Oduduwa News

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.

Leading opposition figures in Nigeria, including Atiku Abubakar, Seyi Makinde, and Rotimi Amaechi, have arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, for a major national summit aimed at reshaping the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The high-level gathering, hosted by Governor Makinde at the Government House in Ibadan, has drawn a wide array of opposition heavyweights from across the country. Among those in attendance are Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, and Rauf Aregbesola, alongside several other political stakeholders.

The summit, themed around fostering unity among opposition parties, is focused on addressing key national issues, strengthening political cooperation, and exploring possible alliances. Discussions are expected to centre on Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, security concerns, and strategic preparations for the 2027 elections.

Reports indicate that the event is being chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, highlighting the significance of the meeting and the calibre of participants involved.

The convergence of these influential figures has sparked widespread political interest, with analysts suggesting it could signal the early stages of a unified opposition coalition. Observers believe the meeting may play a crucial role in shaping alliances and defining the direction of opposition politics in the coming years.

Security has been heightened across key areas of Ibadan due to the presence of prominent political leaders and the sensitive nature of the discussions.

As deliberations continue, the outcome of the summit is expected to influence future political strategies and potentially redefine the balance of power ahead of Nigeria’s next electoral cycle.

The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every school-age child has access to basic education, describing it as a fundamental right guaranteed by law.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, made this known on Thursday, 23 April 2026, while briefing the media in his office, urging the parents, guardians, community leaders, and market stakeholders to collaborate with the government.

Hon. Olayiwola explained that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has adopted an alternative approach to enforcing compliance with compulsory basic education.
He noted that instead of focusing solely on penalties for parents, the government is introducing flexible learning opportunities for children who are currently out of school.

The commissioner maintained that the state government will organise free evening classes for children engaged in menial jobs within major markets.
He said that the pilot phase of the programme will take place in Mokola/Sabo, Bodija, and Agbeni/Idi-kan markets.

According to him, the programme is scheduled to commence on Monday, April 27, 2026, while the classes will start at 4 pm and close at 6 pm daily.

The designated centres include: St. Brigid’s Primary School, Mokola (for children in the Sabo/Mokola axis)
St. Patrick’s Basic School, Idi-kan, Agbeni (for children in Idi-kan, Agbeni and surrounding areas)
Methodist Primary School, Bodija (for children in Bodija and environs)

He called on parents, guardians, and traders in these markets to support the initiative by allowing and encouraging affected children to attend the two-hour evening classes.

In her remarks, the Director of Basic Education, Mrs Susan Oladipo, revealed that members of the State Steering Committee on Almajiri and Out of School had conducted awareness and sensitisation visits to the three markets.

She noted that market leaders pledged their full support by helping to identify vulnerable children and encouraging their participation in the programme.

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s increasing debt profile, questioning why the Federal Government continues to borrow despite removing fuel subsidy.

Sanusi, who has long advocated for economic reforms, noted that the removal of petrol subsidy was expected to ease fiscal pressure and free up funds for development. However, he expressed worry that borrowing has instead continued to rise.

According to him, “If you’re not paying the subsidy and you’ve got the money, why are we still borrowing and borrowing? What are we borrowing for?”

He argued that the whole idea behind subsidy removal was to create fiscal space for infrastructure, social services, and economic growth. With that policy already implemented, Sanusi said Nigerians should be seeing clear financial benefits rather than an increase in debt.

While acknowledging that the subsidy regime was previously unsustainable and wasteful, he stressed that eliminating it should naturally lead to fiscal consolidation—not more borrowing.

Sanusi also highlighted improvements in the petroleum sector, noting that Nigeria is moving toward domestic refining and even exporting petroleum products, a shift he described as positive for the economy.

Despite these gains, he questioned the government’s financial management, urging greater transparency in how savings from subsidy removal are being utilized. He warned that without clear accountability, public trust could erode.

His comments come amid reports that the Federal Government plans to increase borrowing significantly, with projections running into trillions of naira, alongside new external loan requests for infrastructure projects.

Sanusi has consistently maintained that while reforms like subsidy removal and exchange rate unification are necessary, they must be accompanied by disciplined spending and responsible fiscal policies to achieve meaningful economic progress.

