Oduduwa News

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reportedly backed by influential party leaders including Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja affirming the eligibility of former President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election.

The court’s ruling, delivered by the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, held that Jonathan remains constitutionally qualified to seek the nation’s highest office despite having previously taken the presidential oath of office twice, effectively clearing a major legal hurdle ahead of the PDP’s presidential primaries.

In a statement issued by the party’s Interim National Working Committee and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP described the judgment as a victory for constitutional order, democratic principles, and common sense.

According to the party, the court’s decision aligns squarely with the law, stressing that legal provisions cannot be applied retroactively to disqualify Jonathan from participating in the 2027 race.

The PDP also criticised the suit challenging Jonathan’s eligibility, describing it as vexatious and a gross abuse of judicial process, arguing that the matter should never have been brought before the court.

“The punitive cost awarded against the plaintiff is highly commendable and should serve as a deterrent to political irritants and busybodies who make themselves available for use by anti-democratic forces seeking to distract and derail the nation’s democratic process,” the statement read.

The party further revealed that it had already granted former President Jonathan a screening waiver, a move interpreted by political observers as a strong indication of internal consensus and strategic backing for his possible return to the presidential contest.

With the PDP’s primaries scheduled to hold on May 28, 2026, the court judgment is seen as significantly strengthening Jonathan’s pathway toward what party leaders have described as a potential “presidential rescue mission” for Nigeria.

The development is expected to reshape political calculations across party lines, as Jonathan’s possible return to the ballot could alter the dynamics of the 2027 presidential race and reignite national debate over leadership, continuity, and democratic renewal.

The Accord Party governorship primary in Oyo State has ended in controversy and confusion following the emergence of two separate candidates from parallel processes held by different factions of the party.

In one of the exercises, Kunle Busari, popularly known as Gudugudu, was declared winner of the party’s governorship primary after reportedly securing victory through a primary election conducted under the supervision of party officials and electoral observers.

Party stakeholders backing Busari described the process as lawful, transparent, and in line with the Accord Party’s internal guidelines, insisting that his emergence reflects the democratic choice of delegates across the state.

According to sources within the party, Busari polled the highest number of votes totalling 29,427, while Oriyomi Hazmat polled 18,716 and Fatai Owoseni polled 11,922 to clinch the governorship ticket, positioning himself as the Accord Party’s flag bearer ahead of the 2027 Oyo governorship election.

However, in a dramatic twist, another faction of the party reportedly endorsed media entrepreneur and founder of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, as a consensus governorship candidate through a separate parallel process held almost simultaneously.

Supporters of Oriyomi maintained that his adoption followed broad consultations among party leaders and stakeholders who believe his popularity, grassroots appeal, and humanitarian credentials make him the strongest contender to challenge for the governorship seat.

The parallel declarations have thrown the party into uncertainty, raising fresh concerns over internal divisions and possible legal battles over the authentic governorship ticket.

The development comes shortly after former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, withdrew from the Accord governorship race, citing alleged infiltration of party structures, manipulation, and the use of thuggery to influence the process.

Political observers say the unfolding crisis could weaken the Accord Party’s chances in Oyo State if urgent reconciliation efforts are not undertaken to resolve the leadership dispute and determine a universally accepted candidate.

As of the time of filing this report, the state and national leadership of the Accord Party had yet to issue an official clarification on which of the two parallel exercises would be recognised as legitimate.

With both camps claiming legitimacy, attention is now on the party’s national executives and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), whose eventual recognition may determine the authentic Accord governorship candidate for Oyo State.

A former presidential candidate and 2027 presidential hopeful, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has formally confirmed his membership of the Accord Party and declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election on the party’s platform.

Speaking with journalists in response to enquiries, Hashim disclosed that his political structure had already commenced extensive grassroots mobilisation within the party across the country.

According to him, over one million supporters have so far been mobilised into the Accord Party as part of efforts to build a formidable political movement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We have quietly mobilised about one million of our supporters into the Accord Party, and we are still doing so,” he stated.

Hashim also reacted to comments reportedly credited to a governor, suggesting that the Accord Party would not field a presidential candidate in 2027.
Describing the remark as an overreach, Hashim insisted that no individual possesses the authority to determine who becomes Nigeria’s next president.

