Aiyedatiwa Rallies South-West Support for Tinubu and Oyebanji, Charges Ondo LG Officials on Integrity – Nigeria Updates- Breaking News, Nigerian News, Politics, Sports, Entertainment and Business – Nigeriaupdates.com
Connect with us

Politics

Aiyedatiwa Rallies South-West Support for Tinubu and Oyebanji, Charges Ondo LG Officials on Integrity

Published

on

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has declared unwavering support for the re-election campaigns of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, setting the tone for a united South-West campaign front ahead of critical polls.

Speaking on Monday, July 28, 2025, at a high-powered All Progressives Congress (APC) rally held at the Ekiti State Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Aiyedatiwa described Oyebanji, popularly known as BAO, as a “visionary leader” whose first-term performance merits continuity.

“Ekiti is lucky to have someone like BAO as governor. The developmental strides across the state are visible and commendable. He deserves a second term,” Aiyedatiwa told the cheering crowd.

He added that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu is gaining ground, and “the South-West is already moving for 2027.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the need for APC stakeholders to replicate the Ondo State model, where the party secured all 18 local government areas in the 2024 governorship election.

“We want a clean sweep of all 16 LGs in Ekiti too. The time to start working is now,” he charged the party faithful.

He further disclosed that all 23 APC-governed states have agreed to rally behind President Tinubu’s second-term bid, affirming the party’s internal cohesion and resolve.

In response, Governor Biodun Oyebanji hailed the rally as a testament to South-West unity and commitment to progress, describing it as “a historic moment.”

“The unity we’re witnessing in the APC today is inspiring. We must keep this spirit alive. Let’s take advantage of the upcoming voter registration. The state will work with INEC to ensure it’s accessible and smooth for everyone,” Oyebanji said.

The rally was attended by key Ondo State political figures, including former Senator Chief Tayo Alasoadura, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde (Abena) of NDDC, Mrs Seun Osamaye, Commissioner for Women Affairs, and Mr. Smart Omodumbi, SSA on Political Matters.

Aiyedatiwa Champions Accountability at EFCC-Backed Workshop in Akure

In a parallel move to reinforce democratic governance, Governor Aiyedatiwa also flagged off a four-day sensitisation training for local government political leaders and management staff in Ondo State, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Held at the Dome International Culture and Event Centre, Akure, the training is aimed at equipping grassroots leaders with tools for ethical leadership, transparency, and effective service delivery.

“This workshop is a conscious effort to reverse the trend of weak accountability. Local governments are closest to the people, and their effectiveness shapes our democratic development,” Governor Aiyedatiwa said.

He noted that the training aligns with his administration’s policy to institutionalise fiscal discipline and cultivate a culture of ethical public service.

“We shall continue to support initiatives that promote transparency, fiscal discipline, and effective monitoring and evaluation,” he added.

The Governor urged LG officials to embrace their roles as “stewards of public trust,” warning against complacency or misconduct.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Amidu Takuro, praised the initiative as a strategic blueprint to restore LG system credibility and improve financial governance.

EFCC’s Acting Zonal Director (Benin), Effa Okim, lauded the state for its proactive collaboration and warned that anti-graft bodies would not hesitate to act against misconduct.

“Failure to uphold the lessons from this training will attract the appropriate consequences,” he said.

Other dignitaries at the opening event included Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, Chief of Staff Prince Segun Omojuwa, Head of Service Bayo Philip, and Hon. Japhet Victor Oluwatoyin, Deputy Chief Whip and Chair of the House Committee on LGs.

The workshop, which runs through Thursday, will feature interactive sessions, lectures, and real-case simulations by facilitators from EFCC, ICPC, and the Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption Commission (OSPFACC).

Chairman of Akure South LG, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, delivered the vote of thanks, commending Aiyedatiwa’s leadership and reform agenda.

Reporter’s Note:

Governor Aiyedatiwa’s dual appearance in Ekiti and Akure signals a strategic blend of regional party politics and internal governance reform, positioning Ondo as a model for unity and transparency in the South-West.

Politics

Tinubu Challenged to Support Electronic Transmission of Election Results Ahead of 2027 Poll

Published

on

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to support the electronic transmission of election results ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

In a statement issued on 12 February 2026, Eze questioned why the President would oppose real-time electronic transmission if he believes he remains popular and capable of winning a free and fair election.

“President Bola Tinubu is jittery, unsettled and ready to go against any known international best standards that will warrant the conduct of a free, fair and credible election come 2027,” Eze said.

He added:

“If he feels he is still a democrat, popular and capable of winning election without rigging, then he should support the electronic transmission of election results.”

Why It Matters

Electronic transmission of election results has remained a contentious issue in Nigeria since the 2023 general election.

Supporters argue that real-time digital transmission reduces manipulation, increases transparency and strengthens public trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Critics of manual collation say delays and inconsistencies during the last election fuelled public distrust and post-election litigation.

The Senate recently debated proposals that could allow a mix of manual and electronic transmission, a move that has drawn opposition from some political figures and civic groups.

Eze’s Allegations

Eze accused the President of attempting to influence the 2027 electoral process through political alignments.

“Forcing fearful Governors and some fading politicians into joining the APC bandwagon of failed leaders and enemies of Nigeria will not give you free ride to winning a second tenure,” he said.

