A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Prince Kayode Bayewuwon, popularly known as PKOB, has pledged to bring abundant joy and relief to the people of the state.

He expressed a strong commitment to alleviating the suffering of the masses through impactful community development initiatives.

Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Tuesday, Bayewuwon emphasised that addressing the challenges faced by the underprivileged is vital for the state’s overall progress and development. He noted that his passion for community growth has been the driving force behind his desire to effect positive change in the lives of those in need.

Bayewuwon, a native of Ogbomoso from the Ogbomoso North Local Government Area, revealed his ambition to contest for a political office in the 2027 general elections.

He assured that his sincerity of purpose and dedication to service would distinguish him from other political contenders.

The UK-based computer engineering expert outlined his vision to prioritise the welfare of the people by creating opportunities for growth, development, and empowerment. His approach focuses on grassroots engagement, ensuring that the voices of the people are central to decision-making processes.

“After wide consultations, people encouraged me to contest for political office, and I am ready,” Bayewuwon stated. “I will involve the people in every decision and policy I implement. My passion for helping people is a major driving force behind my political aspiration.”

He further highlighted his commitment to advancing Oyo State’s status as the “Pacesetter State,” pledging to set a new standard for governance.

“One of my key goals is to prioritise sports development in the state and revisit the educational curriculum to curb the wastage of talents and elevate the state to the forefront of educational excellence,” he added.

Reflecting on his philanthropic efforts, Bayewuwon noted that he has positively impacted lives not only in Ogbomoso but across all local government areas in the state. He expressed his intention to expand these efforts if elected into office.

“My philanthropic initiatives have already made significant impacts, but I want to do more through effective governance,” he said.

Bayewuwon’s political vision, according to him, includes implementing programmes that directly address the pressing challenges facing Oyo State residents, adding that his plans aim to uplift individuals and families while fostering a more equitable and prosperous society.

Ahead of the 2027 elections, the Jubril Dotun Sanusi (JDS) Support Group has officially entered a strategic alliance with the Remi Oseni Committee of Friends (ROCOF).

This partnership unites two influential political forces, signaling Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi’s decision to step down from the gubernatorial race in favour of supporting Engr. Aderemi Oseni.

Oseni, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), is now positioned as a formidable contender in the forthcoming election.

The alliance was solidified during a high-level meeting held on Sunday at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Ibadan. The gathering attracted prominent stakeholders, including the Oyo State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), all 33 local government CAN coordinators, zonal leaders, market traders, and key figures within the JDS Support Group.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Hon. Gbenga Ayinde Adewusi of the JDS Group described the partnership as a strategic move aimed at reshaping Oyo State’s political and economic future.

Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland, praised Oseni’s legislative achievements, commending his commitment to developmental projects across the state.

Sanusi emphasized that his performance as a federal lawmaker stands out, describing him as one of Oyo State’s most effective and dedicated legislators.

He urged the newly formed alliance to engage stakeholders across the state, stressing the need for unity and divine guidance to secure electoral victory.

The Oyo State CAN Chairman also lauded Chief Sanusi’s leadership and praised his decision to support Oseni. He called on religious and grassroots leaders to rally behind the alliance to foster sustainable development and progress in the state.

Market traders, represented by Iyaloja Saratu Aduke Konibaje, applauded Chief Sanusi’s dedication to the welfare of small business owners. She pledged the continuous support of market traders statewide, citing Sanusi’s consistent advocacy for their economic interests.

Expressing his gratitude, Engr. Aderemi Oseni thanked Chief Sanusi and the JDS Support Group for their confidence in his leadership. He stressed the importance of unity in advancing the state’s development agenda and shared his deep-rooted connection to Oyo State as a proud son of the Bogumbe Family from Akufo, Ibadanland.

As part of his commitment to grassroots empowerment, the lawmaker announced a ₦50 million free loan scheme for market traders in Oyo State. The initiative, designed to bolster small businesses, will be managed by Iyaloja Saratu Aduke Konibaje, serving as the foundation for broader economic empowerment programmes.

The meeting ended with prayers and goodwill messages, reaffirming the joint resolve of the JDS Support Group and ROCOF to pursue sustainable growth and political success in the State as the 2027 governorship election approaches.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has openly declared his support for the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State in the 2026 governorship election.

Fayose made this declaration on Wednesday during the commissioning of the Ikeja GRA Network of Roads in Lagos State.

A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fayose commended the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in Lagos for transforming the Ikeja GRA area to rival the elite Ikoyi district.

“This place is now our own Ikoyi… You and your deputy have turned GRA to Ikoyi GRA,” Fayose remarked, applauding the Lagos State Government’s infrastructural strides.

Despite his firm loyalty to the PDP, Fayose stated unequivocally that he would support Governor Oyebanji, a member of the APC, in his re-election campaign.

“I am one Nigerian who will not say what I don’t mean even if they will kill me. I will say it. I am not a member of APC, let me put that on record again. I am not a member of APC and I will never be a member but I will not shy away from the fact that what is good is good,” Fayose declared.

Reflecting on Oyebanji’s emergence as governor, Fayose admitted that initial skepticism surrounded Oyebanji’s nomination but noted that the governor had surpassed expectations.

“When the news of your nomination came about six years ago, there were so many reservations, but you have proved the bookmakers wrong, including myself. You have shown that leadership is not about appearances but about substance. You are a different breed of politician,” he added.

Drawing a parallel between Oyebanji and the inclusive governance approach in Lagos, Fayose said, “You brought everybody together like my governor in Ekiti, Oyebanji, brought everybody together. I always tell people who care to listen, I am a PDP member but I will support Oyebanji in the next election. It is not about politics, it is who Oyebanji is.”

Governor Biodun Oyebanji was elected in June 2022 after defeating PDP’s Bisi Kolawole and Olusegun Oni of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). He succeeded former governor Kayode Fayemi and was sworn into office in October 2022.