Chief Olayinka Segelu’s Contributions To PDP Highlighted Ahead Of 2027 Elections

  IBADAN – THE attention of our office has been drawn to recent comments questioning Chief Olayinka Segelu’s electoral value and political relevance. We wish to put on record that Chief Segelu has been a consistent financier, mobilizer, and grassroots coordinator within the party structure in Lagelu Local Government and beyond. His contributions to the party’s growth are well-documented, including branding a campaign bus for Seyi Makinde’s first-term campaign in 2018/2019, and three vehicles for the re-election campaign in 2022/2023. These efforts were acknowledged by prominent party figures, including the late Rt. Hon. Kehinde Ayoola and former Oyo State PDP Chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Oyetunde Olayiwola. A recent video from the last election in Lagelu Local Government showcases Chief Segelu’s grassroots influence across multiple wards and Igbo Elerinland. As 2027 approaches, we believe his proven commitment, leadership, and grassroots acceptance will speak louder than unfounded claims. Chief Olayinka Segelu remains calm, focused, and committed to contributing to the party’s growth and stability.

2027: Why I’m Interested In Representing Akinyele Constituency 1 At Oyo Assembly — Dr. Amuda Hafeez

A respected entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Amuda Hafeez, has officially declared his intention to contest for a seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly, representing Akinyele Constituency 1, in the 2027 general elections under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Dr. Hafeez, the Chief Executive Officer of Kingsway Pharmacy, made this known while speaking with journalists at his Moniya, Ibadan office over the weekend. A man of impressive academic and professional credentials, Dr. Hafeez holds a Bachelor’s degree from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), a Master’s degree from Jaipur National University, India, and a Doctorate from Prowess University, Delaware, USA. He is currently pursuing another degree at Lead City University, Ibadan. Widely recognized for his contributions to peacebuilding, youth empowerment, and humanitarian service, Dr. Hafeez is a Peace Ambassador with the Federation of International Peace and Love Ambassadors (FEPIA) and also serves as an Ambassador of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Speaking on his motivation for venturing into politics, Dr. Hafeez explained that his decision stems from a lifelong passion for service and his desire to bring meaningful development to his constituency. “For me, politics is not a sudden shift — it’s a natural extension of service,” he said. “My entry into politics was inspired by the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, who has shown that leadership can be humane, transparent, and impact-driven. His governance restored my confidence in the political process, and I now see politics as a powerful tool for real transformation.” Dr. Hafeez commended Governor Makinde’s administration for its achievements across critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and youth empowerment. “Under Engr. Seyi Makinde’s leadership, Oyo State has witnessed unprecedented growth. He leads without fanfare, yet the results are visible and impactful. What sets him apart is his calm strength, listening ear, and sincere commitment to public service,” he added. As founder of The Kingsway Health and Outreach Foundation, Dr. Hafeez has spearheaded numerous initiatives in healthcare awareness, drug abuse prevention, youth development, and community empowerment across Oyo State. “Through my foundation, I’ve witnessed firsthand the everyday struggles of our people — from healthcare and education to youth empowerment. I’ve also seen how sincere leadership, like Governor Makinde’s, can turn challenges into opportunities. That’s what motivates me to take my service to the next level through public office,” he noted. According to him, his foundation’s mission aligns with the government’s people-oriented approach, aiming to complement state efforts in building a healthier, more self-reliant society. “Our mission is to complement government efforts by promoting a healthier, more informed, and self-reliant society. Governor Makinde’s people-centered policies have shown that when government leads with sincerity, NGOs like ours can easily partner to drive grassroots development,” he said. Dr. Hafeez affirmed his commitment to deliver purposeful and compassionate representation if elected. “By the grace of God and the will of the people, I am offering myself to serve as member, Oyo State House of Assembly, representing Akinyele Constituency 1, under the PDP. This decision is rooted in a desire for purposeful and compassionate representation inspired by Governor Makinde’s transformational governance,” he concluded. He emphasized that his vision is to replicate Governor Makinde’s inclusive governance model at the grassroots level, ensuring that the people of Akinyele Constituency 1 enjoy the dividends of democracy in full.

