A House of Representatives aspirant for Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon. Monsuru Akintunde Adeyemo, on Friday urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that disunity could undermine the party’s chances of returning to power.

Adeyemo, popularly known as Socrates, made the call in a statement, where he also drummed support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The former Vice Chairman of Aare Latosa Local Council Development Area stressed that cohesion among party leaders and stakeholders remained critical to building a formidable opposition in the state.

He commended party chieftains, including Moses Alake-Adeyemo, for their roles in repositioning the party for future electoral success.

“The task before us requires unwavering commitment and unity of purpose. A divided house cannot stand. If we are determined to reclaim Oyo State in 2027, we must close ranks and work together,” he said.

Adeyemo also criticised the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde, alleging that residents were experiencing the effects of what he described as governance failures.

“With the current realities in Oyo State, it is evident that the only credible alternative in 2027 is the APC. I commend our leaders for rebuilding the party and urge members to remain steadfast, as victory lies in our collective resolve,” he added.

The aspirant further described Tinubu’s leadership as pivotal to Nigeria’s recovery and long-term development, urging Nigerians to sustain their support for the President.

Adeyemo, who is also the Oyo State Coordinator of Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria, called on party loyalists to intensify grassroots mobilisation, deepen engagement across communities, and work collectively towards ensuring victory for the APC in Oyo State in 2027.

…review covers all cadres, boosts welfare, retirement security

The Federal Government has approved a sweeping upward review of peculiar allowances and welfare packages for civil servants, alongside the introduction of 100 per cent duty tour allowance for training and a new exit benefit scheme for retirees.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Abuja, describing the decision as a major step towards enhancing workers’ earnings, morale and post-service security.

She said the review applies to officers on the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure and the Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, with a design that ensures benefits cut across all grade levels.

According to her, the restructured allowances will improve take-home pay for both senior and junior officers, reflecting the government’s commitment to a more inclusive welfare framework.
Walson-Jack further disclosed that key allowances captured in the Public Service Rules, including duty tour allowance, estacode and book allowance, had been comprehensively reviewed.

Highlighting one of the major reforms, she announced the approval of 100 per cent duty tour allowance for civil servants attending approved training programmes, irrespective of whether such training involves travel.

“Even when the training is within the same location, officers are entitled to full DTA,” she said.

In a related development, the Federal Government has introduced an exit benefit scheme for retiring civil servants under the Contributory Pension Scheme, effective January 1, 2026.

The scheme provides 100 per cent of a retiree’s full emoluments as an exit package, separate from pension entitlement.

The Head of Service said the initiative was designed to uphold dignity in retirement and ensure that public servants exit service with adequate financial support.

She also confirmed the operationalisation of the Employee Compensation Scheme, aimed at providing financial protection for workers in cases of job-related injury or death.

The reforms come amid growing pressure from labour unions for improved welfare, as rising living costs continue to strain workers’ incomes.The latest move follows an earlier salary adjustment by the Federal Government, which approved a 25 to 35 per cent increase for workers across several consolidated salary structures.

Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo South Senatorial District have endorsed a member of the House of Representatives, Aderemi Oseni, as their consensus candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.

The endorsement was announced on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting held at Alice Hall, Ibadan, with party leaders, stakeholders, local government chairmen and state executive members from the nine local government areas in attendance.

The councils represented at the meeting are Ibadan North, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-East, Ibadan South-West, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North and Ido.

‎The stakeholders expressed satisfaction with Oseni’s aspiration, describing it as timely, credible and anchored on tested leadership and grassroots appeal.

‎Those present at the meeting included Chief Timothy Jolaoso (Ibarapa East); Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe (Ido); Chief Abdulrauf Bello (Ido); Alhaji Muili Oluokun (Ibadan North-West); Alhaji Mufutau Adisa (Ibadan South-East); Alhaji Bello Oladeji (Ibadan North); Prince Gbade Lana (Ibadan North-East); Engr. Olatunji (Ibadan South-West); Comrade Wale Gbadamosi (Ibarapa North); and Alhaja Moji Adetona (Ibarapa Central).

‎Other party officials in attendance were the senatorial chairman, Alhaji Mojeed Adebayo; the secretary, Fatai Adesina; Welfare Officer, Sunday Babalola; Deputy Women Leader, Alhaja Fatimah Hassan; Auditor, Alhaja Tinu Adigun; Youth Leader, Lekan Adebayo; Ex-Officio member, Kola Amoo; Treasurer, Lateef Ajiboye; and Senatorial Youth Leader, Olalekan Olowe.

A chieftain of the party in Ibadan North Local Government, Hon.  Shina Alabi, moved the motion for the lawmaker’s  endorsement, which was seconded and unanimously adopted by the stakeholders.

Alabi said Oseni’s decision to abide by President Bola Tinubu’s directive to step down his governorship ambition for the senatorial race underscored his loyalty and commitment to party unity.

‎He said, “Hon. Oseni has demonstrated uncommon commitment to the welfare of the people. His leadership style is inclusive, responsive and development-driven. We are convinced that his emergence as the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District will strengthen the party’s chances and guarantee effective representation.”

‎He also urged party members to remain united and rally behind credible aspirants with proven capacity and electoral value.

‎In his remarks, Hon. Aderemi Oseni said his decision to pursue the senatorial seat followed the presidential directives, noting that he accepted the decision in the interest of party cohesion, progress and stability. He recalled that he had earlier prepared for the Oyo South senatorial race in the 2023 general elections, having already purchased the nomination and expression of interest forms as part of an arrangement reached, before stepping down following appeals by party leaders.

The lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), said the party must close ranks to reclaim political dominance in the senatorial district.

‎According to him, “There is a huge task ahead, especially with several House of Representatives seats in the district currently held by the opposition. We must work together, mobilise effectively and secure victory for our  party and leader, President Bola Tinubu”.

‎Oseni thanked party leaders and stakeholders for the confidence reposed in him and assured them of his commitment to advancing the interests of Oyo South Senatorial District.

The meeting also had representatives from all nine local government areas, with about 10 leaders from each council in attendance.