BREAKING

Osun APC Leaders Shun Tinubu’s Campaign Council Inauguration as Akande, Basiru Back Adeleke By Sayo Alagbe Prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State on Thursday stayed away from the inauguration of a 344-member campaign council established to mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election. However, former Osun State Governor, Chief Adebisi Akande, led several APC chieftains to the ceremony, where Governor Ademola Adeleke inaugurated the council. Among the APC leaders who attended were the party’s National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru; former National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore; former deputy governors Titi Laoye-Ponle and Lekan Adewoyin; Senator Babajide Omoworare; and Chief Shuaib Oyedokun. Others included the party’s Osun Central Senatorial Leader, Adeoye Adelakun; former members of the House of Representatives, Ajibola Famurewa and Bukola Oyewo; former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Wale Afolabi; and former National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) Registrar, Professor Olu Aina. Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo; Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi; and Osun Accord Chairman, Victor Akande, also attended the event. However, several prominent APC figures were absent, including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District; and the party’s governorship candidate in the 2026 election, Bola Oyebamiji. Other notable absentees included the Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal; former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye; member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Oluwole Oke; Executive Director of Project Implementation at the Federal Housing Authority, Abuja, Remi Omowaiye; and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Adebayo Adeleke. Akande Calls for Tinubu’s Re-election Addressing the gathering, Akande urged eligible voters across the South-West to prioritise Tinubu’s re-election, describing the President’s second-term bid as an important political objective. He said the President, as a Yoruba son occupying Nigeria’s highest political office, deserved the support of the region to secure another term. “Today, we have one of our sons in Yorubaland as President of Nigeria, and he is entitled to two terms in office. We are all praying that he gets his second term,” Akande said. He added that he had been informed that Adeleke was expected to mobilise two million votes for Tinubu in Osun State on January 16, 2027. Akande, whose birthday falls on January 16, expressed the hope that the day would bring a successful electoral outcome for the President. Basiru Urges APC Leaders to Set Aside Differences In his remarks, Basiru urged APC stakeholders in Osun State to put aside personal ambitions and political disagreements and work with Adeleke to secure victory for Tinubu. He explained that the President’s decision to appoint Adeleke as the Osun coordinator of his re-election campaign should be respected by party members, regardless of their individual political interests. Basiru said he had rearranged his schedule to attend the inauguration before proceeding to Kaduna State for another engagement. According to him, the President’s re-election should take precedence over personal ambitions and political egos. “It is in President Tinubu’s wisdom that he chose Governor Adeleke as his campaign coordinator in Osun. For us in Osun State, irrespective of our feelings, ambitions and scheming, we must abide by the vision of President Bola Tinubu and support Governor Ademola Adeleke to be successful in this exercise,” he said. The APC National Secretary appealed to political stakeholders across the state to unite behind the governor and help deliver a substantial number of votes for Tinubu. “There is no ambition or ego that is greater than ensuring President Bola Tinubu is re-elected,” Basiru added. He also noted that increased financial resources available to subnational governments had created opportunities for states such as Osun to meet their expenditure obligations. Adeleke Targets More Than 1.5 Million Votes Adeleke, in his address, said the campaign council’s primary objective was to mobilise more than the 1.5 million votes previously pledged to Tinubu in Osun State. He described the alliance involving the Accord Party, APC and PDP political structures as a broad coalition capable of delivering a decisive victory for the President. The governor urged members of the council to work together, mobilise voters and pursue their shared objective of securing Tinubu’s re-election. “From the pain of the past, we must unite for the prosperity of the future. From unity in diversity, we must forge a new brotherhood behind our leader, Asiwaju Tinubu,” Adeleke said. He clarified, however, that the alliance was limited to the presidential election and would not extend to legislative contests. According to him, while the coalition partners would jointly support Tinubu’s presidential ambition, each political party would remain free to support its candidates in senatorial, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly elections. “What ties us together is the presidential, not the legislative, elections,” he stated. Adeleke also disclosed that discussions between the federal and state governments aimed at resolving the lingering local government crisis in Osun had reached an advanced stage. He expressed optimism that a resolution would be reached soon. Osun APC Vice Chairman Explains Absence of Party Leaders Adelakun, who spoke on behalf of the Osun APC chairman, suggested that some of the party leaders who were absent might not have received adequate information about the inauguration. He said those present would brief their colleagues on the proceedings and expressed confidence that the absent leaders remained committed to Tinubu’s re-election. Adelakun defended the coalition arrangement, arguing that collaboration among political parties was necessary to achieve the desired electoral outcome in Osun. “As APC alone, we have not won an election in the last three election cycles, and if we must give President Tinubu the required number of votes in Osun, we have to collaborate,” he said. He added that the President had acknowledged the importance of the political collaboration. APC Had Earlier Complained About Short Notice The inauguration came amid complaints by the Osun APC leadership that it had not been adequately consulted before the announcement of the campaign council. In a statement issued on Thursday, a few hours before the ceremony, Lawal said the party had not been formally informed about the inauguration beyond the publication of the council members’ names on social media by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. Rasheed had announced the planned inauguration on Wednesday, listing several prominent APC figures among those expected to serve on the council. Those listed included Akande, Oyetola, Basiru, Oyebamiji, Omisore, Omoworare, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Foluke Etteh, Professor Sola Adeyeye, Yinka Ajayi, Ponle, Akintunde Adegboye and Mumini Olabanji. The announcement reportedly generated uncertainty among political stakeholders because, according to sources within the governor’s camp and the Osun APC, no formal meeting had been held to determine how the President’s re-election campaign would be coordinated in the state following Adeleke’s appointment. An APC source, who requested anonymity, said the party’s leaders had only become aware of the proposed arrangement through the published list. “The two camps have not met. We just saw the list like everyone in the state. There is uncertainty around it, but I can’t officially say what the APC reaction will be,” the source said. Lawal acknowledged that the party accepted Adeleke’s appointment as the state coordinator of Tinubu’s re-election campaign but insisted that the inauguration should have been properly scheduled and communicated to relevant stakeholders. He maintained that the re-election of the President was a collective responsibility requiring adequate consultation and respect for established political protocols. According to him, the short notice and lack of prior engagement with the state party leadership could create unnecessary friction between the APC and the appointed campaign coordinator. Lawal said the party was committed to Tinubu’s re-election but warned against arrangements that could undermine cooperation among stakeholders. He alleged that announcing the council members less than 24 hours before the inauguration, without prior consultation with the party leadership, could create avoidable misunderstandings between the APC and Adeleke. Despite the disagreement over the process, the inauguration proceeded with the participation of several APC chieftains and leaders from other political parties, underscoring the coalition’s stated objective of mobilising support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election. 2 weeks ago
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FATAI OWOSEENI: THE RETIRED BUT NOT TIRED STATESMAN READY TO LEAD OYO STATE IN 2027