2027 PDP Governorship Aspirant Pens Open Letter to Governor Seyi Makinde

  OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY ENGINEER SEYI MAKINDE, FNSE Executive Governor of Oyo State Government House, Agodi, Ibadan Your Excellency, I extend my warmest regards and profound appreciation for your outstanding leadership, vision, and unrelenting commitment to the people of Oyo State. Your administration has redefined governance through transparency, inclusiveness, and progress-driven policies that continue to earn the admiration of well-meaning citizens and loyal party members alike. As one of your steadfast supporters within the PDP family, I have consistently drawn inspiration from your leadership style and developmental agenda. The giant strides recorded under your watch across all sectors have set a solid foundation for continuity and sustainable growth, a legacy that deserves to be strengthened and carried forward for the collective good of our people. Your Excellency, I remain deeply committed to the ideals and direction of your administration. I therefore wish to respectfully reaffirm my absolute loyalty and readiness to serve wherever my humble contribution will best complement your ongoing efforts to build a stronger and more prosperous Oyo State. I am aware that the political landscape is evolving, with many new entrants and cross-party movements showing interest in our great party. While this reflects the growing strength of the PDP under your leadership, it also calls for the firm protection of the values and loyalty that have sustained our family through the years. I am confident that under your wise guidance, merit, consistency, and true party spirit will continue to shape decisions about the future of our state. Your Excellency, permit me to add a brief reflection drawn from recent political experiences. In politics, as in life, everyone has a role to play. I have been part of this journey long before many of today’s faces found direction, and I have served our party and our country with loyalty, humility, and a deep sense of purpose. I do not respond to disrespect with bitterness or insult, because those who truly understand leadership know that maturity is not weakness — it is strength under control. My focus remains on supporting your leadership in delivering good governance and consolidating the gains of your administration for the people of Oyo State. Personal attacks or condescending remarks from any quarters cannot distract me from that noble goal. Time will always distinguish those who seek self-importance from those who work for genuine service. As for me, I choose service. I choose peace. I choose progress. With the highest respect and unwavering loyalty, I remain, Chief Olayinka Segelu PDP Chieftain, Oyo State

No FCT Judge Will Live in Rented Apartment By 2027 – Wike

  The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said that President Bola Tinubu will ensure that no judge of the FCT will be living in a rented apartment by the end of the President’s first tenure. The minister stated this on Monday during the flag-off of the design and construction of residences for the Heads of Courts of the FCT, adding that the era where judges stayed in rented quarters “will come to an end.” “Let me also say what Mr President has done for the FCT. Before the first tenure of Mr President ends, no judge of the FCT will be living in a rented quarter. “I said before the first tenure ends, no judge of the FCT High Court; I didn’t say Federal High Court, I didn’t say National Industrial Court, but of the FCT High Court, will be staying in a rented quarter,” he said. The provision of houses to the heads of courts follows the flag-off of the construction of new magistrate courts in Jabi in September 2025, and the construction of 40 judges’ quarters in Katampe District, flagged off earlier in November 2024. The minister has continued to insist that the provision of infrastructure for the judiciary did not amount to interference by the executive, noting that the Federal Capital Development Authority was responsible for the construction of public buildings in the FCT. Speaking during the flag off on Monday, Wike clarified that the heads of courts, including the President of the Court of Appeal, the Chief Judges of the Federal and FCT High Courts, and the Judge of the National Industrial Court, will retire with the houses constructed for them. He noted that the development was with the approval of the President, adding that the Seal of Oaths had been issued in the names of the individuals. “Let me make it clear. What we are doing today is not just for the heads of courts, and when they retire, they go, no. As they retire, the properties become their own. And that is the approval of Mr President. And that is why we issued the seal of oaths in their names. “So, all of you who are here now, don’t think that when they are leaving tomorrow, you will see in the pages of the newspaper, the Retired Chief Justice of the FCT has taken our house… Please, the policy of Mr President is that these heads of court, as they are retiring, must go home with their houses. And that is the true position,” the minister stated. In his address, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said the provision of accommodation for heads of court will enhance, among others, institutional dignity of the judiciary, thereby enabling the discharge of their duties with focus and authority. “The provision of secure and befitting accommodation for heads of cost will enhance operational independence, personal security, and institutional dignity, thereby enabling judicial officers to discharge their duties with great focus and authority. “The issue of corruption will be reduced to the barest minimum because even if you accuse the judiciary of corruption, what are they going to use the money for? For accommodation? It’s already guaranteed,” he said. Fagbemi also thanked President Bola Tinubu and the FCT Minister for the administration’s “clear prioritisation of institutional strengthening, judicial independence and infrastructural investment.”

