Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Former Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KwGIS), Hon. Akintade AbdulMutalib Shittu, has m joined the race for the House of Representatives seat of Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

At the declaration ceremony held at Sofoluwe Hall, Offa Grammar School, Offa, where party faithful, supporters, and stakeholders gathered to witness the announcement, Hon Shittu said he is well prepared for the representation, if given the mandate.

“I am not new to lawmaking. I have been part of processes that produced impactful legislations in Kwara State, and I understand what it takes to navigate the system effectively.

“As a Special Assistant to the Governor, I contributed to the development of key legislations, including those establishing the KwGIS, as well as laws on urban planning and land use,” he said.

He emphasised that representation at the National Assembly requires more than presence, stressing the need for strategic engagement and proactive lobbying to attract development to the constituency.

“You don’t go to the National Assembly to sit idly. You must understand the system, engage strategically, and ensure your constituency benefits from available opportunities,” the aspirant said.

He pledged to deliver quality representation that addresses peculiar challenges, improve livelihoods, and ensure equitable development across the three local governments.

Speaking on the prospects of the APC, Hon Shittu expressed confidence in the electoral strength of the APC, commending the performance of the Kwara State Government and the growing acceptance of the party across the country.

“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has done exceptionally well. If you look at where we were coming from. We were coming from the era of half-salaries. This government has been consistent in paying salaries on time. The government has also improved the social security safety net through the Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP) with Owo Arugbo and Owo Isowo (grants for the elderly ones and businessmen and women.”

The governor has performed. The administration has performed and our people know it.”

According to him, recent political developments and mass support witnessed at party events are indicators of continued dominance for the APC ahead of 2027.

Hon. Shittu noted that economic transformation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration has positioned APC for victory in 2027.

“The ingenuity of the president has led to the increase in federal allocations to states which enables the state governments to pay salaries without hassle. That is why some governors from other political party are joining the APC.

“Mr President has shown capacity for economic reforms. For example the introduction of NELFUND and other credit facilities. There is no doubt in my mind that the APC will deliver in 2027. Nigerians will return President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027,” Hon. Shittu added.

Party leaders from the three local governments in the constituency emphasised sustained unity in the party and urged all aspirants to remain committed to party discipline and decisions.

Kasali Yusuf from Ifelodun Local Government described Hon Akintade Shittu as a committed APC member who has a good character to represent the party.

“Ifelodun/Offa/Oyun Local Governments are one and all members of the party will support whoever emerges as the candidate of the party.”

Speaking on behalf of all ward chairmen from Offa, Alhaji Oyediran Layi sought the support of other local governments in the constituency to support the aspiration of Hon Akintade Shittu.

“I want to call on the two other local governments to support the aspiration of Hon Akintade Shittu. He is from a well known family which has contributed to the development of Offa. He will do well for the federal constituency.”

Chairman of ward chairmen from Oyun Local Government Area, Alhaji Ibrahim Adeleke prayed for the success of APC at all levels.

By: Inuwa Bwala.

