Bala Mohammed’s praise for Tinubu exposes Makinde’s presidential bid as ‘smokescreen’-Alli campaign organisation

Bala Mohammed’s praise for Tinubu exposes Makinde’s presidential bid as ‘smokescreen’- Alli campaign organisation

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has criticised Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition under the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), following comments by Bauchi State Governor and APM National Leader, Bala Mohammed, praising President Bola Tinubu’s performance.

The campaign organisation said Mohammed’s acknowledgement of Tinubu’s achievements had raised questions about the basis of Makinde’s presidential bid.

Mohammed had publicly acknowledged that Tinubu had “done so well” in several areas, particularly finance, health and security.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Director of Media and Publicity of the Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation, Bisi Oladele, said the comments by Mohammed, whom he described as a key figure in Makinde’s political camp, contradicted the rhetoric surrounding the Oyo State governor’s presidential ambition.

“The question Nigerians should now ask is simple: if one of the principal promoters of Makinde’s presidential ambition truthfully admits that President Tinubu is doing well, what exactly is the justification for Makinde asking Nigerians to replace the President?

“The contradiction is glaring. Governor Mohammed deserves commendation for having the courage to acknowledge the truth rather than engaging in opposition for opposition’s sake.

“His remarks merely confirm what millions of Nigerians can increasingly see: President Tinubu’s reforms are producing results, strengthening the fiscal position of states and enabling governments at the subnational level to undertake development projects,” Oladele said.

The campaign organisation argued that Mohammed’s comments could have political implications for Makinde’s 2027 presidential ambition.

“For Governor Makinde, however, the political message could not be clearer. His presidential campaign is collapsing under the weight of its own contradictions before the real contest has even begun,” it said.

The organisation further alleged that Makinde’s presidential ambition was being used primarily as a bargaining tool in the unfolding 2027 political realignment.

“We have always maintained that Makinde’s so-called presidential ambition appears less like a serious pathway to Aso Rock and more like a political bargaining chip designed to enhance his negotiating position in the unfolding 2027 political equation,”

Oladele also described Makinde’s candidacy as a possible negotiating strategy, arguing that the governor was seeking to project a level of national support that he claimed was not reflected in the political landscape.

“How does a candidate seriously expect Nigerians to believe he can defeat an incumbent president when prominent leaders within his own political family are publicly applauding that President’s performance?

“Even more instructive is the fact that Governor Mohammed had previously endorsed Makinde and described him as the leader Nigeria needed. His latest acknowledgement of President Tinubu’s performance therefore raises legitimate political questions about the cohesion, conviction and sustainability of the so-called coalition behind Makinde,” the organisation said.

It said Makinde’s political activities, including the establishment of campaign offices and public declarations about his plans to “reset” Nigeria, would ultimately be tested against political structures, numbers, credibility and alliances.

“Makinde may continue to erect billboards, commission campaign offices and make grandiose declarations about ‘resetting’ Nigeria, but politics is ultimately about structures, numbers, credibility and alliances.

“A presidential candidate whose own political allies are validating the achievements of the incumbent has a serious credibility problem,” it added.

The campaign organisation consequently advised Makinde to focus on his administration’s record in Oyo State and prepare for the 2027 transition rather than pursue what it described as an unlikely presidential project.

“The people of Oyo State are more interested in his legacy — the state’s debt profile, the condition of the local economy, infrastructure, education, healthcare and the welfare of workers — than in a presidential adventure whose political foundations are already crumbling.

“Governor Makinde is free to aspire to the highest office in the land. That is his constitutional right. But he should not mistake ambition for viability, publicity for popularity or political bargaining for a genuine national movement,” the statement said.

Teachers’ Day: Alli Pledges Teachers-First Education Reform, Promises Welfare Overhaul Within 100 Days

The Oyo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has pledged to place teachers at the centre of his administration’s education reform agenda if elected governor in 2027.

Alli made the pledge in a goodwill message to teachers in the state on the occasion of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration.

He promised to introduce an enhanced teachers’ welfare package within his first 100 days in office, including improved car and housing loans, special rural hardship allowances and a dedicated teachers’ housing and mortgage scheme that would prioritise hard-to-staff areas.

The APC candidate also pledged to immediately clear backlogs relating to promotions, inter-zonal transfers and secondments through a transparent digital tracking portal designed to eliminate unnecessary delays and administrative bottlenecks.

He said his administration would institute annual State Teachers’ Excellence Awards, with cash prizes, vehicles, laptops and training grants, while adopting an open digital selection process and giving special recognition to teachers serving in rural communities.

