Obesere’s Wife Sekinat Adelakun-Akande Declares for 2027 Ibadan Reps Race

The race for the Ibadan North East/South East Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections gained fresh momentum as Hon. (Alhaja) Sekinat Tolanikawo Adelakun-Akande, wife of Fuji star Abass Akande Obesere, officially declared her candidacy under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adelakun-Akande, widely known as Eruobodo, made her declaration at St. Cyprian’s Primary School, Oluyoro, Oke-Oga in Ibadan, where she was received by a large gathering of party members, supporters, and residents. Her entrance into the race followed earlier consultations with political stakeholders across Ibadan South East, signalling early grassroots mobilisation ahead of party primaries.

Addressing journalists, the aspirant said her ambition is driven by a strong desire to serve and provide effective representation at the National Assembly, stressing her deep-rooted connection with the grassroots.

“I am deeply connected to the grassroots. This aspiration is about representing the interests of our people and ensuring their voices are heard nationally,” she said.

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The APC aspirant in Ibadan pledged to deliver responsive leadership, inclusive governance, and community-driven development if elected. She outlined key priorities including youth empowerment, women inclusion, poverty alleviation, and improved welfare for vulnerable groups, noting that her representation would focus on practical solutions to local challenges.

Adelakun-Akande also drew attention to her political heritage as the daughter of the late Ibadan political strongman, Busari Oloyede Adelakun, whom she credited as a major influence on her commitment to public service and grassroots politics.

Beyond her political ambition, she highlighted her humanitarian work through the ASTAA Foundation, which focuses on women empowerment, widow support, and humanitarian interventions. According to her, these initiatives reflect a long-standing commitment to social impact beyond politics.

In her remarks, the Oyo State APC Woman Leader, Adekemi Opatunde, described Adelakun-Akande’s declaration as a boost for women participation in Nigerian politics. She urged party faithfuls, especially women, to obtain and use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that civic engagement is critical to democratic development.

The declaration event also had a celebratory atmosphere, with musical performances by Abass Akande Obesere and Sule Adio Atawewe, entertaining supporters and energising the crowd.

With political activities gradually building ahead of 2027, Adelakun-Akande’s entry adds to the growing list of aspirants in Oyo State, positioning her as a notable contender in what is expected to be a competitive race.

Obesere’s Wife Sekinat Adelakun-Akande Declares for 2027 Ibadan Reps Race

Presidency Slams Aregbesola Over Tinubu Criticism, Takes Swipe at Buhari Era

The Presidency has issued a strong rebuttal to former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention held in Abuja.

The response, issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, not only defended the current administration but also contained pointed remarks widely interpreted as an indirect critique of the former administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, under which Aregbesola served as Minister of Interior.

Aregbesola had, at the ADC convention, described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a “scam” and declared that the 2027 election would not be a “walkover” for Tinubu, accusing the administration of authoritarian tendencies and efforts to suppress opposition voices.

In a detailed response, Onanuga accused Aregbesola of hypocrisy and pointed to what he described as failures during his tenure in public office, both as governor of Osun State and as Interior Minister.

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He alleged that Aregbesola’s tenure as Governor of Osun State was marked by severe financial hardship, including unpaid salaries, delayed pension payments, and fiscal instability that reportedly led to the state receiving negative federal allocations at the time. He further claimed that many pensioners suffered during the period due to non-payment.

The presidential aide also stated that Aregbesola’s successor inherited significant governance challenges, which subsequent administrations in Osun have continued to address.

Turning to his time as Minister of Interior under the Buhari administration, Onanuga alleged that Nigeria experienced its highest number of jailbreaks during that period, citing incidents including the Kuje Correctional Centre attack and other prison breaks across several states such as Imo, Kabba, Jos, and Abolongo.

He further criticised what he described as inefficiencies in passport processing and lapses in correctional facility security during Aregbesola’s tenure, arguing that over 4,000 inmates escaped in multiple prison attacks within the period.

“For someone who failed so woefully to secure correctional centres, it is ironic that he now lectures others on insecurity,” Onanuga said in the statement.

Defending the current administration, Onanuga said the Tinubu government has acknowledged the hardship caused by ongoing economic reforms but insisted that measures have been introduced to cushion their effects. These include an increase in the minimum wage, expanded cash transfer programmes, and support for small and medium-scale enterprises.

He also claimed that macroeconomic indicators have improved under Tinubu’s leadership, citing inflation reduction, stronger foreign reserves, and renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

On security, the Presidency said the government is strengthening the armed forces, the Department of State Services, and other security agencies with improved funding and equipment, alongside international cooperation to tackle terrorism and banditry.

Onanuga also defended the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a reform programme aimed at stabilising the economy and restoring growth, while dismissing criticisms from opposition figures gathered under the ADC coalition.

At the ADC convention, Aregbesola had also accused the Tinubu administration of suppressing opposition and warned that the 2027 elections would be competitive, insisting that there would be “no coronation” for any candidate.

The exchange highlights rising political tensions between key figures within Nigeria’s ruling political circles and opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Further reactions are expected from political stakeholders as the debate continues.

Presidency Slams Aregbesola Over Tinubu Criticism, Takes Swipe at Buhari Era

Atiku–Obi Ticket ‘Best Bet’ to Unseat APC in 2027 – Dele Momodu

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has declared that a joint presidential ticket between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi represents the strongest strategy for the opposition to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Momodu said the emerging ADC coalition is gaining momentum as a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he accused of promoting “one-man rule” and weakening democratic institutions.

Momodu argued that an Atiku–Obi ticket offers both experience and electoral appeal, noting that both politicians already command significant national followings from previous elections. He recalled their collaboration in 2019, adding that Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election provides a ready base of supporters that can be consolidated.

According to him, the coalition is further strengthened by the involvement of political heavyweights such as Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, making it a formidable opposition alliance.

“The candidates who placed second, third, and even fourth are aligning. That naturally builds a strong challenge,” Momodu said, suggesting that this development could unsettle the APC ahead of 2027.

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He also accused the Tinubu administration of centralising power and undermining democratic processes, claiming that key institutions—including the legislature and electoral system—are increasingly influenced by the executive arm of government. He warned that such a trend poses risks to Nigeria’s democracy.

Momodu further alleged that opposition parties face systemic obstacles, including difficulties in accessing venues, legal pressures, and institutional interference. He argued that these challenges have made opposition unity not just strategic, but necessary.

Dismissing concerns about possible cracks within the ADC coalition, Momodu described such fears as speculative, insisting that current political realities have effectively forced major opposition figures to work together.

“Political survival has made unity inevitable. The enemy of your enemy is your friend,” he said.

Responding to claims that the ADC has become a platform for displaced politicians, Momodu maintained that the coalition is driven by a shared commitment to democracy, not personal ambition. He emphasized that his criticism of the current government is based on principle rather than personal differences.

He also raised concerns about internal party democracy, alleging that candidate imposition across states reflects excessive central control, which could weaken Nigeria’s political system if left unchecked.

Despite ongoing legal disputes within the party, Momodu insisted that the ADC remains law-abiding and committed to due process.

Looking ahead, he said the opposition’s message to Nigerians will focus on restoring democratic values, strengthening institutions, and ensuring inclusive governance.

Atiku–Obi Ticket ‘Best Bet’ to Unseat APC in 2027 – Dele Momodu