A group of young people in Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency of Oyo State staged a protest against what they described as an alleged third-term ambition by Akinola Adekunle Alabi.

Mr Alabi is currently serving his second term in the 10th National Assembly, representing the constituency in the House of Representatives.

He chairs the House Committee on Works and is also known as the founder of NairaBET and owner of Lekki United F.C..

Nigeria’s constitution does not impose term limits on members of the National Assembly. However, political debates over rotation, accountability and performance often shape local electoral contests.

The protest reflects growing grassroots scrutiny of elected representatives, particularly amid wider economic pressures following fuel subsidy reforms.

Youths reject “extended stay”

During the demonstration, protesters carried placards demanding “accountability”, “transparency” and what they described as “measurable development outcomes”.

Some argued that after two terms, eight years in office leadership should rotate to allow new voices and ideas.

“We believe representation should not become permanent,” one protester said. “After eight years, it is time to give others the opportunity to serve.”

Several residents who spoke during the protest claimed that some infrastructure projects and empowerment initiatives had not met their expectations.

They also raised concerns about what they described as limited grassroots engagement.

Allegations and counterclaims

The protest comes amid broader national debates about constituency project allocations.

At a media and civil society roundtable organised by the International Press Centre in Abuja, House spokesperson Akin Rotimi dismissed claims of increased constituency allocations as false.

He attributed the reports to political actors dissatisfied with previous electoral outcomes.

Separately, Ayodele Asalu had alleged significant increases in funding for lawmakers’ projects. Official representatives of the House have refuted those claims.

Supporters defend record

Supporters of Mr Alabi argue that experience in parliament brings influence and access.

They point to his ranking status, committee leadership and legislative contributions as evidence of capacity.

One party member in the constituency said continuity could strengthen ongoing projects.

“Development is not always immediate,” the supporter said. “Some projects require sustained representation.”

Mr Alabi has not publicly declared a third-term bid at the time of filing this report.

What’s next?

With the next general election cycle approaching, political consultations within parties are expected to intensify.

For residents, the debate centres on a simple question: should experience outweigh rotation?

The coming months may provide the answer.

Olatunji Ridwan Disu has assumed duty as Acting Inspector-General of Police, becoming the 23rd indigenous head of the Nigeria Police Force at a time of mounting security concerns.

The Leadership Change

Mr Disu formally took over on Tuesday, succeeding Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who served from 19 June 2023 to 24 February 2026.

In a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force described Mr Egbetokun’s tenure as “meritorious”.

The statement added that the new Acting IGP brings “a wealth of operational, investigative, intelligence, and administrative experience garnered over decades of distinguished service.”

Who is Olatunji Disu?

Born on 13 April 1966, Mr Disu is from Lagos Island Local Government Area of Lagos State.

He holds multiple academic qualifications, including master’s degrees in Criminology, Public Administration and Entrepreneurship.

He joined the police as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent on 18 May 1992.

Before his appointment, he served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.

His previous roles include Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, Head of the Intelligence Response Team, and Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos between 2015 and 2021.

He also led Nigeria’s first police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) in 2005 to address the Darfur crisis.

Why It Matters

Nigeria faces persistent security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry and organised crime.

Leadership at the top of the police force often signals shifts in operational priorities and reform direction.

What the Police Are Saying

According to the official statement, the Acting IGP has reassured officers and the public of his commitment to reform.

He pledged to consolidate on existing reforms, enhance internal security, strengthen community partnerships, and protect lives and property “in line with global best practices.”

The Force also expressed “profound appreciation” to Mr Egbetokun for his contributions to modernisation and institutional strengthening.

What’s Next?

Attention now shifts to policy direction.

Will there be structural reforms, improved welfare for officers, or technology-driven policing?

For many citizens, the ultimate test will be simple: safer streets and quicker police response.

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has commended outgoing Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for what it described as “transformational leadership” during his tenure.

The committee also expressed confidence in the newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, urging him to deepen ongoing police reforms and strengthen community policing.

The endorsement comes at a time when Nigeria continues to battle insecurity, including kidnapping, insurgency and violent crime.

Why it matters

Security remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing national concerns.

Public trust in the police has fluctuated in recent years, particularly following nationwide protests and calls for reform.

The PCRC said sustained intelligence-led policing and stronger community partnerships are critical to improving safety and restoring confidence in law enforcement.

Praise for Egbetokun’s tenure

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Alhaji Ibraheem Mogaji Olaniyan, the PCRC described Egbetokun’s appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023, as strategic and well-deserved.

He noted that Egbetokun, the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police, brought decades of operational and administrative experience to the role.

According to Olaniyan, “Dr Egbetokun’s extensive professional background across various operational and administrative roles within the Nigeria Police Force clearly demonstrated that he was a round peg in a round hole.”

The PCRC highlighted his past roles, including Chief Security Officer to the Lagos State Governor, Commander of the Rapid Response Squad in Lagos, Area Commander in Osogbo and Gusau, and Commissioner of Police in Kwara State.

Under his leadership, the committee said the Nigeria Police Force adopted three strategic policing approaches — confrontation, suppression and accommodation.

It noted that emphasis on the accommodating model aligned with democratic policing standards.

Olaniyan said Egbetokun strengthened intelligence-led policing and improved coordination with the military and other security agencies to tackle terrorism, insurgency and communal violence.

He added that the establishment of the Police Special Intervention Squad signalled a “zero-tolerance approach” to armed robbery and kidnapping.

The PCRC also pointed to the creation of nationwide contact centres for real-time crime reporting and faster police response.

It acknowledged that while progress was recorded, some officers lost their lives in the line of duty.

Welfare and institutional r

The committee said Egbetokun prioritised police welfare and morale.

It cited the introduction of the Annual Nigeria Police Awards, rehabilitation of police barracks and infrastructure upgrades.

It also referenced the construction and commissioning of the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja, describing it as a landmark institutional project.

According to the PCRC, these reforms boosted professionalism and staff morale.

Strengthening community policing

The PCRC said Egbetokun expanded community policing initiatives and encouraged the “If you see something, say something” campaign to improve intelligence gathering.

Olaniyan stated that collaboration between police and communities improved during his tenure.

He also said the PCRC secured its National Secretariat property in Abuja under Egbetokun’s leadership, which is currently under construction.

Backing Acting IGP Disu

Turning to the future, the committee congratulated Acting IGP Disu, noting his more than three decades of policing experience.

Olaniyan said Disu’s background in intelligence and crime control positions him to sustain reforms.

He added that Disu’s father is “a distinguished and cap-carrying member of the PCRC,” describing this as a point of pride for members at home and abroad.

The PCRC described the appointment as recognition of grassroots intelligence and community policing efforts.

“We are confident that the new Acting IGP will sustain ongoing reforms, deepen intelligence-driven policing, and expand community partnerships in line with global best practices,” Olaniyan said.

What’s next?

Acting IGP Disu is expected to outline his policy direction in the coming weeks.

The PCRC has pledged continued collaboration with the police to promote public safety and national security.