Former Presidential Aide Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju Picks Up APC Form for Ekiti North Constituency 2, Vows to Mobilize for Gov. Oyebanji’s Re-election.

Former Presidential Aide Ibrahim Kunle Olarewaju Picks Up APC Form for Ekiti North Constituency 2, Vows to Mobilize for Gov. Oyebanji’s Re-election.

 In a move that has significantly heightened the political stakes in Ekiti North, Hon. brahim Kunle Olarewaju has officially declared his intention to return to the Green Chamber by picking up his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the Ekiti North Federal Constituency 2 seat.

The entry of Olarewaju, a veteran legislator and legal practitioner, brings a formidable weight to the race for the constituency, which comprises Ido-Osi, Moba, and Ilejemeje Local Government Areas. Having previously served the constituency in the 9th National Assembly, his return to the fray is seen by many as a bid to consolidate on his previous legislative achievements and provide the high-octane representation that the district requires at the federal level.

Reinforcing his candidacy is his most recent high-level national service as the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives). During his tenure in the Presidency, Olarewaju was the critical link between the Executive and the Legislature, a role that granted him deep insights into the "Renewed Hope" agenda and the inner workings of federal policy-making. Political analysts suggest that this presidential pedigree gives him a unique advantage, as he possesses the technical expertise and the political capital to attract federal projects back to Ekiti North.

The formalization of his bid took place at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja, where he obtained the 2026 nomination documents for a total sum of  ₦10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira). The purchase has been widely interpreted as a clear signal of his readiness to hit the ground running for the upcoming party primaries.

While championing his legislative ambition, Olarewaju has also taken a definitive stand on the state’s political future, pledging to lead a massive mobilization effort for the re-election of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO). He expressed total confidence in the Governor’s transformative leadership and vowed that his political machinery across Ido-Osi, Moba, and Ilejemeje would be fully activated to ensure a landslide victory for the Governor in the June 20 Gubernatorial election.

By aligning his federal experience with a grassroots commitment to the "Gov. BAO" continuity project, the former presidential aide is positioning himself as a bridge-builder who will ensure that the interests of Ekiti North Constituency 2 are firmly protected both in Ado-Ekiti and Abuja.

Adamawa Elders Outraged: ISWAP Massacre at Football Match Claims 29 Lives.

Adamawa Elders Outraged: ISWAP Massacre at Football Match Claims 29 Lives.

The Adamawa Progressive Elders Council has issued a blistering condemnation following a "barbaric" terrorist attack on Sabon Gari village, where at least 29 civilians were slaughtered during a local football match.

The massacre, attributed to fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), occurred on Sunday, April 26, in the Guyaku District of Gombi Local Government Area. Reports indicate that the insurgents descended on the venue, opening fire on spectators and players before embarking on a spree of looting and arson.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Council’s leader, Brig-Gen MB Marwa (rtd), expressed profound shock over the brutality of the assault, describing it as a "senseless act of violence" and a "direct affront to the peace and security of our beloved state." The Council noted that the timing of the attack, targeting a community gathering for sport, was a calculated attempt to shatter the social fabric and burgeoning peace in the region.

While mourning the dead, the Elders Council praised the proactive stance taken by the state leadership. They specifically commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his immediate visit to the bloodied community and his pledge to provide both justice for the perpetrators and "succor" for the survivors. The Council also extended sympathies to the Traditional Ruler of Gombi, HRM Aggrey Bechour-Ali, acknowledging his role in maintaining communal stability in the wake of the trauma.

The statement, signed by Ahmad I. Sajoh, Head of Media and Publicity, concluded with an urgent appeal to the residents of Adamawa State. The Council urged citizens to remain hyper-vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to prevent further incursions, stressing that the community must remain united in the face of such adversity.

As of Tuesday evening, security forces have reportedly intensified patrols in the Gombi axis to track the fleeing insurgents and reassure the grieving community of Sabon Gari of their continued safety.

