₦airaland Forum

Stop Governor Dapo Abiodun From Destroying Ogun APC, Yewa Integrity Group Appeals to Nigeria President

The Yewa Integrity Group has passionately appealed to Nigeria President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to urgently intervene in the affairs of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State before Governor Dapo Abiodun destroys the unity, stability, and electoral chances of the party ahead of the coming elections.

According to a press statement jointly signed by the Coordinator of the group, Gbenga Lawal, and its Secretary, Rasak Oladele, the group expressed deep concern over what it described as the Governor’s anti-party activities and alleged attempts to impose candidates on party members without proper consultation.

The group alleged that Governor Dapo Abiodun has already commenced the process of handpicking and compiling names of preferred National Assembly candidates of the party without adequate consultation with stakeholders, party leaders, and loyal members across the state.

The statement warned that the Governor appears to be towing the same dangerous political path as his predecessor, a development they claimed could further divide the party and weaken its chances in future elections if urgent action is not taken.

“We are appealing to Mr. President, as the national leader of our great party, to urgently call Governor Dapo Abiodun to order before his actions destroy the existing structure and unity of the APC in Ogun State,” the statement read.

The group maintained that the strength of the APC has always rested on inclusiveness, internal democracy, and consultations with stakeholders, stressing that any attempt to sideline party faithful and impose candidates may lead to avoidable crises within the party.

The Yewa Integrity Group further urged the national leadership of the APC to closely monitor political developments in Ogun State and ensure fairness, transparency, and due process in all party activities ahead of the next general elections.

The group reaffirmed its loyalty to the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership while insisting that preserving unity and justice within the party remains the only path toward sustaining electoral victory and political stability in Ogun State.

When people are given the opportunity to serve, not many live up to expectations. But with Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the story appears different, especially if the popular Hausa saying that “a good Friday is determined by the Wednesday preceding it” is anything to go by.

As a pioneer staff member of the BPP, Dr. Adedokun understands the institution’s challenges and operations firsthand. Since his appointment in November 2024, he has, in line with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, taken practical steps toward reforming Nigeria’s public procurement process. Reports indicate that his interventions have already saved the country over one trillion naira.

Dr. Adedokun, a highly accomplished procurement expert, previously served as Director of Research, Training, and Strategic Planning at the BPP. As one of Nigeria’s foremost authorities on public procurement, having actively participated in virtually every major procurement reform in the country since 2004, he left little doubt upon assuming office that his appointment was both strategic and well deserved.

Among the far-reaching reforms that he has so far brought to bear are: the revision of Standard Bidding Documents (SBDs), review of Service-Wide Prior Review and Monetary Threshold Guidelines, deployment of a National Debarment Policy, and the establishment of a Price Intelligence and Benchmarking System. All of these reforms have no doubt strengthened transparency, accountability, and efficiency in Nigeria’s procurement ecosystem, as well as aligning procurement practices with global standards and national development priorities to achieve President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Similarly, his drive to institutionalise the “Nigeria First Policy Framework,” aimed at prioritising local industries, indigenous manufacturers, and national economic growth through strategic procurement, is already yielding positive results, just as he is also championing the development of Affirmative Procurement Frameworks and Sector-Based Procurement Policies aimed at promoting inclusiveness, supporting SMEs, and driving sustainable national development.

As someone who believes in collaborative efforts, the BPP DG, since assuming office, has enhanced collaboration between his agency and critical institutions such as NASENI, NADDC, ELRA, the Bank of Industry (BOI), Development Finance Institutions, and SPESSE. This has created stronger institutional partnerships for economic transformation and service delivery. Dr. Adedokun is on record to have also secured a landmark international arbitration victory against European Dynamics UK Ltd, successfully defending Nigeria against claims exceeding $6.2 million, just as he has improved operational efficiency within the BPP by reducing procurement turnaround time, strengthening regulatory frameworks, supporting sub-national governments, and driving procurement capacity building programmes for stakeholders across the public sector.