Alli further promised to establish a fast-track unit for the payment of retired teachers’ pensions and gratuities, with clear timelines for clearing outstanding arrears.

He also pledged continuous professional development for teachers in digital skills, artificial intelligence tools, inclusive education and subject mastery, with particular attention to those serving in rural areas.

According to him, special incentives would be introduced for rural postings, alongside a structured teacher-mobility system to address the uneven distribution of qualified teachers and retain quality personnel in underserved schools.

Alli also promised specialised recruitment and training for special-needs and early-childhood teachers, describing the two areas as critical to building an inclusive and sustainable education system in the state.

He said his administration would establish a comprehensive school security architecture comprising perimeter fencing, community security partnerships and rapid-response protocols, as well as support and insurance packages for teachers affected by insecurity.

The APC candidate pledged guaranteed and timely release of running grants to all school heads through a digital accountability system, saying teachers should no longer have to spend their personal resources on basic materials needed for effective teaching.

He also promised to accelerate the renovation of classrooms, provision of furniture and development of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, with priority given to rural and overcrowded schools.

On access to technology, Alli pledged to expand Information and Communication Technology facilities through solar-powered laboratories, digital devices and modern teaching tools in more public schools, particularly underserved ones.

Addressing the challenge of out-of-school children, he promised an aggressive reduction of the estimated 674,000 children outside the school system through community mobilisation, incentives and public tracking of progress.

Alli said his administration would also launch an “Oyo Teachers First Compact”, with measurable key performance indicators covering teachers’ welfare, security, professional development and learning outcomes.

He said the compact would be implemented in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Teachers and other education unions.

According to Alli, teachers remained indispensable to human capital development, stressing that no education reform could succeed if teachers were neglected, demoralised or denied the tools and welfare required to perform their duties.

He said the World Teachers’ Day celebration should therefore go beyond speeches and ceremonies to concrete commitments that would restore dignity, motivation and professional pride among teachers.

“Our teachers deserve more than applause; they deserve a government that respects their sacrifices, protects their lives, rewards excellence and provides the tools required to teach effectively,” Alli said.

He congratulated teachers across Oyo State on the celebration and assured them that an APC administration under his leadership would make their welfare, professional development and working conditions major priorities.

Alli urged teachers to remain committed to their noble profession, assuring them that his proposed administration would work with education stakeholders to rebuild confidence in the state’s education system and deliver measurable improvements in learning outcomes.

LAUTECH Strike: Alli Campaign Organisation condemns Makinde’s neglect of resident doctors, masses

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO) has faulted the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over the prolonged strike by resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

The organisation said the over 30-day strike had affected healthcare delivery at the hospital and raised concerns about the welfare and working conditions of medical personnel in the state.

In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, on Sunday, the organisation described the prolonged strike as unacceptable, saying it reflected what it described as poor handling of the welfare and working conditions of medical personnel by the state government.

SSACO also expressed concern over the 21-day warning strike issued by the Association of Medical and Dental Officers of Oyo State (AMDO) over unresolved issues relating to welfare, remuneration and conditions of service.

It said the situation was particularly disturbing because medical workers were being compelled to embark on industrial action over issues including the payment of allowances, residency training funds and salary arrears.

The organisation said resident doctors had demanded the payment of outstanding Medical Residency Training Fund and six months of minimum wage arrears, among other welfare-related issues.

SSACO said the prolonged dispute had negatively affected healthcare delivery, as the strike had limited the services provided by the teaching hospital, with serious implications for patients who rely on public healthcare.

It added that some patients had been forced to seek treatment at private hospitals or endure long delays in accessing care at the teaching hospital.

“The SSACO is concerned about Governor Seyi Makinde’s failure to sit with the striking resident doctors and find a lasting solution to their demands. As the strike prolongs, the resident doctors feel maltreated, while the masses bear the brunt of government’s insensitivity.

“Healthcare delivery is a critical service which serious administrations treat with urgency and with the importance it deserves. With this prolonged strike, our resident doctors are feeling maltreated while the masses suffer.

“The medical and dental officers across state hospitals have also served notice of a warning strike. This combination is a signal of government failure in the health sector. It is unacceptable in our dear state.

“Healthcare occupies a priority position in Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s Oyo AHEAD agenda. Health workers and other civil servants will not be denied their entitlements. They will enjoy training and retraining, and they will have facilities to work with,” the statement read in part.