“That is an overreach for him. The presidency of Nigeria is too big for anyone to allocate. It is in the hands of God and the Nigerian people,” he said.

The former presidential candidate further argued that political actors often make such pronouncements out of fear and political survival instincts within Nigeria’s highly competitive political environment.
“I know the governor is scared stiff that if he does not go about dancing and declaring support for the incumbent president in a rival party, they would rig him out. But that does not give him the power to allocate the presidency,” Hashim added.

He maintained that political power ultimately belongs to the Nigerian electorate and cautioned against attempts to predetermine the outcome of future elections.
“When power changes hands, those who think they can control it will be shocked and humbled,” he stated.

Hashim reaffirmed his commitment to providing Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative anchored on competence, national unity, economic revival, and inclusive development as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police and ex-Special Adviser on Security to Oyo State Governor, Fatai Owoseni, has withdrawn from the Accord Party governorship primary in Oyo State, citing alleged internal manipulation, infiltration, and rising violence within the party.

Owoseni announced his decision on Tuesday in a statement, describing the move as a difficult but necessary step in light of what he called disturbing developments capable of frustrating his political ambition on the Accord platform.

The retired police commissioner, who only recently joined the Accord Party after resigning from Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration and obtaining his governorship nomination forms, said unfolding events within the party had made it impossible for his aspiration to thrive.

“I speak with a heavy but resolute heart to the good people of Oyo State and our teeming supporters. Recent developments within the Accord Party have compelled me to rethink my political company and association,” Owoseni stated.

According to him, one of the major reasons for his withdrawal was what he described as the total infiltration and manipulation of the party’s structure, particularly at the state level, by political interests determined to maintain influence and frustrate genuine democratic participation.

“The first is the total infiltration and manipulation of the party structure by elements who will go to any lengths to ensure that perpetuity in government is sustained,” he said.

Owoseni also raised concerns over what he called the emergence of thuggery and violence as tools being deployed to destabilise the party and derail a transparent primary process.

“Secondly, thuggery and violence are emerging as instruments to destabilise the party and ensure that the entire process is stalemated,” he alleged.

Despite stepping away from the Accord Party, Owoseni assured his supporters that his commitment to the development and security of Oyo State remains unwavering.

“The quest for the greater good for the greater majority remains our focus. To our supporters who have believed in this cause, I offer my heartfelt gratitude and ask for your understanding at this moment,” he added.

He also expressed sympathy for victims of the recent security crisis in Ogbomoso, noting that the state’s worsening insecurity should ordinarily be the top concern of political leaders and stakeholders.

Owoseni’s withdrawal comes barely weeks after his dramatic entry into the Accord governorship race, where he had promised issue-based politics, continuity in development, and an end to money-driven electoral contests.

Political observers say the development may significantly alter the dynamics of the opposition party’s preparations for the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, while raising fresh questions about internal democracy and stability within the Accord Party.

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three suspected kidnappers during a joint security operation in Otu community, located in the Oke-Ogun axis of the state, while successfully rescuing an abducted victim held captive by the criminal gang.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the operation was carried out in collaboration with local hunters and other security agencies following a distress report of armed men attacking hunters on a routine expedition in the area.

The police disclosed that upon receiving intelligence on the activities of the kidnappers, security operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle deep within the forest.

During the exchange, three of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised, forcing others in the gang to flee into surrounding bushes with possible gunshot injuries.

The operation also led to the successful rescue of an abducted victim identified as Mosudi Gbolagade, a 50-year-old man who had earlier been kidnapped at Okaka and kept in captivity within the Otu forest.

Authorities revealed that the rescued victim sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation but was immediately evacuated for urgent medical attention and is currently receiving treatment.

Security operatives recovered several weapons from the suspects, including one AK-47 rifle, one single-barrel gun, and a machete, further highlighting the violent nature of the criminal network.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State commended the bravery and coordination of the officers, local hunters, and other security personnel involved in the operation, reaffirming the command’s commitment to rooting out criminal elements threatening peace and safety across the state.

