Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi), advising him not to be an “opportunist” in his pursuit of the Ogun State governorship in 2027.

She argued that Yayi having politicked in another state, coming into Ogun just to get the governorship seat wasn’t the best way to go.

Iyabo made the remark on Wednesday during a live discussion themed, ‘Political Hurdles Facing Nigerian Women, 2027 and Beyond’, on Frontline, Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, monitored by our correspondent in Abeokuta.

The former senator for Ogun Central noted that while there are no formal laws guiding rotation or zoning in Nigeria, she is however concerned that the Ogun West was yet to produce a governor and promised to push for the emergence of an Ogun West governor after her “tenure” as governor.

Iyabo has declared her intention to run for governor in Ogun State in 2027.

She said, “I’m not sure a candidate coming in to kind of just get the governorship is the best to go. What about the other people that have been in Yewa? I think that having a governor that actually politicked in another state is not the best way to go.

“We know ourselves and everybody from Yewa that has been in politics from the start. I don’t think that’s the best option for Yewa people. One of the good points I gave about the current governor is that he has been with us here from the beginning, everybody knows him.

“If everybody starts choosing which state is advantageous for them to win something, we would all mess up the political system. That is being an opportunist, you stay in the system to start with and you move on and move on there.

“Yes, I am one of the ones concerned just about the West never having a governor. The reason we have not had a governor from Ogun West cannot be blamed on Ogun Central, right? We’ve had — and the man (referring to a caller on the programme) mentioned the number of governors from Central — two of them. He did not mention the number from the East.

“We’ve had three from Ogun East. So, is Central to blame for the West? Personally, I was instructed to help late General Olurin when he became the PDP candidate. I walked, we went and strutted and took him around. It did not work.

“I’m sensitive to their cry, I understand and I know we need to make sure that the next governor after me is from the West and I’m sure. Yes after me, because I’m going to win.”

Iyabo expressed confidence in her capacity, stressing that she is not intimidated by other candidates who are also planning to run the gubernatorial race.

According to her, there is a need to bridge governance “gaps” in the state and make an impact on the lives of Ogun people.

“I believe the people will get to know our capacity. I think there is a difference in terms of somebody that has the presence and the ability. So we should look at it as candidates. But also, I believe that we will get somebody from the West.

“We have to organize to do it. And I think that I actually have the capacity to do that more than the person representing the West now because this person has never supported anybody from the West.

“I have actually supported somebody from the West. So you are coming out just for yourself and I am coming out because I’ve served the people.”

Recall that Iyabo, who recently returned to active politics after 15 years, joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and declared her intention to join the governorship race.

Iyabo represented Ogun Central Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011 and lost her re-election bid in 2011 to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the then Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN.

The West African Youth Protection and Advocacy Network (WAYPAN) has welcomed the recent judicial victory of activist Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Lagos, describing the ruling as a landmark decision for youths’ rights and civic freedom in Nigeria.

The Regional Coordinator of WAYPAN, Mr Rafiu Lawal, told newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja that the fundamental rights enforcement suit ruling against the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, was a good development.

Lawal said the court held that declaring Sowore wanted and arresting him for leading a protest against community demolitions in Lagos violated his constitutional rights.

He said the court awarded ₦30million in damages and reaffirmed citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and assembly.

He said that WAYPAN described the judgment as not only a personal victory for Sowore but also a significant milestone for young activists who frequently face harassment from authorities.

The group said, “It strengthens judicial safeguards for civic engagement and highlights the persistent abuse of power by some security agents who disregard due process.

“We urge the police, other security agencies, and governments at all levels to treat this ruling as a wake-up call.”

Lawal said there should be an immediate review of cases involving harassment and rights violations, alongside concrete reforms in police leadership and operations.

He added that the court’s decision clearly rebuked the Lagos State Commissioner of Police for declaring a citizen wanted without judicial authorisation an overreach that undermines the rule of law.

He said it also reaffirmed that peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right.

According to him, the ruling is particularly significant in light of recent incidents in Lagos, where police reportedly used force against peaceful protesters at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

He said that during the protest, activist Hassan Soweto and Dele Frank were allegedly assaulted and sustained serious injuries in spite of police presence.

Lawal said WAYPAN, therefore, called for comprehensive internal reforms within the police to ensure respect for citizens’ rights while maintaining law and order.

“We also urge governments to adopt people-centred policies, particularly on sensitive issues such as community demolitions, and to prioritise dialogue over force.

“Finally, we call on the Federal Government to undertake far-reaching police reforms to guarantee accountability and human rights protection,” he said.

Lawal said that laws granting sweeping or ambiguous powers, including national security and cybercrime laws, should be reviewed to prevent abuse and strengthen democratic oversight.

He said that WAYPAN was a youths-led regional platform dedicated to safeguarding civic space, promoting human rights, and advancing non-violent approaches to peace and justice across West Africa.

(NAN)

President Bola Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and appointed Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Tunji Disu as the new Acting IGP with immediate effect.

Egbetokun tendered his resignation letter earlier on Tuesday, citing pressing family considerations.

Announcing the development, the Presidency, in a statement issued on Tuesday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu expressed profound appreciation to the outgoing police chief for his decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation.

The President acknowledged Egbetokun’s dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture during his tenure.

Appointed in June 2023, Egbetokun was serving a four-year term scheduled to conclude in June 2027, in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act.

In view of the prevailing security challenges across the country, President Tinubu, acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, approved the appointment of AIG Tunji Disu to steer the affairs of the Nigeria Police Force in an acting capacity.

The President expressed confidence that Disu’s experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity would provide steady and focused direction for the Force at a critical time.

“In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will shortly convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police,” the statement said.

Following the Council’s consideration, Disu’s name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation, in line with statutory requirements.

President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

The Presidency assured Nigerians that the leadership transition would not disrupt ongoing security operations nationwide.