The organisation warned that continued industrial action in the health sector could have serious consequences for patients who depend on public hospitals for specialised and affordable medical treatment.

It challenged the Makinde administration to explain what it described as its continued neglect of medical workers, nonchalant treatment of their complaints and alleged failure to prioritise the welfare of residents of Oyo State.

Oyo 2027: Alli Campaign Raises Alarm Over Fraudsters Soliciting NIN, Bank Details

The Campaign Organisation of Senator Sharafadeen Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, has warned members of the public against individuals allegedly impersonating the candidate and his campaign team to obtain sensitive personal and financial information.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its Director of Media and Publicity, Bisi Oladele, the organisation said the scheme was aimed at deceiving unsuspecting members of the public and compromising their personal and financial information.

The organisation said suspected fraudsters had contacted individuals by telephone, claiming to represent Alli and requesting their National Identification Numbers (NINs), bank account details and other personal information.

It urged the public to disregard such calls and refrain from disclosing personal, banking or identification details without proper verification.

The organisation stressed that neither Alli nor his campaign organisation had authorised anyone to solicit NINs, bank details, passwords, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or other confidential information.

It warned that such information could be exploited for identity theft, financial fraud and other criminal activities, urging anyone who receives suspicious calls or messages to report them promptly to the relevant security agencies.

The organisation also advised the public not to transfer money or respond to requests for financial assistance made through unverified telephone numbers, social media accounts or other unofficial channels purportedly linked to the campaign.

It said it was taking the allegations seriously and would cooperate with relevant security agencies to identify and prosecute anyone involved in impersonation, fraud or other criminal activities using Alli’s name.

The organisation further urged members of the public to remain vigilant, verify claims before responding to unsolicited requests and rely only on officially verified communication channels for information about Alli and his campaign.

It reaffirmed Alli’s commitment to lawful and transparent engagement with the people of Oyo State, stressing that no legitimate political engagement required anyone to surrender confidential banking or identity information to unidentified callers.

NASRE Celebrates President Femi Oyewale, Hails His Service To Journalism

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has joined family, friends and colleagues across the media industry to celebrate its National President, Mr Femi Oyewale, Publisher of Sahara Weekly, as he marks his birthday.

In a birthday message signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Lateef Temitope Owodunni, NASRE described Oyewale as a passionate journalist, publisher and media administrator whose years of service have contributed to the growth of journalism and the welfare of media practitioners.

The Association said his birthday provides an opportunity not only to celebrate another year of his life, but also to acknowledge his contributions to the media community and his leadership of NASRE.

Under his leadership, NASRE has continued to pursue initiatives aimed at strengthening the Association, promoting unity among members and providing support for journalists and their families, particularly those facing difficult circumstances.

NASRE also acknowledged Oyewale’s role as the Publisher of Sahara Weekly, noting his continued commitment to journalism and publishing as part of his contribution to the media landscape.

“Today, we celebrate not just a birthday, but a life dedicated to journalism, publishing, leadership and service. We wish our National President, Mr Olufemi Oyewale, a happy birthday and many more years of impactful service,” the Association said.

NASRE congratulated its National President and wished him renewed strength, good health, wisdom and greater accomplishments in the new year of his life.

The Association further prayed that the years ahead would bring Mr Oyewale more opportunities to make meaningful contributions to journalism, NASRE and society at large.

2027: PDP candidate, Accord aspirant, 3,000 supporters defect to APC in Oyo

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ibadan North-East State Constituency II in the 2027 general elections, Hon. Hammed Taoreed Ademola, and an Accord aspirant for the same constituency, Hon. Adedapo Ojo, on Friday led about 3,000 of their supporters to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.

The defectors formally declared their membership of the APC at an event held at a private facility along Old Ife Road, Ibadan.

Ademola, popularly known as Lucky, said his decision to abandon the PDP ticket followed his assessment of the political situation ahead of the 2027 elections.

He said: “I did my due diligence and I came to realise that any ticket outside the APC is a mere tissue paper which cannot take a candidate anywhere in 2027.

“We are here in our hundreds to formally join the APC, and we promise to do our best in the interest of the progressive party and our dear country, Nigeria.”

Speaking at the event, Ojo described Accord as a distraction and urged voters to support the APC.

He said: “We thought about making Accord a credible alternative in the state, but we later realised that the APC was ahead of other parties by far.

“We wasted our time, energy and resources on an unproductive exercise. We later realised it wasn’t worth it. So, we decided to pitch our tent with the progressive party, and here we are today.”