Residents of Oke-Ogun and surrounding communities have been urged to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The latest breakthrough comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of Oyo State following recent reports of abductions and attacks, with authorities intensifying operations to dismantle criminal hideouts and restore public confidence.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced the receipt of the result sheets of the Ogun East Senatorial District primary election from the Chairman of the Ogun State APC National Assembly Primary Elections Committee, Comrade Philip Shuaib.

Governor Abiodun disclosed that the peaceful, transparent, and orderly conduct of the primary election across the district once again reflected the unity, strength, and democratic values of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to the governor, the successful completion of the exercise demonstrates the party’s commitment to internal democracy and credible electoral processes, as members and stakeholders conducted themselves responsibly throughout the exercise.

“We sincerely appreciate party members, leaders, electoral officials, and all stakeholders for their commitment to a successful process,” Governor Abiodun stated, commending everyone involved for ensuring a hitch-free primary election.

He noted that the orderly conduct of the exercise is a testament to the APC’s enduring spirit of unity and its readiness to continue providing purposeful leadership to the people.

Governor Abiodun also urged party faithful to remain steadfast and united as the party prepares for future electoral contests, stressing that collective commitment and cooperation remain vital to achieving victory.

The Ogun East Senatorial District primary election is part of the APC’s broader preparations ahead of upcoming political engagements, with party leaders expressing confidence in the credibility and transparency of the process.

The 2023 Lagos governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has emerged as the party’s governorship flagbearer for the 2027 Lagos State election after defeating his rival, Silas, in the party’s primary election.

According to results announced after the statewide exercise, Rhodes-Vivour polled 12,948 votes to defeat Silas, who secured 6,183 votes in the keenly contested primary.

The primary election, conducted across various parts of Lagos State, reportedly witnessed a strong turnout of party members and supporters, with observers describing the process as peaceful, transparent, and well coordinated.

Speaking shortly after he was declared winner, Rhodes-Vivour expressed appreciation to party faithful and supporters for what he described as overwhelming support for his political movement.

“I want to sincerely thank every supporter who rallied around this movement and came out en masse to vote. This victory belongs to all of us who believe in a better future,” he stated.

The ADC candidate said the outcome of the primary signaled the beginning of a renewed political movement focused on accountable governance and transformation in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

“The work has only just begun. Together, we will continue to build a movement that represents hope, progress and accountable leadership for our people,” he added.

Oduduwa News gathered that Rhodes-Vivour also reacted to earlier reports circulating on social media suggesting he had lost the primary election, dismissing the claims as speculative and misleading.

In a statement issued on Monday, the politician mocked the rumours, saying: “If only wishes were horses, if only we could sit in our house and write results on Excel sheets to win elections.”

The former governorship candidate further maintained that his political structure and support base across Lagos remained intact despite criticism from opponents and doubters.

Quoting American comedian Dave Chappelle, Rhodes-Vivour said: “When a hero stumbles, cowards rejoice. Nothing feels better to a coward than to watch a brave guy fall.”

He insisted that supporters of his movement had already begun celebrations before the official declaration because victory was already certain.

“Since Friday the landslide victory was so definite that we had started celebrations. Last night we were officially declared victorious in a landslide victory,” he said.

With the primary now concluded, political observers say the ADC candidate is expected to intensify consultations and mobilization ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship contest.

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has cautioned former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, against making statements perceived as damaging to the image and unity of the ruling party.

Basiru issued the warning while reacting to recent comments credited to Fayemi, which some party stakeholders described as capable of “demarketing” the APC and undermining ongoing efforts to strengthen internal cohesion ahead of future political contests.

The APC scribe said while the party respects freedom of expression and internal democratic engagement, no member—regardless of status—should make public remarks that could portray the party negatively or fuel opposition narratives.

According to him, Fayemi, as a prominent leader and former governor elected under the APC platform, has a responsibility to protect the party’s integrity rather than contribute to narratives that may weaken public confidence in its leadership and governance.

Basiru stressed that if Fayemi is dissatisfied with the direction of the party or can no longer align with its ideals, he should consider formally exiting the APC instead of engaging in what he described as actions capable of damaging the party from within.

