Politics
2019: I am in APC, Alao-Akala declares
CONTRARY to insinuations renting the airwaves, former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala has reaffirmed his commitment to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC as he declared publicly that he remained in the party.
Speaking on Saturday at the empowerment programme and town hall meeting organised by Hon. Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, member, Oyo State House of Assembly representing Ogbomoso North State Constituency held at Masifa DC Primary School, Orita Naira, Ogbomoso, Alao-Akala disclosed that the people of Ogbomoso always align with the ruling party at the Federal level, hence the need for his commitment to the APC both at the state and the federal levels.
It would be recalled that recently the Governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi brokered a masterstroke of unity, with the ex – governor, Akala, and another political bigwig in the state, Senator Teslim Folarin in London with a view to strengthening the APC ahead of 2019 elections.
Arriving from his United Kingdom trip, former Governor Rashidi Ladoja also held a meeting with Akala, his former deputy allaying fears that he does not nurse any pique with him.
Efforts to lure the Ogbomoso-born politician back to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which he dumped for the Labour Party, LP, in the build-up to the 2015 governorship election in Oyo State, proved abortive as he reechoed that he was not leaving the ruling party.
According to Governor Akala who wore a cap with a bold inscription and distinctive logo of the APC maintained, “for the avoidance of doubt, I just want the people to know that I am in APC. I don’t want to say anything about the merits and demerits of APC, but I can’t leave the APC for PDP. People schemed to get me back to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, but the people of Ogbomoso will like me to be in the APC, I cannot leave my people for another party and that’s final, this is my base, politics is local”.
When asked about his 2019 ambition, the ex- governor said, “everything is in God’s hand, so don’t let us talk about 2019 while we are still trying to put ourselves together, it is too early. Any politician that is seeking for political post now is not a politician.
He continued, “I have told all my followers and everybody in Ogbomoso that we remain in APC.
On the contrary, while reacting to the public declaration of his boss, the Minority leader, Hon Olagunju Ojo who is also a member of the Labour Party said “for now, I am still in Labour Party, LP but anytime, anything can happen”.
Also, speaking with Mega Icon Magazine at the event, Hon Olusegun Olaleye popularly known as ‘Radical brother’ representing Ibadan North II State Constituency described the PDP alliance as dead on arrival, emphasising that the pact will fail.
“The strength of any car is the engine and Akala remains the engine of the Labour party. I told them that Akala is not part of the alliance and Akala has vindicated me today, this is a good news for the APC and Oyo State”, Olaleye reiterated.
Politics
El-Rufai Debunks Rumours of Decamping to PDP, Threatens Legal Action
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has denied rumours of his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The former governor addressed the claims as baseless, describing them as the handiwork of mischief makers.
According to a close aide, El-Rufai, a key figure in Nigerian politics, could not have switched political allegiance without making an official announcement.
Reacting to the rumours on Sunday via his verified X account, formerly known as Twitter, El-Rufai urged the public to disregard the “patent lies” circulating about his political affiliation.
He revealed that legal action would be taken against those propagating the false claims.
“Please disregard the patent lies and rumours about my political affiliation. I have referred the lead peddlers of the fake news for further action by my lawyers,” El-Rufai stated.
Politics
New Year: Rep Olafisoye Brightens Constituents’ Lives with ₦150m Empowerment Initiatives
The Federal House of Representatives member representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Hon. Akinmoyede Olafisoye, has brought smiles to the faces of his constituents by distributing empowerment items worth over ₦150 million to 1,000 beneficiaries.
The event, held on Sunday at the Faith Joe Events Centre, Alegongo, Ibadan, featured the distribution of 500 bags of rice, 308 bags of fertilizers, and 300 units of pesticides. The programme was facilitated in collaboration with the Federal Cooperative College, Orji River, Enugu State, as part of the lawmaker’s commitment to supporting his people.
Speaking at the event, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to his constituents for their unwavering support, prayers, and cooperation since he assumed office in 2023.
He noted that the empowerment initiative was a token of appreciation and a demonstration of his belief in human capital development as the foundation for societal growth and development.
“I have always prioritized life-changing projects and programmes for my people. This empowerment is just one of the many ways I strive to enhance the lives of my constituents. I assure you that I will continue to serve with dedication, ensuring impactful dividends of democracy that uplift your standard of living,” Olafisoye said.
In their remarks, Mr. Jimoh Musa Ajeigbe and Pa James Olorisade, popularly known as Olowe, praised the lawmaker for his exceptional performance. They described his achievements as unprecedented in the history of the constituency since 1999.
Among the beneficiaries of the empowerment items were Oladepo Modinat, Akande Ganiyat, Olakojo Sulaiman, Olapade Timileyin, Dasola Adeleke, and Oyelakin Bose, who expressed their gratitude for the support.
Prominent leaders who graced the occasion included Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji (Atiku), Hon. Olusegun Olaleye (Radical Brother), Hon. D.A. Lawal, Hon. Ope Salami, Hon. Biodun Oladeji, Hon. Femi Akintunde, and several others.
Politics
Ex-NCC Chairman, Adeolu Akande Declares Interest in Oyo North Senatorial Seat
The political landscape in Oyo North Senatorial District has taken a new turn as Professor Adeolu Akande, former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has declared his intention to vie for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket.
Professor Akande, a seasoned Political Scientist and Lawyer, reportedly embarked on a whirlwind consultation tour across the senatorial district over the weekend, formally signaling his ambition to succeed Senator Abdul Fatai Buhari.
This comes after Senator Buhari’s twelve-year tenure representing the district, primarily dominated by the Ogbomosho zone.
According to the information scooped from Oyoinsight, Akande is set to face stiff competition for the APC ticket. Among his challengers are Hon. Tajudeen Were, a serving member of the House of Representatives representing Saki West/Saki East/Atisbo Local Government, and Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan, a former Head of Service in Oyo State. Both hail from Saki West Local Government, intensifying the contest within the Oke Ogun region.
Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over the political plans of Senator Buhari. While speculations suggest he might pursue a fourth term in the Senate, there is also talk of his potential interest in the Oyo State governorship race. Having served as a Special Adviser and Commissioner under Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s administration, Buhari has been a consistent figure in the Red Chamber since 2015.
Professor Akande’s declaration adds a new dimension to the APC’s internal dynamics in Oyo North. The senatorial district, which includes influential figures such as former Minister of Communications, Alhaji Adebayo Shittu, and former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan is now a hotspot for political maneuvering.
While Shittu has been vocal about his governorship ambitions, advocating for an Oke Ogun indigene to lead the state, Akande’s entry into the senatorial race is expected to further galvanize political activity in the district ahead of the APC primaries.
The unfolding events set the stage for a fiercely contested race that will shape the political future of Oyo North and possibly influence the trajectory of Oyo State politics.
-
News1 week ago
Oseni Supports Ibadan Mosque Project with N20m
-
News3 days ago
Ghana Announces Visa-Free Travel for African Passport Holders
-
Entertainment2 days ago
Wizkid Becomes First African Artist to Surpass 8 Billion Spotify Streams
-
News2 days ago
FCT Residents to Experience Prolonged Power Outages