Politics
2027: Atiku woos South-West, promises to protect Yoruba interests
2027: Atiku woos South-West, promises to protect Yoruba interests
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has promised the Yoruba that their interests will be central to his presidency if elected in 2027.
Atiku, who contested the 2023 election under the Peoples Democratic Party, said on Wednesday that fears of his government favoring his Fulani kinsmen were unfounded.
In a statement issued by his media consultant, Kola Johnson, the ex-vice president cited his marital and personal ties to the Yoruba as evidence of his long-standing.
He said, āI count myself extremely lucky indeed to have had a wife from amongst this noble species of the human race, which by this token implies that the bond uniting me together with the Yoruba is aptly like the genetic bond of a family.
āThis is why the Yoruba, whether individually or collectively, have always occupied a special place in my heart.ā
Atiku assured that if elected, the South-West would be central to his policymaking.
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āIt is also for this reason that the interest of the Yorubas will always occupy a topmost place in my policymaking and governance if, by the special grace of Allah, I am lucky to be president in 2027.
āTherefore, the fear that my ascension to presidency might lead to Hausa/Fulani domination over Yorubas or other ethnic groups does not only arise but also is absolutely unfounded because the entire Yoruba stock is my larger extended family and in-laws,ā he stated.
He cited his first marriage to Titi, an Ijesha-born Yoruba woman whom he married in the 1970s, as proof of his deep-rooted connection to the Southwest.
āIn case you donāt know or have forgotten, I was married to my first wife, Titi, a Yoruba woman, in the 70s, and we have four Yoruba children together. She is now over 75 years old, and we are still together.
āMy children with Titi sometimes call me āBaba Rere,ā meaning good father. I am extremely in love with my children and serve as a good father to them, as I urge every father to do the same to their children,ā Atiku said.
He referred to his Ijesha-born wife as his āJewel of inestimable valueā and maintained that the Yoruba had always been among his closest friends and political supporters.
āAnyone who knows me will tell you with all sincerity that as a person, I am naturally a highly detribalized person. Even before I could ever venture into politics, I flowed easily and effortlessly with people of diverse tribes, ethnicities,Ā religions, and whatever sectarian differences,ā Atiku added.
2027: Atiku woos South-West, promises to protect Yoruba interests
Politics
Aregbesola Slams Tinubu, Calls Renewed Hope Agenda a āScamā
Aregbesola Slams Tinubu, Calls Renewed Hope Agenda a āScamā
Former Minister of Interior and ex-Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has launched a fierce political attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the administrationās Renewed Hope agenda as a āclassic scamā and calling for his resignation over worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
Aregbesola made the remarks during the African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Convention in Abuja, where he currently serves as National Secretary of the party. His speech was sharply critical of the ruling administration, the electoral system, and Nigeriaās economic direction.
He accused the government of failing to deliver on key promises made to Nigerians, insisting that the country is experiencing worsening hardship, rising insecurity, and deepening poverty under the current leadership.
According to him, the situation in the country reflects a ācollapse of governance priorities,ā arguing that the promises of economic recovery in Nigeria, energy stability, and improved living conditions have not been fulfilled.
Aregbesola also called for President Tinubuās resignation, arguing that a leader who fails to meet campaign promisesāespecially on security and welfareāshould step aside rather than seek re-election.
He said the ADC is positioning itself as a ārescue missionā aimed at restoring accountability and rebuilding public trust in governance, adding that Nigerians are tired of what he described as deception and mismanagement in leadership.
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During his address, he also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of normalising electoral misconduct and undermining democratic standards. He further alleged that the political environment has been weakened by what he called poor governance practices.
Aregbesola claimed that economic indicators have worsened under the current administration, pointing to sharp increases in the exchange rate and fuel prices. He argued that the naira has significantly depreciated compared to its value at the start of the Tinubu administration in 2023, while fuel prices have surged, increasing the cost of living.
He said these developments have placed severe pressure on households and businesses, especially in an import-dependent economy, worsening inflation and reducing purchasing power across the country.
On security, Aregbesola expressed concern over continued attacks, kidnappings, and communal violence across several regions, saying the government has not demonstrated enough capacity to address the crisis. He described the situation as evidence of āstate failure in critical areas of governance.ā
He also raised concerns about the education sector, claiming that the number of out-of-school children has increased significantly, and warned that Nigeria risks long-term socio-economic consequences if urgent reforms are not implemented.
