The Owo Youth General Assembly (OYGA) has formally endorsed Chief Alex Ajipe as its preferred candidate for the Ondo North Senatorial seat ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The endorsement was announced after a consultative meeting involving youth leaders, student union executives and community representatives from across Owo and the wider Ondo North Senatorial District.

OYGA is regarded as one of the most influential youth platforms in the district, making its decision a potentially significant boost for Chief Ajipe’s political ambition.

Why it matters

Youth groups are playing an increasingly visible role in Nigeria’s political process, often shaping voter mobilisation and grassroots campaigns.

With Ondo North facing persistent challenges around unemployment, infrastructure and economic inclusion, the group says its choice was driven by economic priorities rather than political loyalty.

Ajipe outlines ‘Sunshine Mandate’

Addressing the gathering, Chief Ajipe told the youths that his focus would be on economic empowerment rather than political symbolism.

“My vision for Ondo North is not about titles. It is about economic dignity,” he said.

“We have the resources, the land, and our vibrant Owo youths. We need a Senator who turns potential into prosperity.”

He highlighted his involvement in industrial development, particularly his role in the growth of the Ore industrial corridor, as evidence of his capacity to deliver economic results.

Youth representatives at the consultative meeting

Industry and youth reactions

Members of the assembly said they assessed several aspirants before settling on Chief Ajipe.

According to the group, his private-sector background distinguished him as a job creator rather than a career politician.

Youth leaders also cited his willingness to engage directly with grassroots communities, rather than relying on intermediaries, as a key factor in their decision.

A senior OYGA youth leader described the endorsement as unanimous.

“We have evaluated all contenders, and Chief Alex Ajipe is the bridge from our current challenges to the prosperity we deserve,” the youth leader said.

“Owo youths are not just supporting him. We declare him our candidate.”

Focus on infrastructure and jobs

The meeting featured an interactive session on infrastructure, agriculture and youth empowerment, which participants say shaped the final decision.

The discussion ended with a formal motion endorsing Chief Ajipe, which was adopted unanimously by the assembly.

Candidate reacts

Chief Ajipe thanked the youths for their support and said the endorsement strengthened his resolve to pursue youth-led development in the district.

“This endorsement fuels our collective march toward a brighter Ondo North,” he said.

What’s next

Chief Ajipe is expected to intensify consultations across Ondo North in the coming months as more political groups begin to signal their preferences.

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has highlighted physical fitness and spiritual renewal as key to effective service, as the state marks its 50th anniversary.

He spoke on Saturday at the Akure Township Stadium after leading a 5km health walk from the Government House in Alagbaka to the stadium, an event organised as part of activities to celebrate the state’s golden jubilee.

Members of the State Executive Council, political appointees, party leaders and hundreds of residents took part in the walk, with many describing the exercise as refreshing and unifying.

Speaking after the walk, the governor urged residents to prioritise their physical and spiritual wellbeing.

“The body carries the soul and the spirit, and it must be kept in good shape to function effectively,” Dr Aiyedatiwa said.

Drawing from biblical references, he added that spiritual renewal strengthens resilience, noting that participants completed the walk without any reported injuries.

“Waiting upon God renews strength, and today’s walk shows that with commitment, the body can endure and remain strong,” he said.

The governor explained that regular physical activity supports cardiovascular health, improves breathing and enhances overall wellbeing, warning that poor health could affect productivity and spiritual focus.

He expressed satisfaction with the large turnout and commended the anniversary planning committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, for the smooth conduct of the event.

Why It Matters

Ondo State was created in 1976, and its 50th anniversary offers a moment to reflect on governance, health, unity and development.

For residents, the celebration is also an opportunity to reconnect with the state’s history and future aspirations.

Public Holidays Declared

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the governor has approved today Monday, 2 February, and Tuesday, 3 February 2026 as public holidays across Ondo State.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the holidays are meant to allow residents fully participate in jubilee activities.

“The declaration is to enable residents of Ondo State fully participate in activities lined up to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the creation of Ondo State, a historic milestone that marks five decades of growth, resilience and collective progress,” the statement said.

The governor urged citizens to use the period to reflect on the state’s journey and recommit to building a more prosperous and united Ondo State.

Essential service providers, however, were advised to ensure uninterrupted services during the holiday period.

What’s Next

Anniversary activities will continue on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at St Thomas Church in Akure.

More cultural, civic and commemorative events are expected in the coming days as the state rounds off its golden jubilee celebrations.

A chieftain of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has dismissed claims by former Rivers South-East senator Magnus Abe that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is the leader of the APC in Rivers State.

Chief Eze described the statement as “lousy, ridiculous and childish,” arguing that it undermines the authority of President Bola Tinubu and the APC’s national leadership.

What was said

In a statement released on Monday, Chief Eze said neither Mr Abe nor Mr Wike currently belongs to the APC and therefore lacks the standing to comment on its internal leadership structure.

“I feel very ashamed that Magnus Abe, once a highly respected political leader from the Niger Delta, suddenly no longer knows the hierarchy of a political party,” Chief Eze said.

“By his declaration of Wike as Rivers State APC leader even as a non-member of the party, Senator Magnus Abe has again exposed himself to ridicule. This is an act of insubordination and an affront to President Tinubu and the party leadership.”

Background: Why leadership matters in Rivers APC

Rivers State has remained politically volatile since the 2023 general elections, with tensions cutting across party lines and alliances.

Control of party leadership structures is seen as crucial ahead of future elections, influencing candidate selection, grassroots mobilisation and access to federal power.

Claims about party membership

Chief Eze said Mr Abe left the APC ahead of the 2023 governorship election to contest under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), where he failed to win his polling unit in Gokana Local Government Area.

He also claimed that Mr Wike, a former Rivers governor, has remained without a political party since his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to Chief Eze, both men therefore lack legitimacy to speak on APC leadership in the state.

Reference to past political disputes

The APC chieftain recalled the 2019 general election, alleging that internal disputes and legal battles prevented the APC from fielding candidates in Rivers State.

He accused Mr Wike, then governor, of using political influence to destabilise the party at the time—claims that have been part of long-running political disagreements in the state.

Authority and party position

Chief Eze insisted that only recognised party members can lead APC structures, stressing that leadership decisions rest with the party and its national authorities.

He said the APC leadership, under President Tinubu, has clearly recognised Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the party’s leader in Rivers State.

Why it matters

For Rivers residents, internal party conflicts can shape governance outcomes, policy continuity and political stability in the oil-rich state.

At the national level, the dispute highlights the challenge facing major parties in managing alliances involving influential political figures outside formal party structures.

What happens next

The APC leadership has not issued an official response to the claims, but analysts expect clearer signals as preparations for future elections gather pace.

How the party resolves leadership disputes in Rivers State may determine its electoral strength and internal unity going forward.