Politics
Oyo LG Tussle: APC Calls For Buhari, NASS Intervention, Accuses Makinde Of Impunity
The All Progressives Congress in Oyo State has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the National Assembly, under Senator Ahmed Lawan and Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to prevail on Governor Oluseyi Makinde to desist from further actions capable of impeding smooth operation of democracy and general administration of the third tier of government in the state.
Oyo APC’s call came on the heel of Engr. Makinde’s announcement, last week, that he would appoint his party members as Caretaker Chairmen and Sole Administrators into the 33 local government councils and 35 local council development areas across the state respectively following a lull occasioned by the prevention of the elected officials to perform their responsibilities by the new PDP administration.
In a statement issued in Ibadan and made available to journalists on Monday by its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Prince Ayobami Adejumo, Oyo APC described the latest plans by Makinde to foist his loyalists and PDP members on the people at the local government level as not only an affront against the Judiciary but also a shameful decision aimed at positioning some lackeys for a possible hatchet job in view of his imminent sack from office.
“In the history of our dear country, there has never been anywhere in all the 36 States and the FCT where the executive offices in all the local government councils were locked for more than six months simply because a governor would order the sack of elected officials. But this happened in our own Oyo State when the PDP Governor began to manifest flagrant disregard to the Oath of Office he swore to right from the day of his inauguration. Gov. Makinde ordered a prospective appointee to announce the withdrawal of the mandate of hundreds of validly elected council officials and this was without any reasonable justification.
“Without mincing words, the whole word is aware of a subsisting judgment of the Supreme Court which frowns at the actions being taken by Makinde as it declared as illegal, null and void, any dissolution of elected local government councils by any state governor and/or state House of Assembly. “The governor is fully aware of this and the specific judgement of the Oyo State High Court, which called attention to the Apex Court’s incontrovertible verdict and thus restrained the Oyo State governor and House of Assembly from dissolving local governments.
“Gov. Makinde did not only deliberately flout these subsisting court orders/judgements, he also took other dangerous steps by illegally dissolving OYSIEC, a constitutional body with a specified tenure provided by our constitution. Meanwhile, Gov. Makinde made public his incompetence and poor understanding of the concept of constitutional democracy when he covertly sought to bribe the entire members of the State Independent Electoral Commission through a bait of upfront payment of their salaries for the whole of their five-year tenure which had not run to two years as at the time he claimed to have dissolved the statutory Commission. This action alone raises both moral and legal questions as to why the reckless use of tax payers’ money for illegal, selfish and partisan ends?
“At this juncture, it is imperative to draw the attention of the Presidency to the executive rascality and political heists being witnessed in Oyo State in the hands of some desperate political players who would stop at nothing to subject the nation’s judiciary to a ridicule and also desecrate the institution of democracy and the rule of law. How would a governor ground the activities of the third tier of government when he can never wish for the President to use the federal might on him? It is time President Buhari called Gov. Makinde to order before the situation gets out of hand.
“In the same vein, both the leadership of the Senate and the House of Representatives in Abuja have a role to play on this matter if it just only to safeguard the sanctity of the judiciary and forestall possible breakdown of law and order in Oyo state which is an integral part of the country. A man who left his duty post in Oyo in company of some violent elements to disturb the peaceful conduct of elections in far away Kogi State cannot be ignored when it comes to attempts to set the whole nation on fire for selfish reasons.” Oyo APC stated.
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.