Aregbesola further criticised the power sector, saying electricity supply remains unstable despite repeated government promises. He argued that many parts of the country still experience prolonged blackouts, undermining productivity and economic growth.
He maintained that the ADC is committed to political reform and national rebuilding, urging Nigerians who are dissatisfied with the current system to support the partyās ārescue agenda.ā
Aregbesola concluded his remarks by warning against what he described as continued national decline, insisting that urgent leadership change is necessary to prevent further deterioration of governance and living standards.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Presidency or the ruling All Progressives Congress regarding the comments.
Aregbesola Slams Tinubu, Calls Renewed Hope Agenda a āScamā
Politics
Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde
Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde
The Chief Whip of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, has dismissed reports linking him to an alleged plot to impeach Governor Seyi Makinde, insisting he has no involvement in any arrangement aimed at removing the governor from office.
The lawmaker, who represents Atiba State Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), made the clarification in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, amid rising political speculation within the state.
Oyekola said he was neither invited nor consulted on any meeting or discussion relating to impeachment, stressing that he completely dissociates himself from such claims.
āI, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, hereby completely disassociate myself from any arrangement or activity that has the potential to disrupt the peace of Oyo State,ā he stated, adding that he remains committed to stability and unity within the Assembly.
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He further declared his loyalty to Governor Makinde, stating that he ācannot and will not be disloyalā to the governor, while reaffirming his support for the administration and its policies.
āI reaffirm my unwavering loyalty and support for Governor Seyi Makinde, his government, and his party. I remain firmly committed to the peace, unity, and continued progress of Oyo State,ā he added.
Oyekola also alleged that some individuals were attempting to create divisions within the Oyo State House of Assembly, warning that such actions could undermine legislative harmony and disrupt governance in the state.
He stressed that maintaining stability remains a priority for responsible lawmakers, noting that any attempt to destabilise the Assembly or state government could slow down ongoing development projects under the Makinde administration.
The clarification comes amid heightened political conversations and rumours of internal disagreements within some state legislatures across Nigeria, often fuelled by social media speculation.
However, no official confirmation of any impeachment move has been made by the Oyo State House of Assembly, and there has been no formal motion or public legislative action suggesting such a process is underway.
Political observers note that impeachment proceedings in Nigeria follow strict constitutional procedures and cannot proceed without formal legislative notice, investigation, and voting thresholds as provided under the law.
For now, the Assembly continues its legislative duties while stakeholders urge calm and caution against misinformation that could destabilise the stateās political environment.
Oyo Chief Whip Denies Impeachment Plot Against Governor Makinde
Politics
APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race
APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has officially announced Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the consensus governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made on Monday during a strategic APC caucus meeting held in Abeokuta, which brought together party leaders, stakeholders, and political heavyweights to deliberate on succession planning and the partyās roadmap for the next election cycle.
Governor Abiodun said the decision followed extensive consultations within the party and reflected a collective agreement on the individual deemed most capable of sustaining APCās political dominance in the state.
āBut first, weāve decided who is deserving as the next flag bearer of our dear state,ā the governor stated during the meeting, signalling the formal adoption of Adeola as the partyās preferred candidate.
The announcement was followed by a show of excitement as Adeola stood to acknowledge the endorsement, with supporters cheering, chanting, and celebrating what many described as a major political breakthrough within the party.
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Party leaders at the meeting reportedly emphasised the need for continuity, unity, and stability within the APC, noting that early consensus would help reduce internal rivalry and strengthen preparations ahead of 2027.
Adeola, who currently represents Ogun West Senatorial District in the Senate, has long been considered a front-runner in Ogun State politics due to his influence, political structure, and federal legislative experience.
Political observers say the endorsement marks a significant turning point in the APCās succession strategy, potentially narrowing the field of aspirants and consolidating support around a single candidate within the party hierarchy.
The development is also expected to reshape early political calculations in Ogun State, as attention now shifts to opposition parties and other potential contenders ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive governorship race.
Analysts note that the APCās early consensus move could give the ruling party a strategic advantage by reducing internal divisions and allowing it to focus on broader campaign strategy well ahead of the election season.
As preparations for 2027 gather momentum, the endorsement of Adeola signals the beginning of intensified political realignments across Ogun Stateās political landscape.
APC Adopts Senator Adeola (Yayi) for Ogun 2027 Governorship Race
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