Dr. Adedokun, the reformer of our time, as you mark your birthday today, my only prayer and wish for you is that as you have started well, you will end well. So far, you have given neither Mr. President nor Nigerians any reason to doubt your competence, capacity, and loyalty. I urge you to remain focused and do not be distracted by the new friends and influences that often come with high office.

If you stay committed to your vision and principles, the sky will only be the beginning for you. I pray those demons that confuse and derail people each time they occupy high offices will flee away from you at BPP. You must also learn to identify and flee from them in order to fulfill your glorious destiny.

I look forward to seeing you complete a successful and impactful tenure at the BPP, one that will naturally recommend you for even greater responsibilities in the future.

May God’s love, favour, mercy, compassion, and abundant blessings continue to rest upon you, your family, and the entire staff of the BPP today and always. Amin

Happy birthday to you, Dr. Adedokun.

Omipidan, a journalist, author, media consultant, and Public Affairs Analyst writes from Abuja.

OPINION: Rejection of Misleading and Blasphemous Statement Attributed to Barr. Seyi Tinubu — Ambassador Issah Adedotun Niniola

In a country as deeply religious and diverse as Nigeria, few things are more dangerous than dragging the name of Almighty God into political narratives. Religion is sacred to millions of Nigerians, and any attempt to use it as a tool for political manipulation should be condemned by all reasonable citizens.

Few days ago, a statement was circulated on social media platforms credited to one Albab Abdullahi and attributed to Barr. Seyi Tinubu, suggesting that he made certain offensive remarks concerning Almighty God and the political future of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. In my view, such a claim is not only doubtful but also deeply irresponsible, especially considering the sensitive nature of religion in our national life.

No political ambition, campaign, or human calculation can stand above the will of Almighty God. Power belongs to God alone, and leadership is ultimately granted by His grace and mercy. Any political discussion that fails to recognise this truth risks offending the faith and conscience of millions of believers.

Beyond politics, my understanding of Barr. Seyi Tinubu is that he has consistently demonstrated respect for religion, faith, and peaceful coexistence. Though he may not attend church regularly, he was given a Muslim name at birth and grew up under the guidance of his Christian mother, through whom he was introduced to the Christian faith early in life. Those who know him personally, including neighbours around him, can attest to the fact that early morning praise and worship sessions are a regular part of his lifestyle. At the same time, he maintains deep respect and a soft spot for Islam, reflecting the spirit of religious tolerance, mutual respect, and unity which he has always upheld.

It is therefore disturbing that some individuals would allegedly manufacture or circulate such a sensitive statement for political purposes. Nigeria is too fragile and too diverse for anyone to weaponise religion in the name of politics. Political disagreement is normal in a democracy, but deliberately spreading claims capable of provoking religious anger is reckless and dangerous.

While Barr. Seyi Tinubu, like many other Nigerians, may support the Renewed Hope agenda and the political aspirations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, every human ambition remains subject to the will and approval of Almighty God. This is a truth that no responsible person should dispute.

I urge Nigerians to be careful about what they believe and share, especially on social media. Media practitioners, digital publishers, political commentators, and members of the public must verify information before amplifying it. Falsehoods built around religion can do serious damage to peace, unity, and public trust.

This is a time for responsible engagement. Our politics should be guided by truth, decency, tolerance, and respect for all religions. No individual should be condemned on the basis of an unverified statement, and no society should allow merchants of division to profit from religious tension.

In my view, it is nothing but an incendiary fabrication and a political subterfuge aimed at painting Seyi Tinubu in a bad light in the eyes of people of the North and therefore should not be judged by a statement that did not come from him. The greater concern should be how we protect our public space from dangerous misinformation, preserve national unity, and ensure that political participation remains peaceful, fair, and constructive.

Ambassador Issah Adedotun Niniola
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Protocol

Oyebamiji is a seasoned public servant, technocrat, and grassroots politician whose life of service is defined by competence, integrity, and results. With years of experience in governance and party administration, he represents a new generation of leadership rooted in discipline, accountability, and people-focused development. Oyebamiji’s journey reflects a deep commitment to progressive ideals and a clear vision for rebuilding Osun through purposeful, inclusive, and responsible governance.

