Politics
Group Lauds Oseni, Expresses Shock at EYM’s Abrupt Shift from Praise to Criticism
The Ibarapa East/Ido Concern Citizens (IICC) have responded robustly to recent criticisms from the Eruwa Youth Movement (EYM) concerning Engr. Aderemi Oseni, the Member representing the Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State.
The EYM’s letter expressed concerns about developmental progress and alleged unmet promises by the lawmaker, prompting a detailed rebuttal from the IICC last Friday.
The IICC acknowledged the concerns but argued that Oseni’s significant personal contributions and dedication to the constituency’s development, both prior to and following his election, warrant collective commendation and support rather than premature criticism.
“It is important to recognize that Hon. Aderemi Oseni has shown considerable capacity, quality representation, and a steadfast commitment to our constituency’s development. His continued investment of personal resources—both before and after his election—deserves commendation and encouragement rather than early criticism. Such actions could potentially deter other distinguished individuals from serving our community,” the response stated.
The IICC also highlighted the EYM’s recognition of Oseni’s acquisition of N120 million worth of earth-moving equipment, including a bulldozer and a road grader, as deserving of acknowledgment.
“This equipment is intended to advance grassroots development and ensure food security within our constituency, representing a groundbreaking initiative in Oyo State’s political history. We are aware that this equipment, inaugurated in March 2024, has been used to repair rural roads before the rainy season. It is impractical to undertake earthwork and grading during the rainy season, underscoring the need for mutual understanding on this issue,” the statement explained.
The IICC further questioned why the EYM has targeted Oseni alone for criticism while other key officials, such as the Oyo State Governor, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the Senator representing Oyo South, local government chairmen, and other local leaders, have not faced similar scrutiny.
“We question why the Eruwa Youth Movement has focused its criticism solely on Hon. Oseni. Have similar concerns been directed at the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, local government chairmen, former House of Assembly members, or the Senator representing Oyo South, Barr. Sarafadeen Alli, who were elected alongside Oseni? These are critical questions that need clear answers.”
The IICC expressed confusion over the EYM’s shift from previous praise to recent criticism of Oseni, urging clarification of their stance and intentions.
“The Eruwa Youth Movement, which only two months ago praised Hon. Aderemi Oseni for his substantial contributions to the federal constituency and suggested he deserved not only commendation but celebration, now starkly contrasts with its recent condemnation. What has changed so drastically to warrant this shift in stance?
“We must question whose interests the youth group is truly serving. Is it the students whose WAEC and JAMB fees he has covered, the artisans and market women he has supported, or the communities he has aided through various projects and financial assistance? Or does this criticism stem from motives of personal gain and blackmail? The IICC is puzzled by this apparent contradiction.”
The IICC challenged the EYM’s claims of unsuccessful communication attempts with the lawmaker, citing Oseni’s open-door policy and multiple communication channels, including his 67 special assistants across the 20 wards, constituency office, and active WhatsApp groups.
The group urged the EYM to utilize these channels to address their concerns directly with the lawmaker.
The IICC called for patience and continued support for Oseni, emphasizing the need to navigate bureaucratic processes and recognize the progress made in his first year in office.
They reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with the Eruwa Youth Movement and other stakeholders to advance community development and address pressing needs in the Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency.
Read the full statement:
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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