He warned that the party would not hesitate to invoke disciplinary measures against members whose conduct is deemed detrimental to its unity and electoral prospects.

“Political parties are built on loyalty, discipline, and collective responsibility. While constructive criticism is welcome internally, no member should publicly demarket the party or act in ways that embolden political opponents,” Basiru stated.

The warning follows recent public comments by Fayemi, reportedly expressing concerns over internal party dynamics and governance issues—remarks that have sparked debate among APC loyalists and political observers.

Fayemi, a former chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and one-time Minister of Mines and Steel Development, remains one of the APC’s influential founding figures, making the latest exchange a significant development within the ruling party.

Political analysts say the tension may reflect deeper internal disagreements within the APC as the party begins early positioning ahead of future elections.

As of press time, Dr. Fayemi had not publicly responded to the warning issued by the APC national leadership.

-Says he’s Nigeria’s only true opposition leader

A prominent ally of late political patriarch, Olusola Saraki, Oba Ajara, has endorsed the presidential ambition of Gbenga Hashim ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing him as “the only true opposition leader” in Nigeria.

Oba Ajara, a 90-year-old veteran politician with over six decades of active political involvement, said his endorsement was informed by his wealth of experience and deep understanding of Nigeria’s political evolution.

Speaking during a political gathering attended by leaders from across Kwara Central, Ajara declared that Hashim possesses the leadership qualities and courage needed to reposition the country.
“In my over 60 years in politics, I consider Dr. Gbenga Hashim the only true leader in Nigeria today with the capacity to rescue this country from its current state of helplessness,” he said.

The elder statesman lamented what he described as the collapse of opposition responsibility in Nigeria, accusing many opposition figures of failing to hold the government accountable.

According to him, the vacuum created by the absence of a vibrant opposition has weakened democratic engagement in the country.
“The opposition in Nigeria has abandoned its responsibility. It is only Gbenga Hashim who has remained consistent and committed to the fight against subjugation,” Ajara stated.
He further declared that the Accord Party would serve as the platform to actualize Hashim’s presidential ambition in 2027.

Ajara called on political stakeholders, supporters, and party loyalists across Kwara State and beyond to rally around the party, which he described as the emerging platform for a new national movement.
“That is where we will all converge to actualize this mission in 2027,” he added.

Political observers believe the endorsement may signal early political realignments within Kwara State, particularly among groups seeking alternatives to the dominant political structures ahead of the next general elections.

Responding to the endorsement, Gbenga Hashim expressed appreciation, describing the gesture as both an honour and a call to greater responsibility.

He reiterated his commitment to building a broad-based political movement anchored on justice, economic recovery, national unity, and democratic renewal.

An independent investigation has debunked a viral social media broadcast alleging that residents should remain indoors by 9pm due to the planned movement of traditional deities under a supposed ritual activity referred to as “Ogun O Jálú” in Ogbomosho, Ibadan and other towns in Oyo State.

The message, which has been widely circulated across messaging platforms, claimed that certain traditional worshippers were mobilising to “bring out deities” in response to the recent spate of kidnappings and insecurity incidents reported in some parts of the country.

The broadcast further suggested that the alleged activity could affect public movement at night in Ibadan, Ogbomosho and Oyo Town, prompting fears among residents and raising concern over possible restrictions or spiritual enforcement of safety measures.

However, findings from an independent verification effort made by Oduduwa News, alongside responses from relevant authorities and community stakeholders, confirm that the claims are false and misleading.

Security agencies stated that there is no declared curfew, no security advisory restricting movement at 9pm, and no intelligence suggesting any coordinated traditional activity capable of affecting public safety or restricting free movement.

Traditional religious stakeholders also dismissed the viral message, clarifying that no known association or legitimate traditional authority has issued such a directive. They described the rumour as a fabrication intended to exploit public anxiety over insecurity.

Authorities have urged citizens to disregard the message and avoid sharing unverified broadcasts, warning that misinformation linked to sensitive cultural or security issues can trigger unnecessary panic and social tension.

The investigation concludes that the “Ogun O Jálú” 9pm indoor warning is a false narrative with no official or cultural backing, and the public is encouraged to treat it as misinformation.