Politics
2023: Makinde displaying ignorance, it’s Ido Lg’s turn to produce next federal rep – Olowofela
Director General of the Remi Oseni Campaign Council (ROCC), Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela has said that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State was being economical with the truth and displayed ignorance in some of his actions, particularly the statement credited to him during his campaign on whose turn to represent Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency.
The federal constituency which consists of Ido and Ibarapa East Local Governments has been enjoying rotation of power irrespective of any political faith based on the political tradition until 2015 when people from Ibarapa East held sway to have an undue advantage over their Ido local government neighbour.
Olowofela, who is also the commissioner representing Oyo state at the Federal Character Commission (FCC) was reacting to Governor Makinde’s remarks during his re-election campaign at Ido town, where the governor claimed that he deliberately settled for the PDP house of representatives candidate from Ibarapa East local government against other candidates in Ido local government because he was fighting for fairness, justice, and equity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, by the Director of Media and Publicity, Remi Oseni Campaign Council (ROCC), Idowu Ayodele, the former council chairman emphasized that it is the turn of the Ido Local Government Area of the state to produce the next lawmaker to represent its federal constituency of Ibarapa East/Ido.
“I have watched various steps taken by Governor Seyi Makinde, I found him to be ignorant in some of his actions. In particular, the story credited to him during his campaign on whose turn to represent Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency. For the benefit of the doubt, we need to inform Governor Makinde and his Co-travellers that, it is long overdue for Ido Local Government to represent both local Governments in the National Assembly. We need to do some historical analysis for him, to educate and elucidate the facts, and why it ought to be Ido Local Government.
“In the year 1999-2003, 2003-2007, Hon. Sadiq Sanusi Anwo from Ido Local Government became the Honourable representing the constituency, the year 2007-2011, Hon. Yemi Taiwo from Ibarapa East Local Government represented the Constituency.
“Subsequently, years 2011-2015, 2015-2019, Hon. Sunday Adepoju, popularly known as ‘Omoyin’ from Ibarapa East Local Government also represented the Constituency again. While in the year 2019- 2023, Hon. Yemi Taiwo from Ibarapa East Local Government, who had earlier occupied the seat between 2007-2011, is the incumbent House of Representatives member.
“The simple arithmetic is that Ido Local Government has represented the Constituency in 8 years. While Ibarapa East Local Government has represented both Local Governments in the 16 years.
“If Governor Seyi Makinde, the Apostle of fairness, justice, and equity will look at the years of representation, it should be obvious to him that it is the turn of Ido Local Government”, the statement explained.
While admitting that the choice of candidate is by election, the former Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, further noted that of all the candidates jostling for the position of House of Representatives of Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, who he said has renewed the hope of the depressed constituents through his various intervention projects and programs, is the best candidate.
“No doubt, the constituents have resolved to freely give their mandate to Engr. Remi Oseni of the All Progressives Congress (APC) this Saturday, 25th of February. In a credible and fair election, Oseni stands pole apart from any other candidates. Once again, I admonish all the good people of Ibarapa East and Ido local governments to vote for competence, fairness, justice, and equity. Vote Remi Oseni, the man with fear of God”, Olowofela added.
A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and close ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Farouk Aliyu, has rubbished speculations suggesting that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc is plotting to exit the ruling party.
Aliyu, a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and self-identified member of Buhari’s inner political circle clarified on Wednesday during an interview on Politics Today, a flagship programme on Channels Television.
“It’s not true; there is nothing like members of the defunct CPC wanting to move out of APC,” Aliyu asserted firmly. “Our certificate, the certificate of CPC, was part of what formed APC. So how can we leave? To go where? This is our party.”
The CPC was one of the major parties that merged in 2013 to form the APC, alongside the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The merger paved the way for Buhari’s historic victory over then-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
Responding to recent reports surrounding former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s purported defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Aliyu distanced Buhari from any such endorsement. He cautioned El-Rufai against taking a wrecking-ball approach to the APC simply because he was overlooked for a ministerial position.
“If he didn’t get what he wanted, he shouldn’t bring down the roof,” Aliyu stated, adding that El-Rufai’s move does not represent the stance of Buhari or the CPC bloc.
He, however, advised the APC leadership to intensify engagement with all internal factions and legacy groups within the party to reduce political friction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Politics is about engagement. Politics is about the interests of groups, people, and so on,” he said. “That is what we are saying: engage more—not only with people from the defunct CPC but even from the PDP. So that in 2027, there will be less competition.”
