Politics
Local Government Chairmen in a Fight with Governor Abiodun over Alleged Billions of Naira For LGA

Local government chairmen across Ogun State are set for a showdown with the governor of the state, Prince Dapo Abiodun, over what they described as a betrayal of trust and non-reward of loyalty by the governor and secretary of the state government, Tokunbo Talabi.
The disquiet, which has now resorted to threats of arrest, jail and kidnapping by some loyalists of the governor against some of the chairmen, may fuel the already tension-soaked state after the governorship election.
Governor Abiodun, whose administration came with the mantra of ensuring the independence of local councils and adequate remuneration of federal allocations to them and ensuring proper discharge of statutory roles, walked back on his promise immediately after the incumbent council chairmen were inaugurated.
Trouble started for the chairmen when they were invited by the governor to open Access Bank accounts for their local councils but were denied the opportunity to be signatories to the bank accounts, according to multiple sources within the governor’s office who pleaded anonymity for fear of being reprimanded.
The accounts which were opened at the Abeokuta branch of the bank were to receive statutory allocations from the federal government. However, rather than have the chairman of the council and director of finance as signatories to the accounts, only their phone numbers were linked to the accounts to receive credit and debit alerts.
A director of finance in one of the councils disclosed that sometimes they receive credit alerts in the morning and, by afternoon, a debit alert withdrawing the amount without any input or authorisation from the council. The director stated that an example of such was when the council received N300 million into the account, and within five minutes, a debit of N295 million was equally received with no knowledge of how it happened and no explanation.
*Ecological Funds*
While the chairmen seem to have gotten used to the system of absolute control by Governor Abiodun, a recent meeting after the governorship election where the governor mandated them to sign for the collection of the federal government-allocated ecological funds without receiving a dime broke the camels back.
“Who does the governor think he is?” a chairman in Ogun central protested in anger while speaking with our correspondent. “We played a significant role in ensuring his reelection. We kept quiet while the public abused us and called us thieves for not doing anything. What do they expect us to do when he has taken all the money? Now he wants us to sign for billions of naira we didn’t collect. At the end of the day, who would EFCC be after? Definitely not him!“
*Money for legal case*
But while the chairmen continue to oppose the move by the governor to corner the ecological fund, a close ally of Mr Abiodun disclosed that the sudden discontent of the chairmen against the governor was selfish and not in the interest of the people.
According to him, the chairmen are aware the governor is done with them and looking to replace them during his second term.
“What do they want from this man? During the election, they were adequately mobilised but kept the money to themselves, the election was a tough battle, and it wouldn’t have been so if they had done what was required.
“Now we are in court. Do they think tribunal cases are free? Where do they expect the governor to get that kind of fund after the election?”
*Thugs taking over functions of local councils*
When asked why local councils could not function with revenues they make from the statutory model, some of the council members disclosed that every rate, levy and ticket that is distributed across the markets and parks, garages and shops, even though bear the local government names, the state government prints them and funds are taking to governor’s office.
The chairmen disclosed that they are at the mercy of transport union members within their vicinity who acts as the governor’s boys and determine when they would meet the governor or discuss matters of the council.
Attempts to speak with the governor were unsuccessful. Multiple calls made to his personal line were unanswered while the state commissioner for information Waheed Odusile’s number didn’t connect.
Politics
Ward Tour: Akeweje Flags Off Cash Support for Widows, Older People in Oro Ward 2
•Says 800 widows and older people across Irepodun LGA will benefit
The aspirant for Irepodun Constituency in the forthcoming 2027 Kwara State House of Assembly election, Akeweje Olayinka Fafoluyi, has taken his ward tour to Oro Ward 2 in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, where he flagged off his N10,000 cash support initiative for widows and older people.Akeweje, who was warmly welcomed by stakeholders, APC faithful, and supporters, distributed N10,000 cash support each to about 50 widows and older people present, noting that the initiative would benefit 800 widows and older people across wards in Irepodun LGA.Speaking to stakeholders and APC faithful in Oro Ward 2, Akeweje first appreciated them for welcoming him to their midst, after which he unveiled his plans for Irepodun and urged them to support his ambition to represent the constituency at the Kwara State House of Assembly so that he can actualise the plans.“Our beloved Irepodun deserves quality representation and purposeful leadership that will facilitate development projects for our constituency, empower our hardworking youth and women, offer employment opportunities to our graduates, and support our older people, including widows.“All these are achievable under purposeful leadership. This is why I am seeking your full support to represent Irepodun at the Kwara State House of Assembly in 2027. Together, let us build a stronger and more united Irepodun where every ward and community has a voice and benefits from responsive and accountable representation,” Akeweje said.The stakeholders and party faithful present took turns to commend Akeweje for his vision for Irepodun Constituency. They also appreciated him for the cash support he offered to widows and older people in the ward and wished him success in the forthcoming APC State House of Assembly primaries.