Bello Adegboyega Basheer (BABS), the immediate past Managing Director of the Osun State Public Procurement Agency and a stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ifelodun, Boripe and Odo-Otin Federal Constituency, has congratulated Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji on his emergence as the candidate and flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress party in the 2026 governorship election, describing him as a steady and trusted hand at a time Osun State stands at a critical fiscal crossroads.

BABS made this known in a congratulatory statement made available to newsmen on Sunday morning, where he reflected on Osun’s current financial challenges and the need for competent leadership anchored on discipline, transparency and sustainability.

According to him, Oyebamiji’s record as former Commissioner for Finance in Osun State remains a reference point in prudent public finance management. He noted that during a period marked by revenue shortfalls and heavy inherited debts, Oyebamiji helped stabilise the state’s finances, reorganised the treasury, blocked leakages and entrenched a culture of accountability.

He recalled that under the administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Osun maintained fiscal discipline, avoided fresh borrowing, and ensured the regular payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities, a feat he attributed largely to Oyebamiji’s technical expertise and deep understanding of the state’s financial structure.

BABS further commended Oyebamiji’s performance at the national level as the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), where he said the agency recorded an unprecedented increase in internally generated revenue through strategic reforms and institutional efficiency.

He stated that Osun’s present fiscal realities require leaders with proven capacity rather than trial-and-error governance, stressing that Oyebamiji’s experience of managing the state’s finances under two administrations and successfully repositioning a federal agency uniquely qualifies him for greater responsibility.

“Osun is at a defining moment, and history shows that in times of serious challenge, societies turn to tested and competent hands,” BABS said. “Bola Oyebamiji represents discipline over recklessness, competence over populism, and transparency over expediency.”

He concluded by congratulating Oyebamiji on his emergence as the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress party in the 2026 governorship election in Osun, expressing confidence that his leadership qualities and financial expertise remain critical assets for restoring stability, trust and sustainable development in Osun State.

Omisore is forever a useless man and he should Bleep off

murtalaAbass:
Real Reasons Omisore Was Disqualified By APC Screening Committee

By Godwin Nwachukwu

The disqualification of former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Screening Committee has been linked to a combination of administrative non-compliance and security intelligence reports, according to authoritative party sources.

Contrary to public speculation, party insiders disclosed that Omisore’s disqualification was not merely procedural but followed a series of grave concerns that arose during and after the screening process.

Sources at the APC National Secretariat revealed that Omisore failed to properly regularize critical aspects of his nomination documentation, particularly details regarding the APC membership of his sponsors as stipulated under party guidelines. It was gathered that his refusal to seek requisite administrative assistance from the National Secretariat, allegedly due to what sources described as his “overbearing, arrogant and self-sufficient posture,” contributed significantly to the omissions discovered in his submission.

Beyond the documentation issues, the party was also said to have received security and intelligence briefings indicating ongoing political engagements between Omisore’s camp and elements linked to the Adeleke political family, raising red flags within the APC hierarchy.

According to multiple party insiders familiar with the intelligence reports, the suspected strategy was for Omisore to destabilize the APC from within, after which he would exit to another political platform, allegedly with the long-term aim of weakening the ruling party’s electoral cohesion ahead of future elections. The same sources claim that such a move was believed to be capable of softening the political terrain for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid.

Even more concerning to party leaders, intelligence reports allegedly suggested the existence of a long-term political understanding between Omisore and the Adeleke family, with projections extending to collaboration beyond the immediate election cycle, potentially up to 2030 to give the Ife-born politician an opportunity to serve two-terms as governor immediately after the end of Adeleke's second-term tenure. Although these claims remain officially unconfirmed, they reportedly influenced the final decision of the Screening Committee.

Meanwhile, the APC is also said to be closely monitoring the ongoing political developments within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), particularly the emergence of Comrade Olugbenga Adedamola (aka Fryo) as its governorship candidate. Party security sources claimed Fryo, linked to the murder of Chief Bola Ige, is a long-time political associate and protégé of Omisore, a development which, in their view, further deepened internal concerns.

