Politics
Osun 2026: Oyetola, PDP Rep Wole Oke to run on APC joint ticket
A former Governor of Osun State and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola has struck a deal for a joint ticket
with a member of the House of Representatives representing Obokun/Oriade constituency, Wole Oke to contest the 2026 governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), authoritative sources have said.
Political observers said the ambition of Oke to be Deputy Governor under the platform of the APC and the ongoing romance between them must have been the reasons for the serial attacks on Governor Ademola Adeleke by the legislator.
The concluded plan by the Minister to settle for Wole Oke as his running mate for the 2026 Osun governorship election on APC platform, was said to have received the blessing and endorsement of the party leadership in the state.
As part of his efforts to revive his political fortunes in Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola has reportedly concluded arrangement with Hon. Wole Oke, who is currently in PDP, to fly the ticket of the APC for 2026.
This move, according to multiple sources will galvanize support from Osun East and destabilize the ruling PDP in the State.
Despite strong concerns of contempt amongst the Osun APC leaders and stakeholders favouring the Osun West Senatorial District, one of the core issues in the build up to 2018 and 2022 election, Oyetola has seemingly been to lure Oke into the APC with a joint ticket in 2026.
A source said, “Oke’s continuous open rebuke of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration in Osun State has been traced to a ground plan to betray the Governor and divide the PDP to create an opportunity for the APC to launch a possible comeback to Bola Ige House.
“Oke has visited Oyetola more than 10 times since this year in several locations in Lagos, Abuja and outside Nigeria with a promise to ensure that Adeleke is sacked from office in 2026.
“Convinced that he will not secure an automatic ticket for 2027, for the seventh (7th) consecutive election, he has resorted to sabotaging the chances of the PDP and Governor Adeleke in 2027, and has made two demands from the APC, a joint ticket with Oyetola or a Senate ticket, having realized that the Oriade/Obokun federal constituency stakeholders and electorates will not return him again to the Green Chamber, for the sixth (6th) term.
“Hon. Wole Oke wants to contest for Osun Governor in 2030 and he does not want to be politically irrelevant between 2027 and 2030. He has lost the backing of all political stakeholders in his federal constituency to contest again in 2027. They have told him this is his last opportunity and that is why he is fighting everyone. His relationship with APC is just for one thing; political relevance”.
But after assessing the dangers of working against Senator Fadahunsi in Osun East Senatorial District, Oke has settled for a Deputy Governorship ticket with Oyetola.
This was agreed during a high-powered meeting that took place in Abuja, in the middle of 2024. At the meeting, Oke boasted of having control of about 80% of all political leaders in Ijesha zone, including several members of Osun State House of Assembly and can influence their movement into the APC anytime.
However, sources within the State APC have confirmed strong opposition to this development as many stakeholders have rejected the idea of the party ignoring the Osun West Senatorial District again, given that the current Governor is from the District after several years of neglect of the District, particularly by the APC.
A source said, “As we speak, a former Governor and national leader of the APC has rejected the proposal and insisted that Wole Oke’s political influence is exaggerated. Dindings from the ruling party have shown that all political leaders from Obokun/Oriade and the Ijesha Zone have deserted the lawmaker in his attempt to destabilize the ruling PDP and as such cannot deliver sufficient support from the zone.
“Many APC leaders are furious with this possibility. They know they cannot trust Wole Oke, they have asked him how many Commissioners, Special Advisers and Assembly members from the ruling PDP
he is coming with. But he has yet to give them any name. They believe he just wants to use them.”
The All Progressives Congress has fixed the nomination and administrative fees for aspirants vying for the different seats in the July 12 Local Government Election in Lagos State.
The fees are contained in the party’s election guidelines, jointly signed by Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi and Dr Adeola Jokomba, the APC chairman and secretary, respectively.
The party, in the guidelines released on Tuesday, said chairmanship aspirants are to pay N5 million as a nomination fee and an additional N500,000 as an administrative fee.
According to the party, female chairmanship aspirants are to pay N2.5 million as a nomination fee and the same N500,000 as administrative fee.
APC noted that aspirants below the age of 40 years would have a 50 per cent discount on their nomination fee, but will pay the same administrative fee of N500,000.
The party, however, waved the nomination fee for aspirants with disabilities, while charging an administration fee of N250,000.
“For the councillorship position, male aspirants will pay N1 million for nomination form and N100,000 administrative fee, while female aspirants will pay N250,000 for nomination form and N100,000 as administrative fee.
“Youths aspiring for councillorship positions will have 50 per cent discount for nomination form fee, while the administrative fee remains the same.
“Persons Living With Disabilities(PLWDs)will collect the nomination forms free for councillorship seats, while the administrative fee is N50,000.
“There shall not be a separate fee for Vice Chairman. These fees shall be paid by way of bank draft in favour of All Progressives Congress, Lagos State”,the party added.
Giving more details, the party saidthe nomination form for the chairmanship position shall be supported by five registered members, who are registered voters in all the aspirants’ wards, local government or LCDA.
It noted that for the councillorship seats, the nomination form shall be supported by 20 registered members, who are registered voters in the aspirant’s wards.
The party said all aspirants must be Nigerian citizens in addition to possessing other qualifications and meeting other conditions for the election.
“An aspirant must be educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent, and a higher qualification will be an added advantage.
