Author: oduduwanews

The political coast is gradually clearing for the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Barrister Sharafadeen Alli to emerge as the consensus governorship candidate of the (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Findings by Oduduwa News reveal that despite the presence of over 15 gubernatorial aspirants across Oyo State’s geo-political zones, key party stakeholders appear to be rallying behind Alli as the most acceptable choice. This development reportedly followed a high-level meeting with President in Lagos on Sunday.

The meeting came shortly after President Tinubu returned from a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, where he had engagements at . Sources disclosed that part of his time in Lagos was devoted to strategic consultations on political developments in the South-West ahead of 2027.

According to insiders, the endorsement of Alli was reached after extensive deliberations, with participants considering his political experience, grassroots appeal, and acceptability across party factions in the state. Those present at the meeting included Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila ; Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele ; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji ; and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacheaus Adedeji, among other top stakeholders.

Further strengthening Alli’s candidacy, sources revealed that he enjoys the backing of a majority of APC leaders in Oyo State, as well as the Olubadan of Ibadanland . Alli, a Senior Chief of Ibadanland, has previously served as a local government chairman and Secretary to the State Government before his current role in the Senate.

Meanwhile, discussions at the meeting also touched on concerns surrounding the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu. Sources indicated that his perceived lack of grassroots support remains a major challenge, with party members citing recent electoral setbacks, including the APC’s loss in all 12 wards in the Ibadan North federal constituency by-election to the (PDP).

Party insiders further disclosed that internal divisions over Adelabu’s ambition have continued to widen cracks within the APC, making Alli a unifying figure widely accepted across factions. As political alignments intensify, many observers believe his emergence could reshape the party’s chances in the 2027 governorship race against the camp of incumbent Governor .

A presidential aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Gbenga Hashim, has cautioned the faction loyal to Nyesom Wike against staging another factional convention, warning that such a move could further fracture the party.

Hashim described the plan as a serious threat to the unity and survival of the PDP, stressing that both camps had earlier agreed to pursue a unity convention before the recent judgment of the Court of Appeal.

According to him, the reconciliation process was derailed by what he termed the activities of a “fifth columnist,” who allegedly sabotaged efforts in pursuit of external interests.

“I urge the Wike faction not to renege on the gentleman’s agreement already made. This is about the survival and integrity of the PDP,” Hashim said.

The PDP chieftain also warned against alleged moves to tamper with the executive committees of state chapters, particularly in Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Kano states, noting that such actions would violate the party’s constitution.

He maintained that the tenures of state executives are fixed and cannot be arbitrarily altered, cautioning against exporting the national leadership crisis into otherwise stable state structures.

Hashim identified the authentic state chairmen in the affected states as Hon. Raymond Dabo (Plateau), Hon. Adamu Ninga (Nasarawa), Hon. Edward Percy Masha (Kaduna), and Hon. Yusuf Ado Kibiya (Kano), insisting that their mandates must be respected.

He warned that imposing parallel structures in states without internal disputes could deepen the crisis and weaken the party’s cohesion ahead of future elections.

The presidential aspirant further cautioned that key actors in the ongoing dispute risk emerging as political losers if they fail to resolve their differences and adhere strictly to an agreed framework for power-sharing and the harmonisation of the National Working Committees of the rival factions.

Hashim called on all stakeholders to return to the negotiation table and conclude work on a unified leadership structure, stressing that any factional convention would ultimately produce a lose-lose outcome for the party.

He reiterated that unity remains the only viable path for the PDP to regain its strength, credibility and electoral competitiveness.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned members of his political party against engaging in avoidable internal conflicts, stressing that politics must be approached with clear strategy rather than treated as a profit-driven venture.

Nyesom Wike also threw jibes at Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for engaging in a political battle with him.

Wike gave the warning during a recent political engagement, where he expressed concern over rising tensions and divisions among party loyalists. According to him, unnecessary political battles weaken party cohesion and distract from the broader objective of governance and electoral success. He emphasized that discipline and calculated engagement remain critical in sustaining political relevance.

The former Rivers State governor further noted that politics is not a business enterprise where individuals pursue personal gains at the expense of collective interest. He urged party members to prioritize unity, loyalty, and long-term planning, warning that reckless political confrontations could undermine the party’s strength ahead of future elections.

