Ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State, Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council, GAC, Tajudeen Olusi, has ignited fresh political conversations after making remarks seen as indicative of a possible successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The development comes amid growing speculation surrounding the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, as a potential consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress ahead of the party’s anticipated primary process.

Olusi, a key ally of President Bola Tinubu, made the remarks on Wednesday during the General Assembly of Indigenous Associations in Lagos State, organised by the IBILE Eko Summit Foundation at the MUSON Centre in Onikan.

While addressing participants at the event themed “Addressing Urbanisation and Urban Challenges of Lagos State,” Olusi repeatedly referred to Hamzat as the “incoming Governor of Lagos,” a statement that drew immediate attention from political stakeholders and observers present.

The comment, delivered in a public forum attended by key figures within Lagos’ political and traditional structure, has since been interpreted as a possible signal of elite preference in the state’s succession dynamics.

Also present at the gathering was former governor Babatunde Fashola, who was seated beside Hamzat during the proceedings, further fuelling speculation over the political undertone of the event.

Observers noted that Olusi’s repeated references to Hamzat suggested continuity within the state’s leadership structure, with the GAC chairman at one point explicitly describing him as “our incoming Governor of Lagos.”

The remarks reportedly drew noticeable reactions from delegates, given their implications for the 2027 race.

Olusi also highlighted Hamzat’s indigenous roots, describing him as a “son of the soil” and referring to him as “a cousin from Egbe,” a comment he said emphasized Hamzat’s deep ties to Lagos’ traditional and political landscape.

The IBILE Eko Summit, which brings together political leaders, traditional rulers, and key stakeholders of Lagos origin, is widely regarded as an influential platform within the state’s political framework, often serving as a space where consensus and direction on governance and succession are subtly shaped.

The All Progressives Congress has rejected claims that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, insisting that the country remains a full multi-party democracy.

The party’s National Secretary, Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, made the statement on Wednesday during a media chat on Arise TV.

“By the last estimates, Nigeria has about 200 million people, and the largest proportion in any political organisation belongs to the APC. So when you talk about Nigerians speaking collectively, you cannot rely on what I call a cacophony of individuals speaking out of emotion without facts. As a government, we must respect democratic institutions, and no one should cast aspersions on democracy or the judiciary without hard evidence.

“One of the key features of democracy is the diversity of ideas and the freedom for people to speak without fear. Today, Nigeria has a vibrant and independent media space. Everyday, there are editorials and talk shows criticising the government. That shows that freedom of speech, association, and organisation are clearly alive in our country.”

He said Nigeria currently has about 19 registered political parties, arguing that this alone disproves allegations of one-party domination.

“As at the last count, we have no less than 19 registered political parties in Nigeria. Those claiming to have problems are not up to four or five. So you cannot say there is a one-party state.”

He stressed that the APC remains focused on strengthening its structures and expanding grassroots support across the country, rather than engaging in what he described as unnecessary political accusations.

“The job of the APC is very clear. We intend to build a pan-Nigerian political party that truly resonates with the grassroots and is able to articulate policies and programmes in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President. We will not be distracted by people whose outcry is driven by sentiments that are not rooted in facts,” he added.

Residents of Edikwu Ukpogo in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State have fled the community following a series of attacks reportedly carried out by suspected herdsmen.

The residents left behind farms and other livelihoods, raising fresh concerns about security and humanitarian conditions in the state.

Benue State has continued to face recurring clashes between farming communities and armed groups, often leading to displacement and loss of lives. Apa LGA is among the areas that have experienced repeated security challenges in recent years.

The once active community of Edikwu Ukpogo is now described by locals as deserted.

Families reportedly fled in fear after successive attacks, abandoning properties and farmlands critical to their survival.

The displacement has disrupted agricultural activities, worsening concerns over food security and economic stability in the area.

Reacting to the development, a political leader, Hon. Adole Jose Ehoda, described the situation as a humanitarian crisis, calling for urgent intervention by the government and security agencies.

He urged authorities to restore security, protect lives and property, and provide relief materials for displaced residents.

Residents and observers have also expressed growing frustration, questioning how long communities will remain vulnerable without adequate protection.

As displacement continues, attention is shifting to the response of security agencies.

The Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA has appealed to Abia residents and other road users on Aba-Azumini highway to avoid any act that may destroy the newly completed work on the road.

FERMA, which spoke through Suleiman Mohammed Omonowo, South-East 2 Zonal Director, warned that burning of tyres during festivities would destroy the road.

Speaking on the highway during the inspection of the road, Omonowo said that harmful practices by youths and other community members on new roads contribute to the failure of some roads across the country.

“Our advice to the road users, especially the indigenes is to protect the road from destruction. Let nobody come and destroy it or be burning tyres in the name of celebration.

“This portion of the highway was in critical and terrible condition, a death trap to commuters and villagers before FERMA intervened”, he said.

Omonowo expressed satisfaction with the quality of job done by the contractor that handled the work, saying that the Catch Pit constructed in the project would prevent overflow of water.

He said that the road which connects Aba and some other communities in Abia up to Cross River State, carries heavy traffic of vehicles, hence FERMA’s intervention.

The South-East 2 Zonal Director, who said that his office is in charge of Ebonyi, Abia and Cross River States, urged Nigerian construction companies to do more in quality delivery, to be able to effectively challenge foreign construction companies.

Also speaking, the Federal roads maintenance engineer, Abia State, Festus Okafor said FERMA workers are not suffering harassment or other forms of violence from youths and other villagers in Abia State during their operations.

As part of effort to strengthen security arrangements for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), operatives of the Ogun state police alongside operational assets have been deployed across the 72 accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in the state.

DAILY POST reports that the exam is scheduled to hold from 16th to 25th April, 2026.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the deployment followed the command’s adoption of proactive, firm, and intelligence-led security measures aimed at ensuring a safe, orderly, and credible examination exercise across all CBT centres in Ogun State.

Babaseyi stated that the operational plan is designed to guarantee visible police presence, early threat detection, and swift response to any security concern before, during, and after the examination period.

He said, “In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, all Area Commanders within jurisdictions hosting CBT centres have been placed on heightened operational alert and directed to take full charge of security management within their areas.

“They are to ensure strict supervision of deployed personnel, sustained patrols around examination environments, and close coordination with Divisional Police Officers, tactical teams, and JAMB officials to ensure seamless conduct of the exercise.”

He warned that any attempt to engage in examination malpractice, impersonation, or any form of disorderly conduct will be met with swift and decisive action, including arrest and prosecution.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, assured residents of robust, proactive, and firm security coverage throughout the examination period and urged candidates to strictly comply with all examination guidelines and conduct themselves responsibly at all centres.