He further warned against what he described as “dual transmission” of results.

“Anybody that is against the adoption of electronic transmission or transfer of election results real time in this modern day Nigeria, is an enemy of democracy.”

Eze also cautioned against what he termed a repeat of the “contraption called 2023 general election.”

Opposition Voices

The APC chieftain praised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for opposing a mixed transmission model.

Quoting Atiku, he said:

“At this point, this is not about me contesting elections. It is about Nigerians who want electronic transmission of election results.”

Atiku added:

“If we have a single-tier electoral transmission system that is real-time electronic, that would be our preference… I don’t support that.”

Eze also commended former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi for what he described as their support for electoral transparency.

INEC has previously stated that technological infrastructure and legal backing determine the scope of electronic transmission during elections.

What’s Next?

With more than a year before the 2027 elections, debates around electoral reforms are expected to intensify.

Any amendment to the Electoral Act would require legislative approval and presidential assent.

Whether lawmakers settle for a single electronic system or a hybrid model may shape public confidence in the next presidential election.

Continue Reading

Politics

Police Service Commission, Anti-Corruption Academy Strengthen Ethical Training Partnership

Published

on

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has pledged stronger collaboration with the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria to deepen ethical training and improve accountability in public service.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Academy, the research and training arm of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to the PSC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

The move comes at a time when public confidence in institutions overseeing law enforcement remains under scrutiny.

Why It Matters

The PSC is responsible for the recruitment, promotion and discipline of police officers in Nigeria.

Stronger ethical training within the Commission could influence how police oversight decisions are handled nationwide.

Leading the delegation, the Provost of the Academy, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the PSC in building public trust and promoting accountability.

He said the partnership would help reinforce “the virtues of integrity in the public service.”

Professor Ibrahim also commended the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), mni, describing him as a “beacon” in the fight against corruption whose contributions continue to strengthen the ICPC’s mandate.

The Academy shared details of its 2026 training programmes and sought mutual support on attitudinal change and capacity building.

What the PSC Chairman Said

Responding, PSC Chairman DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd) welcomed the partnership.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to expose its staff to higher ethical standards and greater awareness of the dangers of corrupt practices.

Drawing from his experience as a former Director of Investigation at the ICPC, he said, “successful prosecution of corruption cases depends on the diligence of the investigator.”

He stressed the need for continuous training and retraining in investigative ethics, noting that weak investigations often undermine otherwise strong anti-corruption efforts.

Board Member Reacts

Also speaking, Hon. Justice Paul Adamu Galumje JSC (rtd), a member of the PSC Board, thanked the delegation for what he described as a timely initiative.

He assured the Academy of the Commission’s sustained commitment to the partnership.

What’s Next?

The Anti-Corruption Academy’s 2026 programmes are expected to include structured modules on investigative diligence, ethical compliance and institutional reform.

Both institutions say further engagements will focus on capacity building and behavioural change across the public service.

Whether this translates into measurable improvement will likely depend on how effectively the training is implemented.

Continue Reading

Politics

Aiyedatiwa Hails Abagun Kole Omololu at 70, Praises Role in June 12 Struggle

Published

on

Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has congratulated elder statesman and Afenifere chieftain, Abagun Kole Omololu, on his 70th birthday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor described Mr Omololu as “a steadfast voice in the Yoruba socio-political space”.

The governor said the celebrant’s public life has been defined by “courage, consistency, and a deep sense of responsibility to both heritage and country”.

Mr Omololu is widely known for his involvement in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, particularly during the struggle that followed the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said he belonged to “a generation of patriots who stood firmly against authoritarian rule and made personal sacrifices in the struggle for democracy”.

He added that Omololu’s involvement with NADECO Abroad “helped project the June 12 cause beyond Nigeria’s borders and strengthened global advocacy for the return to civil rule”.

Afenifere and Yoruba politics

Beyond his pro-democracy credentials, the governor highlighted Mr Omololu’s role within Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation.

He described the 70-year-old as a committed leader who has worked for the unity and progress of the Yoruba people.

According to him, Omololu’s contributions as the National Organising Secretary of Afenifere have been “thoughtful, principled, and guided by a clear moral compass”.

The governor also noted that he has remained “a loyal supporter of the leadership of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the nonagenarian leader of Afenifere and one of the founding fathers of Ondo State”.

The June 12 legacy

June 12 remains a symbolic date in Nigeria’s political history.

The 1993 election, widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest in the country’s history, was annulled by the military government, sparking nationwide protests and international pressure.

Groups such as NADECO mobilised opposition at home and abroad, contributing to the eventual return to civilian rule in 1999.

For many Nigerians, anniversaries such as this serve as reminders of the sacrifices made in the struggle for democratic governance.

What’s next

As Mr Omololu marks seven decades, Governor Aiyedatiwa prayed that God grants him “continued strength, sound health, wisdom, and grace”.

The governor said he hopes Omololu’s counsel and service will remain beneficial to the nation and “generations yet unborn”.

Political observers say elder statesmen within groups like Afenifere are likely to continue playing advisory roles in national and regional political debates, especially as conversations around restructuring and federalism persist.

Continue Reading

Go back

Your message has been sent

Warning

Trending

Copyright © 2025 NigeriaUpdates.