…blames Governor for Repeated Market Fires

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has berated Governor Seyi Makinde over what it described as his administration’s failure to prevent recurring fire disasters across the state.

The opposition party expressed concerns following the devastating fire that gutted the popular Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan on Tuesday night, destroying goods and properties worth billions of naira.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, and made available to journalists, the APC accused the Makinde-led administration of incompetence, negligence, and poor disaster management.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the traders who lost so much in money and property as a result of the unfortunate Tuesday night inferno, which has become a recurring decimal across the state. However, we must challenge the Makinde administration on its approach to safety, accident prevention, and emergency management,” the statement read.

Questions Over Alleged Fire Truck Procurement

The opposition party also raised concerns over the capacity of the Oyo State Fire Service, alleging that its inability to respond effectively to emergencies was due to a lack of functional firefighting equipment.

According to the statement, credible sources confirmed that firefighters could not contain the Aleshinloye inferno due to the unavailability of basic equipment.

“How does one explain that Oyo State can only boast of one or two firefighting trucks, even when Governor Makinde announced in 2020 that he had procured 10 fire trucks from Turkey with millions of naira in public funds?” the APC queried.

The party demanded that the government provide a detailed explanation on the status of the fire trucks and called for an urgent overhaul of the state’s fire response system.

Illegal Structures, Workers’ Strike Also Highlighted

Beyond the fire incidents, the APC also accused the Makinde administration of violating urban planning laws by allowing unauthorized construction in major markets across the state.

“Government agents have built lock-up shops and malls indiscriminately, blocking access roads, car parks, and emergency exits. This reckless behavior is endangering lives,” the party alleged.

The statement also touched on the ongoing industrial action by workers in state-owned tertiary institutions and health facilities, urging the governor to meet their demands to prevent further disruption in critical sectors.

APC Demands Immediate Action

The opposition party called on the state government to empower the Fire Service with adequate personnel and modern equipment.

“It is equally important to prioritize public safety through fire prevention awareness campaigns. Also, we demand full disclosure on the 10 firefighting trucks supposedly purchased from Turkey,” Sadare stated.

Kaduna State’s immediate past governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has officially resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared his defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), citing dissatisfaction with the party’s current leadership direction.

El-Rufai announced his departure in a statement on Monday, expressing his disillusionment with the APC’s deviation from its foundational progressive ideals.

“At this point in my political journey, I have come to the conclusion that I must seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values I cherish. I have now decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP),” he declared.

The former governor disclosed that he had repeatedly voiced concerns, both privately and publicly, about the party’s declining trajectory over the past two years. However, he lamented that the APC’s leadership showed no willingness to address the issues.

“Developments in the last two years on the part of those who currently control and run the APC to acknowledge, much less address, the unhealthy situation of the state,” he said.

El-Rufai, who served as Kaduna governor between 2015 and 2023, highlighted his administration’s commitment to progressive governance but noted that his contributions have been disregarded under the current APC leadership.

“My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development. These records count for little in the current APC that has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt in the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable,” he added.

As part of his defection process, El-Rufai confirmed that he had formally submitted his resignation letter to his APC ward in Kaduna North Local Government Area.

A New Political Path

The former governor described the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as his new political platform, calling on his supporters and concerned Nigerians to join him in the movement. He stressed the need for a strong democratic alternative to challenge the APC in future elections.

His decision follows recent consultations with prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Vice Presidential candidate Tunde Bakare, and former President Muhammadu Buhari.

El-Rufai’s defection also comes amid reports of tensions between him and the presidency, with the former governor notably absent from the APC National Caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting last month.

His departure marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, with many observers speculating on its potential impact ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Businessman, philanthropist, and retired military officer, Dr. Gbenga Adegbola, has formally joined active politics, declaring for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his hometown of Saki on Tuesday.

Dr. Adegbola, an international businessman and popular hotelier, made his declaration at Baabo Community, Ward 10, Saki West Local Government Area, where he expressed his commitment to contributing to the progress of the party and society.

Continuing his move, he visited the APC State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, on Wednesday, where he was formally received by the Oyo APC State Executive Committee, led by the State Chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas. The event was attended by key party stakeholders, who hailed his decision to join the opposition party in Oyo State at this crucial time.

While welcoming Adegbola into the APC fold, Alhaji Abas described him as a man of integrity, courage, and passion for public service.

“Things can only get better in the way we do politics if we have reputable citizens and people of proven character like Dr. Adegbola in the system,” Abas said.

“Your decision to join our great party at a time when we are in opposition in Oyo State speaks volumes about your personality. It shows you are a courageous, selfless, and passionate man ready to expand the scope of your service to Nigerian society and humanity in general. We are glad to have you in our party, and I am confident that we will work together to return APC to power in Oyo State come 2027.”

Adegbola was introduced to the state leadership by the Chairman of APC in Saki West, Alhaji Tajudeen Okunlola, who commended him for taking the bold step of joining the party.

Speaking at the event, Adegbola explained that his decision to join politics was borne out of his passion for public service and a desire to make a greater impact on society.

“I have always derived happiness from helping others, especially the less privileged, and I believe that joining active politics will afford me the opportunity to do more,” he stated.

He further revealed that he had been a longtime follower of the late Chief Michael Koleoso, the Babalaje of Saki, and other progressive leaders who championed quality leadership and governance.

The businessman also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying that every well-meaning Nigerian should rally behind his administration’s efforts to transform the country.

“I see APC as the best political platform because it has the highest number of passionate and competent citizens who are capable of moving Nigeria forward,” he added.

He noted that since making his intention to join the APC public, many of his associates had expressed readiness to follow suit, vowing to mobilise more members to strengthen the party across the state.

Among those who received Dr. Adegbola at the Oyo APC Secretariat were: Alhaji Tajudeen Olanite (State Secretary), Olawale Sadare (State Publicity Secretary), Prince John Aremu (State Youth Leader), Mrs. Tinuade Adigun, Alhaji Olalekan Busari (State Treasurer), Hon. Sayo Fatoki, Alhaji Sulaimon Bankole and Comrade Peter Odesola.