Politics
2023: Youth clamor for Tinubu as SWAGA begins advocacy programme
A pro-Tinubu group under the aegis of South-West Agenda for Asiwaju 2023 (SWAGA’23) on Thursday began its Youth advocacy programme with a summit to mobilise millions of youths across Nigeria, particularly the Southwest region to support the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Bola Tinubu.
The event, held at Ilupeju Industrial Estate had a panel of youthful discussants including Niyi Gbodimowo, Damilola Marshal, Ahmed Agabiaka, Yemi Orija, Tope Adebayo, Dr. Seriki Muritala, Damilola Emmanuel, Lanre Okunlola and Seyi Olaoye who discussed the topic: “Youth Involvement In Nigeria Politics and Policies Through Capacity Building and Engagement”.
In his welcome address, the Lagos State SWAGA’23 chairman, Hon. Monsuru Owolabi Alao urged the youth to take a decision and be the change henceforth for a better Nigeria.
Also commenting, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Lagos State University Professor Olumuyiwa Noah challenged the youth to get involved to make an impact in Nigeria’s politics and policies, while his counterpart; Professor Yemi Oke of Faculty of Law, University of Lagos enjoined the youth to use the social media responsibly for political marketing, development, and gains.
He admonished them to fact-check and ask questions before posting and commenting on social media as well as refrain from cyberbullying or abuses against opposing candidates in a bid to market their candidates.
In her speech on parental roles in encouraging youth to participate in politics, Mrs. Nkem Sofela asked parents to mentor their children to be of good character in all that they do.
On his part, Senator Ita Enang, the immediate past senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Niger Delta Affairs admonished the youth to be patient while learning the ropes in politics.
Citing his example of traversing every legislative curve from being a Councilor to a Senator in his career.
According to him; “ Many young people are not ready to learn the curves and most are eager only to climb trees from the leaves which will often lead to frustrating results. Therefore, do not be afraid to start at the lowest level, with consistency, perseverance, and loyalty, you will get to the top. Finally, ensure you have role models like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu”
The Director General of the Youth Directorate of Lagos Chapter of SWAGA’23, Hon. Deji Jakande called on every one of the voting age to obtain their permanent voters’ card (PVC) and be ready to vote for Tinubu in 2023.
The highlight of the occasion was the discussion by the panelists and the resolution that “For 2023 elections, based on his antecedents and his record of service to Lagos State when he was Governor, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the best for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not only are we ready to support him and mobilize votes in his favor, we equally call on him to ensure youth inclusiveness in his agenda as our next President as he did when he was Governor”.
The event had in attendance the leaders of SWAGA’23 such as Sen. Dayo Adeyeye, Hon. Oye Ojo, Hon Bosun Oladele the National Secretary, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, Hon. Oloruntoba Oke, Hons. Gani Dauda, Eni Omosule, Gani Omaluka, Bakare, Ladi Owolabi. Akinniran Isaac.
Others were; Hon. Albert Akintoye, Hon. Akeem Muniru, Alhaji Ibrahim Raji, Hon. Ahmed Muhammed former Kogi State Deputy Speaker, Hon Razak Olusola Ajakaye the Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo LCD, Hon. Mrs Tokunbo Fayokun, Hon Princess Bisi Adegoke, Hon Fatai Labaka, Hon. Kayode Opeifa, Hon. Bolanle Akinyemi Obe, Hajiya Fatimah Bello,Hons. Adewale Jafojo, Afeez Kasumu, Primate Charles Odugbesi, and a host of other notable politicians.
The Youth Advocacy programme is aimed at creating awareness and getting youth involved in politics and will continue from state to state across the country according to the secretariat of the group.
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 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.
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the newly elected State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.
The party, at its state congress held on Tuesday at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, elected a former Deputy Governor of the state, Moses Alake Adeyemo, as its new chairman alongside other state executive members.
Oseni, in a statement on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, described Adeyemo’s emergence as well-deserved, noting that his experience and longstanding commitment to the party would further strengthen its structure in the state.
He said the peaceful conduct of the congress demonstrated the party’s commitment to internal democracy and progressive leadership.
The statement said, “I congratulate our newly elected State Chairman and leader, His Excellency, Moses Alake Adeyemo, and other members of the State Executive Committee on their emergence. This victory reflects the confidence reposed in them by party members across the state.”
Oseni further expressed confidence that the new leadership would reposition the party for greater cohesion and electoral success.
According to him, “This is a critical moment for our party in Oyo State. It calls for unity, reconciliation, and renewed commitment to the ideals that bind us together as progressives.”
The federal lawmaker assured the new executives of his support and cooperation in advancing the programmes of the party and strengthening its grassroots structures.
He urged party members to rally behind the new leadership to ensure stability and secure future victories for the APC in the state.
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