The Jigawa-born political heavyweight also warned against complacency within the APC, particularly as opposition forces coalesce around former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“We cannot just sit by and allow strange bedfellows to take over the government,” Aliyu cautioned, expressing confidence that the APC would present a unifying presidential candidate capable of fracturing the opposition alliance.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has voiced confidence in his ability to lead Nigeria, stating he possesses the capacity to occupy the nation’s highest political office.
However, the two-term governor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) maintained that his current focus remains on delivering good governance to the people of Oyo State.
Makinde made this assertion during an appearance on Politics Today, a political programme on Channels Television, closely monitored by Mega Icon Magazine.
Reflecting on the 2027 general elections, Governor Makinde predicted a major political showdown, describing it as one between the Nigerian people and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than a straightforward contest between the PDP and the APC.
“I don’t have any doubt that I have the capacity to occupy the highest office in this land and I have what it takes,” Makinde declared. “But what I want to do right now—is it what Nigerians are asking for? Is it what my party will say we should do? We don’t know; we still have a long time to go.”
In a moment of humility that reflected both personal conviction and political maturity, Makinde added, “Let me also say this: if my political journey ends here, I am also happy.”
His comments come amid a flurry of political realignments and coalition talks across opposition lines ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, recently spearheaded a coalition effort with key political figures including former Anambra governor Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai. The coalition, announced on 20 March 2025, aims to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s APC-led administration, which faces mounting criticism over economic hardship, rising inflation, and soaring cost of living.
However, in a surprising twist, Makinde and fellow PDP governors rejected the Atiku-led coalition during a party meeting held on 14 April 2025. Speaking on the issue, Makinde insisted that while individuals may be free to explore alliances, the party must first set its house in order.
“Your house must be in order before you invite others,” he stressed, distancing the PDP from the idea of hurried mergers or coalitions.
Elder statesman and PDP Board of Trustees member, Chief Bode George, threw his weight behind the governors, arguing for a more strategic approach and advocating a southern presidential candidate to lead the party into the next general elections.
When asked directly whether he would contest the presidency in 2027, Makinde responded with characteristic clarity and resolve.
“Nobody will set an agenda for me. I will set an agenda for myself,” he said.
“People can say whatever they want to say. Right now, I am focusing on what the people of Oyo State have given to me—the task ahead of us. I am not distracted. I will not play stunt politics. I will not do things because it feels right in some people’s ears. No, I will stay focused to ensure we bring the dividends of democracy to our people.”
Makinde emphasised the importance of governance over grandstanding, highlighting ongoing infrastructural projects and policies aimed at securing the future of Oyo State citizens.
“If I want to contest, I will come out at the appropriate time,” he concluded. “One thing you should expect from Seyi Makinde is that he would never come out to say I want to do XYZ without preparations and without being held accountable for whatever he says he wants to do.”
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday received an enthusiastic reception from supporters and residents of Ihima community in Kogi State, despite a state government ban on rallies and processions.
By 8 am, crowds from the five local government areas of Kogi Central Senatorial District, which Akpoti-Uduaghan represents, had flooded the Ihima community in Okehi Local Government Area (LGA) to welcome the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker.
Several local musicians entertained the gathering as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the senator. Their patience was soon rewarded when Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived in a white helicopter, prompting cheers and jubilant applause from her supporters.
Addressing the crowd, Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged the state government’s ban but dismissed concerns that it applied to her visit.
“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed, that roads will be blocked, and convoys leading into the state will not be permitted. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not a political season, this is not campaign time,” she said.
“We are not having a rally. This is just me, the Senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – Sallah – with you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”
Her visit came just hours after the Kogi State Government imposed a ban on public gatherings and processions, citing security concerns. The restrictions were further reinforced by a curfew imposed in the area by Okehi LGA Chairman, Amoka Monday, and a police warning advising her to cancel the event.
Despite these measures, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained defiant, insisting that no authority could prevent her from visiting her home.
“Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land. I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody,” she declared to the cheering crowd.
Ahead of her homecoming, the senator alleged that any security breach during the event should be blamed on Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has been in the headlines in recent months, having been suspended from the Senate for allegedly violating its rules. Her suspension coincided with a sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Akpabio. Additionally, a recall process against her is currently underway. However, she maintains that her political travails are the result of a witch hunt.
