Politics
Ibarapa East Bye Election: Oyo APC, Ajimobi, Others, Rally Support For Late Speaker’s Brother
STATE Assembly ambition of the late speaker’s brother, Mr. Olukunle Adeyemo on Thursday received a boost as Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state led the campaign train of the APC leaders and supporters, including his wife, Chief Florence Ajimobi; State Chairman of the party, Chief Akin Oke; members of the House of Representatives; Assembly members, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Olagunju Ojo; members of the state executive council, Chief Adeniyi Akintola, SAN, among others to support his ambition.
The governor urged the people of Ibarapa land to rally behind the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) candidate for Saturday’s Assembly bye election, whom he described as the best among the candidates.
The seat had become vacant following the sudden death of the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo, who represented the constituency in the Assembly until April 27.
Addressing a mammoth crowd of supporters of the party during a campaign rally at Eruwa, Ajimobi reminded the people to reciprocate the good gesture of his administration as exemplified by the several completed and ongoing projects in the area.
In his words, “Ibarapa people are very close and dear to me. I can unequivocally say that Ibarapa had taken a front burner since I became the governor of this state. The access road to Ibarapa, which had long been abandoned, received the needed attention under my administration.
Ajimobi addressing party faithful, supporters in Eruwa yesterday
“Past administrations had merely patched the road. But, when we came on board, we decided to reconstruct and dualise it. Similarly, Ibarapa Polytechnic used to be a satellite campus of Ibadan Polytechnic, but today, it has become an autonomous polytechnic, courtesy of our administration.
“Apart from these, we are also working on the provision of potable water for Ibarapa, which is located in Ayete. We have nearly completed the project and it will certainly extend here. Ninety per cent of the work had been completed. It will serve several communities around here”.
The governor continued, ” but, I am hearing certain things from the grapevine about Eruwa. Some people are complaining that we created more local council development areas and reviewed the existing border delineation.
(L-R) Oyo APC State Chairman, Chief Oke, Governor Ajimobi and his Wife; Mrs Florence Ajimobi during the rally
“Whatever the case may be these are minor issues that should be resolved through dialogue. Let’s settle them amicably. When our father, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi pointed out some of our oversights during a similar exercise in Oyo we resolved the issues peacefully.
“This won’t be different. I’m a man of peace and I’m appealing to our people in Eruwa to embrace dialogue on the matter.”
The campaign train visit to Eleruwa of Eruwa’s palace, Oba Samuel Adegbola yesterday
The campaign train had earlier visited the Eleruwa of Eruwa, Oba Samuel Adegbola, to seek royal blessing for the APC candidate.
The monarch used the occasion to commend the Ajimobi’s administration for giving the people of Ibarapa a full-fledged polytechnic, located in Eruwa; a College of Agriculture and Technology at Igbo-Ora, as well as a College of Education of Education, in Lanlate.
He said, “We appreciate the efforts of the present government in Oyo State, led by Governor Abiola Ajimobi in the areas of standard road infrastructure. During this administration, new things that have affected the people positively have happened.
“We know many things are still in the pipeline but we appreciate the ones we are currently enjoying. We have a full-fledged polytechnic; our college of education is there in Lanlate and today, Ibarapa is proud to have the College of Agriculture and Technology at Igbo-Ora.
“The long-abandoned Ibadan-Eruwa road is enjoying reconstruction presently and we expect many more projects. We therefore need to consolidate on these and give further support to the Ajimobi’s administration. I wish the candidate success in the bye election”.
A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and close ally of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Farouk Aliyu, has rubbished speculations suggesting that the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) bloc is plotting to exit the ruling party.
Aliyu, a former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and self-identified member of Buhari’s inner political circle clarified on Wednesday during an interview on Politics Today, a flagship programme on Channels Television.
“It’s not true; there is nothing like members of the defunct CPC wanting to move out of APC,” Aliyu asserted firmly. “Our certificate, the certificate of CPC, was part of what formed APC. So how can we leave? To go where? This is our party.”
The CPC was one of the major parties that merged in 2013 to form the APC, alongside the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The merger paved the way for Buhari’s historic victory over then-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
Responding to recent reports surrounding former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s purported defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Aliyu distanced Buhari from any such endorsement. He cautioned El-Rufai against taking a wrecking-ball approach to the APC simply because he was overlooked for a ministerial position.
“If he didn’t get what he wanted, he shouldn’t bring down the roof,” Aliyu stated, adding that El-Rufai’s move does not represent the stance of Buhari or the CPC bloc.