“For council and LCDA chairmanship, the aspirant has to attain the age of 30 years, while for councillorship, the aspirant has to attained the age of 25 years.
“All aspirants are to submit evidence of membership of the party. Aspirants are to submit a demonstrable evidence of active party support.
“Aspirants must provide a portfolio of loyalty to the party. All Aspirants must sign the party’s Code of Conduct.
“Only aspirants cleared by the Screening Committee shall be eligible to stand election at the party’s primaries,” the party said.
According to the party , any party office holder interested in contesting for an elective office (whether party office or office in a general election) shall resign and leave office 30 days prior to the date of election or party primary.
It said that all aspirants “shall comply with constitutional provisions and requirements applicable to the public office they seek to contest for,”.
NAN
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
A 13-member interim State Coordinating Council (SCC) of the Obidient Movement for Kaduna State has been constituted.
The appointments, confirmed in a formal letter signed by National Coordinator Dr. Tanko Yunusa, aimed at marking a strategic effort to strengthen grassroots mobilization and governance advocacy in the region.
According toYunusa, “The Obidient Movement reiterated its commitment to service, inclusion, and people-first leadership, urging appointees to confirm their roles via the NCC’s official link. Dr. Yunusa emphasized: This council embodies our resolve to build a New Nigeria from the ground up.”
He explained that the SCC would spearhead initiatives to deepen political education, coordinate advocacy campaigns, and foster collaboration with civil society and faith-based group.
The National Coordinator ztated, “The Obidient Movement continues to consolidate its presence nationwide, with Kaduna’s SCC expected to play a pivotal role in shaping its 2027 political strategy. The state’s socio-political significance in Northern Nigeria makes this appointment critical for broader national influence.”
The Kaduna state SCC interim members are
Elder Yusuf Solomon Danbaki – State Coordinator, Lawal Umar– Secretary, Barr. Kate Issue – Legal Advisor, Muhammed Liman – Grassroot Mobiliser, Jemimah Ebiega – Member and Mal. Ilyasu Muhammad – Member.
Others are Natty Auta – Member, Mal. Jabir Ibrahim Yaro – Member, Tinok Andrew – Member, Comr. Daniel Ejembi – Member, Mal. Usman Aliyu – Member, Saratu Larai Shekari – Member and Danjuma Saleh – Member.
Christian leaders and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi have extended Easter felicitations to Nigerians, urging reflection, compassion, and collective action to address the nation’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, hunger, and political tensions.
In separate statements issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, and Obi emphasised the significance of Easter as a time for spiritual renewal and national introspection.
CAN: Easter Reflects Nigeria’s Faith and Resilience
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN President, described Easter as the “cornerstone of Christian faith,” symbolising Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for humanity’s redemption.
He noted that in Nigeria, Easter transcends religious observance, embodying a vibrant cultural celebration marked by colourful parades in Lagos and solemn processions in northern villages.
“Easter is a time when families gather, communities unite, and our rich cultural heritage is showcased through music, dance, and festive gatherings,” Okoh said.
He acknowledged the persecution faced by Christians in some regions, yet stressed the enduring spirit of Easter, which inspires resilience and unity.
Okoh urged Christians to engage in acts of kindness, promote interfaith dialogue, and work towards a just society.
“Let us reach out to neighbours of other faiths, fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence,” he added.
Kaigama: A Call to Address Insecurity, Hunger
Archbishop Kaigama struck a sombre tone, highlighting Nigeria’s escalating crises.
He mourned the recent killing of travellers in Uromi, Edo State, and ongoing violence in Plateau State’s Bokkos and Bassa areas, where communities have been devastated.
“These attacks underscore the urgent need for a sincere and coordinated response to insecurity,” he said.
Kaigama also decried the widespread hunger and economic hardship gripping the nation.
“Families struggle daily to put food on the table in a nation so richly blessed,” he lamented, calling for collaborative efforts to ensure no Nigerian goes hungry.
Expressing alarm over the rising kidnappings of clergy, Kaigama described such acts as a “blow to the conscience of the nation.”
He further addressed the political crisis in Rivers State, where a state of emergency was declared, cautioning against actions that could deepen divisions.
“No democracy can thrive without a culture of give and take,” he said, urging leaders to prioritise dialogue and the welfare of citizens.
Kaigama also condemned the “acrimonious political rhetoric” fuelling tensions, urging politicians to focus on governance rather than power struggles.
“Nigeria needs healing, not hostility,” he asserted, calling for accountability and protection for all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or faith.
Obi: Pray for Compassionate Leaders
Peter Obi, in a message signed by his spokesperson Ibrahim Umar, called on Nigerians to use Easter to pray for compassionate leaders who prioritise the people’s welfare. He described Easter as a celebration of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, offering a timely opportunity to seek leaders who emulate such selflessness.
“What is apparent in Nigeria today as insecurity and myriads of problems engulf the land is a visible abdication of responsibility by insensitive and indifferent leaders,” Obi said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s abundant natural and human capital should be harnessed to benefit the populace, lamenting the current leadership’s failure to do so.
**A Unified Call for Renewal**
The messages from CAN, Kaigama, and Obi converge on a shared theme: the need for reflection, compassion, and action to address Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.
As Christians celebrate Easter, the leaders’ calls for unity, justice, and better governance resonate amid ongoing struggles with insecurity, economic hardship, and political division.