‘Omisore, Ajibola, Other APC Aspirants are Unelectable’

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State yesterday said  that the  state chapter of the All Progressives Congress(APC) parades unelectable aspirants, any of whom he will soundly defeat in the 2026 governorship election.

The aspirants are Senator Iyiola Omisore, Senator Ajibola Basiru, Dotun Babayemi, Abiodun Oyebamiji, Senator Mudasiru  Huseni and others in the race.

Adeleke made the assertion in  a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed  in response to critical statements allegedly credited to Senator  Omisore and Prince  Babayemi over the state of governance in Osun ahead of 2026 polls.

The Rasheed faulted attacks on Governor Adeleke by Senator Omisore, Ajibola Bashiru and Dotun Babayemi, accusing them of launching their political campaigns on the wrong notes by attacking a sitting governor with over 75 per cent approval and popularity rating.

He said: “From A to Z, Osun APC guber aspirants are politically deficient politicians who cannot by any stretch of imagination match the sterling records of Governor Ademola Adeleke in less than three years in office or pose any electoral threat to the re-election of the Governor in 2026.

“Senator Omisore must first thank Governor Adeleke for constructing the road that passes through his family house at Ile Ife which was left unattended to for years under his watch. At least, the governor should be appreciated even on this alone.

“Ile Ife people may also want to know why Ife stadium and waterworks were abandoned even when Senator Omisore has all the opportunities to complete them. Tales of abandoned projects raise a lot of questions about the senator’s public service records.

“Ife people appreciate the major infra development Governor Adeleke is bringing to Ile Ife through several internal roads and the flyover that are opening up the economic heart of Ifeland. At one point, Senator Omisore visited the flyover site and took pictures, a sign that he should be proud of the governor.

deleke is developing Ile Ife without any abandoned project. If the Governor’s first term is this good, the people of Ile Ife know the second term will be even better.

“The enlightened people of Osun won’t place a bet on a person of Senator Omisore’s records. Even his party will not field  as an unelectable politician to face a popular leader like Governor Adeleke.

“Aside Senator Omisore, Osogbo people have quietly told their son, the National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Bashiru to forget any support for the 2026 race. Governor Adeleke is celebrated by Osogbo people as the development champion of the capital city with a huge goodwill and support for 2026.

“Another APC aspirant, Prince Dotun Babayemi with weak political footing  entered the race with a public gaffe by condemning the massive infra projects at Osogbo. By that ill-advised rhetoric, Osogbo people must have marked the Gbongan politician for electoral punishment now and in the future.

“A collapsed bridge divided the ancient town of Gbongon by 2022 when Governor Adeleke assumed office. Not only was the bridge reconstructed, critical road projects were executed. The traditional council commended the Governor for his thoughtfulness. Prince Babayemi cannot claim ignorance.

“Mr Babayemi committed a practical error by failing to accept the Oke Fia intersection and Lameco junction as major traffic points, a fact recognised by critical stakeholders in urban development. Moreover, he makes himself an enemy of Osogbo people by opposing development of the capital city.

“The other aspirant from Ikire, Biodun Oyebamiji is a political neophyte attempting to ride on the back of another politician who was defeated while serving as an incumbent governor. Aside from having anti-labor records, several media reports confirm his ineptitude as the current boss of the National Inland Waterways Authority.

“None of the listed aspirants and others from the APC has the goodwill, the records of achievements and the entrenched political structure of Governor Ademola Adeleke.”

“Osun people have seen sincerity of purpose, pro-people delivery of services and genuine commitment to good governance in Governor Adeleke and will therefore not place their future in the hands of unelectable aspirants from APC or any other party except the PDP.”

 But in his reaction, the APC National Secretary, Senator,  Basiru noted said: “My response “like his boss, he is idle. Otherwise he will not be wasting his energy on people he considers “unelectable.” 

 Basiru stressed that “Particularly when notice of election has not been issued and aspirants have not obtained nomination forms, which is the only way of formally signifying aspiration. Perhaps he needs his head examined as to the reference to me and Osogbo people as I have not anywhere yet declared formally my  aspiration to contest governorship election. “ 

The post ‘Omisore, Ajibola, Other APC Aspirants are Unelectable’ appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

​  

  • Related Posts

    Underrepresentation of Women in Politics Will Soon Be History, Says House Speaker

    Underrepresentation of Women in Politics Will Soon Be History, Says House Speaker

    Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has declared that the persistent issue of women’s underrepresentation in Nigeria’s political space will soon become a thing of the past, as renewed efforts are underway to address it through collective action and legislative reform.

    Speaking at the 9th Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2025) themed ‘Nigerian Women and the Power of Collective Action’, Abbas reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to the passage of the Reserved Seats Bill for Women.

    Represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, Abbas stated that: “The issue of women’s underrepresentation will soon be the tale of the past. We are engaging with our colleagues one-on-one. Whether in Abuja or in their constituencies, we are making sure they understand that the time is now. There is no better time than now.”

    The speaker emphasized the importance of collective advocacy and legislative reform, saying: “The Reserved Seats Bill, which I am proud to co-sponsor, seeks to create 37 additional seats for women across the National Assembly, including three seats per senatorial district at the state level.”

    He highlighted the recent national public hearing on the bill held on September 22, where Nigerian women turned out in overwhelming numbers to show solidarity. 

    “It was a clear sign that Nigerian women are ready to take their place at the decision-making table. We are not asking — we are taking action,” he said.

    Abbas also revealed that grassroots mobilization efforts are already underway.

    According to him, “We’ve engaged political party leaderships, traditional rulers, royal fathers and community leaders. We are lobbying from the top to the grassroots because this bill is not just about politics — it’s about correcting decades of structural imbalance.”

    He commended what he called the president’s gender-sensitive leadership. 

    “This is the only president who has supported his wife to be in the Senate three times. His Renewed Hope Agenda is clear — he wants a Nigeria where no woman is left behind,” he added.

    President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated that the story of Nigeria is incomplete without the strength of its women.

    “Your voices remain the heartbeat of our country; echoing, undaunted, unyielding, and rising to shape a future of equity and progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “My administration stands resolute in empowering women as protectors of families, drivers of innovation and catalysts of the one trillion-dollar economy we are building together,” he said.

    Speaking in her capacity as minister, Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized the power of collective action and the unyielding spirit of Nigerian women, adding that true gender equality cannot be achieved in isolation.

    She noted that women currently occupy less than 6 per cent of seats in the National Assembly, far below the African Union’s target of 50 per cent parity and beneath the global average of 26.5 per cent.

    The minister stated that the Reserved Seats Bill is necessary to address the underrepresentation and to promote political inclusivity.

    “The Reserved Seats Bill is so significant. It is not an act of benevolence; it is an act of justice and strategic necessity.

    “By guaranteeing space for women in governance, we align with global best practices, ensure a more inclusive democracy, and unlock the full potential of half of Nigeria’s population,” she said.

    While commending the leadership of the 10th National Assembly for its support, she said: “Their determination to support the Reserved Seats Bill demonstrates political courage and statesmanship.”

    Meanwhile, Mrs. Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, the Convener of the Conference and CEO of Women Radio 91.7, said the annual conference remains a platform where women’s voices rise to shape Nigeria’s future.

    Okewale-Sonaiya emphasized the need to bridge the gap and address low female political representation to ensure inclusive governance and national transformation.

    Speaking on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, she stressed the need for the president and National Assembly to pass it into law, adding that it is critical for Nigeria’s true democracy.

    “The passage of the bill is a crucial step towards promoting gender balance and inclusive governance in Nigeria. Your commitment and administration’s focus on development and inclusivity align with the bill’s objectives.

    “Your support will demonstrate commitment to gender balance and development, enhancing Nigeria’s global standing. Your advocacy will significantly impact the bill’s passage. It will inspire future generations and show young Nigerians the value of inclusive leadership.

    Other activities to mark the conference included the conferment of awards on notable personalities for their contributions to the advancement of women.

    ​  

    Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has declared that the persistent issue of women’s underrepresentation in Nigeria’s political space will soon become

    High-level Stakeholders to Explore Inclusive Growth, Investment Opportunities As Nigeria Hosts Africa Agriculture Dialogue

    High-level Stakeholders to Explore Inclusive Growth, Investment Opportunities As Nigeria Hosts Africa Agriculture Dialogue

    Bennett Oghifo

    For the first time in its history, the prestigious Africa Agriculture Dialogue (AAD) will be held on African soil, with Nigeria announced as the host nation.

    The AAD Governing Board confirmed that the high-level dialogue will take place at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja from October 7-8, 2025, under the theme, ‘Unlocking Finance for Agricultural Transformation in Africa’.

    This landmark event marks a significant shift, bringing the dialogue’s focus on unlocking finance for agricultural transformation directly to the continent.

    Since its inception, the Africa Agriculture Dialogue has been a vital platform for shaping policy, advancing Africa’s agricultural transformation by developing actionable ideas, strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, and driving collective accountability.

    The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari said, “Nigeria is delighted to be hosting the first-ever 2025 edition of the Dialogue in Abuja, a platform dedicated to unlocking finance for agricultural transformation across Africa. This inaugural gathering underscores our commitment to advancing Africa-led solutions and ensuring African perspectives take centre stage in shaping the global food and agriculture agenda. We are confident that the outcomes from Abuja will not only chart pathways for sustainable growth but also reinforce Africa’s position as a compelling destination for agricultural and agro allied investments.”