OSKA Seyi Aiyeleso to Be Inducted into Ekiti Council of Elders.

OSKA Seyi Aiyeleso to Be Inducted into Ekiti Council of Elders.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods, OSKA Seyi Aiyeleso, will be inducted as a pioneer young affiliate member of the Ekiti Council of Elders on Thursday, April 30, 2026 in a statement according to the Council’s President, Joseph Oluwasanmi, and General Secretary, Elder Niyi Ajibulu.

Oska Aiyeleso is among eight distinguished professionals selected for the Council’s newly introduced young affiliate category, an initiative designed to strengthen its operations and expand its developmental impact. Other inductees include the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Honorable Adeoye Aribasoye; development expert, Dr Margaret Fagboyo; international consultant, Dr Temitope Longe; Engineer Oladipupo Bamisaye; Lawrence Egunjobi; Mrs Oluwadola Abe; and broadcaster Oluwakayode Jegede.

According to the Council, the affiliate initiative is designed to bring “spice, vigour and strength” to its activities by integrating experienced professionals into its advisory framework. Mr Oska Seyi Aiyeleso’s inclusion reflects recognition of his contributions to agribusiness development through Agbeyewa Farms and Matna Foods.

The Council, which is reserved for Ekiti indigenes aged 60 and above, has traditionally served as an advisory body, offering guidance on governance and state affairs.

“They are also expected to recommend possible interventions in the affairs of government for improved performance and as well carry out activities that will promote the vision and mission of the Elders’ Council,” the statement added

@⁨OSKA⁩

Oluwatuyi Hails Workers, Pledges Stronger Commitment to Labour Welfare.

Oluwatuyi Hails Workers, Pledges Stronger Commitment to Labour Welfare.                       By Asubiojo G. O 

In the true spirit of solidarity, service, and sacrifice that defines the global celebration of International Workers' Day, the Labour-friendly Chairman of Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government, Igede Ekiti, Hon. Oluwatuyi Oluwagbenga, extends heartfelt appreciation to the resilient staff of the Local Government and the entire workforce of Ekiti State.

Through the collective strength of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees and Nigeria Labour Congress, workers have once again stood tall to witness another dynamic and inspiring Workers’ Day—an annual reminder that the dignity of labour remains the backbone of governance and societal progress.

Hon. Oluwatuyi passionately charged workers to protect, preserve, and project the noble relevance of their service, reminding them that diligence, discipline, and dedication remain the golden keys to sustainable development in Ekiti State. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to staff welfare and encouraged them to remain steadfast partners in progress..

With deep confidence in the worker-centered vision of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the Chairman assured workers that the present administration" will continue to listen, respond, and align governance with the genuine aspirations of labour." He described Governor Oyebanji as" a humane, approachable, and dependable friend of workers, whose leadership continues to harmonize government policies with the rightful expectations of the workforce".

He further urged workers to sustain their loyal support for the administration, expressing optimism that with renewed mandate and continuity in governance, the journey toward greater welfare, improved working conditions, and shared prosperity will steadily lead workers to their long-awaited “promised land” of fulfilled hopes and dignified service..

In a closing note rich with emotion and solidarity, Hon. Oluwatuyi wished all workers many prosperous years of celebration, growth, and enjoyment of the true dividends of their labour.

With pride and rhythmic unity, he echoed the timeless labour salute:

He Africa! He Soweto!

No Workers, No Nation!

Solidarity Forever!

Publicise President Tinubu’s achievements, Oyebanji urges APC Southwest leaders.

Publicise President Tinubu’s achievements, Oyebanji urges APC Southwest leaders.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to provide necessary publicity for all the programmes and policies of President Bola Tinubu that have improved the living conditions of the people, especially his economic reforms, infrastructure development and efforts being made to stabilize the country.

