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We will stand with Makinde all the way – NANS leaders
The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared its support for the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, stating that his policy of education “is top-notch and highly commendable.”
President of the student’s body, Comrade Danielson Bamidele Akpan, who led a NANS delegation to visit the Governor on Saturday, said that students across the country were in support of Governor Makinde because of his bias for free and qualitative education.
The students, who promised to stand by the Governor all the way stated that some of his efforts on education, health, and infrastructure in the last six months have shown that he had a clear vision for the State.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the President of NANS, Comrade Danielson Bamidele Akpan as saying these on Boxing Day, while leading the NANS delegation to commiserate with the Governor on the demise of a Students’ leader, Comrade Yemi Adeniran (aka Likedat) who died in a fatal accident last week.
NANS President and his colleagues including a former president of NANS, Comrade Sheriff Zadok; national financial secretary, Ikechukwu Okorie; former NANS Zone B Coordinator; Olanrewaju Segun, among others led the NANS delegation to Ibadan to participate in the final burial rites of their colleague, Yemi Adeniran (Likedat) who was a member of the Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Youth Wing.
Akpan commended Makinde’s performance in the areas of education, especially with regards to the free qualitative education policy, the award of N500,000 to Oyo State students in the Nigerian Law School and the massive improvement of education infrastructure through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
The delegation also commended Makinde for giving youths a pride of place in his administration as evidenced in the appointment of youths as commissioners and special assistants, noting that with policies that give attention to education and youth empowerment in the real sense, the Governor has become the one everyone across the country was looking at and a global pride.
While speaking, Akpan described the late Yemi Likedat as a true patriot and NANS leader of no mean repute, even as he commended the Governor for not only visiting the family of the deceased student unionist to commiserate and reassure them but also promising that the State Government would be of help to them in this period of sorrow.
“Your Excellency, we are here today and we join others to wish you a happy birthday. The main reason why we came is to appreciate you for visiting the family of Yemi Likedat. That particular act is what we, the entire Nigerian students appreciate. The entire world also appreciates this without looking at the fact that he lived in a remote area or not being one of your appointees. So, we salute you.
“Having said that, we have been seeing your performance, especially in the area of education, infrastructural turnaround, the bursary allowance you gave to Law students, the UBE improvement with the construction of blocks of classrooms. I am sure you know that primary and secondary schools are also part of our constituency and that is why our population is so much. We quite appreciate what you are doing in this sector since your assumption of office.”
In his response, Governor Makinde, who had earlier visited the family of the late Adeniran to commiserate with his family, said it was unfortunate to lose Adeniran at a time like this but that God would always remain unquestionable.
The Governor maintained that whatever he has achieved in the State was due to the mentality that the mandate was just another job that must be done effectively and with commitment bearing in mind that there would be more Oyo State Governors after his tenure.
“It’s like the job of a Managing Director/CEO, you do your bit and others come in. so why would someone behave as if there won’t be another Governor tomorrow?”
He promised to further look for avenues to engage the students’ leaders on the discussion on Nigeria and how the country can move on a path that is consistent with international standards.
Governor Makinde said: “I want to say again that it is quite unfortunate that we lost a comrade and a colleague, Yemi Likedat, but who are we to question God? Whatever God does is always the best, but we may not know. The government will be fully represented at his burial and we will try our best to support the internment.
“I appreciate your stopping by this morning and wish you and other comrades pleasant stay in Ibadan. While you are going around for the burial preparation, when you see things, say it and give us feedback. We can look at it. If it is something we have not started planning, we will take it. And if it is something we are already planning, we will let you know.”
“I am sure that we will still have time to meet further to discuss Nigeria and how the country can move on a path that is consistent with international standards. I am sure we will do that.
“For us in Oyo State, this is just another job. We will do our part and leave it. Before now, there have been past governors, so, why behave as though you will never leave the position. When you leave, life will still continue.”
Similarly, a former NANS president, Zadok, described Yemi Likedat as a powerful Nigerian student in his lifetime, noting that he was an embodiment of patriotism who was always fighting for Oyo State’s interests in students’ circles.
Zadok, who also commended Governor Makinde’s policies on education and appointment of youths into his government, said: “Your Excellency, you did something that you considered ordinary but it gave hope to the country. Youths are constantly used during elections and I don’t know what it is that made you choose a young person. I don’t know what came to your mind to invest so much in lawyers because they are not giving you immediate returns. I am wondering also why you are taking education very seriously.