I cannot still fathom what he means, but one thing is clear that, invoking the spirit of any form of violence, under whatever circumstances, is unstatesmanly and most uncharitable.
What people should always bear in mind, is the fact that, it takes a little issue to spark a larger crisis.
One can ignite crisis, but no one knows the dimenssions it could assume, neither can one predict when it will end.
It is with these at the back of my mind that, I think, the remarks credited to Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde, in which he tried to invoke the memory of the infamous “operation wetie”, was both dangerous and irresponsible of a leader.
No one wants to remember the horrors of the 1st and 2nd World wars. Neither do Nigerians pretend to cherish the memories of the civil war.
The 1st world war alone cost humanity more than 22 million lives.
And what started the 1st world war was a minor spark: the assassination of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Archduke Ferdinand Frantz in Sareyevo on June 28th 1914 by a Serb Nationalist.
Closer home, a minor skirmish in Maiduguri, when, the then, Borno state Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff deployed Operatives of Operation Flush,to enforce the use of helmets by Motorcyclists, that ignited the Boko Haram Insurgency.
The crisis has consumed hundreds of lives and dislocated socio-economic lines. It is still ravaging the Nation and there does not appear any solution in sight.
Leadership requires maturity, tactfulness and proportion and not a licence for irresponsible ranting by desperate Politicians.
When Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde talked about “Operation Wetie”: apparently referencing that dark, violent chapter in Nigeria’s political history from the 1960s, people hailed him.
But for those who were witnesses to and know what “Operation Wetie” means, it was indeed a very dangerous rhetoric.
“Wetie” means “wet it” in Yoruba. During the 1965 Western Region elections crisis, describing the practice of dousing political opponents, their homes, properties and vehicles with petrol and setting them ablaze.
It erupted after highly disputed 1965 western region elections, alleged to have been rigged.
The violence was part of the struggle between Chiefs Ladoke Akintola and Obafemi Awolowo.
That crisis gave the region the nickname “Wild Wild West,” as a result of the massive destruction of lives and property, that partly triggered the January 15, 1966 coup: the coup that truncated Nigeria’s First Republic.
Using that era as a rhetoric
during the Ibadan Summit of All Opposition Political Party Leaders, Makinde in my understanding was subtly threatning the ruling party, APC, against perceived moves to foist a one-party political structure on Nigeria.

The governor was essentially saying, history will repeat itself, with Ibadan/Oyo as the epicentre, just like that of that 1960s violence.
But no matter the level of provocation, perceived to have been done to those who gathered in Ibadan, awakening the memories of that wetie era was like scratching an old would.
Except perhaps for Makinde, the people of the south west have never seen it as a pride, that the crisis in the region during that regency, led to them being labbeled as the wild-wild west.
If the world could go to war, over the assasination of one individual, in a third rate country, our leaders should be careful about what they say or do in public.
At the risk of sounding combative, I srate that, neither threats of violence or war, nor invoking the era of operation wetie, could give Governor Makinde what he wants, the best way to go is to call out his fellow travellers to embibe the spirit of tolerance and persuation, the two cardinal principles of democracy.

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A woman observing purdah, Hajia Halimat Funmilayo Hassan Zarruq, has declared her intention to contest the Kwara Central Senatorial seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Zarruq, from Balogun Fulani Ward 1 in the Ilorin South Local Government Area, is a longstanding member of the PDP with a record in grassroots mobilisation and local political organisation. Her declaration was contained in a statement released recently.

She has held public service roles as a medical officer, and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Kwara State Water Corporation in 2003, where she was involved in the oversight of public utility services.

In a statement issued by her, she said her ambition is focused on representation that delivers “tangible benefits” to constituents, listing her priorities to include inclusive governance, economic support for small businesses and artisans, improved access to education and healthcare, and targeted programmes for women and youth. She also identified teachers’ welfare as an area requiring policy attention.

She said: “We’re focusing on youth and Women Development through advancing of empowerment initiatives, skills acquisition programmes, and economic opportunities. Also we’re fostering harmony and strengthening social cohesion across all communities in Kwara Central.”

Her entry into the race has drawn attention within political circles, particularly because she observes purdah, a religious and cultural practice associated with modesty and limited public exposure among some Muslim women.

Observers said the development could strengthen ongoing advocacy for greater female participation in politics, especially in the Northern Nigeria where cultural and religious considerations have historically influenced women’s visibility in public life.

By seeking elective office while maintaining her religious observance, analysts noted that her candidacy may challenge prevailing assumptions about the compatibility of cultural practices and political engagement, potentially encouraging more women to consider active roles in governance.

According to the observers, “A review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) shows no legal restriction preventing women in purdah from contesting elections.

“Section 42 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex or religion, while Section 38 guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the right to manifest religious beliefs.

“Sections 65 and 66 outline the qualifications for election into the National Assembly, focusing on citizenship, age, education, and party sponsorship, without reference to gender or religious practice.

“Under the Constitution, eligibility for elective office is not affected by religious observance, including purdah. Any limitations would arise from social or political dynamics rather than legal provisions.”