Receiving the defectors into the APC, the state chairman of the party, Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo, assured them of equal opportunities.

Adeyemo urged the new members to work assiduously for the victory of all APC candidates in the 2027 general elections, describing the election as another opportunity to rewrite the history of Nigeria.

Also speaking, the APC governorship candidate in the 2027 election, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, promised to ensure fairness to all members of the party and all zones of the state.

Alli said: “It is a thing of joy that reasonable individuals are abandoning their parties to join the APC at a time like this. The hope is getting brighter every day, and it is now important for us to get more prepared because Oyo State deserves the best from May 2027.

“We have been saying it that we would run an all-inclusive government which every indigene and resident of the state shall be proud of.

“Workers and pensioners would get their salaries and allowances regularly, in amounts that would be enough for them to live a decent life.

“The work environment would be conducive for all workers, including civil servants and teachers, while workers in all categories would be given adequate training and retraining to improve their productivity.

“Within our first six months in office, a standard ICT hub would be established in Ibadan, and this would be replicated in Oke-Ogun, Ogbomoso, Oyo and Ibarapa before January 2029.

“We would ensure that no zone is left out in the distribution of infrastructure and basic amenities, while each of the 33 local government councils would have a general hospital that is well staffed and fully equipped to cater to the basic medical needs of our people.”

Also present at the event were the APC deputy governorship candidate, Hon. Adesoji Adedeji; the Oyo South Senatorial candidate, Hon. Aderemi Oseni; and other party members.

Aviation Minister Receives Indian High Commissioner As Envoy Seeks Aviation Partnership with Nigeria

The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo (SAN), on Wednesday, received in audience the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Abhishek Singh who paid a courtesy visit at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking during the visit, the Indian High Commissioner said Nigeria’s airports are performing very well, adding that each visit reinforces his conviction that both countries have much to gain from each other.

He stated that there is tremendous potential in the industry and that he sees at least six or seven areas in which both countries can collaborate.

The High Commissioner expressed his desire for the Honourable Minister to visit India, adding that the Indian Minister for Civil Aviation, whom he described as a very young and dynamic man, would also want to visit Nigeria.

On capacity building, the High Commissioner said India is ready to deepen its programme in Nigeria, noting that over 250 Nigerians benefit from the scheme every year.

He described Nigeria as a great country, stating that India holds Nigeria in high regard and that his country would be glad to receive the Honourable Minister.

In his response, the Honourable Minister thanked the High Commissioner for the visit and welcomed the proposals, noting that India’s record in aviation, particularly in the area of capacity building, offers valuable lessons for Nigeria as the Ministry pursues the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the aviation and aerospace sector.

He stated that the Ministry is committed to deepening bilateral ties that will not only strengthen the country’s aviation infrastructure but also create opportunities for Nigerian professionals to acquire the skills and exposure needed to compete globally.

The Honourable Minister identified training, capacity building and the transfer of knowledge as priority areas for the Ministry, noting that the partnership with India should be structured in a way that equips Nigerian engineers, pilots, air traffic controllers and other aviation professionals with the expertise required to drive the sector forward.

The Minister has directed that a technical team be set up to work out the details of the proposed partnership between both countries.

Tunde Moshood
Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister

Nigeria At 66: NASRE Congratulates Citizens, Tasks FG On Jobs, Food, Security

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has urged the Federal Government to make the welfare of Nigerians a central priority of its economic reforms, saying the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary should be a renewed commitment to improving the living conditions of citizens.

NASRE made the call in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Lateef Owodunni, in which it also congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th Independence Anniversary.

The association said while Nigeria had recorded progress in several areas, including infrastructure, technology, entrepreneurship and economic reforms, millions of citizens were still struggling with the rising cost of food, transportation, housing, healthcare and education.

It urged the government to ensure that ongoing economic reforms translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Nigerians, particularly through measures that can reduce food prices, create jobs, improve electricity supply, strengthen healthcare and education, and provide effective support for vulnerable households and small businesses.

NASRE acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts in areas including tax reforms, infrastructure development, social intervention programmes and the promotion of alternative energy sources. It, however, stressed that the success of such policies should ultimately be judged by their impact on household incomes, businesses and the general welfare of citizens.

The association also called for renewed efforts to tackle insecurity, particularly terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, noting that farmers, businesses and communities cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear. It urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, coordination and community engagement while ensuring that those responsible for violent crimes are brought to justice.

