NANS Presidency: Babtee Appoints Shakaka As Campaign DG

Leading presidential aspirant for the presidency of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, popularly known as BABTEE, has appointed Umar Faruk Musa (Shakaka) as the Director General (DG) of his Campaign Council ahead of the forthcoming national convention of the student body.

In a letter dated March 6, 2026, and issued under the platform of The Epoch Movement ’26, Afeez said the appointment followed extensive consultations and careful consideration among members of the movement. He described Musa as a competent and capable leader whose experience in networking, coordination, and navigating challenging political situations makes him suitable for the role.

According to the statement, the newly appointed campaign DG will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the overall campaign structure and operations across the country. His duties will include mobilising support nationwide, providing strategic direction to the campaign team, and ensuring the effective execution of activities aimed at securing victory for Afeez in the NANS presidential race.

The NANS presidential hopeful expressed confidence that Musa’s experience and strategic insight would significantly strengthen the campaign and contribute meaningfully to the realisation of the movement’s vision for Nigerian students.

While congratulating the new campaign chief, Afeez urged him to bring his wealth of experience to bear in driving the campaign toward success, noting that the appointment carries a critical responsibility in the quest to lead the apex student organisation in Nigeria. 

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Ondo NANS Stakeholders Endorse Babtee For National President

Stakeholders of the National Association of Nigerian Students in Ondo State have unanimously endorsed Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, popularly known as Babtee, for the position of National President of the association ahead of its forthcoming national convention.

The endorsement was announced at a stakeholders’ meeting which had in attendance members of the Joint Campus Committee leadership, Student Union Government presidents and student leaders across tertiary institutions in the state.

According to the stakeholders, the decision followed Babtee’s formal address at the meeting where he sought the blessings and support of his home state before officially declaring his intention to contest for the top office of the association.

Speaking at the gathering, Babtee reportedly paid homage to leaders and emphasized that it was only proper to consult widely with his state chapter before embarking on the national assignment.

After what was described as extensive consultations and a thorough assessment of his competence, experience, leadership capacity and commitment to the ideals of NANS, the stakeholders resolved to throw their weight behind his aspiration.

They noted that Babtee’s years of active involvement in student unionism, advocacy for students’ welfare and principled leadership have earned him credibility and acceptance across the country.

The forum maintained that his track record, humility and reconciliatory disposition place him in a strong position to unify the association at a critical time in its history.

Chairman of the NANS Ondo Stakeholders Forum, Comrade Oluwarotimi Ajayi, popularly known as Osama, called on student leaders, senators and stakeholders nationwide to support Babtee’s ambition in the interest of unity and progress of the association.

The forthcoming convention of NANS is expected to attract delegates from tertiary institutions across the country, with Babtee now formally backed by his home state chapter.

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Tola Awosika Quits Partisan Politics, Rules Out 2027 Contest

A grassroots political figure in Ondo State, Mr. Tola Awosika, has formally announced his withdrawal from partisan politics and declared that he will not participate in the 2027 general elections, marking a significant shift in his political trajectory.

Awosika, who disclosed that he resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress in December 2025, said the decision followed months of reflection, consultations, and personal reassessment about his future in public life.

In a personally signed statement dated March 1, 2026, and titled “A New Focus And The Path Ahead,” Awosika said he was entering his 40th year with “mixed feelings of joy and soberness,” describing the moment as both celebratory and reflective.

The Ondo-born politician, who has been active in grassroots mobilisation in the state over the past seven years, said his political journey was driven by what he described as “Project Nigeria”, a vision of a country that guarantees equal opportunities for citizens and secures the future of the next generation.

According to him, his involvement in politics within the Sunshine State was motivated by a desire to contribute meaningfully to development at the ward, local, state, and national levels. He noted that over the years, he invested time and resources in community engagement and participated actively in political processes across various platforms.

Awosika referenced the popular slogan associated with his political movement, “TA is coming,” which he described as a symbol of hope embraced by his supporters. He, however, indicated that his latest decision signals a transition rather than an abandonment of public service.

“This is the season for me to consolidate on what I have achieved and plan to achieve. This is the season to watch, learn, avoid mistakes and most importantly, await the call from God,” he stated.

He clarified that while he would continue to fulfil his civic obligations as a voter, he would neither seek nor support any partisan political position in the 2027 elections.

Political observers say Awosika’s exit from active party politics may alter certain alignments within Ondo’s evolving political landscape, particularly among younger voters and grassroots supporters who had identified with his reformist rhetoric.

In his message, Awosika urged aspirants and future candidates to remember that public office is a call to serve the people rather than an avenue for personal advancement. He also called on citizens to take responsibility in electing credible leaders.

Awosika concluded his statement by wishing Ondo State and Nigeria well, reaffirming his enduring commitment to national development, albeit outside partisan political structures for now.

The development adds to the growing list of political realignments ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle in Ondo State and across Nigeria.

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