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By Sayo Alagbe

A Tested Administrator for a Greater Oyo State

As the political horizon gradually opens toward the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, conversations are already gaining momentum around individuals with the competence, experience, character, and vision to sustain the state’s steady progress. Among the names attracting growing admiration and confidence is Fatai Owoseeni — a non-discriminatory Muslim by birth and practice, distinguished retired Police Commissioner, accomplished technocrat, and seasoned administrator whose life of service has prepared him for the noble task of governance.

Fatai Owoseeni is widely described as retired, but certainly not tired. Though he has concluded an illustrious career in the Nigeria Police Force, his passion for service remains alive, vibrant, and unwavering. His years in public service, combined with his practical leadership experience, make him one of the most credible personalities who can be entrusted with the future of Oyo State.

A Proud Son of Ibadan, Deeply Rooted in Oyo Heritage and Politics

One of Fatai Owoseeni’s strongest qualities is his identity as a proud son of Ibadan, the political and cultural heartbeat of Oyo State. He understands the history, values, traditions, and aspirations of the people because he is one of them. He is deeply rooted in the culture of the state and appreciates the diversity that makes Oyo one of Nigeria’s most strategic and respected states.

From the bustling streets of Ibadan to the agrarian communities of Oke-Ogun, from Ogbomoso to Ibarapa and Oyo Town, Fatai Owoseeni is familiar with the pulse of the people. This cultural connection is important because governance becomes more effective when led by someone who understands the people’s language, struggles, hopes, and dreams.

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A Technocrat with the Capacity to Govern a Complex State

Oyo State is a sophisticated and complex state requiring more than mere political slogans. It demands strategic thinking, intellectual depth, administrative discipline, and practical leadership. Fatai Owoseeni possesses these qualities in abundance.

As a technocrat, he has demonstrated uncommon intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to manage difficult institutions under pressure. His exposure to policy implementation, personnel management, crisis resolution, and inter-agency collaboration places him in a unique category of leaders who can translate ideas into measurable results.