NASRE further charged the media to maintain professionalism and independence in reporting national affairs, saying journalists must continue to hold government accountable while also reporting objectively on policies and achievements. It urged Nigerians to remain committed to peace, unity, responsible citizenship and national development despite the difficulties confronting the country.

The association congratulated Nigerians on the Independence Anniversary and expressed optimism that with responsible leadership, accountable institutions, active citizenship and sustained economic reforms, the country can convert its vast human and natural resources into improved opportunities and a better quality of life for its people.

Imo abduction: Alli appeals for safe release of Oyo prospective corps members

The Oyo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Sharafadeen Alli, has appealed for the unconditional release of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from Oyo State who were abducted in Imo State while travelling to the NYSC Orientation Camp in Abia State.

Alli, in a statement on Thursday, described the incident as deeply disturbing, noting that the young graduates were only embarking on their national service and posed no threat to anyone.

“I appeal to those holding these young Nigerians to release them unconditionally. They are innocent graduates, sons and daughters of families who are now living in unbearable pain, fear and anxiety.

“The NYSC was established to promote national unity and integration. These young people should not become victims while answering the call to serve their country,” he said.

The APC governorship candidate expressed solidarity with the affected families, saying he shared their anguish as a parent. He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and rescue the victims safely.

Alli also called for stronger security measures along major inter-state routes, particularly those frequently used by prospective corps members and other travellers, to prevent similar incidents.

He said no Nigerian should have to fear for their life while travelling for education, employment or national service.

“Those responsible must recognise the sanctity of human life and spare these young Nigerians. Their families are waiting for them to return home safely,” Alli added.

He prayed for the safe return of all the abducted prospective corps members and urged the affected families to remain calm while security agencies work to secure their release.

Oyo APC gains ground as Obidient Movement leader Sunday Oni joins party, endorses Alli, others

The leader of the Obidient Movement and a pillar of the Labour Party in Oyo State, Mr Sunday Oni, has led thousands of his followers and supporters into the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging to work with all stakeholders to ensure victory for the party’s candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Oni was received into the party in Ibadan on Wednesday by the APC State Chairman, Chief Moses Adeyemo; the party’s governorship candidate in the state, Senator Sharafadeen Alli; and other APC leaders, including Hon Aderemi Oseni, the party’s candidate for the Oyo South Senatorial District.

Addressing the mammoth crowd at the event, Oni disclosed that he played a key role in the alliance that supported Governor Seyi Makinde in the 2023 election but later regretted his decision.

He said the governor failed to fulfil all the agreements he reached with members of the Labour Party, despite their sacrifices and risks during the election.

He said: “Everyone out there appreciates the fact that our Obidient Movement is strong and virile, going by what we were able to do for the LP presidential candidate in 2023, Mr Peter Obi, despite all odds. But this time round, our efforts will be channelled towards the cause of all APC candidates, including President Bola Tinubu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, Hon Remi Oseni and all others.

“We are swinging into action immediately, and I make bold to say that the crowd of LP and Obedient Movement members you are seeing here is just a small fraction of our entire population, which cuts across the 33 local government councils in the state.

“We are not here for the fun of it. We are poised to add value, and our impact shall be greatly felt in the areas of mobilisation and sensitisation of voters in favour of the APC.”

Speaking, Alli eulogised Oni and other promoters of the Obidient Movement in the state for taking what he described as a bold step to join the APC, which he described as the only party capable of accommodating patriots across all strata of society for the purpose of leadership service, democratic growth, development and good governance.

“Apart from the fact that I grew up on the streets of Ibadan, I have always been conversant with happenings in our dear state for close to 50 years of my adult life. With my high level of experience, expertise and zeal, Oyo State under me as governor from May 29, 2027, would witness a great measure of turnaround such that it would rank among the best three in the country in no time.

“The youth population will be actively involved in everything we do as a government. Our deputy governorship candidate, Adesoji Adedeji, will be given the opportunity to work in favour of the youth population, which he represents, while workers, pensioners and other people in the state will have every cause to be comfortable and happy,” Alli stated.

APC leaders who attended the event included Rt. Hon. Asimiyu Niran Alarape, Alhaji Taofeek Lamidi, Hon Fatai Adesina, Dr Adekemi Opatunde, Hon Yemi Aderibigbe, Hon Sola Ogunbode, Hon. Olawale Sadare, Hon Tunde Oloyede, Alhaji Shina Alabi, Hon Sunday Aborisade, Hon Tunde Elegbede and Comrade Olalekan Oladejo.