring that the financial benefits of Nigeria’s digital transformation remain within the country.

This, in turn, supports local economies, funding education, creating jobs, and empowering startups that depend on secure digital infrastructure.

Rather than pursuing rapid visibility through consumer-facing applications, CardForté has focused on the less visible but essential layer of development, infrastructure. The company’s legacy, five years on, is reflected in a growing workforce of confident Nigerian professionals who now see themselves as architects of the nation’s digital future.

As Nigeria accelerates its transition into a digitally driven economy, CardForté’s story underscores a critical truth, while technology can be imported, sustainable expertise must be built at home.

In that effort, the company stands as a testament to what is possible when innovation is rooted in local talent, and when human capacity is placed at the center of national development.

The recent international recognition of Oyo-born entrepreneur, Dr. Victor Adegbile, in London is drawing renewed attention to the investment potential of Oyo State, as stakeholders highlight the role of indigenous business leaders in shaping the state’s economic future.

Adegbile, CEO of Land Republic and Aroko Farms & Resort, was honoured with the Award for Global Excellence in Real Estate Investment and Development Across Africa at the 2026 Leaders Without Borders International Honors held in London.

While the award celebrates his growing influence across Africa’s real estate space, observers say its broader significance lies in what it represents for Oyo State — a region increasingly seen as a frontier for structured real estate, agro-investment, and tourism-led development.

With active operations in Ibadan and surrounding areas, Adegbile has been part of a new generation of developers redefining how land is acquired, developed, and positioned as a long-term asset. Through Land Republic, he has contributed to expanding access to land ownership, while his Aroko Farms & Resort initiative introduces a hybrid model that merges agriculture, real estate, and destination investment.

Speaking during a panel session at the summit, Adegbile stressed that Africa’s development challenges should be reframed as opportunities for innovation and private capital participation. He noted that emerging cities like Ibadan are well-positioned to benefit from deliberate infrastructure and housing investments.

The London summit, themed “Empowering the Future: Catalyzing Global Partnerships, Innovation and High-Growth Enterprises,” brought together global investors, diplomats, and enterprise leaders to explore cross-border opportunities.

For many back home, the recognition is more than personal — it is symbolic.

Industry watchers believe that as entrepreneurs from Oyo State continue to gain international visibility, it strengthens the state’s credibility as a destination for serious investment, particularly in real estate and allied sectors.

Analysts also note that such global exposure could accelerate partnerships, attract diaspora capital, and deepen confidence in locally driven development models.

In a time when subnational economies are competing for attention and capital, Adegbile’s London recognition is being viewed as a signal — that Oyo State is not just participating in the future of development, but quietly positioning itself at the center of it.