Oduduwa News

Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have unanimously endorsed Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli as the party’s consensus governorship candidate, signaling early strategic alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision was reached at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Ibadan, where prominent party chieftains, elders, and local government representatives converged to deliberate on the party’s future in the state. The meeting, described as pivotal, ended with a collective agreement to rally behind Senator Alli, who currently represents Oyo South Senatorial District.

According to party insiders, the endorsement reflects growing confidence in Alli’s leadership capacity, political experience, and grassroots appeal. Leaders at the meeting emphasized the need for unity within the party, noting that presenting a consensus candidate would prevent internal divisions and strengthen APC’s chances of reclaiming power in the state.

A senior party figure, who spoke on behalf of the leaders, stated that Senator Alli possesses the administrative competence and political structure required to challenge the incumbent government. He added that the endorsement was not imposed but arrived at after extensive consultations across party structures in the state.

“Senator Alli has demonstrated loyalty, capacity, and commitment to the growth of our party. This consensus is a product of wide consultations and a reflection of the will of the majority of APC stakeholders in Oyo State,” the leader said.

In his response, Senator Alli expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to justify the trust by working towards inclusive governance and development if elected. He also called on party members to remain united and focused on the collective goal of winning the 2027 governorship election.

“I am deeply honoured by this endorsement. It is a call to greater service, and I assure our leaders and supporters that I will not take this responsibility lightly. Together, we will reposition Oyo State for sustainable growth and prosperity,” Alli said.

The endorsement is expected to reshape the political landscape within the Oyo APC, potentially discouraging other aspirants and fostering early consolidation within the party. Analysts note that while consensus candidacy may reduce internal friction, its success will depend on how well dissenting voices within the party are managed.

The development comes amid increasing political activities across Oyo State, as parties begin early maneuvering and consultations ahead of the next electoral cycle. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is also expected to strategize in response, setting the stage for a competitive race.

With this move, the Oyo APC appears to be prioritizing unity and early preparation, aiming to present a formidable front in its bid to return to power in the state.

Former presidential candidate and energyentrepreneur, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has condemned the brutal attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) No. 2 in Eda Oniyo, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti State, describing the incident as shocking and deeply disturbing.

Armed bandits, reportedly numbering about seven, invaded a revival gathering at approximately 7:30 p.m., opened fire with sophisticated weapons, killed the invited pastor, and abducted no fewer than 13 worshippers.

Eyewitnesses said the attack lasted for about 40 minutes, throwing the community into chaos as residents fled for safety, leaving the area largely deserted.

Reacting to the tragedy, Hashim expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life and the abduction of innocent worshippers. He extended condolences to the family of the slain pastor, the church, and the people of Eda Oniyo and surrounding communities.

“My thoughts and prayers are with those abducted, and I stand in solidarity with their families at this painful time,” he said.

Hashim also raised concerns over the reported delay in security response despite distress calls made during the attack, noting that timely intervention could have significantly reduced the scale of the tragedy.

While acknowledging the deployment of security personnel currently combing nearby bushes in search of the abductors and victims, he stressed the need for a more proactive, intelligence-driven security architecture.

“Our communities cannot continue to live at the mercy of criminal elements. Places of worship must remain sanctuaries of peace, not theatres of violence,” he stated.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of the abducted victims and ensure the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.

Hashim further urged governments at all levels to strengthen local security frameworks, improve rapid response capabilities, and restore public confidence in the safety of lives and property.

The incident has heightened concerns over insecurity in rural communities, with residents of Eda Oniyo still gripped by fear as search operations continue.

The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has announced a three-week mid-semester break for students following escalating protests on campus.

In a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the decision was approved by the University Senate after demonstrations over a newly introduced transportation system turned disruptive.

According to the statement, the protests led to the obstruction of major access roads and incidents involving the harassment of other road users, raising serious concerns about safety within and around the university community.

The management noted that despite attempts to engage students and restore calm, the situation persisted, making it necessary to take decisive action to maintain order and protect lives and property.

