Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed his commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party, declaring his comfort in the opposition party despite a growing wave of high-profile defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress. “No, I’m comfortable in the PDP,” Makinde told journalists after closed-door talks with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Thursday. The Oyo governor emphasised that his visit to the President was focused on governance matters affecting the nation rather than party political considerations. “The President is the President of Nigeria, not the President of APC. And we’re talking about governance here. “So I came to discuss with the President on some governance issues, basically,” Makinde said. When pressed on whether recent public friction with other PDP stakeholders and his trip to meet the President signalled a shift toward the ruling party, Makinde affirmed that he was comfortable in his party. The governor stressed that while he was willing to work with the President on matters of national interest, his party allegiance remained unwavering. He argued that maintaining a strong opposition was essential to Nigeria’s democratic health, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. “We may have issues in this country where you need bipartisan approach, where it won’t be an issue of maybe APC talking alone or PDP talking alone. When you get to that junction, you need everybody on board,” Makinde said. He argued that harmonious relations with the ruling party on governance matters did not constitute a departure from PDP principles. Makinde noted that leaders had a responsibility to work together on issues transcending party lines, particularly matters of national security and poverty alleviation. “There’s nothing that I’ve said in the past that says we’re not enjoying a harmonious relationship. You know, politics is politics. “We belong to different political parties. But Nigeria is a project that all Nigerians must be concerned about, the welfare of our people,” he said. The governor added, “Those are things that have no coloration of a party. As leaders, whether President or governor of a state, those are things that we have to work together, consult with one another, and ensure that we can make life one shade better for our people.” The governor’s statement comes as the PDP faces its most significant challenge since 2015, with governors, senators, and other high-profile members abandoning the party for the ruling APC or other platforms. Since 2025, the opposition has experienced unprecedented defections to the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 general elections. In April 2025, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori defected to the APC alongside his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and the entire PDP structure in the state. Okowa, who was the PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, cited the need to align with the federal government to access resources for development. Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno formally joined the APC in June 2025, stating he could not guarantee electoral victory under the PDP. In October, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah announced his defection, describing President Tinubu as “a partner in purpose.” By year-end, additional governors had switched allegiances. These include the Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke who on December 9, 2025, moved to the Accord in December, while Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara defected to the APC in the same month. Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, also defected from the PDP to the APC later in December. Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri had joined the APC in November of 2025, citing what he called the “terminal decline” of the PDP. The PDP now controls four states; Adamawa, Bauchi, Oyo, and Zamfara, down from 16 states it controlled in 2015. Senate representation has also declined from 36 members at the 2023 inauguration to 23 by the end of 2025. Makinde had previously alleged that Wike, during a private meeting with President Tinubu, promised to “hold down the PDP” for the President ahead of the 2027 elections. He recounted that Wike made the statement without prior consultation or the consent of other PDP stakeholders, an action that, he said, shocked him and prompted him to immediately confront Wike upon leaving the meeting. “Wike can support him, and that is within his right. But it is equally my right to decide who I will support and what role I will play in 2027,” Makinde has previously stated, emphasising that he views the former Rivers Governor’s approach as a threat to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. Wike has denied making any such pledge, describing Makinde’s account as “a blatant lie.” He said the meeting was a routine visit by G-5 governors to discuss state matters with the President, and that Makinde had kept silent about the discussion for months before public allegations. Wike, while serving as FCT Minister in an APC-led government, has remained a PDP member. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said on December 23, 2025 that he regrets backing President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 election, despite being a PDP governor and part of the G5 group that opposed the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. He also said Tinubu will not have his support in 2027, citing concerns about the survival of multiparty democracy and alleging attempts to weaken the PDP. He also indicated he will not support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, citing concerns about the administration’s policies and what he views as attempts to weaken the opposition. The governor has been widely believed to be nursing presidential ambitions for 2027. Makinde’s meeting with the President also comes amid allegations surrounding the Federal Government’s relief intervention following the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan. Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose publicly alleged that Makinde received N50bn from the FG as relief funds but had not fully accounted for the disbursement. Makinde clarified that while the FG promised N50bn, only N30bn was actually released. He said he used N4.5bn to provide direct support to explosion victims and the remainder for reconstruction efforts including road repairs, security upgrades, and memorial plans.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned non-citizens against participating in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across the country. The warning was issued on Thursday in Bauchi by the State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Umar Ibrahim, during an interactive session held ahead of the commencement of Phase Two of the CVR in the state. Ibrahim commended the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security for detecting a non-citizen who was mistakenly registered during Phase One. He said the Commission has already initiated the statutory processes required to address the irregularity in line with the law. “As Phase Two progresses, the Commission urges all stakeholders to intensify sensitisation, mobilisation and public enlightenment to ensure eligible citizens register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards,” the REC said. Ibrahim added that voter registration remains a fundamental component of the electoral process, hence the need to engage stakeholders ahead of the resumption of the Phase Two exercise. Also speaking, a representative of the Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Bauchi State, Danladi Abdulkadir, stressed that no non-citizen is permitted to vote or be voted for in Nigeria. He called on citizens to report suspected non-citizens to the relevant authorities. THENEWSCREDIT recalls that Phase One of the CVR was conducted from August 18 to December 10, 2025. During the period, INEC recorded significant improvements in voter registration, voter record management and Permanent Voter Card distribution across Bauchi State. Phase Two of the nationwide CVR commenced on January 5, 2026, and is scheduled to run until April 17, 2026

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has announced plans to regulate the activities of house agents in the state to curb widespread extortion and exploitation. Ogundoyin made this known at the maiden annual stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan. The meeting brought together representatives of registered youth organisations and associations across the state. During the interactive session, several youth leaders raised concerns over the alarming rate of extortion by house agents, lamenting that unregulated practices have made access to housing increasingly difficult and unaffordable for residents. Responding, the Speaker disclosed that the Oyo State House of Assembly would constitute a committee to draft a bill aimed at regulating the activities of house agents and curbing their excesses. He assured stakeholders that the proposed legislation would be concluded and transmitted to Governor Seyi Makinde for assent before the end of the first quarter of the year. According to him, the bill would underscore the seriousness of the House in addressing the menace of extortion and restoring sanity to the housing sector. “This bill will demonstrate how serious the leadership of the House is about addressing the extortion by house agents. It will protect residents from exploitation and bring long-awaited relief to the people,” Ogundoyin said. Speaking further, the Speaker described himself as a representative and voice of young people in governance, stressing the need for deliberate and sustained investment in youth development. He called for the establishment and strengthening of modern skill acquisition centres, noting that contemporary skills are critical for self-reliance and survival in today’s highly competitive environment. “We must intentionally develop our youths. Attention should be given to skill acquisition centres that focus on modern skills that fit into today’s challenging world, especially in terms of self-sustainability,” he added. Ogundoyin also urged young people to shun social vices such as cybercrime (Yahoo Yahoo), ritual practices, and other destructive behaviours, warning that such acts undermine their future and tarnish the image of the state. Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, Hon. Adebowale Adebayo Falana, commended the Speaker for his consistent support for youth-oriented initiatives and progressive legislation. Falana noted that, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, the executive and legislative arms, in collaboration with the agency, remain committed to empowering youths through advocacy, leadership development, and sustained engagement on socio-economic issues. He further disclosed that Governor Makinde has approved the reconstruction of the agency’s new building, which will accommodate offices for all youth organisations in the state, alongside a befitting hall for events and recreational activities aimed at youth transformation. The chairman also announced upcoming programmes of the agency, including the Mic and Mix competition and the 2026 New Year concert, to be headlined by Afrobeat star Olamide Baddo, as part of efforts to boost the state’s creative economy. In his goodwill message, the Coordinating Director of the agency, Mr. Sangogade Olusumbo, described the meeting as epoch-making, noting that the agency had never experienced such engagement with youths before the current leadership. He assured that all programmes lined up for 2026 would be fully implemented, adding that the agency remains committed to uplifting youth organisations and promoting all-round development. Dignitaries at the event included Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel, Hon. Olorunpoto Rahaman Cephas, Hon. Owolabi Olushola, Hon. Modiu Akande Opeyemi, and Hon. Sunkanmi Babalola. Youth groups represented at the meeting included ARSOYOC, NYCN, NYC, PROTAAN, Association of Entertainment Stakeholders, Oke-Ogun Youth Solidarity Forum, Federation of Boys and Girls, Coalition of Yoruba Youth Movement, and the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development.

