Grand Chief Imam Denies Involvement in Prayer Event for Oyo APC Governorship Candidate

OYO – The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, has distanced himself from a recent prayer gathering reportedly organised in Oyo Town in honour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, the Islamic leader said he was neither informed, invited nor represented at the event where his name was allegedly associated with the gathering.

The statement noted that while the Grand Chief Imam appreciated Senator Alli’s thanksgiving visit to Oyo Town and acknowledged his expression of gratitude to Allah and the people of Oyo State following his emergence as the APC flag bearer, such engagements should be conducted with proper consultation and respect for established religious leadership.

According to the statement, other recognised Islamic leaders in Oyo Land were also reportedly unaware of the prayer programme.

“The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Bilal Akinola Akeugberu, was neither informed, invited, nor represented at any prayer gathering where his name was reportedly associated with the event,” the statement said.

The office of the cleric stressed that Islam places significant importance on accountability, consultation and respect for legitimate leadership, warning against the use of the names of religious leaders and institutions without prior communication and approval.

It further expressed concern that the incident was not an isolated case, alleging that there had been previous instances in which announcements and representations involving Islamic institutions were made without the knowledge of the recognised leadership.

The statement warned that such actions could create confusion and misrepresentation within the Muslim community.

Consequently, the office cautioned individuals and organisations against impersonating or falsely presenting themselves as representatives of the Grand Chief Imam without official authorisation.

“The Office therefore cautions individuals and organisations against impersonating, misrepresenting, or presenting themselves as representatives of the Grand Chief Imam when no official mandate has been given,” the statement added.

Despite the controversy, the Grand Chief Imam reaffirmed his commitment to promoting unity, peaceful coexistence and collaboration with political leaders, religious organisations and community stakeholders for the development of Oyo State and Nigeria.

The statement also called for greater respect for traditional and religious institutions in Oyo Land, noting that such structures have played vital roles in maintaining peace, harmony and social stability in the ancient town.

Grand Chief Imam Denies Involvement in Prayer Event for Oyo APC Governorship Candidate

Iyabo Obasanjo Secures PDP Senate Ticket After Party Switch

Former Nigerian senator, Iyabo Obasanjo, has reportedly secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial ticket for Ogun Central shortly after rejoining the party, marking a major political comeback ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Reports from party sources in Ogun State indicate that the former lawmaker emerged as the PDP candidate following her return to the opposition party after a brief period in the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Her return to the PDP came days after she resigned from the ruling APC, citing alleged internal party disagreements, lack of inclusion, and what she described as disrespect within the party structure.

Party insiders say her emergence as the PDP senatorial flagbearer reflects ongoing realignments within the opposition party in Ogun State, as political actors position themselves ahead of the next election cycle.

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Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, previously served as senator representing Ogun Central between 2007 and 2011, during which she was active in legislative debates and governance issues at the national level.

Her return to frontline politics has been described by supporters as a strategic comeback, with expectations that she will leverage her experience as a former federal lawmaker and former state commissioner for health.

The development is expected to intensify political competition in Ogun Central Senatorial District, where parties are already strengthening structures ahead of the 2027 elections.

The PDP is yet to officially release a comprehensive list of its confirmed candidates for the forthcoming general elections, but internal party sources suggest more nominations will be finalised and announced in the coming weeks as preparations continue nationwide.

Iyabo Obasanjo Secures PDP Senate Ticket After Party Switch

2027: I’ll Negotiate With Bandits Who Seek Peace, Fight Those Who Choose Violence — Peter Obi

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said he would adopt a combination of dialogue and force to tackle insecurity if elected president in 2027, pledging to engage bandits and other violent groups willing to renounce criminality while taking decisive action against those who refuse to embrace peace.

Obi made the remarks during an interview on BlackBox with broadcaster Rufai Oseni, where he outlined what he described as a balanced strategy for restoring security, strengthening national unity and rebuilding trust across the country.

The former Anambra State governor said lasting peace cannot be achieved through military operations alone, stressing that governments must also create opportunities for reconciliation, rehabilitation and reintegration for individuals who genuinely abandon violence.

According to Obi, his administration would be open to negotiations with any group prepared to embrace peace and contribute positively to nation-building.

“In uniting the country, anybody who wants peace, I will talk with him; I will negotiate with him. Anybody who wants war, we will go to war,” Obi said.

The 2027 presidential hopeful argued that Nigeria has reached a point where leaders must distinguish between hardened criminals and those willing to reform, insisting that societies make progress when they provide opportunities for redemption rather than permanently condemning people for past mistakes.

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To illustrate his position, Obi recalled visiting a university in the United States where several members of the institution’s leadership had previously served prison terms before rebuilding their lives and careers.

According to him, the experience reinforced his belief that individuals who demonstrate genuine change should be given a second chance to contribute to society.

The former governor also linked the country’s security challenges to issues of inclusion and national cohesion. He maintained that every region and ethnic group must feel represented in governance and national development if Nigeria is to achieve lasting peace and stability.

Obi said his vision for the country is anchored on fairness, equal opportunity and inclusiveness, stressing that no tribe or section of the country should feel marginalised.

“I will unite the country and ensure that nobody is left behind. No tribe is left behind; there would be inclusiveness. We will show love and care for everybody,” he added.

The comments come amid renewed debate over the best approach to addressing Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and separatist agitations.

While some security experts and peace advocates support dialogue as part of a broader conflict-resolution strategy, others argue that negotiations with armed groups could legitimise criminality and undermine ongoing military operations.

Critics of talks with bandits have often cited previous resolutions of the National Assembly and comments by senior legal practitioners who warn that negotiating with terrorists and violent criminal groups may conflict with anti-terrorism laws and send the wrong message to those engaged in criminal activities.

However, supporters of engagement argue that dialogue, when combined with effective security operations and economic reforms, can encourage defections, reduce violence and address some of the root causes of insecurity.

As political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum, Obi’s latest remarks are expected to intensify discussions over the role of negotiation, rehabilitation and military force in tackling Nigeria’s security crisis.

2027: I’ll Negotiate With Bandits Who Seek Peace, Fight Those Who Choose Violence — Peter Obi