2027: Atiku Denies Plan To Step Down for Anyone

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has dismissed reports suggesting that he intends to step down for another presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 elections. In a statement issued on Thursday by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku described such claims as a misrepresentation of his recent interview with the BBC Hausa Service. Ibe explained that a careful review of both the video and transcripts of the interview showed that Atiku never said, suggested, or implied that he intends to step down for anyone. The statement reads, “After a thorough review of both the video and transcripts of the interview – in the original Hausa and the English translation – it is evident that at no point did the former Vice President expressly state, suggest, or even imply that he intends to step down for anyone. “What Atiku Abubakar clearly and unambiguously said was that young people, as well as other prospective presidential aspirants, are free to enter the contest. He further stressed that if a young candidate were to emerge through a competitive primary, he would readily support such a candidate without any hesitation. “While interpretative journalism is a legitimate aspect of reporting, stretching interpretation to the point of mischief is unacceptable and must not be encouraged. “For the record, therefore, the insinuations attributed to Waziri Adamawa from his BBC Hausa interview are inaccurate and do not reflect what he actually said.” PUNCH Online earlier reported that Atiku, in an interview with BBC Hausa, said he will withdraw from the 2027 presidential race if a younger aspirant defeats him to clinch the African Democratic Congress presidential ticket. The former vice president also noted that he would support and mentor such a candidate. “If I run for office, and a young man defeats me, I will accept that. The party we have joined now prioritises youth and women,” he had said.  

2027: Makinde Sets Clear Expectations For Re-elected Oyo PDP Excos

  Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged the re-elected executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to work tirelessly to ensure the party wins comprehensively at all levels in the 2027 general elections, from the presidency down to councillorship seats. Makinde gave the charge on Monday during the PDP State Congress, held at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan. At the exercise, Dayo Ogungbenro was re-elected unopposed as the state chairman of the party. The congress brought together PDP members from all 33 local government areas of the state, who gathered to renew the mandate of the party’s leadership team for another four-year term. According to the official figures announced during the congress, a total of 4,050 delegates were accredited, while 4,031 votes were cast. There were 74 valid votes recorded, and 19 delegates were absent. Dayo Ogungbenro was re-elected unopposed as the state chairman, polling 3,957 votes. Wasiu Adeleke was returned unopposed as the deputy state chairman, also with 3,957 votes. Joel Oyelami was re-elected unopposed as the state secretary, securing 3,957 votes. For the position of women’s leader, Toyin Olawunmi was re-elected unopposed with 3,957 votes, while Kazeem Bello was returned unopposed as the youth leader, also polling 3,957 votes. All other executive members were equally re-elected unopposed to continue in their respective positions. In his address to the delegates, Governor Makinde reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that the PDP remained the dominant political force in the state and across Nigeria. He stressed the importance of unity and focus among party members, charging the newly re-elected executives to deliver victory for the party at every level of governance in 2027. “Your mandate is to deliver victory for the Peoples Democratic Party, from the presidency to the councillorship and to ensure that we retain our dominance beyond 2027,” Makinde said. The governor described the state congress as a vital step towards strengthening the party’s internal structures and consolidating its gains ahead of future elections. Earlier, the Chairman of the PDP Electoral Panel Committee, Senator Austin Akobundu, urged delegates to exercise their voting rights responsibly. He stressed that their actions would play a key role in shaping the party’s future and positioning it for electoral success. Akobundu praised Governor Makinde for what he described as the “remarkable transformation” of Oyo State under his leadership. He expressed confidence that the PDP was well-prepared to secure victory in the 2027 elections. “Today’s event is of great significance. I am pleased to note that under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, this party has grown from strength to strength. We expect nothing short of total victory from all our elected officers,” Akobundu stated. Several notable party figures also addressed the congress, including former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and Senator Gbenga Babalola, Federal lawmakers Hon Abass Adigun Agboworin; Member representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Hon Stanley Adedeji Olajide, Ibadan North -West/South-West, Hon Shina Peller former lawmaker at the House of Representatives, all the local government council chairmen, PDP state assembly members, past members of the national assembly on the platform of the party, among others. They described Governor Makinde as a trailblazer and a stabilizing force within the PDP, both at the state and national levels. In his acceptance speech, Ogungbenro pledged to keep the party united and focused, assuring members that the new executives would continue to build on Governor Makinde’s achievements. “We will consolidate on the excellent performance of Governor Seyi Makinde and work tirelessly to keep our party strong and victorious as we prepare for the challenges ahead,” Ogungbenro said. The atmosphere at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex was electrifying, as party supporters celebrated Ogungbenro’s victory with songs, chants, and banners reflecting the themes of unity, continuity, and readiness for 2027

