Oyo South Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Aderemi Oseni has charged Nigerian graduates to combine academic excellence with good character, integrity and godliness, stressing that while certificates may open doors, character is key to sustaining success.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), gave the charge on Saturday while speaking with journalists at the fourth convocation ceremony of Dominion University, Ibadan.

He noted that academic qualifications could create opportunities, but the values graduates uphold would shape their professional journeys and determine how well they sustain their achievements.

“Certification can only create a way for you, make a way for you and take you to where you are going, but your character will keep you there,” he said.

The lawmaker urged the graduates to see their academic achievements as a foundation for greater opportunities in their chosen careers, encouraging them to apply the knowledge and values acquired during their studies.

He described graduates of faith-based institutions as privileged, noting that the environment in which students are trained plays an important role in shaping their conduct, values and outlook on life.

Oseni also encouraged them to carry the lessons, prayers and counsel they received at the university into their workplaces and personal lives, emphasising that their conduct should reflect the quality of their education.

“My charge to them again is for everyone of them to see their academic excellence as the foundation to where they desire next in their chosen career,” he said.

He warned that professional success could be difficult to sustain without integrity and discipline, urging the graduates to remain committed to sound values wherever their careers take them.

Oseni added that the true value of education lies not only in the qualifications earned but also in how graduates use their knowledge, character and values to contribute meaningfully to society.

The Oyo State chapter of the City Boy Movement has warned political groups claiming allegiance to the All Progressives Congress against promoting opposition candidates, saying party loyalty should not depend on personal interests.

The state Director of the movement, Hon. Olufemi Onireti, gave the warning in a statement on Monday, declaring the group’s support for the APC and all its candidates.

Onireti said the movement would not support some candidates of the party while backing others from rival political parties.

“We are unequivocally loyal to the APC and all its candidates. Our loyalty is not selective, and we will not support one candidate while abandoning another,” he said.

He expressed concern over the activities of groups that identify with the APC but openly campaign for candidates of other political parties.

According to him, such conduct raises questions about their commitment to the party, particularly when political interests are placed above party loyalty.

“You cannot claim to be committed to the APC while simultaneously promoting candidates of other political parties based on personal interests or political calculations,” Onireti said.

He stressed that the movement would not associate with any arrangement that undermined the APC or promoted rival candidates under the guise of supporting the ruling party.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Oyo City Boy Movement stands firmly with the APC and all its candidates. We will not be part of any arrangement that undermines the party’s interests,” he added.

Onireti also expressed appreciation to members and supporters who attended the movement’s inaugural event held last week.

He particularly thanked the Oyo State APC Chairman, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, and the state Women Leader, Dr Mrs Felicia Adekemi Opatunde, for attending the event and supporting the movement.

He also commended the executives and members across the state’s zones for their contributions to the success of the inauguration.

The director urged APC stakeholders and affiliated groups to demonstrate consistency in their political allegiance, calling for greater discipline and unity within the party.

He said members should be able to distinguish groups genuinely committed to the APC from those whose political activities suggest otherwise.

Team Arapaja, a political group loyal to former Oyo State Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja, has challenged the All Progressives Movement governorship candidate, Bimbo Adekanmbi, to address allegations against him before making accusations against political opponents.

The group made the call in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Ibrahim Sheriff, in reaction to Adekanmbi’s recent appearance on Fresh FM, where he reportedly accused the All Progressives Congress candidate of embezzling funds while serving as chairman of Ibadan North Local Government.

Adekanmbi was also reported to have claimed that he had evidence to back up his allegation.

But Team Arapaja dismissed the claim as political mudslinging, questioning why Adekanmbi had yet to make the alleged evidence public despite Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s previous electoral contests, including the 2023 Oyo South Senatorial District election.

The group said voters should not take serious allegations at face value but should demand evidence and examine the records of those seeking public office.

It also questioned Adekanmbi’s record during his time as acting chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue and commissioner for finance, alleging that some staff members were subjected to humiliation and mistreatment under his leadership.

The statement further raised questions over allegations concerning ₦30bn in local government funds during his tenure as finance commissioner, challenging him to publicly address the matter.

Team Arapaja, however, did not provide documentary evidence to substantiate the allegations in its statement.

The group also questioned Adekanmbi’s political relationship with Governor Seyi Makinde, citing his reported admission that he associated with the governor for nearly seven years after the death of his former political benefactor, the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

It alleged that Adekanmbi’s relationship with Makinde raised questions about his political loyalty and suggested that he should explain his role during the period.

The group further challenged him to respond to allegations that he provided the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission with information about properties belonging to the Ajimobi family.

Team Arapaja said the issues deserved clarification, particularly given what it described as the role of the Ajimobi family in bringing Adekanmbi from the private sector into public service.

Quoting the saying, “He who comes to equity must come with clean hands,” the group questioned whether Adekanmbi had adequately addressed the allegations it raised before criticising other politicians.

It also recalled the controversy surrounding the 2023 governorship election campaign, when Governor Makinde reportedly made allegations against the then APC governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin.

The group urged politicians to avoid making accusations they could not substantiate, warning that such claims could distract voters from issues of governance and accountability.

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, Team Arapaja urged residents of Oyo State to scrutinise the records, integrity and competence of candidates rather than be swayed by campaign rhetoric.

It challenged Adekanmbi to respond to the issues raised and provide evidence for his own allegations against political opponents.