Following his recent emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) consensus candidate in Ogun, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, on Tuesday, visited one of the leading gubernatorial aspirant in the state, Ambassador Sarafa Isola, seeking support and unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Senator Adeola was accompanied to the residence of the former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, by leaders of the party in the state which included two other governorship aspirants, Honourables Gboyega Nasir Isiaka and Abiodun Akinlade.

Those in attendance at the meeting included former deputy governor of the State, Alhaja Salmot Badru; Senator Lekan Mustapha; Chief Mrs Iyabode Apampa among other notable leaders of the party.

Adeola, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriations preached for unity of purpose and oneness in the overall interest of the party at the polls.

The APC consensus candidate recognized the immeasurable contributions of Ambassador Isola to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria.

Recall that Isola had served as a council chairman; Secretary to the State Government; Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former envoy to the United Kingdom.

While Adeola sought for his full support in ensuring the actualisation of the Ogun West Agenda, stressing that the current political process should not produce winners or losers, instead strengthening party cohesion and shared responsibility for the state’s future.

He described his ambition as a collective project maintaining that unity and mutual respect among stakeholders remain germane in achieving sustainable progress.

He assured the former envoy of his resolve to work collectively in taking the State to a higher pedestal of development.

In their contributions,Badru; Isiaka and Akinlade, urged members of the party to work in togetherness for the party to achieve a common goal of victory.

Responding, Ambassador Isola, noted that while politics is often driven by interests, it must not be allowed to damage relationships or fan ember of discord.

He congratulated Senator on his emergence as the party’s consensus candidate while recalling his role as Director-General of the 2011 governorship campaign of General Tunji Olurin, to affirm his commitment to the realization of the ” Yewa Agenda” project.

Isola further reiterated his commitment to the Ogun West project while reminiscing on his political passion for the State.

He disclosed that he was not part of the recently held Strategic Caucus Meeting of the party, a development that prompted him to embark on consultations.

Isola noted his position on stable political transitions and continuity in governance, and his engagements with former governors,Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun in achieving this.

Ambassador Isola appreciated Adeola’s visit and described it as a significant step toward reconciliation and inclusion, while handing over a 64-page socio-economic blueprint developed for Ogun State to the party’s candidate and expressed willingness to share it with the APC candidate for possible integration into his policy framework.

He also emphasised the importance of engaging his support base to ensure inclusiveness in the evolving political process.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it is constrained to alert the public about increasing waves of attack on its image by criminal characters parading themselves as officers of the Commission in different guises.

In a statement by Dele Oyewale, Head, Media & Publicity and made available to The column, the EFCC said the Intelligence available to the Commission showed “that several ingenious but fraudulent means are being employed by dark characters to besmirch the reputation of the EFCC.

” For instance, there is a gang of fraudsters now operating around popular Eateries or funspots in our major cities. Their modus operandi is laying ambush for innocent youths coming out of the Eateries and harassing them on unfounded suspicions of being internet fraudsters and dispossessing them of their valuables.

” These characters usually portray the identities of authentic EFCC officers by dressing in fake uniforms and moving their victims to locations bearing fictitious resemblance to an EFCC office.

“There is also a gang of itinerant criminals harassing innocent motorists on the identities of their number plates. These ones wield dangerous weapons to compel their victims to offer them money on trumped-up accusations. There is yet another tribe of online impersonators and fraudulent content creators dramatizing fake sting operations of the EFCC with evidence of broken doors, windows and forced entrance into their premises. Such uncharacteristic portrayals of the EFCC could deceive unsuspecting members of the public into holding the Commission and its officers culpable of contrived actions of impersonators”

The agency thus enjoined public, to be circumspect in its evaluation of claims intended to drag the Commission’s image into the mud. ” The EFCC has its standard operating procedures about all its activities and appropriate channels of ventilating grievances against any operation or officer of the Commission are in place.

“While the EFCC is steadfastly pursuing its mandate of ridding the nation of economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption, well-meaning and reform-minded Nigerians should not allow their judgment of the works of the Commission to be negatively affected by the activities of these impersonators, blackmailers and fake characters using the identities of the Commission to serve their nefarious interests” the statement concluded.