Rasheedat Ajibade Signs for Paris Saint-Germain Until 2027

Paris Saint-Germain have strengthened their forward line with the signing of Nigerian international Rasheedat Ajibade. Announcing the signing in its blog post on Tuesday, PSG said Ajibade’s contract will run until 30 June 2027. The Club said, “Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the arrival of Nigerian striker Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade, who has joined the club on a deal that runs until 30th June 2027.” The 25-year-old, born on 8 December 1999 in the Mushin district of Lagos, arrives from Atlético de Madrid, where she has played since 2021 after a two-year spell in Norway with Avaldsnes IL. In the 2024–25 season, Ajibade made 25 appearances, scoring eight goals and supplying three assists. She was crowned as Nigeria’s NFF Young Player of the Year in 2018 after emerging from FC Robo Queens. As captain of Nigeria, Ajibade has twice led the Super Falcons to continental glory at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having done so in 2018 and in 2024. The forward also featured as a regular starter for her side at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and, with over 30 caps under her belt already, now represents a central figure in Nigerian football. Commenting on the deal, Ajibade said, “I’m deeply honoured to be joining Paris Saint-Germain, a top-drawer club in Europe. “This is a major step for me, and I’m committed to giving my all to help PSG win titles and to inspire young footballers, be they in Nigeria or elsewhere.” Punch