Politics
2027: Lagos Lawmaker Secures Apex Leaders’ Endorsement
Ahead of the party primaries scheduled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 election, leaders in Eti-Osa, Lagos, have endorsed a lawmaker, Noheem Adams, as consensus the Lagos State House of Assembly.Adams, representing Eti-Osa Constituency 1, is the Majority Leader of the Lagos Assembly.In three different letters addressed to the APC Secretariat and leadership of the party in Lagos, the leaders and residents indicated their trust in the lawmaker’s ability to galvanise residents for success. They also affirmed what they described as his effective representation and loyalty to the party and people of his constituency.One of the letters dated March 26, 2026 and signed by 26 leaders including Engr. Murphy Adetoro (member, Governance Advisory Council) and Alhaji Raheem Alli, Apex Leader, Eti-Osa East LCDA, notified the party that Adams had been unanimously picked as the consensus candidate for the constituency.In the letter with the title: ‘Notification On Our Consensus Candidate In Eti-osa Constituency I’, the leaders said: “We, the combined body of the All Progressives Congress, Central Working Committee, (CWC) and Apex Leaders in Eti-Osa Constituency I, are pleased to notify you of our consensus candidate for the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly elections in Eti-Osa Constituency I.”It is instructive that after careful deliberation and review of his performance in office, we have unanimously endorsed Hon. Noheem Babatunde Adams as our candidate.”The letter said Adams had demonstrated proven leadership and delivered visible results, “earning him the trust and admiration of our community.”His commitment to constituent engagement, responsive governance, and community development has made a tangible impact on our constituency. We are convinced that his re-election will consolidate our gains and drive further progress.”We urge the party leadership to ratify our consensus and ensure a smooth path for Hon. Adams’ candidature. This is important as we need a united front and enough planning time to prepare well for the elections of our president, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and other elective positions.In another letter sent to the Lagos APC chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, 16 ward and LGA chairmen in Eti-Osa confirmed the decision of the Central Working Committee in Eti-Osa on the adoption of Adams as consensus candidate.”We are convinced that with Hon. Noheem Adams as standard bearer, APC shall secure a landslide victory across all elective positions in Eti-Osa Constituency 1 in 2027.”This is a project we have adopted as our own, and we pledge to deploy all structures, influence, and electoral machinery for its total success.Meanwhile, the Lekki Residents Association, through its President, Alhaji Sulyman Bello, and executive members, have promised to mobilise support for Noheem Adams.In another letter to the Lagos APC chairman, the association promised to ensure massive votes for the party because of their support for Adams, who had been a pillar of support to the residents.
Politics
Zamfara APC Congress: Gov. Lawal Declares Strong Political Base Key to Government Strength
Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has declared that the effectiveness of any administration is directly dependent on the strength and unity of its political foundation.The Governor made the statement on Saturday while participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) state congress held at the Trade Fair ground in Gusau. According to a press release from his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the event saw 745 delegates from 147 wards across the state’s 14 local government areas elect a new State Executive Committee via consensus.The process was overseen by a congress committee led by Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who affirmed the newly elected Chairman and other party officials.In his remarks, Governor Lawal described the congress as both timely and strategic, calling it a defining moment for consolidating the party’s structures and strengthening internal democracy.“Today’s process—culminating in the election, affirmation, and swearing-in of new State Executives—is a critical exercise that reinforces the credibility, transparency, and legitimacy of our party at the grassroots and state levels,” Lawal said.He expressed gratitude to the national APC leadership for their guidance and specifically thanked the congress committee, led by Dr. Balarabe, for their professionalism and integrity.“Today is about renewing commitment to our party’s ideals: unity, discipline, inclusiveness, and service,” the Governor added. “We know a government’s strength depends on its political base. A united, disciplined party offers a solid platform for governance and growth.”Governor Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to reforms in security, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. He expressed confidence that the newly elected leaders would serve with integrity and purpose, urging them to view their positions as a call to service, responsibility, and accountability.In his acceptance speech, the newly elected APC Chairman for Zamfara State, Hon. Kabiru Moyi B/Magaji, pledged to enhance internal democracy and foster unity within the party.
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