Politics
George-Ikoli makes final pleas to PDP leaders before gubernatorial primaries
By Ifeoma ikem
Leading People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant, Anthony George-Ikoli has pushed unity as one of the main issues for the September 3, 2019 governorship primary in which 20 candidates will vie for the party’s flag.
‘’I think it is incumbent upon us as loyal party members to take stock of the current situation, strategically assess its potential fallout and devise a methodology of remediation by walking our way back from our intended goal to the current state of affairs. A situation where individual contestants are seemingly at loggerheads with the establishment to the extent that name calling in the media becomes the order of the day is certainly an avoidable display of our undergarments in the market square. A situation where tapes of internal conversations of party meetings whose purport is an undue skewing of the rules, are leaked into the public domain also adds to the current unsavoriness. There are even now murmurings of injunctive actions to threaten the legality of the nomination process by parties who feel there are manifest incongruities in the process of delegate selection not to mention the threat of spoilers who may want to scuttle the process even when they know they do not have the capacity to go the distance or the ability to provide leadership thereafter’’.
In a letter to PDP leaders in Nigeria, George-Ikoli clarified his position on the September 3, 2019 governorship primaries in Kogi and Bayelsa.
‘’My dear fellow party men and women of the People’s Democratic Party, today I write with quite a heavy heart at the unfolding events leading into our party’s primaries of the 3rd September 2019. It is my experience that the party primary season in a vibrant democracy and within an effervescent and ebullient political party like ours should be a season of intellectual contestation of ideas, a titanic battle of wits and a colorful cornucopia of contestants trying to outdo one another through the deployment of the best in political philosophy, strategy and tact. Sadly, the events leading to the primaries and the undue tension within the party and the state are indeed a cause for concern and urgent remediation’’.
The senior advocate of Nigeria criticized the All Progressives Congress for performing below expectation, painting the PDP as the face of development in Nigeria
‘’Bayelsa and indeed Kogi State in the forthcoming elections must not be the exceptions that buck the current trend of our resurgence, we must work assiduously to deliver victory to our party come November. A PDP leadership in Nigeria despite all its innate idiosyncrasies and shortcomings guarantees an inclusive Nigeria, a PDP leadership guarantees a prosperous Nigeria, it is our duty and responsibility to ensure our party is successful if not for ourselves alone, then for Nigeria’’.
He also questioned the loyalty of some of the aspirants
Already several statements between some of the key stakeholders and aspirants paints a picture of gloom, doom and falling skies – as if we are not all of the same party striving for the same goal of ensuring the PDP retains its rightful place in Bayelsa politics.
The legal celebrity advised the party to further assume its leadership role and work assiduously to calm all frayed nerves.
‘’The party should go over and beyond the assurances it has already provided of a level playing field to proactive engagement of all the stakeholders with the endgame of ensuring the party is united going into November and victory is secured thereafter’’.
Referring to the contributions of Dr Alex Ekwueme and others to the liberation of the country from the shackles of military rule, George-Ikoli appealed to stakeholders to resist the urge to return to the old ways.
‘’Borne out of the G34, a group formed and led by my late illustrious in-law Chief Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme and others; the PDP was a creation of the struggle to liberate Nigeria from the shackles of military rule, a movement of national consensus, universal fairness and a platform of republican idealism. Sadly, for a time, a lot of the underlying ideals of the party suffered seemingly fatal erosion, the fallout of which was an untimely reversal of fortune at the center in 2015. Now that the party has reformed itself and refreshed its belief in those founding ethos and the people have shown renewed faith in us as the evidence of the 2019 elections where we were able to claw back several states bear eloquent testimony, it is incumbent upon us as stakeholders of the party to resist the urge to return to the old ways that led to our aforementioned demise. Already our leader, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has sounded a clear warning about the dangers that lie ahead if we do not conduct ourselves in a manner that promotes and is seen to promote the finest traditions of the PDP in our internal and external processes and in our individual and collective conduct’’.
He also appealed stakeholders within the party to put all personal differences aside and work towards a fair and transparent primary that leaves no one in doubt about the outcome, an outcome that ensures that all individual structures willingly collapse themselves into one homogenous unit that will ensure our party’s success at the elections.
‘’Our state is fighting its own contradictions, whilst on the one hand, the outgoing Seriake Dickson (Ofruma Pepe) restoration administration has scored significantly high marks in many areas, and there still exist a specter of apparent dislocation at the micro-level which the opposition will look to feed on in the coming elections. A major thrust of the Ikoli campaign has been our promise to ensure the linkage between the infrastructural achievements of the current government with the needs of the common man at the bottom of the pyramid whilst implementing measures that expand the economic base and potential of the state. Likewise, I take cognizance of the plans of other aspirants and the diligence in regard thereto but note that none of these plans will be realizable if our party falls into opposition after November’’.
Politics
2027 Assembly Race: ‘School Boy’ Sparks Fresh Hope for Surulere Constituency II
2027 Assembly Race: ‘School Boy’ Sparks Fresh Hope for Surulere Constituency II
LAGOS – As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, growing support is emerging in Surulere Constituency II for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Assembly aspirant, Hon. Kayode Oloyede, popularly known as “School Boy.”
Running on the campaign theme, “Rebuild 2027,” Oloyede is positioning himself as an alternative voice for residents seeking a new direction in legislative representation and grassroots development.
