Aina Seeks Ogun West Senate Seat, Leverages Legislative Experience

Former Ogun House of Assembly member representing Ado-Odo Ota Constituency 1, Hon. Nurudeen Akinpelu Aina, has expressed his intention to contest for the Ogun West Senatorial Seat in the 2027 polls.

Akinpelu, who was a member of the OGHA from 2011-2015 and 2015-2019, disclosed this in an interview with Newslife online on Wednesday in Ota, Ado-Odo Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Speaking, Hon. Aina stated that he possesses the constitutional requirements, experience, legislative acumen, and need for him to replicate and uphold the impactful, people-oriented projects and legislative prowess he implemented during his representation at the 7th and 8th OGHA Assembly, among other factors, prompted his aspiration for the Ogun West Senatorial seat in the National Assembly.

The practicing lawyer and former member of the Ogun State Judiciary Service Commission disclosed that he has been a strong and loyal progressive since 2011, starting with Action Congress and now All Progressives Congress, adding that his constituents, party leaders, elders, and people of Ado-Odo State Constituency could testify to what he did during his legislative representation.

“Currently, I am into law practice and I am still contributing to the growth and development of my constituency, Ota. I live in Osi, Ota, among my people,” he said.

Looking at my political journey, I’ve been in politics quite a while. I’ve been to the House of Assembly, contested for Reps in 2019 and 2023, but couldn’t get the ticket. But I am trusting God that the Ogun West Senate seat will be a reality for me.

“By God’s grace, I am always positive wherever I find myself. I pray I get the ticket because we are not independent to stand for election in Nigeria; it is on a party’s platform. It is whoever the party chooses that will be the standard bearer, so if God does it for me and I get the APC ticket – the party that I have been in, never faltering since 2011 till date, from ACN to APC – by the grace of God, I will be elected as Senator of Ogun West in 2027.

“You will see that if we have a person with background knowledge of law, either as a profession or a lawmaker, it will be easier for such a person to have a platform to discharge and make bills for good governance in Nigeria.

“As a lawyer and former legislator, I have what it takes to serve the people of Ogun West at the Senate. With my past performances, it shows that I have the wherewithal to perform creditably well, like our current serving senator, representing the senatorial district, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi. He has been able to show us what it takes. He was once a member of LAHA, House of Representatives, and now Senate. He has shown us a template, which I will equally leverage on.

“Most of his works, though at a high level, are similar to what I’ve done. Like a father and son relationship, just as he was bringing infrastructure, roads, and schools to the senatorial district, like I did during my days at OGHA. I can say emphatically that I was the first legislator to do what we call ward-to-ward empowerment for people of my constituency back then, just like Yayi now.

“At present, I have been assisting my community development associations to grade roads and construct culverts with my personal money. I’ve constructed two schools in honor of my late mother.

On the consensus drive of the All Progressives Congress to pick the party candidates for the elections, Hon. Aina stated that he had been a beneficiary of consensus in the past.

“Yes, I am in support of consensus. Our party, All Progressives Congress, has been a rancour-free, peace-embracing party. Adopting consensus will reduce cost, campaign overhead cost, crises, and bitterness among aspirants and our loyalists and supporters. I pray that those who will decide the Ogun West Senatorial Ticket will pick me as the consensus candidate.”

*Education Secretaries Endorse Adeniran’s Governorship Aspiration*

Education Secretaries across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State have formally declared their support for the governorship aspiration of Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, describing him as a grounded administrator with a proven record of service in the state’s education sector.

The endorsement was made in Ibadan, where the Education Secretaries’ Forum commended Dr. Adeniran’s stewardship as the Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), noting that his policies and reforms significantly improved basic education delivery across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the Forum, the Education Secretary, Ido LGUBEA, Mr. Bukola Mumini Adigun said their decision was based on competence, consistency, and Adeniran’s demonstrated commitment to public service.

He noted that under his leadership, SUBEB has recorded improvements in infrastructure provision, school rehabilitation, teachers’ recruitment transparency, and enhanced learning outcomes.

The Forum added that Oyo State needs a leader with clear understanding of governance dynamics, particularly in the Education sector, stressing that Adeniran’s administrative experience places him in a strong position to lead the state effectively.

Also, the Secretary of the Forum, Mr. Remi Adeniran from Ogbomoso South added that Dr. Adeniran has demonstrated his love for the state through his fair dealings with every member of the forum from the different zones in Oyo State.

He added that his interactions with education stakeholders have always been marked by humility, accessibility, and a commitment to problem-solving.

The Education Secretary, Ibadan South-West Local Government, Morenike Adeniran, described Dr. Adeniran as “a visionary leader who has consistently demonstrated sincerity of purpose and an unwavering dedication to the growth of basic education in the state.”

According to her, “Our endorsement is not just about politics; it is about competence. Dr. Adeniran has worked closely with us at the grassroots, and we have seen first-hand how his decisions positively impact both administrators and learners. We believe he is adequately prepared for the task of governance.”

The endorsement by the Education Secretaries is seen as one of the earliest institutional backings for Dr. Adeniran’s emerging governorship bid, signalling growing support within the state’s grassroots administrative structures.

PRESS STATEMENT ON U.S. EMBASSY SECURITY ADVISORY AND RISING INSECURITY IN NIGERIA

By the Neo Black Movement of Africa Worldwide

The Neo Black Movement of Africa Worldwide expresses deep concern over the recent decision by the United States Government to authorize the departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from its Embassy in Abuja, citing the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.

This development raises critical questions about the global perception of Nigeria’s safety and stability, particularly in relation to diplomacy, foreign investment, and economic engagement. It reflects a growing erosion of confidence that demands urgent and decisive intervention.

Reports indicating that several states across the federation have been classified as high-risk zones due to terrorism, kidnapping, violent crime, and civil unrest highlight a troubling reality that millions of Nigerians face daily. The scale, frequency, and persistence of these threats can no longer be downplayed or addressed with routine assurances.

While acknowledging the efforts made so far by the Federal Government in tackling insecurity, the Neo Black Movement of Africa Worldwide calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to intensify efforts and provide clear, visible leadership in confronting this crisis.

At this critical juncture, Nigerians and the international community alike require transparent communication, decisive action, and measurable progress toward restoring security and rebuilding public confidence.

We therefore urge the Federal Government to urgently consider and implement the following measures:

1. Intensify intelligence gathering and enhance coordinated security operations in identified high-risk areas.

2. Strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies through improved funding, advanced training, and deployment of modern equipment.

3. Address the root causes of insecurity, including unemployment, poverty, and systemic corruption.

4. Enforce strict accountability across all tiers of government, including state and local authorities, for security outcomes within their jurisdictions.

5. Deliver a direct national address outlining a clear, actionable strategy to combat insecurity and restore public trust.

Nigeria remains a pivotal force within Africa and a longstanding partner in global affairs. However, the persistence of insecurity poses a significant threat to national development, investor confidence, and the overall well-being of citizens.

The time for decisive leadership is now. Nigerians must be reassured—through concrete actions, not rhetoric—that their safety is paramount. The international community is watching closely, and the response to this moment will shape the nation’s trajectory in the months ahead.