Some party figures allege that Fryo’s candidacy could form part of a broader political chess game aimed at weakening the APC’s electoral machinery in Osun State as the PDP candidate is said to be holding in trust the PDP ticket for Omisore.

Efforts to obtain official reactions from Omisore’s media team and the APC National Publicity Secretariat were ongoing as of press time.

You’re a Builder, a Reformer, and a Performer: Ambassador Niniola’s Glowing Birthday Tribute to AMBO


Today, we celebrate a man whose life reflects discipline, excellence, and unwavering commitment to public service, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiju (AMBO). His journey from the banking halls of Wema, Spring, and Enterprise Bank to becoming one of Nigeria’s most respected financial minds speaks to a lifetime defined by results, not rhetoric.

His remarkable turnaround of OSICOL remains one of Osun State’s finest governance success stories. At a time when the institution was written off, AMBO stepped in with clarity, rebuilt its financial backbone, introduced discipline, and transformed it into Omoluabi Holdings, growing its value from ₦300 million to ₦6 billion and delivering tangible projects across Abere, Lagos, Abuja, and Osogbo for the state’s prosperity. He didn’t revive just an institution; he restored confidence in what public-sector excellence could look like.

Despite receiving lowest FAC, Bola Oyebamiji as Commissioner for Finance brought order to Osun’s fiscal environment, raising IGR from ₦6 billion to ₦24 billion, strengthening TSA, SIFMIS, procurement systems, and helping the state achieve multiple SFTAS awards. In his hands, Osun’s finances did not collapse, they stabilized, strengthened, and earned national and global commendations.

At NIWA, President Tinubu entrusted him with another strategic assignment, and once again, AMBO delivered. He modernized operations, expanded safety mechanisms, introduced the pioneering Waterways Transportation Code, improved staff welfare, and reduced waterway accidents by 30% in his first year and 72% in his second year proving yet again that leadership is not about titles, but impact.

What sets AMBO apart is consistency. Across sectors and institutions, he has demonstrated competence, calm, and character. As Osun looks toward 2026, his record stands as proof that he is not coming to learn governance, he is coming to apply it.

Beyond his accomplishments, AMBO’s humility stands out. Despite decades of achievements, he remains accessible, respectful, and deeply connected to the everyday people whose lives his decisions have shaped. His leadership is not elitist; it is human, empathetic, and grounded in service.

On this special day, I joined everyone to celebrate a builder, a reformer, a performer and a dependable ally whose contributions continue to speak louder than any campaign ever could. May God bless you with long life, strength, and greater opportunities to serve.

Happy Birthday, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiju.

— Ambassador Issah Adedotun Niniola

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Protocol

It is important for the party to do the needful if H.E Gboyega Oyetola is not running or interested again. This is our path to return to the power in the state.

The joker and the monumental dancer must be sent out of Abere

Despite the challenges and misinformation, Senator Akpabio remains steadfast in his mission to build bridges and foster unity across Nigeria. His unwavering dedication and resilience in the face of adversity are commendable. Kudos to his relentless efforts and determination to bring about positive change for the nation.

Despite the challenges and misinformation, Senator Akpabio remains steadfast in his mission to build bridges and foster unity across Nigeria. His unwavering dedication and resilience in the face of adversity are commendable. Kudos to his relentless efforts and determination to bring about positive change for the nation.


In recent times, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio may have been in the news for what would advert the minds of many as the wrong reasons. And that is the image his traducers want to paint of the good man . They want to create for him a public perception of a villain who is incorrigibly bad and incapable of any good despite his robust record of impact on people's lives and extensive benevolence that replete his history.

Interestingly, these ill informed and impish views are not only contrived untruths with factual deficiencies , they are also deliberately intended to impugn his character for cheap political gains, array him against the people and discredit him to reduce his electoral and national value .