“As part of efforts to restore normalcy and create an enabling environment for meaningful dialogue, students have been directed to proceed on a three-week mid-semester break with immediate effect and vacate their halls of residence,” the statement read.

The university added that it will continue discussions with relevant stakeholders during the break to address the issues raised by students and ensure a peaceful resolution.

Parents and guardians have been advised to make necessary arrangements for their wards, while students are urged to remain law-abiding and use the period responsibly.

The institution reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of students and the maintenance of a safe and conducive academic environment.

The Supreme Court on Thursday invalidated the National Convention of the Peoples Democratic Party held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on November 15 and 16, 2025, in a major setback for a faction of the opposition party led by former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, SAN.

In a split decision delivered by a five-member panel of the apex court, three justices held that the appeal filed by the Turaki-led faction lacked merit and affirmed the concurrent findings of the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal against the conduct of the convention.

Justice Stephen Adah, who delivered the lead judgment in appeal number SC/CV/164/2026, held that the appellants violated a subsisting order of the Federal High Court restraining them from proceeding with the planned convention.

The apex court consequently dismissed both the appeal and cross-appeals and ordered parties to bear their respective costs.

A former presidential candidate and Energy Entrepreneur, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to positively weigh-in in the Nation’s electoral process by advising a shift in the timetable for political party primaries to September, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

In an open letter addressed to the President, Hashim warned that the current rush toward early primaries could undermine internal party democracy and weaken the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

He stressed that Section 29(1) of the amended Electoral Act provides a broader window for parties to conduct their primaries up to mid-September, arguing that adherence to this timeline would enhance transparency, inclusiveness and fairness in the electoral process.

“The current timetable constricts the latitude of political parties to conduct their primaries. There is a need to allow sufficient time, as envisaged by law, for parties to organise credible and participatory primaries,” he stated.

The former candidate expressed concern that compressing the primary election process could fuel disputes within parties, disenfranchise aspirants and ultimately diminish public confidence in the electoral system.

While making a broader appeal for the protection of Nigeria’s democracy, Gbenga-Hashim cautioned against actions that may lead to a non-competitive electoral environment, warning that such a trend poses serious risks to the country’s democratic stability.

He recalled that Nigeria’s democratic gains were built through sacrifices made during the struggle against military rule, stressing that safeguarding political pluralism remains essential to sustaining those gains.

The letter also urged the President to promote reforms that would strengthen electoral credibility, including a review of contentious provisions in the Electoral Act and measures to ensure a level playing field for all political actors.

“That you advise the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, to step aside to allow for the reconstitution of a broadly credible Electoral Commission to oversee forthcoming elections,” he stated.

Olawepo-Hashim further called for steps to enhance confidence in electoral institutions, noting that trust in the system is critical to peaceful and credible elections.

According to him, allowing political parties adequate time to conduct primaries would not only reduce tensions but also deepen internal democracy and improve the quality of candidates that emerge for elective offices.

He maintained that adjusting the timetable to align with the Electoral Act would demonstrate commitment to due process and help avert avoidable political disputes ahead of the polls.

The former presidential candidate expressed hope that the President would consider the recommendations in the interest of political stability and national cohesion.

He added that ensuring a transparent and inclusive primary process remains a key step toward credible elections and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.

…As NLC Chairman Confirms State’s 4th Position in Workers’ Welfare

“The Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has been described as one of the most forward-looking and mature Labour Unions in recent history”.

This assertion was made today by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who led the Management of the Ministry to the NLC Secretariat in Ibadan for a courtesy visit held in solidarity with workers to mark the 2027 Workers’ Day Celebrations.

Prince Oyelade said that as a young reporter he had the privilege of covering the landmark amalgamation of the Nigeria Labour Congress held at the Parliament Building in Ibadan in 1978 where Comrade Hassan Sunmonu was elected as the NLC President.

“In the past 48 years, I have interacted with various NLC leadership in the state, and I can boldly say that in terms of building a harmonious relationship between government and workers, particularly from 1999 till date, none has surpassed the current Labour Unions in Oyo State,” he stated.