The Awujale Kingmakers Council has announced the cancellation of a planned meet-and-greet earlier scheduled to be held at the Aafin Awujale, directing instead that Awujale nominees report to the Department of State Services office in Ijebu-Ode on Wednesday by 11 am. This was contained in a formal communication dated January 20, 2026, addressed to the Chairman of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, Otunba Lateef Owoyemi; his deputy, Otunba Dokun Ajidagba; and the Vice Chairman, Prof. Fassy Yusuf. According to the notice, all Awujale nominees are required to present themselves at the DSS office located along NTA Road, beside the State Psychiatric Hospital, off Igbeba Road, Ijebu-Ode, by 11:00 a.m. prompt. The council stated that the decision led to the cancellation of the earlier engagement at the Aafin Awujale and expressed regret for any inconvenience the sudden change may cause. The letter, signed by the Secretary of the Awujale Afobaje Council, Chief Ayotunde Ola Odulaja, urged all concerned nominees to comply strictly with the directive and ensure punctuality. The development is coming amid ongoing traditional processes surrounding Awujale-related nominations in Ijebuland. Further details on the outcome of the DSS engagement were not disclosed at the time of filing this report. The letter partly reads “We write to formally inform you that the meet-and-greet earlier scheduled for this morning at the Aafin Awujale has been cancelled. “Accordingly, the Awujale nominees are hereby directed to report to the Department of State Services (DSS) office located at State Security Service (SSS) Along NTA Road, Beside the State Psychiatric Hospital, Off Igbeba Road, Ijebu-Ode. Time: 11:00 a.m. prompt. “We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this change may cause. Kindly ensure that all concerned nominees are punctual and comply strictly with this directive.”

The Secretary of Saki West Local Government Area in Oyo State, Hon. Kolade Felix Ojo, has been sacked, THENEWSCREDIT reports. The decision was announced on Tuesday. Saki West is one of the local government areas in the Oke Ogun geopolitical zone of the state. Our correspondent gathered that the decision to sack the Secretary, who also serves as the Political Head of Asabari Local Council Development Area, came about 72 hours after he attended the gubernatorial declaration of Mr. Abdulrahman Oriyomi Hamzat. Hamzat, who operates Agidigbo 88.7 FM in Ibadan, declared his ambition to contest the 2023 gubernatorial election on the platform of Accord on Saturday. It was learnt that Ojo was one of the participants at the declaration. THENEWSCREDIT reports that Ojo was sacked for participating in the event. However, the Chairman of the local government area, Hon. Gbenga Akinola, noted that the decision was part of ongoing efforts to reposition the local government. In a statement obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday evening, Akinola said Kolade was asked to vacate the office with immediate effect. “The Executive Chairman of Saki West Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Akinola, has approved the relief of the Secretary of the Local Government, Hon. Kolade Felix Ojo, from his post with immediate effect. “This decision is part of ongoing efforts to reposition the Local Government for greater efficiency, accountability, and effective service delivery to the people of Saki West.”

Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, has sparked widespread conversation on social media following comments he made on marriage, finances and responsibility, particularly in situations where a wife earns significantly more than her husband. In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by ChuksEricE on Tuesday, Pastor Enenche, speaking during a church session, addressed men who earn far less than their spouses, urging them not to abdicate their responsibilities at home because of income differences. According to him, a man earning ₦100,000 monthly should not expect his wife, who earns ₦1 million, to shoulder the full financial burden of the household. “Listen, your wife is on ₦1 million a month and you are on ₦100,000 a month. No challenge. Maybe you couldn’t get a good job or things have not picked up yet,” he said. He stressed that responsibility remains key, regardless of financial imbalance. “Don’t expect her to use her ₦1 million to take care of you and the house. She knows you are on ₦100,000,” Enenche stated. The clergyman advised men to contribute whatever they can from their income, no matter how small. “Out of that ₦100,000, you can split it into two. Say, ‘Madam, take this ₦50,000 or take this ₦60,000. I’m coming. When things get better, you will feel it,’” he said. According to Pastor Enenche, such effort strengthens emotional connection and respect in marriage. “That woman will love you,” he said, before adding what he described as a prophetic insight. “And can I give you a prophecy? That ₦60,000 is more valuable to her than her ₦1 million,” he stated. Explaining further, he said the difference lies in meaning rather than amount. “₦1 million is her money. ₦60,000—her husband gave it to her. Husband! Because it’s sweeter—husband gave me.” He further noted that money given by a husband carries emotional weight and is often treated with care. “That one will be kept somewhere and spent frugally,” he added. The remarks have since generated mixed reactions online, with many social media users debating financial roles, pride and partnership in modern marriages. commented, “This could have been phrased better than demanding 50%. Shebi our mothers worked and laid it all down for their husbands? What kind of Christianity or love is this? 😂 I agree you should give your wife from your heart. But be economically prudent about it as well.” An X user Heart Mattaz by Rita who identifies as #HeartMattaz wrote, “The wife has 1 million, and the husband has 100 thousand. Then, as a husband, the 1 million belongs to her, not you, but as a husband, you can divide your 100k into 2 and give her half, and she will value it. “Marriages are no longer working nowadays because pastors have drifted from the word of God by preaching convenience. “All family income belongs to the family. When you are married, two have become one in all ramifications, not selectively.” An X user Lord Foster Inc /!!! who identifies as #lordfoster commented, “Preachers often jump straight to “Wives, submit,” but they skip verse 21. Mutual submission means that if the family has a ₦500k need and the wife has ₦1 million, her submission to the “oneness” of the marriage means she steps in. Leadership in marriage is about sacrifice, not about who holds the checkbook. If a man earns 100k and his wife earns 1M, the “headship” of the man is shown in how he manages their collective 1.1M for God’s glory, not in how he protects his pride by letting her money sit idle.” An X user Oionz who identifies as #Oionz, wrote “Respect in a marriage is not created by symbolic gestures alone, especially when income gaps are that wide. Contribution matters, but so does fairness, communication, and shared responsibility based on capacity, not pride. “Money dynamics are emotional, yes, but they are also practical. Turning them into absolutes is where advice starts breaking down in real life.” “When you give her 50k out the 100k you have, she values it and it shows that you’re responsible, it shows that you’re doing everything in your capacity as a man to do your duty as the provider in the family despite your present condition. “Now when you do this, your wife will willingly support you because she’s seeing your efforts. The 1 million still goes back into the family, but not as an obligation but as a wife who is supportive and stepping in for her husband in difficult times to cover his shame. “So that’s why he said your 50k is more valuable because it shoes leadership and sense of responsibility and it also proves that if you have more you’ll do more for the family.”

Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has been taken into custody by the Department of State Services, DSS. DSS officials took the former minister shortly after he left Kuje Prison, following the completion of his bail conditions. THENEWSCREDIT understands that the former attorney-general is facing a fresh probe by the secret police. It was gathered that arms were discovered at his Kebbi country home by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during a search. The former AGF had recently alleged a plot by the DSS to re-arrest him from Kuje Prison. A Federal High Court on Wednesday granted Malami, his wife, and his son bail in the sum of ₦500 million each, with two sureties. However, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Bello Doka, the former minister alleged that the DSS was carrying out surveillance at the correctional centre in a bid to re-arrest him. The former minister is said to have met his bail conditions but was picked up by the secret police.

Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, has passed away at the age of 75. Born in 1950 in Ilorin, Kwara State, Sheikh Saliu dedicated his life to Islamic scholarship and emerged as one of the most respected religious leaders in the region. He was appointed the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in 1983 and served in this role for over four decades. During his long tenure, he was widely admired for his profound knowledge of Islamic teachings, steadfast leadership in religious matters, and unwavering commitment to promoting peace, unity, and religious tolerance among both Muslims and the wider community.

