Connect with us

Politics

Lagos Lawyer, Wasiu Adedoyin Joins Race For Lagos East Senatorial Seat.

Published

on

As part of indication that political circles in Lagos are already warming up for contest of the state East Senatorial seat, shortly after demise of Sen. Bayo Osinowo, who, until his death, was representing the constituency at the red chamber, under the state’s chapter of All Progressive Congress (APC), a grassroots politician and seasoned lawyer, Wasiu Banjo, has declared his interest to vie for vacant position by making his intention know and public through a letter submitted before APC leadership over the weekend in Lagos.

Also, Banjo’s interest for the senatorial seat must have been driven by a Lagos based group, Lagos Frontliners Initiative, which declared support for the lawyer cum politician to contest for the red chamber seat and replace Sen. Osinowo who passed away recently.

The aspirant, through his letter to the party leadership, indicated his interest to represent his east senatorial constituency at National Assembly, just as he described himself as most qualified and experienced politician suitable for the seat.

He said that with his educational qualifications and as a legal practitioner, his wealth of experience would be beneficial to the state and his constituency if he was given opportunity to serve the state as he had truly demonstrated.

According to him, Lagos state needs experienced and grassroots politician that can represent the state at national level where interest and priority of the state would be well represented and protected.

“I am of the utmost belief that I am qualified to serve my people as their Senator for Lagos East Senatorial District based on my educational qualifications and political experience.

“I also believe that my experience as a politician with contacts nationwide will help me settle into the job easily as those in the senate are people who I have known for more than 15 years,”

Meanwhile, the frontline group after declaring its support for the aspirant, described Banjo as a seasoned politician and lawyer that was well known among APC chieftains in Lagos State, South West and Nigeria at large.

Through a statement issued on Monday, by the group’s convener, Adebola Ogunniyi, it said that declaring support for Banjo would be its first time of going into politics openly and declaring support for a politician since its establishment 19 years ago.

It said; “We are a Lagos based non-political group, comprising of professionals from all works of life, and for the first time since their establishment in 2001, we are showing interest in politics and declaring our support for Banjo

“Banjo is a seasoned lawyer and veteran politician with a specialty in grassroots mobilization and coordination that has served in various capacity including deputising Director of Planning and Strategy for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu campaign organization during 2019 election in Lagos state.

“He is well known among the APC chieftains in Lagos State, South West, and Nigeria at large. And on our part, we appeal to the leadership of All Progressives Congress not to overlook the wealth of knowledge and professionalism in Barr. Banjo as he is the right person for the post of Lagos East Senator,”  it added.

However, Banjo is an alumnus of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) where he obtained an LLB degree in Law in 1999. He became a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria upon his call to the Bar in the year 2002.

He began his legal practice with Debo Akande & Co. Lagos where he worked for a brief period before moving to the law firm of Lanre Olayinka LP, where he gained tremendous experience while also achieving commendable milestones.

The aspirants had served on tax advisory board, Information and Communication Technology, Commercial and Civil litigations, and many other legal assignments involving oil and gas, construction, banking, and public sector matters.

Also, as a versatile lawyer and administrator,  Banjo set up his own private practice Moloney Solicitors where he doubled as the Managing Partner and Head of the Commercial Group. His private practice covers the Nigerian Fiscal, tax advisory, property, and environment.

The aspirants regularly advise corporate entities, project sponsors, fund managers, banks on corporate compliance, and various commercial matters.

He is a consummate professional with high ethical values, a passion for completeness and perfection, and an uncommon flair to work out bespoke and practical solutions to issues, and also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the International Bar Association.

Banjo as a politician was Supervisory Councillor for Education and Honourable Councillor for Ward E2 in the old Somolu Local Government in 1996 and was the Lagos State Legal Adviser of the All Nigeria Peoples Party between 2002 and 2007.

The aspirant was the youngest member of the National Finance Committee of the ANPP under the chairmanship of Gen. Jerry Useni in 2003 and also contested as the House of Reps Candidate of ANPP for Somolu Federal Constituency in 2003 and 2007.

Banjo was also the Deputy Director of Planning and Strategy, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Independent Campaign Group in 2019.\

Politics

ADC’s Aisha Yesufu Issues Public Apology For Listing Yemi Adamolekun Without Consent

Published

on

By

Prominent activist and African Democratic Congress (ADC) member Aisha Yesufu has issued a public apology to governance advocate Yemi Adamolekun following a controversy over her inclusion in the party’s Wise Men and Women Policy and Manifesto Committee.