“I want to say that this is the time NANS is going to stick with you. With that visit to Yemi’s house, you have earned yourself the same honour you had when you appointed a young commissioner. From today, I would say, with our organization, that you are not alone in this country, because we know you will stand up for the youths in this country. You have defied party politics and your standard has kept going higher. So, you don’t need only lead Oyo State people anymore. You are currently the rostrum we have been looking for.
“For me, again, I say we won’t leave you. It is a global pride that we have you and these values that your parents have put in you won’t leave you.”
A former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, has been sworn in as the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging members of the party to rally support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adeyemo formally assumed office on Friday following the inauguration of the newly elected State Executive Committee members who will manage the affairs of the party in the state for the next four years.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the party’s State Secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, marked the climax of the party’s 2026 congresses in the state.
The South-West Zonal Legal Adviser of the APC, Kolawole Majaro, administered the oath of office on Adeyemo and 35 other members of the State Executive Committee.
The executives had emerged through a consensus arrangement during the March 3, 2026 state congress held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, under the supervision of a committee led by Amos Gombi from the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Adeyemo described his emergence as a renewed call to service, pledging to strengthen the party and sustain unity among members.
He appreciated party leaders within and outside the state for ensuring a smooth and successful congress process.
Adeyemo also commended members of the Local Organising Committee, particularly Fatai Ibikunle and Afeez Bolaji Repete, for their contributions to the success of the exercise.
He said, “This new State Executive Committee under my leadership is being put in place to add value and strengthen our great party in view of the challenges ahead.
“We have used the opportunity of the congresses to showcase our collective commitment to unity and harmony as progressives and democrats.”
The new chairman expressed optimism that the atmosphere of peace within the party would be sustained ahead of future party primaries and the 2027 elections.
According to him, the party’s target is to secure 90 per cent of the votes in Oyo State for President Tinubu while also reclaiming the state’s Government House in 2027.
Adeyemo praised the President’s leadership, saying the administration was delivering on its promises.
“President Tinubu is, no doubt, performing beyond our expectations and the best way to appreciate his good work is to retain him in Aso Rock until 2031,” he said.
“Against all odds, the President is pursuing his Renewed Hope Agenda with vigour and passion, while the positive results are being felt across sectors of the economy and national life.”
Other members of the newly inaugurated executive include Taofeek Lamidi as Deputy Chairman, Fatai Adesina as State Secretary, Adekemi Opatunde as Woman Leader, Olawale Sadare as Publicity Secretary, Olalekan Oladejo as Youth Leader, and Remi Adepoju as Organising Secretary.
Also inaugurated were Ajiboye Akinsanya as Treasurer, Sunday Aborisade as Legal Adviser, Tinuade Adigun as Auditor, Lukman Owonikoko as Assistant State Secretary, Fatimah Hassan as Deputy Woman Leader, and Jimoh Osundara as the Leader of Persons Living With Disabilities, among others.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Senator representing Bayelsa West, Seriake Dickson, on Thursday announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that he had joined the newly registered Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja, attributing his decision to what he described as irreconcilable differences within the PDP.
The lawmaker said the emergence of the NDC would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system by providing a credible opposition platform.
According to him, the party recently received its certificate of registration from the Independent National Electoral Commission.
He said, “Last week INEC issued a certificate of registration and we now have the newest party in Nigeria known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress and our symbol is victory, the victory sign.
“So, my dear Nigerians, you now have a credible alternative opposition party known as the Nigeria Democratic Congress.”
Dickson noted that although the party’s registration took longer than expected, its eventual approval was a welcome development for the country’s democratic landscape.
“Yes, it is coming at this time. We would have wished it started some years or months back. We don’t control INEC and their processes; they delayed. We don’t also control the judiciary, but thank God it has finally arrived,” he said.
The senator also stressed that Nigeria’s democracy must not slide into a one-party system, insisting that political diversity remained vital for national stability.
“This nation cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria cannot be a one-party state. Nigeria is not designed to be a one-party state.
“We are a very diverse nation culturally, religiously and politically and that is the beauty of our country.
“So anyone or any party promoting one-party rule in Nigeria is mistaken. We build political parties and get involved in movements to access power for the good of the people, not for our personal benefit,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission recently announced the registration of two new political parties.
The parties are the Democratic Leadership Alliance and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, bringing the total number of registered political parties in Nigeria to 21.
The announcement was made by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, during the commission’s first quarterly consultative meeting with political party stakeholders for 2026.
According to him, the Democratic Leadership Alliance completed the required verification process, while the Nigeria Democratic Congress was registered in compliance with a Federal High Court order.
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