Tinubu Will Win 2027 With 15m Votes—Ex-APC Aspirant

A former presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, Nicolas Felix, has dismissed the newly formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress as no threat to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. Speaking in Suleja on Thursday during the distribution of thousands of litres of fuel to Nigerians, Felix expressed confidence that Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election with no less than 15 million votes. On July 1st, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, APC’s 2023 presidential aspirant Rotimi Amaechi, and other opposition figures launched the ADC as a unified opposition platform to challenge President Tinubu in the 2027 election. Reacting, Felix maintained that while there’s nothing wrong with opposition leaders forming a coalition, he believes they will eventually fall apart just as easily as they came together. He said, “In a democracy, you must have opposition. We are not threatened. They are out there campaigning. So far, we have not heard anything they want to do anyway. “So for us as a party, I don’t see any threat here. There is no threat in this coalition. We want them to coalesce. Like I said the other day, they will gather, but they will scatter because they have nothing to offer. Their intention is not pure. Their motive is not pure. “As far as we are concerned and the APC, come 2027, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is going to have nothing less than 15 million votes. We know that is going to happen. So there is no threat from the ADC or whatever coalition. Let them come. When the time comes for campaigns, we are going to roll out the scorecard of Mr President. “Didn’t you watch on TV this morning students on campuses singing, celebrating with joy, who just received the NELFund grant, over N100 billion, with no interest, by the way. I lived in America for 21 years; I had never heard that happen. Over N100 billion given to 600,000 students. So these 600,000 students, they will vote. Their families will vote because they know what it takes to go to school. So we are excited, and we know come 2027, it is going to be a walkover for us.” He stated that his decision to regularly distribute free fuel to Nigerians is his way of supporting the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The ex-presidential aspirant stated, “We are giving out free fuel to the community. As you know, this is our Renewed Hope season. We are just doing this to put smiles on the faces of the people. “There is no other motivation, but we just want to give back to the community. We did this in 2023 in Edo State, and we did it here also, and we decided to come back here to make the people happy. As you can see, they are all smiling. We are giving them hope. “This outreach is for everybody, but we know those who need it more. So, I am even more excited seeing the Okada riders because we believe, you know, I would be surprised if I see a G-Waggon here coming to take free fuel. This is more for the Okada and Keke riders. So anybody that comes, we will be able to, you know, just put smiles on their face. We are just giving back. That is what it is all about.” Also speaking, APC Deputy National Women Leader Zainab Ibrahim stated that the party is pushing for sthe wift passage of the Special Seats Bill currently before the National Assembly, calling it a potential game changer for women in Nigeria. She noted that, for the first time, the Ministry of Women Affairs has received over ₦100 billion in budgetary allocation to pursue its key goals and assured that Nigerian women will stand firmly behind the president in 2027. Punch

2027: Obi Free To Contest With Or Without Me — Datti Baba-Ahmed

The 2023 vice presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, is free to seek the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 elections, whether or not he returns as his running mate. Baba-Ahmed stated this on Wednesday while speaking as a guest on The Morning Brief, a Channels Television programme. “They are two key individuals that I have tremendous respect for; one is Peter Obi. I welcome him openly. “The Labour Party welcomes him to still come and retain the Labour Party ticket and contest in 2027 with or without me. And the ADC is welcome to adopt a southern candidate,” Baba-Ahmed said. The former senator said Nigeria needs leaders with the capacity to govern effectively and not deliver failure. “We want capacity. We want compassion. We want people who will develop Nigeria, leaders that matter, leaders that deliver promises, not those who will promise governance and deliver disaster,” he stated. Responding to concerns that Obi’s recent participation in coalition talks led by the African Democratic Congress amounted to anti-party activity, Baba-Ahmed said it was not the case. “This is not an anti-party activity. It is an unfolding situation. The meaning of a coalition is that political parties, interest groups, and individuals are coming together. It’s an unfolding situation. “I attended coalition meetings. Peter Obi is welcome to continue to attend those coalition meetings,” Baba-Ahmed said. He also shared his position on the contentious issue of zoning ahead of the 2027 general election, stating that the South should produce the next president. In the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi and Baba-Ahmed ran on the platform of the Labour Party. Obi finished third in the final results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, while President Bola Tinubu was declared winner. Punch

2027: Adeleke, Osun PDP Endorse Tinubu for President

  The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke and the members of the Peoples Democratic Party in jean Osun have endorsed President Bola Tinubu as their candidate for the 2027 general election. Adeleke made this known in a post shared via his X (Formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, stating that the agreement was made after a caucus meeting held on Monday. He wrote, “Our party in Osun has also endorsed President @officialABAT for re-election in 2027, recognizing him as a proud son of our state.” Addressing speculations about his defection to another party, Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to PDP as the platform gave him the opportunity to serve, and he has also been endorsed for the second term elections coming up in 2026 “Yesterday, I met with the @OfficialPDPNig Leadership Caucus in Osogbo after weeks of consultations with stakeholders across Osun — from traditional rulers and civil servants to market leaders and grassroots party members. “I’m pleased to share the resolutions: I remain in the PDP, the party that gave me the platform to serve the good people of Osun.I have been unanimously endorsed by the Osun PDP for a second term in 2026.” PUNCHONLINE reports that the defection rumour began in June when Adeleke visited President Bola Tinubu in his Bourdillon, Lagos home.