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₦300bn Loan: Progressive Parliamentarians Ask IGP to Protect Oyo Lawmaker, Shittu

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Progressive ex-parliamentarians in Oyo State have urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other security agencies to urgently protect Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, the lawmaker representing Saki West Constituency, after he exposed Governor Seyi Makinde’s alleged ₦300bn loan approval by only 13 members of the House of Assembly.

The former lawmakers, under the aegis of Oyo State Progressives ex-Parliamentarians, raised the alarm after an emergency meeting held in Ibadan, warning that Shittu’s life might be in danger from “disgruntled politicians” angry at his disclosure.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the chairman of the forum, Hon. Ibrahim Bolomope, said members were compelled to intervene because of the grave implications for governance in the state and the safety of the lawmaker.

“As former lawmakers, we know that while the House can approve loans for the executive, such approvals must follow the rules. For fiscal matters, the Constitution is clear on the requirement of a two-thirds majority or at least a simple majority. What happened in this case does not satisfy those requirements,” Bolomope said.

He described Shittu’s revelation as an act of courage, insisting that he acted not just for his constituency but for the entire state.

The forum accused Makinde’s administration of piling up debts despite rising allocations to states under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. According to them, Oyo State has taken multiple loans in recent years: ₦100bn in 2020, ₦50bn between 2021 and 2022, and ₦150bn in 2023, with the latest ₦300bn plan now causing public uproar.

They argued that with almost a 500 per cent increase in federal allocations, there was no justification for Oyo to keep borrowing.

The group cited Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State as an example, noting that higher allocations enabled him to clear inherited debts and raise workers’ minimum wage to ₦104,000.

The ex-lawmakers alleged that there were underground plans to suspend Shittu from the assembly and stop his salaries and allowances as punishment for going public.

“We want to warn the House to jettison such a plan to avoid violence that may follow,” the group warned.

They insisted that security agencies must rise to the occasion by protecting Shittu and others who share his position, saying this would encourage more Nigerians to expose corruption and maladministration.

“In our environment, the truth is often punished. Anybody who says the truth is prone to danger. That is why we are calling on the IGP and other security agencies to give adequate protection to Hon. Shittu,” Bolomope added.

The forum commended Shittu for being “a courageous parliamentarian” and praised him for offering good representation to his people.

Those present at the meeting included the forum’s secretary, Hon. Sikiru Akintola Alli; PRO, Hon. John Olaleru; former Speakers Hon. Olagunju Ojo and Hon. Asimiyu Alarape; Hon. Mogaji Adigun Ahmed Murphy; Hon. Elder Adegboyega Mathew Abioye; Hon. Fatai Salaam; Hon. Afeez Adeleke; Hon. D.A. Lawal; Hon. Dr. Mathew Oyedokun; Hon. Hazmat Ogunsola (a Third Republic member); Hon. Mrs. Ramata Okemakinde, among others.

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Ex-Oyo deputy governor Adeyemo sworn in as APC chair, rallies support for Tinubu

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A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, has been sworn in as the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging members of the party to rally support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adeyemo formally assumed office on Friday following the inauguration of the newly elected State Executive Committee members who will manage the affairs of the party in the state for the next four years.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, marked the climax of the party’s 2026 congresses in the state.

The South-West Zonal Legal Adviser of the APC, Kolawole Majaro, administered the oath of office on Adeyemo and 35 other members of the State Executive Committee.

The executives had emerged through a consensus arrangement during the March 3, 2026 state congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, under the supervision of a committee led by Amos Gombi from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

In his acceptance speech, Adeyemo described his emergence as a renewed call to service, pledging to strengthen the party and sustain unity among members.

He appreciated party leaders within and outside the state for ensuring a smooth and successful congress process.

Adeyemo also commended members of the Local Organising Committee, particularly Fatai Ibikunle and Afeez Bolaji Repete, for their contributions to the success of the exercise.

He said, “This new State Executive Committee under my leadership is being put in place to add value and strengthen our great party in view of the challenges ahead.

“We have used the opportunity of the congresses to showcase our collective commitment to unity and harmony as progressives and democrats.”

The new chairman expressed optimism that the atmosphere of peace within the party would be sustained ahead of future party primaries and the 2027 elections.

According to him, the party’s target is to secure 90 per cent of the votes in Oyo State for President Tinubu while also reclaiming the state’s Government House in 2027.

Adeyemo praised the President’s leadership, saying the administration was delivering on its promises.

“President Tinubu is, no doubt, performing beyond our expectations and the best way to appreciate his good work is to retain him in Aso Rock until 2031,” he said.

“Against all odds, the President is pursuing his Renewed Hope Agenda with vigour and passion, while the positive results are being felt across sectors of the economy and national life.”

Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Taofeek Lamidi as Deputy Chairman, Fatai Adesina as State Secretary, Adekemi Opatunde as Woman Leader, Olawale Sadare as Publicity Secretary, Olalekan Oladejo as Youth Leader, and Remi Adepoju as Organising Secretary.

Also inaugurated were Ajiboye Akinsanya as Treasurer, Sunday Aborisade as Legal Adviser, Tinuade Adigun as Auditor, Lukman Owonikoko as Assistant State Secretary, Fatimah Hassan as Deputy Woman Leader, and Jimoh Osundara as the Leader of Persons Living With Disabilities, among others.

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2027: Sen. Dickson Dumps PDP, Joins Newly Registered NDC

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Senator Seriake Dickson receiving the flag of the NDC

The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he had joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja, attributing his decision to what he described as irreconcilable differences within the PDP.

The lawmaker said the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system by providing a credible opposition platform.

According to him, the party recently received its certificate of registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He said, “Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress and our symbol is victory, the victory sign.

“So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”

Dickson noted that although the party’s registration took longer than expected, its eventual approval was a welcome development for the country’s democratic landscape.

“Yes, it is coming at this time. We would have wished it started some years or months back. We don’t control INEC and their processes; they delayed. We don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” he said.

The senator also stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not slide into a one-party system, insisting that political diversity remained vital for national stability.

“This nation cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state.

“We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.

“So anyone or any party promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is mistaken. We build political parties and get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our personal benefit,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission recently announced the registration of two new political parties.

The parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.

The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders for 2026.

According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance completed the required verification process, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order.

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Oyo APC congress: Oseni congratulates Adeyemo, others

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The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the newly elected State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.

The party, at its state congress held on Tuesday at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, elected a former Deputy Governor of the state, Moses Alake Adeyemo, as its new chairman alongside other state executive members.

Oseni, in a statement on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, described Adeyemo’s emergence as well-deserved, noting that his experience and longstanding commitment to the party would further strengthen its structure in the state.

He said the peaceful conduct of the congress demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and progressive leadership.

The statement said, “I congratulate our newly elected State Chairman and leader, His Excellency, Moses Alake Adeyemo, and other members of the State Executive Committee on their emergence. This victory reflects the confidence reposed in them by party members across the state.”

Oseni further expressed confidence that the new leadership would reposition the party for greater cohesion and electoral success.

According to him, “This is a critical moment for our party in Oyo State. It calls for unity, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to the ideals that bind us together as progressives.”

The federal lawmaker assured the new executives of his support and cooperation in advancing the programmes of the party and strengthening its grassroots structures.

He urged party members to rally behind the new leadership to ensure stability and secure future victories for the APC in the state.

 

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