The Commissioner noted that in 2019, during his inaugural Gubernatorial address , Governor Seyi Makinde pledged to ensure the prompt payment of workers’ salaries on or before the 25th of every month.

According to him, the promise was met with skepticism by many.

“However, the Nigeria Labour Congress, Oyo State Council not only believed in that promise but supported it fully.

As we can see, 84 months after that audacious commitment, Governor Seyi Makinde has not reneged on the promise.

Instead, he introduced the 13th-month salary and has increased workers’ salaries three times, even as the workforce expanded significantly due to unprecedented recruitment policy” He said.

Oyelade further revealed that with over 130,000 government workers, the Makinde administration now has the largest workforce not only in the South-West but also in the South-East and South-South regions.

He added that over ₦18 billion is paid monthly as salaries to government’s workers representing an increase of over 800 percent compared to the 2019 baseline.

He also stated that the administration’s internally generated revenue (IGR) of over ₦103 billion monthly is justified by the extensive infrastructure development and strategic interventions aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.

The Commissioner congratulated the Oyo State NLC on Workers’ Day and commended the Union for its sustained support for the Makinde administration.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Oyo State Council, Comrade Kayode Martins, noted that the state government under Governor Makinde has taken deliberate steps to restore dignity to retirees through structured gratuity payments and the clearance of long-standing arrears.

According to him, the government initially increased gratuity provisions to ₦1 billion. Following a request by the union for an additional ₦500 million to raise it to ₦1.5 billion, the governor further reviewed it upward to ₦3 billion annually to ensure full settlement of outstanding obligations over time.

“The Governor also promised that if by December 2026 the backlog still exists, all outstanding payments will be fully settled before May 2027,” he added.

He explained that this intervention has significantly reduced hardship among retirees, many of whom previously had to resort to legal action or endure prolonged delays before receiving their entitlements.

The NLC Chairman stated that the policy has strengthened confidence among serving workers regarding the security of their benefits upon retirement.

He also commended the administration for reabsorbing previously disengaged workers, describing it as a corrective measure to addressing past injustices, as well as for approving backlog promotions, which he said has boosted morale among civil and public servants.

Comrade Martins noted that Oyo State has set a commendable benchmark by implementing a minimum wage above the Federal benchmark of ₦70,000.

“Prior to the reforms, the state ranked 32nd nationally in key indicators of workers’ welfare, but has since risen to 4th position following the implementation of the new minimum wage and related reforms” He said.

He described the simultaneous implementation of wage increases and pension interventions as a historic milestone in Labour relations within the state, noting that it has significantly improved both workers’ welfare and productivity and further reaffirmed the commitment of workers in the state to continue supporting the administration with increased dedication and service delivery.

The Accord Party has distanced itself from a reported coalition of opposition parties seeking to field a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

This clarification follows a political summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday, where several opposition figures and parties reportedly agreed in principle to unite behind one candidate in a bid to challenge the ruling party.

Among those said to be involved in the initiative are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), reportedly led at the meeting by David Mark; the People Democratic Party (PDP), chaired by Kabiru Turaki at the event; and the New Nigeria’s Party (NNPP).

However, in a statement issued on Monday, Accord’s National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Omorogbe, firmly rejected claims that the party was part of the coalition or participated in the summit.

Omorogbe criticized the organisers for what he described as the “unauthorised inclusion” of Accord in the list of participating parties. He emphasized that the party neither sent representatives nor endorsed any resolutions reached at the gathering.

“The Accord Party was not invited, did not attend, and is not part of any agreement arising from the Ibadan summit,” the statement read in part.

The party reiterated its commitment to pursuing its political strategy independently, noting that any decisions regarding alliances or the 2027 elections would be made through its internal structures and leadership.

The development highlights ongoing efforts among opposition groups to form a united front ahead of the next general election, as well as the challenges of building consensus across Nigeria’s diverse political landscape.

While some parties appear open to collaboration, Accord’s stance underscores lingering divisions within the opposition bloc, raising questions about the feasibility of a single-candidate strategy in 2027.

Former presidential candidate and energy entrepreneur, Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has called on the Nigerian labour movement to take a more active and central role in safeguarding the country’s democracy from what he described as a gradual slide toward authoritarianism.