Overall, his question underscores a broader national debate: whether the economic reforms introduced by the government are truly translating into reduced debt and improved financial stability for Nigeria.

Prominent traditional rulers from across Southern Nigeria on Thursday gathered in Port Harcourt for a high-level meeting focused on addressing insecurity and strengthening regional collaboration.

The meeting brought together respected monarchs from the South West, South East, and South South, highlighting a unified front among traditional institutions in tackling pressing security challenges affecting their regions.

Among those in attendance were the Ooni of Ife who serves as Chairman of the Southern Traditional Council and the Osun State Traditional Council; Olubadan of Ibadan, the Chairman of the Oyo State Traditional Council; the Olowo of Owo , Chairman of the Ondo State Traditional Council; and the Ogoga of Ikere , Chairman of the Ekiti State Traditional Council.

Also present were the Olu of Ilaro , Chairman of the Ogun State Traditional Council; the Alara of Ilara, Deputy Chairman of the Lagos State Traditional Council; alongside other notable monarchs including the Deji of Akure and the Oniru of Iruland .

The monarchs were formally received by the Governor of Rivers State, Similayi Fubara at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

The gathering is seen as a strategic move by traditional leaders to foster unity and develop grassroots-driven solutions to insecurity, while also strengthening inter-regional cooperation on socio-political and economic issues.

Although details of deliberations remain undisclosed, sources indicate that the meeting will address issues ranging from community safety to youth engagement and conflict resolution across Southern Nigeria.

Iyabo Obasanjo has called for fairness, equity, and inclusivity in the ongoing political realignment within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State , following a consensus arrangement that has reportedly produced a preferred governorship candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Obasanjo expressed concern that while consensus-building is a legitimate political strategy, it must not sideline critical stakeholders or undermine democratic participation within the party. She emphasized that the APC in Ogun must remain a platform where all voices are heard, particularly those of grassroots members who form the backbone of the party.

According to her, “Consensus should not translate into exclusion. If the process lacks transparency and fairness, it risks weakening internal unity and alienating loyal party members.”

The former senator urged party leaders to ensure that zoning arrangements and power shifts reflect the diversity of Ogun State and respect existing agreements among party blocs. She warned that perceived imbalances could create divisions that may affect the APC’s electoral strength in the state.

The reported consensus candidate, whose emergence has sparked mixed reactions among party members, is believed to be part of a broader strategy to maintain political stability and continuity within the state. However, some stakeholders have raised concerns about the lack of open consultation.

Obasanjo further called on the party’s national leadership to intervene where necessary, ensuring that internal democracy is upheld and that all aspirants are given a fair opportunity to engage in the process.

Political observers note that Ogun State has historically experienced intense intra-party negotiations, especially regarding governorship succession. With 2027 still some distance away, analysts believe early consensus moves may help stabilize the party—but only if managed inclusively.

As discussions continue, party members and stakeholders are expected to engage in further consultations to reconcile differences and strengthen unity ahead of the elections.

Omo Oluwa has congratulated and applauded the appointments of Lere Oyewumi, Kolapo Alimi, and Pelumi Olajengbesi as key leaders of the Imole Campaign Council echelon.

Mr. Olasunkanmi Elijah Olusegun, a Senatorial aspirant from Osun Central, commended the Executive Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, for what he described as a well-thought-out and strategic composition of the campaign council. He particularly praised the appointment of Senator Oyewumi as the Director-General of the Imole Campaign Council, alongside Barrister Kolapo Alimi, Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, and other distinguished members serving in various leadership capacities.

In a statement signed and released to the press in Osogbo by the Director of his media team, Mr. Olasunkanmi noted that the Governor has carefully assembled a competent and formidable team capable of delivering his second-term mandate.

He described the choice of Senator Oyewumi, the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, as highly strategic, citing his proven track record, political experience, and wide influence across Osun State and beyond. He equally commended the inclusion of Barrister Kolapo Alimi and Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, noting their capacity, commitment, and credibility in public service and political advocacy.

Mr. Olasunkanmi expressed confidence in the ability of the campaign council to achieve success in the forthcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for August 15, 2026, stating that the outcome represents the collective aspiration of the people.

He also urged the good people of Osun State to continue supporting and promoting the achievements of Governor Ademola Adeleke, while calling on them to come out en masse to vote in the upcoming election.