The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has assured Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that members of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs will give adequate support to the new chairman, Oba Rashidi Ladoja. Olugbon, in a statement released in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday, gave the assurance while hosting the governor at his palace in Orile-Igbon, Surulere Local Government Area of the state, on Friday. Alao, who thanked the governor for the visit, said he and other members of the council were behind Makinde, adding that Oba Ladoja would enjoy the support of council members across the five zones in the state — Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the governor on Thursday inaugurated the state Council of Obas and Chiefs after 15 years, with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Ladoja, emerging as its first chairman. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was conspicuously absent from the inauguration, which was held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan. At the inauguration, Governor Makinde explained that the chairmanship of the Obas Council would be rotated among the Olubadan, the Alaafin and the Soun of Ogbomoso. According to him, it was an agreement reached at a meeting with the three first-class monarchs. However, a statement released by the Alaafin’s media aide, Bode Durojaye, on Thursday said there was no such meeting between the governor and the Alaafin. The statement read, “The attention of the Alaafin’s palace has been drawn to a statement credited to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, that he consulted with the three traditional rulers in the state — the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun of Ogbomoso — on the rotational chairmanship of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs. “The palace hereby wants to state clearly that there was no time that His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Engineer Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, held any meeting with either the state governor or any of the two traditional rulers mentioned above,” the statement, signed by the Alaafin’s media aide, Durojaye, said. Olugbon, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Obas Council, said, “Your Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, we appreciate you for coming here. “I would like to take this opportunity to explain that the government has done what is needful on the state Council of Obas and Chiefs. We are in support of the decision. “The Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs has now been re-inaugurated, and we have a new chairman in the person of His Excellency, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadan. “I want to assure Your Excellency that we are all one in the council. We are united across the five zones — Ogbomoso, Ibadan, Oyo, Oke-Ogun and Ibarapa. People can say things, but we are members of one united family.”

Plans for the burial of late gospel singer Bunmi Akinnaanu, popularly known as Omije Ojumi, have been suspended following unresolved issues within her family. The development was announced by gospel artiste Lanre Alewilese via his Instagram page on Saturday. “This is to inform you that all plans and arrangements for the burial of our late sister and colleague, Lady Evangelist Bunmi Akinnaanu a.k.a. Omije Ojumi, by the Burial Planning Committee have been totally cancelled,” Alewilese wrote in the caption. He said the decision was taken due to issues arising from within the singer’s family. “This decision becomes necessary due to some issues arising from and within her family. “We are deeply sorry and regret the inconveniences,” the post added. Before the cancellation, burial activities scheduled to hold in Lagos included a service of songs, candlelight procession and tribute night on Tuesday, January 20, at the LTV 8 Ground in Ikeja, while a private interment for family members and close associates was planned for January 21. In a follow-up video message delivered in Yoruba, Alewilese clarified that the decision to suspend the burial arrangements was not personal but taken collectively by the family and the burial planning committee. “This is not my personal decision. It is the conclusion of the family and the burial committee,” he said. He explained that he was asked to inform Nigerians of the change, adding that the previously announced programmes had been put on hold. “The Tuesday and Wednesday programmes we earlier fixed at the LTV 8 venue are now on hold because of some reasons. The family will update Nigerians after they have come to a conclusion,” he stated. Akinnaanu died on January 12, 2026, at a Lagos hospital. Her death was announced by fellow gospel singer Ayo Melody in a statement shared on Instagram on behalf of the family. “With great sadness, we announce the passing of Evangelist Olubunmi Akinnaanu Adeoye, Omije Ojumi, who passed away on January 12, 2026, at a Lagos hospital, Nigeria. May God grant her eternal rest,” the statement read. Fondly called Omije Ojumi after her widely celebrated gospel song, Akinnaanu began singing at a young age before leaving a banking career to pursue gospel music full-time. In October 2025, a video surfaced online showing the gospel singer during a church service at G.F. David Ministries, Ibadan, where prayers were offered for her over an undisclosed ailment. There has been no official confirmation linking the condition to her death. The family is expected to announce new burial arrangements at a later date.