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.

The National Coordinator of Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), Hon. Oware Alex, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on securing the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for a second term, describing it as a reflection of confidence in his leadership and commitment to national development.

In a statement released on Sunday, Oware, speaking on behalf of all YP4T members, said the President’s successful nomination highlights his achievements in governance, bold reforms, and transformative agenda.

“President Tinubu has demonstrated visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and dedication to Nigeria’s progress. Securing the APC ticket for a second term is a clear acknowledgment of his impact and the trust Nigerians place in his leadership,” he said.

The statement further highlighted the President’s commitment to youth empowerment, economic growth, and institutional reforms, noting that these initiatives have strengthened his appeal within the party and across the nation.

Oware affirmed that YP4T stands firmly behind Tinubu, pledging to mobilize young professionals and citizens in support of his second-term bid.

The group wished the President continued good health, wisdom, and strength to lead the country toward greater prosperity.

“We remain committed to supporting his vision and ensuring that young Nigerians play an active role in shaping the future of our nation,” Oware said.

The Oyo City Boy Movement has joined Nigerians nationwide in celebrating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 74th birthday, praising his visionary leadership and commitment to empowering the nation’s youth.

In a statement issued by Mr Oyetola Gbenga, the Publicity Director of the movement, President Tinubu was described as a transformative leader whose policies consistently create opportunities for young Nigerians to actively participate in governance, economic growth, and nation-building.

“President Tinubu’s dedication to youth development and inclusive governance is evident in his initiatives to expand access to education, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities,” Oyetola said.

“We are proud to celebrate a leader who not only shapes policy at the national level but also inspires the younger generation to dream big and contribute meaningfully to our country’s future.”

The statement further highlighted the president’s achievements in strengthening democratic institutions, improving national security, and advancing economic reforms, emphasizing that these efforts have laid a foundation for sustained growth and stability.

Alhaji Kamarudeen Yusuf, Personal Assistant on Special Duties to the President, on Saturday joined other well-wishers in celebrating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 74th birthday, describing him as a courageous statesman whose leadership has continued to shape Nigeria’s political and developmental trajectory.

In a goodwill message made available to journalists, Yusuf praised the President’s enduring contributions to national development, noting that his life reflects resilience, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to public service.

He said Tinubu’s journey from the pro-democracy struggle to the presidency remains a testament to his strategic foresight and unwavering dedication to nation-building.

Yusuf stated that the President’s approach to governance goes beyond the exercise of power, adding that Tinubu has consistently demonstrated that leadership is about shaping destinies, empowering citizens, and building sustainable foundations for future generations.

He said, “Mr. President’s journey is a testament to unwavering dedication to nation-building. His foresight and political acumen continue to inspire not just those who work closely with him, but countless Nigerians who look up to his example.”

The presidential aide also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under Tinubu, whom he described as a mentor and benefactor, adding that the President’s influence has left a lasting impact on his personal and professional life.

Yusuf prayed for continued strength, sound health, and divine wisdom for the President as he steers the affairs of the country, expressing optimism that the years ahead would bring greater achievements and further consolidate his legacy.

He also reaffirmed his loyalty and support, noting that Nigeria’s progress remains closely tied to the President’s vision and leadership.

This publication understands Tinubu’s 74th birthday has attracted goodwill messages from political associates, supporters, and admirers across the country and beyond.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye, president of the Beulah Adeoye Foundation and a leading gubernatorial aspirant under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP has joined the family, colleagues and well-wishers in celebrating a distinguished lawyer, accomplished administrator and former commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr Adeniyi John Farinto on his 63rd birthday.

Amofin Adeoye conveyed his greetings and well-wishers to one of the leading lights in Oke-Ogun through a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan.

Amofin Adeoye described Barr Farinto’s journey as a rare blend of professional excellence and dedicated public service. Amofin Adeoye said Barr Farinto demonstrated remarkable intellect and commitment to justice as a legal icon.

Amofin Adeoye noted that the former commissioner brought the same outstanding qualities to bear, while steering economic planning and budgetary processes with clarity, discipline and foresight. Amofin Adeoye remarked that Barr Farinto’s tenure as Commissioner in Oyo State was defined by prudent resources management, strategic development initiatives and policies that advanced the collective interest of the good people of Oyo State.

The Ipapo-born legal icon said unblemished character, humility and quite strength set Barr Farinto apart while serving as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Oyo State.

“As a gubernatorial aspirant, I deeply appreciate the value of leaders like Barr Farinto, whose wealth of experience and steadfast dedication to good governance continue to shape the discourse of development in Oyo State”.