He, however, advised the APC leadership to intensify engagement with all internal factions and legacy groups within the party to reduce political friction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Politics is about engagement. Politics is about the interests of groups, people, and so on,” he said. “That is what we are saying: engage more—not only with people from the defunct CPC but even from the PDP. So that in 2027, there will be less competition.”
The Jigawa-born political heavyweight also warned against complacency within the APC, particularly as opposition forces coalesce around former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
“We cannot just sit by and allow strange bedfellows to take over the government,” Aliyu cautioned, expressing confidence that the APC would present a unifying presidential candidate capable of fracturing the opposition alliance.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has voiced confidence in his ability to lead Nigeria, stating he possesses the capacity to occupy the nation’s highest political office.
However, the two-term governor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) maintained that his current focus remains on delivering good governance to the people of Oyo State.
Makinde made this assertion during an appearance on Politics Today, a political programme on Channels Television, closely monitored by Mega Icon Magazine.
Reflecting on the 2027 general elections, Governor Makinde predicted a major political showdown, describing it as one between the Nigerian people and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), rather than a straightforward contest between the PDP and the APC.
“I don’t have any doubt that I have the capacity to occupy the highest office in this land and I have what it takes,” Makinde declared. “But what I want to do right now—is it what Nigerians are asking for? Is it what my party will say we should do? We don’t know; we still have a long time to go.”
In a moment of humility that reflected both personal conviction and political maturity, Makinde added, “Let me also say this: if my political journey ends here, I am also happy.”
His comments come amid a flurry of political realignments and coalition talks across opposition lines ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, recently spearheaded a coalition effort with key political figures including former Anambra governor Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai. The coalition, announced on 20 March 2025, aims to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s APC-led administration, which faces mounting criticism over economic hardship, rising inflation, and soaring cost of living.
However, in a surprising twist, Makinde and fellow PDP governors rejected the Atiku-led coalition during a party meeting held on 14 April 2025. Speaking on the issue, Makinde insisted that while individuals may be free to explore alliances, the party must first set its house in order.
“Your house must be in order before you invite others,” he stressed, distancing the PDP from the idea of hurried mergers or coalitions.
Elder statesman and PDP Board of Trustees member, Chief Bode George, threw his weight behind the governors, arguing for a more strategic approach and advocating a southern presidential candidate to lead the party into the next general elections.
When asked directly whether he would contest the presidency in 2027, Makinde responded with characteristic clarity and resolve.
“Nobody will set an agenda for me. I will set an agenda for myself,” he said.
“People can say whatever they want to say. Right now, I am focusing on what the people of Oyo State have given to me—the task ahead of us. I am not distracted. I will not play stunt politics. I will not do things because it feels right in some people’s ears. No, I will stay focused to ensure we bring the dividends of democracy to our people.”
Makinde emphasised the importance of governance over grandstanding, highlighting ongoing infrastructural projects and policies aimed at securing the future of Oyo State citizens.
“If I want to contest, I will come out at the appropriate time,” he concluded. “One thing you should expect from Seyi Makinde is that he would never come out to say I want to do XYZ without preparations and without being held accountable for whatever he says he wants to do.”
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Tuesday received an enthusiastic reception from supporters and residents of Ihima community in Kogi State, despite a state government ban on rallies and processions.
By 8 am, crowds from the five local government areas of Kogi Central Senatorial District, which Akpoti-Uduaghan represents, had flooded the Ihima community in Okehi Local Government Area (LGA) to welcome the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker.
Several local musicians entertained the gathering as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the senator. Their patience was soon rewarded when Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived in a white helicopter, prompting cheers and jubilant applause from her supporters.
Addressing the crowd, Akpoti-Uduaghan acknowledged the state government’s ban but dismissed concerns that it applied to her visit.
“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed, that roads will be blocked, and convoys leading into the state will not be permitted. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not a political season, this is not campaign time,” she said.
“We are not having a rally. This is just me, the Senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – Sallah – with you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”
Her visit came just hours after the Kogi State Government imposed a ban on public gatherings and processions, citing security concerns. The restrictions were further reinforced by a curfew imposed in the area by Okehi LGA Chairman, Amoka Monday, and a police warning advising her to cancel the event.
Despite these measures, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained defiant, insisting that no authority could prevent her from visiting her home.
“Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land. I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody,” she declared to the cheering crowd.
Ahead of her homecoming, the senator alleged that any security breach during the event should be blamed on Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has been in the headlines in recent months, having been suspended from the Senate for allegedly violating its rules. Her suspension coincided with a sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Akpabio. Additionally, a recall process against her is currently underway. However, she maintains that her political travails are the result of a witch hunt.