Wike also advised stakeholders to focus on building strong alliances and adopting strategic thinking in navigating Nigeria’s complex political landscape. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening party structures and ensuring that internal disagreements are resolved through dialogue rather than public disputes.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has charged Tajudeen Baruwa and several others to court following their arrest over the alleged forceful takeover of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) national secretariat in Abuja.

The development comes amid the lingering leadership crisis between Baruwa and Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, over control of the influential transport union.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, dismissed viral videos alleging that police officers opened fire during the clash at the NURTW headquarters in Garki II, Abuja, describing the claims as false and misleading.

According to the police, officers were only deployed to the scene after receiving a distress call at about 7:00 a.m. on March 23, 2026, reporting that a large group of about 300 individuals armed with dangerous weapons, including cutlasses, bottles, bows, and arrows, had stormed the premises and were removing items.

The statement added that the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Isyaku Sharu, led a response team to restore order.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the group allegedly attempted to enforce a court order without the presence of court sheriffs or other authorised officials, a move that escalated into a violent confrontation when opposing NURTW members resisted.

During the clash, one victim reportedly sustained severe machete wounds to the neck and was rescued by police operatives, while others with varying degrees of injuries were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The police confirmed the arrest of seven suspects at the scene, including individuals identified as Sulaiman A. Musa, Nasiru Ibrahim, Alhaji Sadisu Musa, Dalha Suleiman, Abdullahi Garba, Saheed Fojebi, and Ibikunle T. Baruwa.

Adeh stated that the suspects have since been arraigned before Magistrate Court 1 in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, while normalcy has been restored to the area.

The incident marks another escalation in the prolonged NURTW leadership dispute, which has continued to generate tension and legal battles across the country.

Governor Seyi Makinde has approved a ₦10,000 monthly transportation allowance for workers in Oyo State as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on the workforce.

The approval, announced on Monday, followed a formal request by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, seeking urgent intervention over the increasing cost of transportation. The state NLC Chairman, Kayode Martins, disclosed the development in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan.

According to the statement, the newly approved allowance will take effect from April 2026 and is aimed at providing relief to workers grappling with the harsh economic realities triggered by the sharp increase in petrol prices. Reports indicate that petrol currently sells between ₦1,320 and ₦1,330 per litre across parts of the state, significantly increasing commuting costs for civil servants.

Martins noted that the decision reflects the state government’s responsiveness to the concerns of organised labour and its commitment to workers’ welfare. He added that the intervention came after sustained advocacy by labour unions to mitigate the burden of rising living expenses on workers.

The NLC chairman further stated that modalities for the implementation of the transport relief would be communicated by relevant government authorities in due course. The initiative is widely seen as part of broader measures by the Oyo State Government to ease the economic strain caused by recent fuel price hikes and inflationary pressures.

The move has been welcomed by workers across the state, who view the allowance as a timely intervention to offset daily commuting expenses and improve their overall welfare.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and Former Presidential Candidate, Gbenga Hashim, has flagged off a N22 million water intervention project in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with the commissioning of a solar-powered borehole in New Jerusalem, a densely populated community in Bwari Area Council.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Hashim said the project, executed through the Gbenga Hashim Foundation, was aimed at addressing the persistent water shortage affecting residents of the area. He noted that access to clean and safe water remains a basic necessity that should not be out of reach for any community.

He disclosed that the New Jerusalem project was completed at a cost of N5.6 million, adding that it forms part of a broader N22 million intervention covering similar projects across the six area councils of the FCT. According to him, efforts are already underway to replicate the initiative in other underserved communities.

Hashim emphasized that the foundation’s interventions are driven by a commitment to improving the living conditions of vulnerable Nigerians, particularly those residing in neglected rural and peri-urban settlements.
He further revealed plans to expand the scope of his humanitarian efforts beyond the FCT, noting that the foundation would soon embark on outreach programmes across Northern States. The initiative, he said, would target vulnerable populations, especially those affected by insecurity and displacement.

The PDP stalwart used the occasion to call on residents of New Jerusalem to take ownership of the facility, urging them to ensure its proper use and maintenance for the benefit of present and future generations.

He also decried what he described as years of neglect by successive governments, lamenting that many communities across the country still lack access to basic amenities such as portable water, good roads, and healthcare services.

Highlighting previous interventions, Hashim said the foundation has executed several projects nationwide, including the construction of asphalt roads, provision of educational support, and sponsorship of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training programmes for youths.

