Adebayo Shittu, current Minister of Communications, has positioned himself as the most experienced candidate in the All Progressives Congress (APC) contest for the Oyo State governorship.

In a statement to journalists in Ibadan, Shittu cited his extensive political track record—spanning roles as a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly in 1979, a two-time State Commissioner, and two previous governorship bids—as qualifications that set him apart from other aspirants. “I was a member of the State House of Assembly in 1979 and two-time Commissioner in the State. I have also contested the governorship seat in the state twice before I became a minister. These are experiences you cannot buy,” he insisted .

Shittu emphasized the importance of experience in governance and governance readiness, underscoring the complexity of Oyo State’s political landscape. He added, “Oyo is advanced and sophisticated to be handled by inexperienced administrators” .

Drawing on his historical ties to Nigeria’s political heritage, Shittu noted that he gleaned invaluable insights from Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a foundational figure of Nigeria’s politics. He argued that this lineage of political mentorship enhances his capacity to govern effectively.

The Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has called for former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to be questioned over his claim that the Federal Government is paying bandits.

Baba-Ahmed, who spoke on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, faulted the response of the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, which dismissed El-Rufai’s allegation as baseless.

“If the so-called office of the National Security Adviser would take this statement with levity, then Nuhu Ribadu was never a policeman; he is not a qualified lawyer; he should not be in that office,” Baba-Ahmed said.

He insisted that El-Rufai’s claim was too serious to be brushed aside. “Nasir should be writing some statements to the police, to the courts,” he added.

On Sunday, El-Rufai had alleged that both the Federal Government and Kaduna State were paying monthly allowances to bandits and providing them with food under what he described as a “kiss-the-bandits” policy. He maintained that such an approach was only empowering criminals.

The NSA and Kaduna State Government have both denied the claim, but Baba-Ahmed argued that the denial was insufficient. “That is not a reaction. Are people understanding the gravity of this statement?” he asked.

The LP chieftain said any declaration of such magnitude amounted to a national policy, which, if true, would require open government communication. “A national policy is the official position of a government; an official declaration that this is what we shall be constitutionally doing,” he said. “Was such a thing held? Why did Nasir say it?”

El-Rufai, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has in recent weeks been vocal about insecurity in Nigeria, drawing strong reactions from both government officials and opposition figures.

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has hailed the return of former Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, to the All Progressives Congress, describing it as a positive development and a major boost for the ruling party in Lagos.

Speaker Obasa, who hosted Jandor on Tuesday at his official residence in Ikeja GRA, expressed excitement over his return to the APC, describing it as the only political platform that truly reflects the aspirations of Lagosians, and indeed, Nigerians.

“We are happy to have you back. This is a very good move,” Obasa said, assuring Jandor of full reintegration and collaboration in the party’s collective pursuit of good governance. The Speaker further praised Jandor for his courage and conviction, stressing that the APC’s inclusive structure provides the right platform for unity and development.

Responding, Jandor, who returned officially to the APC fold in March, thanked Obasa for the warm reception and pledged his commitment to working with the APC for the benefit of Lagos State and Nigeria because, “It is only through unity of purpose, shared sacrifice, and responsible leadership that we can secure a brighter and more prosperous future for every Nigerian.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s recent tax reforms, saying, “Though demanding, the President’s reforms are courageous steps toward re-engineering our economy and laying a firm foundation for progress and prosperity.”