    At a virtual press conference yesterday, Idris Ajimobi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, and Richard-Mark Mbaram, Special Adviser to the Minister of Livestock Development, told journalists “The AAD 2025 will highlight Nigeria’s leadership in agricultural and livestock transformation. This initiative demonstrates how agriculture can serve as a foundation for inclusive growth in Africa.

    “The AAD 2025 dialogue aims to achieve the following strategic objectives: Amplify African voices in shaping global agricultural discourse; Develop a forward-looking continental investment narrative that aligns with national strategies and regional ambitions; Strengthen partnerships and mobilise resources for agricultural transformation; and Set the stage for Africa’s presence at global platforms later in the year.”

    They said the AAD 2025 will bring together high-level stakeholders to explore inclusive growth, innovation, and investment opportunities across Africa’s agricultural sector.

    The dialogue, they said, will convene a diverse group of influential stakeholders, including senior government officials, business leaders in agri-food value chains, representatives of development and financial institutions, global philanthropies, farmers and entrepreneurs, innovators, as well as students and experts in natural resource management and investment.

    The Africa Agriculture Dialogue is a leading continental platform dedicated to fostering collaboration, innovation, and investment in Africa’s agricultural transformation. It convenes government leaders, private sector actors, financial institutions, development partners, and civil society to advance shared strategies for food systems resilience and sustainability.

    According to Ajomobi, “Lack of financing is a challenge that is experienced throughout the sector, so I feel this discussion and dialogue session is a fantastic opportunity for us to discuss our challenges and see what opportunities are available.”

    Richard-Mark Mbaram said, “The Africa Agriculture Dialogue 2025 is an event that takes place prior to the World Food Prize every year, and basically sets out to capture narratives and conversational issues that relate to Africa and project them on the world stage.”

    The World Food Prize, he said, is the Nobel of Agriculture. “It is a gathering of all stakeholders in the agricultural sector worldwide.”

    ​  

    Bennett Oghifo For the first time in its history, the prestigious Africa Agriculture Dialogue (AAD) will be held on African soil, with Nigeria announced as the host nation. The AAD

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Business & Economy

    Chinese firm CteeC, Ogun State partner to build 3MW power plant, industrial park

    Mayor of Atlanta applauds Fidelity FNITCC Conference 

    Chapel Hill Denham dominates NGX brokerage charts of top 10 firms in weekly trading 

    ‘Winning with Strategic Communications’ set to bridge the gap between theory, practice

    Zedcrest Wealth launches the “Make Accounts Great Again” campaign to redefine wealth management 

    Electricity Act: FOCPEN refutes claim 24 states backtracked on reforms

    Traffic index 2025 shows Nigeria tops global congestion ranking 

    NEXIM Bank travel expenses surge 4,500% to N3.9bn in 2024 

    Nollywood’s $6.4 billion industry at risk without stronger IP laws – EbonyLife lawyer 

    FCCPC approves the sale of Chivita|Hollandia to UAC of Nigeria PLC 

    Infinix bags double awards at Marketing Edge 2025 Awards 

    How to move to Canada as a tech worker in 2025

    AI startups dominate global VC funding in 2025 with $192.7 billion  

    Top 10 Nigerian stocks with the biggest investor returns in Q3 2025

    Nigeria’s business confidence rises to 107.9 points in September  

    10 Lagos markets to buy wholesale clothing for your business 

    FG Seeks Patronage for Local Auto Manufacturers, Endorses Nord Motors

    Spiro Nigeria Fuels Innovation as Official Sponsor of E1 Grand Prix in Lagos

    LCCI Auto Symposium Beams Searchlight on Non-passage of NAIDP Into Law

    Tax Reforms: Tasks Ahead of Businesses, Finance Professionals

    Aspira Addresses Evolving Laundry Needs with New Product Launch

    JMG Renews Commitment to Economic Growth

    Joke Aliu: Legal Excellence Tool for National Development

    LASERC Issues Distribution Licences To Excel DisCo, IE Energy Lagos Ltd

    Wema Bank share capital rises 66% with 14.1 billion shares listing on NGX

    Naira records first dip in over one week, closes at N1,469/$1 

    Cardoso: Nigeria must embrace cryptocurrency regulation as market matures 

    Naira is overvalued by 30% against the dollar – Report 

    Best performing stocks in Nigeria as of September 2025 YtD  

    FCMB Group opens N160 Billion Public Offer to retain international licence 

    Jeff Bezos predicts AI boom will reshape global economy despite bubble 

    SEC fines Stanbic IBTC Capital N50.1 million over GTCO public offer process 

    Meta seeks out-of-court settlement with NDPC amid $32.8 million data privacy sanction 

    Glovo reaffirms commitment to empowering SMEs in Nigeria 

    NYSC: Corps Members contribute N14 billion annually to Lagos economy 

    Niger State signs multi-billion dollar agricultural MoU with Republic of Benin