A Vision Anchored on Four Pillars
The aspirant has built his campaign around a four-point agenda designed to address the concerns of constituents:
People First: Prioritising the welfare and everyday needs of residents above partisan considerations.
Transparent Leadership: Promoting accountability in legislative activities, constituency projects, and public resource management.
Inclusive Governance: Encouraging broad participation in decision-making by ensuring every segment of the constituency has a voice.
Sustainable Development: Advocating long-term investments in infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, and human capital development.
Growing Grassroots Appeal
Political observers say Oloyede’s grassroots engagement strategy and community-focused messaging have resonated with many residents who desire more accessible and responsive representation.
His campaign consistently emphasises the need to bridge the gap between elected representatives and the people, with a promise to build “a better, stronger, and more prosperous Surulere Constituency II.”
A community leader, who requested anonymity, said many residents are looking beyond political rhetoric and seeking leadership that understands their daily challenges.
“We need someone who genuinely understands the struggles of ordinary people and is prepared to serve the community. For many of us, the call to rebuild is not just a campaign slogan but a reflection of our aspirations for meaningful development,” the source said.
A Competitive Political Landscape
As the countdown to the 2027 elections continues, Oloyede has urged constituents to embrace a vision centred on progress, accountability, and community-driven governance.
While Surulere remains a politically competitive constituency with established structures and influential stakeholders, analysts believe the increasing visibility of the “School Boy” movement could make the contest one of the closely watched legislative races in Lagos State.
Ultimately, political observers note that while grassroots mobilisation is a significant factor, electoral outcomes will likely depend on a combination of candidate credibility, party strength, voter turnout, campaign organisation, and the prevailing political climate as the 2027 elections approach.
Politics
AMBO and the Osun Governorship Race: Assessing the Man, the Politics and the Vision
AMBO and the Osun Governorship Race: Assessing the Man, the Politics and the Vision
As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election, a public affairs commentator, Oluseyi Olonade, has described the emergence of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, as a significant development in the state’s political landscape.
In an article titled “Oyebamiji: The Man, The Politics and The Aspiration,” Olonade argued that the All Progressives Congress governorship hopeful possesses the character, experience and vision needed to reposition Osun State for sustainable growth.
According to the writer, Oyebamiji’s appeal stems from his extensive background in the banking sector, where he spent nearly three decades working with institutions including Wema Bank, Trans International Bank, Spring Bank and Enterprise Bank.
A native of Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area, Oyebamiji was described as a technocrat whose experience in corporate governance, finance and risk management has shaped his approach to public administration.
The article noted that his public service journey gained prominence in 2012 when he was appointed to oversee the then Osun State Investment Company Limited. Under his leadership, the organisation was reportedly restructured and transformed into Omoluabi Holdings Limited.
The writer further highlighted Oyebamiji’s tenure as Commissioner for Finance under successive APC administrations, where he was credited with managing the state’s finances during challenging economic periods.
Olonade also referenced Oyebamiji’s appointment as Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, describing it as further evidence of his administrative and leadership capabilities.
The article contrasted Oyebamiji’s governance philosophy with that of the current administration in Osun State, arguing that the APC aspirant favours institutional reforms, economic diversification and fiscal discipline.
According to the writer, Oyebamiji’s proposed agenda includes strengthening transparency in government spending, expanding internally generated revenue, attracting private-sector investments and promoting industrial and agricultural development.
The article also highlighted youth empowerment, entrepreneurship development and digital skills acquisition as key components of his vision for the state.
Olonade concluded that the forthcoming governorship election would present voters with a choice between different approaches to governance, expressing confidence that Oyebamiji’s experience and developmental agenda make him a strong contender in the race.
Politics
Oselu Tiwa nTiwa Endorses Oriyomi Hamzat for Oyo Governorship
*Oselu Tiwa nTiwa Endorses Oriyomi Hamzat for Oyo Governorship*
A sociopolitical support group in Oyo State, Oselu Tiwa nTiwa, has declared its support for Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat as the authentic governorship candidate of the Accord Party ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The group made its position known in a statement jointly signed by its President, Mr. Adewale Oluwaseyi and Secretary, Alh. Adebayo Oyewole, on Thursday, describing Hamzat as a grassroots figure with strong connection to the people and a track record of humanitarian interventions across Oyo State.
According to the group, the endorsement followed what it described as careful observation of Hamzat’s leadership qualities, compassion and dedication to the welfare of ordinary citizens.
“Oriyomi Hamzat has consistently demonstrated empathy, courage and selfless commitment to humanity. Through his numerous interventions in the lives of ordinary citizens, he has become a symbol of hope to many families and communities,” the statement read.
Oselu Tiwa nTiwa also appealed to the national leadership of the Accord Party to prioritise the long-term future and electoral growth of the party in its decision-making process.
The group noted that Hamzat’s candidacy presents an opportunity for the party to strengthen its grassroots support base and expand its political relevance across Oyo State.
“We respectfully appeal to the National Leadership of the Accord Party to look beyond immediate political calculations and consider the bigger picture, the future growth, stability and electoral success of the party in Oyo State and beyond,” the statement added.
The group further expressed confidence in the leadership of the party, saying it believes the party’s national officers and stakeholders would take decisions that reflect fairness, inclusiveness and the collective interest of members.
While calling on party loyalists to remain calm and united, Oselu Tiwa nTiwa said continued consultations among stakeholders would help strengthen the Accord Party ahead of the election.
Signed:
Alh. Adebayo Oyewole,
Secretary.
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