Hashim made the call during a visit to the President of Nigeria Labour Congress Joe Ajero where he engaged him on the state of the nation and the role of workers in sustaining democratic governance.

According to him, the history of Nigeria’s progress cannot be separated from the sacrifices and contributions of the working class, stressing that labour has always been at the forefront of major political and social transformations in the country.

“Labour played a key role in the struggle for independence, and the working class was also a major force in our effort to end military dictatorship,” he said, noting that the current democratic dispensation must equally benefit from such vigilance and commitment.

Hashim warned that democracy risks losing its value if the welfare of citizens, particularly workers, is neglected, urging political leaders to refocus governance on policies that improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

He emphasized that democracy must deliver tangible benefits to the people, adding that when workers are marginalized, the legitimacy of democratic institutions is weakened.

Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with the labour movement, Hashim recalled his days as a student union leader in the 1980s, where he actively supported workers’ struggles and social justice campaigns.

Hashim commended the current leadership of the NLC, particularly Comrade Ajaero, for what he described as steadfast and courageous leadership in defending workers’ rights despite mounting pressures and intimidation.

He noted that such commitment has earned global recognition, citing the Arthur Svensson Prize for Trade union Rights which is to be formally conferred on Ajaero in Oslo, Norway, as a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s labour movement.

Dr. Hashim’s remarks underscore a renewed call for unity between labour leaders and political actors in strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that governance remains people centred.

As Nigeria navigates complex socio-political challenges, he stressed that the resilience, vigilance, and advocacy of the working class will remain indispensable in preserving democratic values and preventing any drift toward authoritarianism.
Hashim a long time ally of the Labour movement was Editorial Consultant of the NLC Maiden News Organ, Labour Mirror published in 1993 and also National Publicity Secretary of the National Democratic Labour Party in 1996.

The Olusegun Elijah Olasunkanmi Foundation, popularly known as Omo Oluwa, today flagged off the distribution of exercise books to pupils across all schools in Osun Central Senatorial District, marking the resumption of a new academic term.

Speaking during the exercise, the founder, Olusegun Elijah Olasunkanmi, a philanthropist and political aspirant for the Osun Central Senatorial seat in the forthcoming general elections reaffirmed his longstanding commitment to educational support and community development.

According to him, “Giving back to the people has always been part of me. This is not the first time we are undertaking such an initiative. For years, we have consistently supported students in Osogbo, Olorunda, and surrounding communities. Today, we are proud to extend this gesture to the entire Osun Central Senatorial District.”

He emphasized the importance of education as a lasting legacy, noting that, “The only enduring legacy we can give our children is education. With sound education, their future is secured.” He also welcomed both teachers and pupils back to school, wishing them a productive and successful academic term.

In furtherance of its empowerment drive, the foundation will, later this week, organize skill acquisition and empowerment programmes for artisans and individuals across the district. Beneficiaries will receive training in barbing, soap and balm production, agrochemical applications, and Adire fabric making.

At the end of the training, participants will be awarded certificates and supported with starter packs, equipment, and cash grants to enable them to establish sustainable livelihoods and achieve financial independence.

This initiative is also part of broader efforts to complement the developmental strides of the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, particularly in supporting his administration’s vision for economic empowerment and inclusive growth.

An Ondo State Magistrate Court sitting in Akure has remanded the Olu of Ilado in Akure North Local Government Area, Folahan Mekaisi, and four others in prison custody on a 15-count charge of conspiracy, malicious damage and attempted murder.

The Defendants were alleged to have conspired to inflict grievous bodily harm on their victims using dangerous weapons and destroying property worth several millions of Naira at Ilado Elemo, Akure North Local Government Area along Ado Ekiti Road on 12th April, 2026.

Delivering his ruling on Friday, 23rd April, 2026, after the Police prosecutor had read the charge No. MAK/2176/4/2026 to the Defendants, Magistrate Aro ordered that they be remanded in Ondo Correctional Centre until Tuesday, 28th April, 2026 when their pleas and the bail application will be taken.