Agboola, Olafeso, Top PDP Leaders in Ondo Refute Merger Talks, Rally Grassroots Support

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has dismissed speculations of any ongoing merger or coalition talks with other political parties, asserting that the party remains strong, united, and focused on its mission to rescue and rebuild Nigeria through credible elections.

In a joint statement issued and signed by prominent leaders of the party across different organs — including members of the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee, party leadership in the State Assembly, and the 2024 gubernatorial candidate — the PDP leadership reassured loyal members, supporters, and the people of Ondo State that the party has not entered into any coalition or alignment with any political group at either the national or state level.

According to the statement, recent media narratives and political movements by certain individuals have caused unnecessary anxiety and raised questions in the minds of some party faithful. However, the leadership described the PDP in Ondo State as “strong, focused, and unshaken,” with its eyes firmly set on the ultimate goal of returning to power and delivering good governance.

“The strength of our Party does not lie in mere headlines or temporary alignments; it lies in the loyalty of our members, the consistency of our vision, and the power of our grassroots connections,” the statement read.

The party leadership called on those who may have been misled into believing that the PDP was part of any coalition to rethink their stance and retrace their political steps, affirming that the PDP remains the most credible and structured political platform in Ondo State.

While acknowledging that the political season often brings distractions and waves of uncertainty — especially for those unsure of their convictions — the statement urged party members not to waver but to recommit to the cause. “This is the time to organize, mobilise, and energise our bases as we prepare for the crucial tasks ahead,” it added.

The party acknowledged the ongoing national discussions about coalitions and third-force movements but insisted that such developments were not unusual in Nigeria’s political history. However, it advised members to remain vigilant, discerning, and loyal to the PDP’s people-centred ideals, noting that many of the new political movements lacked clear ideological direction and could not match the PDP’s tested structures and legacy.

“The PDP shall in due course make its future plans known to the public through its statutory organs,” the statement assured.

Emphasising the deep-rooted presence of the PDP across the State, the leaders reminded stakeholders that the party’s structures remain intact and active in all 203 wards and 18 local government areas. They further confirmed that party programmes, engagements, and mobilisation efforts are ongoing and uninterrupted, with preparations for the forthcoming elections already fully underway.

“We are not retreating. We are not relenting. We are rebuilding,” they declared.

To loyal members who may feel disillusioned by defections or emerging alliances, the statement offered encouragement, warning against being enticed by surface-level political glamour. “Not all that glitters is gold,” the party noted, adding that history has shown that loyalty to a just cause ultimately brings the greatest reward.

The statement specifically called on youths, women, elders, and stakeholders across Ondo State to remain resolute, urging them not to allow uncertainty to undermine their political convictions. The PDP, they said, remains the surest platform to deliver the Nigeria and Ondo State of everyone’s dreams.

“As a Party, we must remind ourselves that the PDP is not just a political party—it is a movement of hope, of democracy, and of purposeful governance,” the statement read.

The party concluded by calling on members to remain actively involved in party activities and prepare themselves for the tasks ahead, stressing that “victory belongs to those who persevere.”

“Together, we shall prevail,” they affirmed.

The statement was jointly signed by:

* Sen. Dr. Bode Olajumoke, Life Member, Board of Trustees

* Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Board of Trustees Member

* H.E. Agboola Alfred Ajayi, 2024 PDP Governorship Candidate

* Hon. Barr. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary and NEC Member

* Engr. Clement Faboyede, National Executive Committee Member

* Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, Minority Leader, Ondo State House of Assembly

* Pastor Ladi Omotehinse, Chairman, Ondo State Forum of PDP LG Chairmen

* Rt. Hon. Chief Bakkita Bello, PhD, Chairman, Caretaker Committee

* Barr. Oluseye Olujimi, Secretary, Caretaker Committee

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NLC Blows Hot Over Hardship, Insecurity, and Osun LG Fund Diversion

 

…vows mass action over anti-labour moves, warns FG on rising poverty, insecurity

The Nigeria Labour Congress has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over what it describes as deepening hardship, escalating insecurity, and blatant constitutional violations that continue to endanger the welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens.

In a communiqué released at the end of its Central Working Committee meeting held on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, the Congress said the country is fast descending into a socio-economic abyss, with workers and their families bearing the brunt of a broken system.

Signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, the communiqué described the current economic situation as catastrophic, citing multidimensional poverty, soaring inflation, unaffordable food prices, crippling transport costs, and diminishing real wages as clear indicators that Nigerians have been deeply abandoned. The NLC accused the political class of being more focused on early political permutations ahead of the 2027 elections than addressing the urgent needs of suffering citizens.

The Labour body expressed strong reservations about the ongoing constitutional review process, warning that attempts to remove labour issues from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List would be met with fierce resistance. It described such moves as an assault on Nigerian workers and called on all workers across the country to mobilise and begin picketing the offices of any National Assembly member found to be supporting the agenda. The Congress insisted that the review exercise must not be reduced to a political ritual but should instead tackle structural imbalances, enforce genuine fiscal federalism, and reform Nigeria’s flawed leadership recruitment process. It also called for the strengthening of the country’s electoral institutions to ensure that future elections reflect the true will of the people and not the result of vote-buying, rigging, or elite manipulation.

On national security, the CWC expressed outrage over the deteriorating state of safety across the country. The union cited shocking figures indicating that nearly 700,000 lives have been lost within a year due to insecurity, a toll more befitting a country at war. The NLC said the situation has made it impossible for farmers to access their lands and warned that food scarcity and famine now loom large. It called on the Federal Government and security agencies to abandon what it described as talk shops and empty promises and act decisively to restore order and public confidence.

The union also took a swipe at the Federal Government over the controversial withholding and diversion of local government allocations in Osun State. According to the communiqué, the funds meant for democratically elected councils were blocked through the alleged collusion of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance, and the Central Bank of Nigeria. The NLC described the act as unconstitutional, a direct violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, and a breach of a valid Court of Appeal ruling that affirms the legitimacy of the current local government administrations in Osun. It demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the withheld funds and warned that failure to comply within a reasonable timeframe would trigger decisive action from the union.

The Congress did not spare some employers either, accusing them of violating workers’ rights by coercing employees into joining specific trade unions in breach of the Trade Union Act 2005 and relevant ILO conventions. It described the practice as an egregious abuse of authority and called on all affected affiliate unions to resist such unlawful actions. The NLC directed them to mobilise and picket any employer engaging in such practices and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers.

On the matter of transportation, the NLC acknowledged the recent donation of Compressed Natural Gas buses by the Federal Government but stressed that the gesture would mean little without a rapid and widespread rollout of CNG infrastructure across the country. It urged the government to act swiftly to reduce the cost of transportation and ease inflationary pressures on struggling households.

In conclusion, the NLC vowed to intensify engagements with all tiers of government to demand immediate policy interventions to alleviate the economic pain of Nigerian citizens. The Congress reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending democracy, promoting economic justice, and safeguarding the rights of all Nigerian workers.

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AAUA NANS Stakeholders Endorse Comrade INEC as Sole Candidate for NANS JCC Chairmanship

In a decisive move aimed at fostering unity and credible representation within the student movement, the NANS Stakeholders Forum of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) has officially endorsed Comrade Adekanye Mayomi Adeboye, popularly known as INEC, as the institution’s sole candidate for the forthcoming NANS Joint Campus Committee (JCC) Chairmanship election in Ondo State.

The endorsement follows what the Forum described as wide-ranging consultations and deliberations among key student leaders and stakeholders across the university. According to a statement signed by the Forum's Chairman, Comrade Ogunade Adebola Oluwakayode Kdivine, the decision reflects a collective resolve to promote competence, unity, and purposeful leadership.

“This decision was not reached lightly. It reflects a commitment to unity, competence, and credible representation. Comrade INEC has demonstrated consistency, capacity, and an unwavering dedication to the ideals and struggles of the Nigerian student,” the statement read.

The forum noted that Comrade INEC’s track record of service, commitment to student welfare, and organizational discipline positions him as the right candidate to lead the JCC structure into a new era of relevance and activism in Ondo State.

Calling on senators and delegates from other tertiary institutions in the state, the forum urged a rally of support behind their sole candidate, describing INEC as the best candidate who has earned their collective trust and support.

The endorsement marks a major development in the race for the NANS JCC Chairmanship in Ondo and further intensifies the political momentum ahead of the election.

The AAUA NANS Stakeholders Forum reaffirmed its commitment to a student unionism driven by truth, merit, and effective representation.

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