The issue emerged on Wednesday after Adamolekun, former executive director of Enough is Enough Nigeria, expressed surprise on social media at seeing her name listed among members of the ADC committee.

Tagging Yesufu and ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, Adamolekun questioned the party’s process in a blunt post on X.

“ADC! ADC! ADC! How many times did I call you? This is not how to build credibility o! Please show me evidence of when I joined your party! Na wa….” she wrote.

Responding the same day, Abdullahi said the committee was designed to be expert-driven rather than strictly partisan.

“It is important to point out that not everyone on the ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee is a member of the ADC. Many are not even politicians,” he said.

He added, “This is because the ADC believes that the task of developing workable public policies for the benefit of all Nigerians should not be left to politicians alone.”

Abdullahi maintained that the party had followed due process.

He said the ADC had undergone a “vetting process” and “took all necessary measures to ensure that everyone recommended to serve on this important committee was duly notified and had given their consent.”

Despite the disagreement, he expressed hope that Adamolekun would still participate, citing her “vast experience – even though she is not a member of our party.”

However, reacting on Friday, Yesufu, a member of the party’s Revalidation, Mobilisation and Registration Committee, acknowledged the error and apologised publicly.

She wrote, “This is inexcusable, and on behalf of my party, accept my apologies for this mix-up. We do not take you and your need to have a better Nigeria for granted.”

Yesufu admitted the process was flawed.

“Like you rightly pointed out, you ought to have been informed and your consent gotten before your name is published.

“This is well noted, and going forward we will continue to ensure due diligence,” she said.

She added, “Thank you for calling our attention to this. We can only get better when we get such feedback and improve accordingly.

“The work to rebuilding Nigeria is enormous, and in our eagerness to start off, we must never forget due process and diligence.”

Yesufu also extended an apology to others affected by the publication.

“For anyone that was also not contacted and consent gotten before publication, kindly accept my apologies for the mix-up,” she said.

 

 

Continue Reading

Politics

Atiku’s Son Gives Thumbs Up To Tinubu’s Economic Policies, Backs Another Term

Published

on

By

Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has attributed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid to what he described as the administration’s innovative and business-friendly economic policies.

He said President Tinubu’s economic initiatives are more favourable to businesses than those of previous administrations, adding that the reforms have reshaped his political alignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abba made the remarks during a solidarity visit to the leadership of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Abuja on Monday evening, where he led members of the Haske Atiku Organisation, now rebranded as the Haske Tinubu Organisation.

He recalled that he formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on January 15, collecting his membership card at Gwadabwa Ward in Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, where he publicly pledged support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

According to him, his decision to back the president was driven by admiration for the economic policies introduced since 2023, which he believes are positioning the country for stronger private-sector growth and investment.

According to him, “This administration has introduced policies that have every Nigerian in mind. If anyone says this government is not doing well, I will tell them they are lying,” he said. “I believe that if given another term, the government will do even more because it is focused.”

He explained that his long-standing experience in business has given him a clear perspective on economic governance in Nigeria.

“Since the return of democratic rule in 1999, I have been in business, and I am still in business today. The economic policies of Mr. President are favourable—not just to businesses, but to Nigerians in general, who are already benefiting from these reforms,” he stated.

He also explained that his decision to join the APC and align with the City Boy Movement was motivated by his passion for the Tinubu-led administration and his desire to serve.

“My joining the APC and the City Boy Movement is based on my belief in this administration. I also intend to use this platform to serve the people of Adamawa at the National Assembly level. Mr. President has made youth inclusion in politics a reality,” Abubakar added.

The Director General of the City Boy Movement, Mr. Oluwatosin Shoga reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to youth participation in governance and leadership.

He noted that one of CBM’s core strategic mandates is to ensure that young Nigerians are deliberately positioned for leadership roles while encouraging greater youth involvement in the political process.

Abba’s delegation was received by the Director General of CBM, Mr. Shoga, and the National Coordinator, Mr. Favour Abayomi.

Continue Reading

Politics

Oriyomi Hamzat Formally Joins 2027 Oyo Governorship Race Under Accord Party

Published

on

By

Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster and founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat has officially declared his intention to run for the 2027 Oyo State governorship under the Accord Party.

 

In a public declaration, Hamzat stated, “I am publicly declaring today that in 2027.

 

“I will not campaign for anyone or mobilise crowds for anyone.

 

“I will contest in the gubernatorial election under the Accord Party.”

 

The announcement signals Hamzat’s full commitment to his own political ambitions, stepping away from backing other candidates as he positions himself for the Oyo State governorship race.

Continue Reading

Trending