At a time when governance requires innovation, technology, planning, and accountability, Fatai Owoseeni stands out as a man prepared for the demands of modern leadership.

Security Expert with Proven Results

Security remains one of the most important responsibilities of any government. Fatai Owoseeni’s background as a top-ranking police officer gives him a significant advantage. He rose through the ranks through diligence, discipline, courage, and competence, eventually serving as a Police Commissioner with distinction.

His experience in law enforcement cannot be measured in monetary terms. It is a reservoir of wisdom built over decades of tackling crime, maintaining peace, managing conflict, and protecting lives and property.

Recognizing his vast expertise, the incumbent Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, appointed him as Special Adviser on Security Matters. In that role, he has been associated with efforts that strengthened peace, improved coordination, and enhanced the atmosphere of tranquility across the state.

His practical understanding of security architecture would be invaluable in building a safer Oyo State where businesses flourish, communities thrive, and citizens live without fear.

A Friend of the High and Low

Great leaders are measured not only by power, but by accessibility. Fatai Owoseeni is known as a man who relates comfortably with both the influential and the ordinary citizen. He is a friend of the high and the low, a bridge-builder whose network cuts across the length and breadth of Oyo State.

He can sit at policy tables with captains of industry and also listen patiently to traders, artisans, students, farmers, and market women. This rare quality makes him a unifying figure capable of bringing together all segments of society for the common good.

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His connections are not for vanity; they are assets that can be deployed to attract investments, create opportunities, and open doors for the people of Oyo State.

A Compassionate Giver with a Human Heart

Beyond titles and achievements, Fatai Owoseeni is admired for his generosity and compassion. He has positively touched many lives through personal acts of kindness and support. Numerous less-privileged individuals have benefited from his open heart and helping hand.

Whether through financial assistance, mentoring, or silent interventions, he has consistently put smiles on faces. This humanitarian spirit reflects the type of empathy needed in leadership. Governance is not merely about budgets and policies — it is also about caring for people.

A leader who understands suffering is more likely to design policies that reduce hardship, expand opportunity, and restore dignity to citizens.

A Champion of Education and Human Development

Fatai Owoseeni strongly believes that education remains the most effective weapon against ignorance, poverty, and social deprivation. He understands that no society can rise above the quality of its schools and the enlightenment of its people.

As governor, many believe he would prioritize educational advancement through improved infrastructure, teacher welfare, digital learning, vocational training, and scholarships for indigent students. He recognizes that investing in education is investing in the future.

His philosophy is simple: when people are educated, communities prosper; when minds are developed, crime declines; when youths are empowered, society advances.

A Social Mobilizer for Economic Opportunity

Fatai Owoseeni is also known as a sociable and engaging personality who values relationships and productive networking. He believes in engaging people of means, influence, and enterprise in ways that can benefit society.

Such an approach is critical in today’s governance climate, where partnerships with investors, development agencies, private sector leaders, and philanthropists can accelerate progress. Through his goodwill and connections, he can help create employment opportunities, attract businesses, and support aspiring entrepreneurs across Oyo State.

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Why Fatai Owoseeni in 2027?

The 2027 governorship election will require voters to choose between rhetoric and results, between promises and preparedness, between ambition and ability.

Fatai Owoseeni represents preparedness. He combines: Administrative competence.Security expertise. Grassroots connection. Cultural understanding. Compassionate leadership. Educational vision. Broad networks. Proven discipline. Strategic thinking. Commitment to continuity and progress.

These are not ordinary attributes. They are the building blocks of transformational governance.

Building on Existing Foundations

Oyo State has made notable progress in recent years. The next governor must not only preserve these gains but improve upon them. Fatai Owoseeni is widely seen as a candidate who can build on the strong foundations and enduring legacies already laid while introducing fresh energy, deeper efficiency, and broader inclusion.

He has the maturity to consolidate progress, the courage to confront challenges, and the wisdom to unite the state toward a common future.

A Reliable, Responsible, and Responsive Choice

Fatai Owoseeni is more than a former Police Commissioner. He is a tested public servant, a disciplined administrator, a compassionate giver, and a visionary son of Oyo State. He is a man whose service record inspires confidence and whose leadership potential commands attention.

For many observers, he embodies the qualities of a reliable, responsible, and responsive governorship candidate for the 2027 race.

If Oyo State seeks experience with integrity, authority with humility, and leadership with results, then Fatai Owoseeni may well be one of the finest choices for the journey ahead


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