Governor Oyebanji said hyping the achievements of the President at every opportunity by leaders of the party will provide the needed enlightenment for the people, especially at the grassroots. This, he said, will make the people value the government’s programmes and policies and further endear the President to Nigerians.

The Governor, who spoke when he received the APC Zonal executives led by the Zonal Chairman/National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Dr Isaac Kekemeke in his office on Tuesday, said it is apparent Nigerians attach more seriousness to whatever they hear from their leaders than from other sources.

He stressed the need to activate the party’s structure at all levels to serve as information desk for members and the populace informing them of various laudable programmes and projects of the administration.

The Governor, who described the six months he spent in office before the inauguration of President Tinubu in 2023 as “very tough period”, said the President’s decision to immediately free resources to the sub-national as a way of improving and rescuing the economy from collapse, turned the situation around, making him to achieve more for the state I terms of infrastructure development.

“The story is the same across the states. President Tinubu’s programmes and policies have impacted positively on the people and while the opposition element would do everything to rubbish the gains of the reforms, leaders should counter them with verifiable facts”.

Citing Ekiti State as an example, the Governor said out of the six federal roads in Ekiti State, two have been fixed, work had commenced on one and two have been been awarded. He also revealed that the state has been linked to the new rail line project of the federal government.

He also said that his administration had not collected any loan to finance infrastructure projects in the last three and a half years, explaining that he has been able to properly utilize receipts from the federal allocation and state’s IGR to finance all projects. This, according to him , was made possible by President Tinubu, hence the need to support him for a second term in office.

 “So, if a state as small as Ekiti has this kind of federal government presence, then         you can imagine what will happen to other big states in the country. Please, we have every cause to be proud of the achievements of our party and the only way we can get this done is through you, because you are the closest to the people at the grassroots level. What are we talking about is that at every ward meeting, two or three minutes should be devoted to explaining to party members what the government has done.

“Our party is on a rescue mission, generally, through the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are all ambassadors of the President in our respective zones and states and I will use this opportunity to appeal to our party leaders from this zone to make explaining the achievements of the President’s administrations to everybody paramount. And because you are credible leaders, people will listen to you more than those in government.

Earlier, the National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Dr Isaac Kekemeke who commended Governor Oyebanji for the successful outing at the official flag off of his re-election campaign, described him as an emerging party and national leader based on his pedigree of humility and astute leadership quality and by positioning himself as a unifying force.

He said they were in the state for their first executive meeting after their inauguration last month.

While reiterating their unalloyed support for all APC governors in the South-west, Dr Kekemeke, stressed that the zonal leadership intends to strengthen the party’s structure in the region.

CAMPAIGN FLAG OFF: GOV OYEBANJI EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO PRESIDENT TINUBU, APC LEADERS, EKITI PEOPLE.

CAMPAIGN FLAG OFF: GOV OYEBANJI EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO PRESIDENT TINUBU, APC LEADERS, EKITI PEOPLE.

Ekiti State Governor,  Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed profound appreciation to the people of the State for their steadfast love and commitment to his re-election as demonstrated by their unprecedented large turn-out during the official flag off of campaign for his second term bid on Monday.

 

A huge crowd of party faithful, national officers of the party, prominent leaders, supporters and residents had converged on the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, while hundreds thronged various other locations in the state capital for the flag off campaign rally and other associated activities.

 

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, said, he was humbled by the avalanche of love and encomium showered on him as well as the vote of confidence passed on him and his deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye to run for a second term of office.

 

While thanking God for a hitch-free event, Governor Oyebanji also thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he said has continued to show tremendous support for him, his administration and Ekiti State in general, thereby enhancing the spate of development and growth in the State.

The Governor took particular note of the demonstrated love and support of APC leaders and members who, he said, made voluntary contributions in their respective local government areas towards the organization of the event. He said the gesture of the party leaders and members was not only encouraging, but a reflection of their commitment the Ekiti agenda.

