The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has issued a stern warning that the federal government’s continued hesitation to implement state policing risks pushing desperate communities toward self-help measures. In a statement released in Akure by Secretary-General Chief Sola Ebiseni, the group emphasized that there is a growing national consensus that establishing state police is an urgent necessity rather than an optional policy.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key points from the Afenifere statement include:

• Failure of Reactive Security: The group criticized the current “fire-brigade” approach—where federal forces are deployed only after terror attacks occur—as ineffective and incapable of protecting farmers and rural dwellers.

• The Risk of Vacuum: Ebiseni warned that if the state fails to provide adequate protection, a dangerous security vacuum will form, potentially leading to intractable ethnic conflicts as citizens resort to natural instincts for self-preservation.

• National Emergency: Afenifere urged political leaders to treat insecurity as a national emergency, suggesting it be handled with the same collective urgency the nation applied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• International Collaboration: Acknowledging that modern terrorism often ignores national borders, the group advised the federal government to seek international security partnerships, noting that such collaboration does not compromise national sovereignty.

• Decentralization: Afenifere argued that the military is currently overstretched by internal conflicts and that a decentralized security structure is required to allow states to respond to threats in real-time.

• Critique of Transition Plans: While acknowledging support for state police from figures like Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Ebiseni rejected the 60-month transition period previously proposed by the former Inspector-General of Police. He insisted that state police must be autonomous, locally recruited, and equipped with firepower equal to that of the federal police or the terrorists they are meant to combat.

• Empowering Amotekun: Afenifere specifically called for the immediate transformation of the Amotekun Corps into a formal state police force. The group noted that because these operatives already possess deep knowledge of local terrain and threats, they are uniquely qualified for the role, provided they receive better equipment, training, and legal authority.

Ultimately, the group cautioned security agencies to remain strictly non-partisan and avoid interfering in democratic governance, reiterating that the path to stability lies in decentralizing policing and strengthening community-based intelligence.

Oyo State ADC leaders have officially rejected the recent governorship primary results, alleging discrepancies in the announced outcome. Stakeholders, who insist that former Chief of Staff Chief Oyebisi Ilaka won in 29 of 33 local government areas, are now demanding his declaration as the party’s 2027 flagbearer. In a communiqué released Wednesday in Ibadan, the group criticized the primary as lacking transparency and urged the party’s national leadership to establish an independent panel to investigate the alleged injustice. Chief Ilaka has responded by thanking his supporters and expressing confidence that the national body will uphold democratic integrity and fairness.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Option 2: Analytical & Focused on Stakes

A brewing crisis has hit the Oyo State ADC as party stakeholders openly challenge the validity of the governorship primary election. Declaring the official results inconsistent with the actual voting process, party leaders are pushing for the recognition of Chief Oyebisi Ilaka, citing his “overwhelming” grassroots support and leadership experience. The stakeholders warn that the current result threatens internal party unity and could jeopardize the ADC’s performance in the 2027 polls. They have formally requested an urgent review by the National Working Committee, promising to provide evidence of the alleged irregularities. Ilaka, while commending his supporters, has signaled his trust in the national leadership to rectify the situation.

ADC Crisis: Oyo Stakeholders Reject Primary Results, Demand Ilaka as Candidate Aggrieved Oyo ADC members are calling for an immediate reversal of the state’s governorship primary results, claiming they do not reflect the true will of the party. The stakeholders, who allege that Chief Oyebisi Ilaka won across 29 local governments, have petitioned the national leadership to investigate the process and declare Ilaka the winner. They argue that correcting this “injustice” is vital to maintaining party confidence ahead of the 2027 election. Chief Ilaka has thanked party faithful for their loyalty and expressed optimism that the party’s leadership will prioritize fairness and democracy.

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for 2027, has called on party members who lost in the recent primary elections to accept the results constructively.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking at the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Obi urged all contenders to unite and work towards the party’s success in the upcoming general elections. He emphasized that while not everyone can win, a unified front is essential for the party’s future.

Obi commended the rapid progress of the NDC, noting its achievement in conducting congresses, conventions, and primaries within a remarkably short period of about 90 days. He appealed for patience and sacrifice from all members, highlighting the importance of the party’s collective goals over individual outcomes.

With the primary process concluded, Obi stated that the focus must shift from internal competitions to building the NDC as a viable political alternative for 2027. He promised a different approach to leadership, characterized by inclusivity, compassion, and accountability.

To further strengthen the party, Obi announced plans for a nationwide engagement tour, moving away from centralized Abuja meetings to connect directly with Nigerians at the grassroots level. This initiative aims to deepen political education and build policies that directly address the needs of the populace. He also acknowledged the significant challenges facing the nation, including insecurity and poor infrastructure, promising a detailed campaign message in due course.

NDC National Chairman Moses Cleopas echoed Obi’s sentiments regarding the party’s rapid growth, which he described as extraordinary. He attributed this success to collective effort and divine guidance, likening the NDC to a vehicle for national rescue and renewal.

Party Leader Seriake Dickson praised the resilience of the members and announced a comprehensive reconciliation process to unite the party following the primaries. He encouraged those who did not win to maintain hope and remain committed to the party’s future opportunities.