Leading figures within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) have endorsed the governorship aspiration of Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, backing their support with substantial financial contributions during a six-stop consultative tour across Lagos State. The engagements, which began at the residence of GAC Member and political leader, Chief Abiodun Ogunleye, witnessed growing elite consensus around Hamzat’s candidacy ahead of the 2027 elections.

At the first stop in Ikorodu, hosted by Chief Abiodun Ogunleye, political leaders and stakeholders highlighted local expectations while affirming confidence in Hamzat.

While welcoming the delegation, Alhaji Mutiu Are set the tone for the consultations, explaining that the visit was to formally present Hamzat to key leaders and seek their blessings.

Asiwaju of Ikorodu, Chief Kaoli Olusanya, reminded the incoming governor to remain mindful of Ikorodu’s interests, stressing the importance of inclusive governance and continuity of grassroots connection.

Also speaking, the Chief Host, Former deputy governor and political leader, Chief Abiodun Ogunleye praised the deputy governor’s humility and track record. “The deputy governor is our own. You have been good to us and your character reflects true humility,” he said, while calling for urgent infrastructural interventions, including a flyover at Ikorodu Roundabout and broader urban renewal.

Also, Distinguished Senator Ganiyu Solomon also assured that Ikorodu’s demands would not be ignored, stating, “APC is united, and I am confident Ikorodu will stand firmly behind this candidacy.”

Responding, Hamzat stressed the need for unity and inclusive development across the state. “It is time for genuine peace. Lagos will not prosper if Lagosians does not prosper. I am proud of what we have achieved, but we must continue to improve,” he said, adding that Lagos has the potential to rival global cities like New York with sustained planning and execution.

The tour continued to the residence of GAC member Chief Reuben Olorunfunmi Basorun, where Hamzat reiterated his commitment to party processes and inclusive governance. “We cannot proceed with political activities without consulting leaders like you. We seek your blessings to ensure a seamless and credible process,” he said.

Chief Basorun endorsed the aspiration, stating, “Hamzat is my son; we must support him. But do not forget Ikorodu when you get there.”

At the same meeting, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe described Hamzat as the most competent candidate for the job. “If you see technological advancement in Lagos today, it started with Hamzat. We are fully in support of him as the incoming governor,” he said.

At the residence of Senator Seye Ogunlewe, the endorsement was reinforced with financial backing. Ogunlewe donated ₦1 million toward Hamzat’s nomination form, while women and youth leaders present contributed ₦250,000 and ₦50,000 respectively. The senator also offered prayers and reaffirmed his support for the deputy governor’s ambition.

The consultations proceeded to Kosofe Local Government at the residence of GAC member Chief Olumuyiwa Sosanya. He commended Hamzat’s loyalty and leadership qualities. Recalling his decision to step down in 2019, Sosanya said, “You demonstrated true Omoluabi character. Now it is your turn.” Chief Sosanya, therefore, supported Hamzat with the sum of N5 million to purchase the nomination form.

Dr Hamzat, in response, emphasised adherence to due process, noting, “Lagos is too important to fail. We must follow the right path to secure victory for our party and deliver for the people.”

At another engagement, GAC member Chief M.A. Taiwo also cited Hamzat’s longstanding commitment to public service. “For many reasons, he deserves this position. He is not the kind of leader who distances himself from the people,” Taiwo said, adding his endorsement.

The final stop was at the residence of Lagos West Senator, Dr Idiat Adebule, where Hamzat received assurances of widespread support. Presenting him, Hon. Rasaq Ajala described him as a humble and capable leader, while Adebule stated, “Hamzat is a known and tested figure. This journey will be seamless, and you have our full support here in Ojo.”

On his entourage were the scribe of the highest advisory body for the state, Alhaji Mutiu Are,Distinguished Senators Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon; husband of the Ogun State Deputy Governor and party chieftain at Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Alh Bode Oyedele, immediate past Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon Rasaq Olusola Ajala; the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Works, Engr Adekunle Olayinka and his counterpart on Religious Matters, Dr. Jebe Abdullah, among others.