 

The Governor said: “Monday’s flag off of our re-election campaign was not only remarkable, it was a historic moment for our dear state, and we thank God Almighty for the hugely successful event that was devoid of any hitch.

“Our profound gratitude goes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the state which has become evident in the all-round development being enjoyed in Ekiti, and to the National Chairman of our party- the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatds, as well as all the national and zonal officers for their unalloyed support and presence at the rally.

 

“Special appreciation goes Kaduna State Governor/ Chairman National Campaign Council, Senator Uba Sani; Imo State Governor/Chairman, Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Senator Hope Uzodimma; Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Kogi Governor, Usman Ododo; Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori;  Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago; and the Chairman, Ekiti State Governorship Election Campaign Council/ Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

“My debt of gratitude also goes to  all our esteemed leaders including all former Governors: Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Engr Segun Oni, Chief Ayodele Fayose and Dr Kayode Fayemi; as well as APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru; National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Dr Isaac kekemeke; all former Deputy Governors, serving and former members of the National Assembly; serving and former members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

 

“My profound thanks to our revered traditional rulers in the state traditional rulers council for their support for the administration. Special thanks to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, who received the APC leaders in his palace, together with the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, HRM Oba Adebayo Adewole; Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, HRM Oba Oluwole Ademolaju; Ologotun of Ogotun - Ekiti, HRM Oba Adebayo Adesanmi. “

 The Governor also expressed deep appreciation to over 380 groups and associations that had, in the last one year, endorsed him and his deputy for a second term in office. He also lauded the State Traditional Rulers Council, the labour and trade unions, religious organizations, Ekiti youths and students organisations, market women, leadership of the informal sector and citizens of the state for their sundry support.

EKITI 2026: OYEBANJI'S RE-ELECTION ALREADY WON, SAYS APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN YILWATDA, GOVERNORS.

EKITI 2026: OYEBANJI'S RE-ELECTION ALREADY WON, SAYS APC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN YILWATDA, GOVERNORS.

 

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, has expressed confidence that the re-election of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji is a done deal on the strength of his record of performance and the massive support he enjoys from the people of the state.

 

The APC National Chairman emphasized that the national leadership of the party is proud of what Governor Oyebanji has done and achieved in three and a half years in office and would give him an unflinching support to win another term in office for the benefit of Ekiti people and for continuity of good governance being enjoyed in the state.

 

Prof Yilwatda, who spoke at the Ekiti State APC/BAO Governorship Campaign Flag-Off that was attended by a mammoth crowd at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, the state capital on Monday, said other political parties and their governorship candidates are no match for the ruling party and Governor Oyebanji who are poised to record an unprecedented victory at the election scheduled for June 20.

 

The National Chairman's confidence of victory for Governor Oyebanji was also echoed by the Progressives Governors' Forum (PGF), a body of governors elected on the platform of the party led by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma and the National Campaign Council led by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.

All former Ekiti State governors, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Ayodele Fayose, Chief Segun Oni and Dr Kayode Fayemi also threw their weight behind the re-election of Governor Oyebanji urging the people of the state to massively cast their votes for him and his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye for the good works to continue.

 

Apparently impressed by the track record of Governor Oyebanji, the APC National Chairman, Prof Yilwatda requested Governor Oyebanji , also known as BAO to come out and "take a bow" before the people of Ekiti State on each sector where he had made impact on governance, turning around the fortunes of the state and serving as a unifier and rallying point for all people in the state irrespective of their ethnic, cultural, religious and political affiliations.

 

Prof Yilwatda said: "For bringing all the people of the state together, I want you Mr Governor to take a bow. For bringing people of different ethnic groups in Ekiti like Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Ebira, Urhobo and other ethnic nationalities and ensuring unity in your state, please take a bow.

 

"For building roads, bridges, hospitals, health centres, schools and other major infrastructures across the state, take a bow. In fact, BAO (Oyebanji) supports agriculture and his support for agriculture makes it more easy for Ekiti people to be pounding yam and eating pounded yam and this has guaranteed food security, take a bow.