He added that one of the beneficiaries of the foundation’s training programmes has risen to become one of the youngest female State legislators in Nigeria, describing it as a testament to the impact of sustained investment in human capital development.

Dignitaries at the event included the FCT Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Ismail Mohammed Dogara, the Chairman of the party in Bwari Area Council, the Councillor representing the Ward, as well as no fewer than ten Ward Chairmen and other party stakeholders, community leaders and residents who witnessed the commissioning.

Residents of the community expressed appreciation for the intervention, noting that the project would significantly ease the burden of water scarcity and improve sanitation and public health in the area.

A High Court in Oyo State has granted a key application in the ongoing legal battle over the properties of the late former governor, , while ordering an accelerated hearing to ensure swift resolution of the dispute among his children.

The court, in its ruling, held that the application was justified and in the interest of justice, particularly given the sensitive nature of the family disagreement over the deceased’s estate. The judge noted that prolonging the matter could further heighten tensions among parties and complicate the administration of the late politician’s assets.

As part of its directive, the court mandated all parties involved to promptly file and exchange necessary legal documents to facilitate speedy proceedings. It further warned against any delay tactics, emphasizing that the judiciary is committed to ensuring that justice is not only served but delivered without unnecessary prolongation.

The dispute, which centers on the control and distribution of properties left behind by , has drawn public attention due to his prominence in Oyo State politics and the scale of his estate.

Counsel to the parties expressed readiness to comply with the court’s order, with the matter adjourned to a date to be fixed for the commencement of accelerated hearing.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has extended warm felicitations to the Muslim faithful across the state on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Governor described Ramadan as a sacred period marked by deep reflection, devotion, self-discipline, and renewed commitment to the service of Almighty Allah and humanity.

He commended Muslims for their steadfastness throughout the 30-day fast, noting that beyond abstaining from food and drink, the season was characterised by increased acts of charity, compassion, and support for the less privileged—values that strengthen both faith and society.

Governor Abiodun expressed appreciation to the Muslim community for their continuous prayers for peace, progress, and good governance in Ogun State and Nigeria at large. He acknowledged that such spiritual support remains vital in fostering unity, stability, and democratic growth.

“As our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate Eid al-Fitr, we join them in gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting the grace to witness the end of this blessed month,” he said.

He urged the faithful not to relent in upholding the virtues of patience (sabr), generosity, humility, and righteousness imbibed during Ramadan, stressing that these values should continue to guide daily life beyond the fasting period.

The Governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, social welfare, and the continued development of Ogun State for the benefit of all residents, irrespective of religious affiliation.

He concluded with prayers for continued peace, prosperity, and divine blessings upon the state and the nation, wishing all Muslims a joyous and spiritually fulfilling Eid celebration.

A presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Gbenga Hashim, has intensified consultations within the party following a high level meeting with the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, in what observers interpret as part of ongoing realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Hashim described the meeting as productive and forward looking, noting that discussions centered on strengthening unity within the PDP and positioning the party to play a more decisive role in Nigeria’s multi party democratic system.

Sources familiar with the engagement suggest that beyond the public message of unity, the talks also touched on broader strategic concerns, including internal cohesion among key blocs, leadership direction, and the need to consolidate influence across regions as the party gradually builds momentum toward 2027.

Dr Gbenga Hashim praised the commitment of Governor Sheyi Makinde’s Commitment to Peoples Democratic Party and the survival of Nigeria’s multiparty Democracy.

He emphasized that party unity remains fundamental to the PDP’s ability to provide credible opposition and national leadership, especially at a time when Nigeria’s democratic system requires stability, inclusiveness, and institutional strength.

He also expressed confidence that sustained dialogue among stakeholders would help bridge internal divides and reposition the party for greater competitiveness in future elections.

Political watchers note that the meeting is significant given Gbenga Hashim’s growing influence within the PDP and his perceived role as a stabilizing force among competing interests within the party.

The development comes amid a series of consultations and quiet engagements among PDP leaders aimed at redefining alliances, strengthening party structures, and managing internal tensions ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Analysts believe that such high level interactions could shape the emerging power configuration within the PDP, particularly as aspirants and stakeholders begin to test alliances, build consensus, and project influence in the lead up to 2027.

While the official narrative remains focused on unity and democratic strengthening, the subtext points to an early but calculated effort to align interests, consolidate support bases, and position key actors within the evolving political landscape.