In recent times, every public utterance by Akpabio no matter how well intentioned is deliberately skewed to meet a predetermined purpose and representation. It is why the statement of the MD of NDDC at an event in Portharcourt which was in every sense innocent was mischievously quoted out of context and ascribed to Senator Akpabio to make him look bad and against the people. How can Senator Akpabio be against the people? Even his service pedigree from his life in the private sector, to that of public service beginning from when he was commissioner, two terms governor, Minority Leader , Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and now President of the Senate, acquit him as a man of the people . The prejudiced views which cast him as an Aristocrat on a high horse who looks down on the people and mocks them are of course untenable in every respect .

The serving President of the Senate is one leader who had long chosen to be different. His humble and spartan beginning had built in him the virtue of empathy while growing up. It also inculcated in him a surfeit of other values some of which are humility, compassion, generosity, hardwork and the fear of God. Akpabio is an embodiment of the aforementioned sterling values. And these values are at the core of our value system which he is a part of. It is difficult to find people who are strong adherents to the value system stray into mindless absurdly in their public conducts except in minor cases of infallibility that are common to all humans . It is such a minor infallibility that Akpabio's traducers often magnify to have his pound of flesh. But because his political net worth is more than their shenanigans and pedestrian darts , Nigerians still have faith in his leadership of the Senate.

Reflecting on what I call political net worth, one cannot fail to see his bridge building skill. Akpabio is one politician who receives a defeaning ovation of almost equal measure in any part of the country he visits. He is loved and always celebrated lavishly anywhere he finds himself.

This bridge building skill is eloquent in the synergy that underlines the relationship between the Executive and the current National Assembly which Akpabio is Chairman. The relationship has led to increased collaboration leading to expeditious passage of Bills especially the 2024 budget that saw members of the National Assembly working round the clock to ensure its timeous passage.

But in the face of this active collaboration, the National Assembly has not compromised its independence. It has continued to be on the side of the people and in strict observance of the principle of separation of powers. This, it has done through opposing policies the Senate suspects would bring more hardship to the people. The case of electricity tariff and other interventions like labour unrest and minimum wage saga are testimonies of Akpabio's commitment to the people. And so let no one mislead anyone with the disinformation that Akpabio is anti- people.

It is unfortunate that many see constant frictions or confrontation between the executive and Legislature as the only way the latter could be seen as being effective. What many do not know is that those confrontations are driven more by self interest and ego and not the collective good of the people. And in acting in that manner, the people suffer as they are denied the benefits of good governance. A legislature that is working for the people is sober, reflective and farsighted. It weighs the implication of an action and makes decisions that side with the interest of the people. That is the 10th Senate I see under the leadership of Senator Akpabio. It is not given to unnecessary wranglings and confrontation but engagement that would pave the way for a new Nigeria.

Toeing this egalitarian path has not fared well with some political elites who have always profited from political storms between the executive and the legislature. For changing the crude dynamics and ensuring a paradigm shift, he must be scapegoated even in common human frailties. But whose interests are these people hounding and haunting Akpabio serving? Certainly not the Nigerian people's interest.

I dare to add that the President of the Senate may also be a target of the hegemonic politics of a section of the North which feels that it should be in charge of the legislature as a tool to rein in the President and blackmail him at will. Such moves have at least been witnessed in the actions of some Northern senators. The protection of Akpabio is inextricably bound to the preservation of the polity and in harmony. Anything that would harm the stability of the 10th Senate under Akpabio would widen the nation's dichotomy and introduce mutual suspicion across the political spectrum.

At this dire time of the nation's history, what the country needs are patriots, not ethnic or tribal champions. We need Nigerians who think Nigeria before their ethnic/tribal affiliations. We need leaders who are ready to subsume ethnic cleavages for national interest. We need leaders who are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder to salvage this Nation and restore her to the laudable dream of our founding fathers. Akpabio is a spectacular example of this national ideal. He is broad-minded, accommodating, receptive, sensitive and at home with every section of the country. Nigeria would not have asked for a better head of the Legislature at a time like this. Let us rally around him , support him and maximize his experience and leadership potential for national development.

Joe Peter is a public affairs analyst.[/quote]