 

"Ekiti is one of the most secure states in Nigeria. BAO works very hard to ensure security of lives and property, take a bow. On behalf of the National Working Committee and APC members nationwide, we stand with you today to say that this election is already won because all other parties na so-so yeye, all other candidates na so-so yeye.

 

"Prepare pounded yam for your swearing-in because the election is already won. Ekiti people on election day, wear your canvass (trainers), wear your jeans go out and vote for BAO."

 

Speaking for the governors, the Chairman of APC Governors' Forum, Governor Hope Uzodinma, said the fact that the then fragmented Ekiti is now solidly united, was suffice for Oyebanji to be reelected, assuring that the governor won't disappoint in terms of delivery and display of humility.

 

"If you vote for Governor Oyebanji, you have voted for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is addressing the crises of food insecurity, infrastructure deficit, unemployment, insecurity and others. Vote for him, he won't let you down".

 

In his address, Kaduna State Governor and Chairman, APC National Campaign Committee for Ekiti election, Senator Uba Sani, was upbeat that the party will triumph in the governorship poll on the strength of Oyebanji's exhilarating performance and acceptability across the board.

 

Sani described Ekiti as a state of high intellectual hub and integrity, who requires being governed by people with cognitive power and high  mental ability to be able to sail the ship to a safe shore, assuring that the coming election is not going to be personality clashes.

 

The Kaduna governor said he was proud to fraternise with Oyebanji and loudly campaign for his reelection,  having constructed over 350 kilometres of roads across the 16 local governments, while embarking on series of human-friendly programmes to build the enormous resources available to Ekiti .

 

The APC governor, who described the Oyebanji as one of the best governors in the country, said he was happy at Oyebanji’s record of achievements especialy the remodeling of all the primary healthcare centres and public schools in the state, thereby making lives more rewarding for the people.

 

"This is the time to move forward, not to move backward. Vote for continuity, vote for prosperity, vote for stability and development. Let your vote resonate round the country. We will engage every community, every individual, listen to them and mobilise for victory".

 

In hi speech, Oyebanji who told the cheering crowd that he has fulfilled the social contract he signed with the people in 2022, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for exhibiting  special interest for the development of the state and its people .

 

In his short speech, Oyebanji said: "We were here in 2022 to sign a contract with you. We thank God that we have been able to fulfil all these contracts. But all these were made possible because President Tinubu takes special interest in this state.

 

"In the 29 years of Ekiti creation, no President  has been fair to Ekiti like President  Tinubu. He reconstructed Ado-Akure road, Ado-Ifaki road and the notorious Ado-Aramoko road had been awarded for reconstruction among other projects.

 

"The way to repay him is to come out on June 20 and  test the microphone by giving us here in Ekiti a minimum of 500,000 votes, so that the good jobs we are doing can continue".

 

The Chairman of the 2026 Ekiti Campaign Council and the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said Oyebanji has been able to make remarkable difference in the lives of the people, because he perfectly understands the language of development.

 

Bamidele, who aptly branded Oyebanji as a round peg in a round hole, assured Ekiti populace that the election will be based on constructive and intellectual engagements, not the the one that will be replete with hate speeches and morbid politicking. 

 

"We have been able to progress as a people because we have a governor who understands the language of development. A round peg, in a round hole. We are proud of him. He is a unifier. A humble leader who can make us better if given the opportunity".

 

Other dignitaries at the event were: Ekiti State First Lady, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, National Vice Chairman of the APC, Southwest, Isaac Kekemeke, Director General, Ekiti State Governorship Campaign Council, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, former Governors Kayode Fayemi, Ayo Fayose, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Segun Oni, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Hon Femi Bamisile, Senator Ayo Arise, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, Hon Oyetunde Ojo, members of the National and State Assemblies and other high profile APC members.