Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde warns against suppressing Nigerians' will in 2027 elections
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the presidential candidate of the Allied People鈥檚 Movement, has cautioned against any attempts to suppress the will of Nigerians during the 2027 general elections. Speaking in Bauchi after a meeting with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and APM leadership, Makinde emphasized that the election outcomes must reflect the electorate's wishes, vowing that the opposition would resist electoral manipulation. He described Nigeria's current political climate as "toxic" and among the country's darkest periods but expressed optimism for a new political dawn. Makinde highlighted the APM's confidence in the 2027 presidential election, citing his 2019 Oyo State governorship victory against the then-ruling All Progressives Congress as an example of the people's power. Addressing insecurity in Oyo State, he noted that recent incidents were isolated, following years of peace, and pointed out the constraints state governors face as chief security officers within Nigeria's current security architecture. Governor Bala Mohammed praised Makinde's developmental achievements in Oyo State, including projects typically under federal responsibility, and confirmed discussions on governance, security, and the APM's growth as an opposition party ahead of the 2027 elections.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC has issued an alert to Nigerians regarding two alcoholic energy drinks, Bel Ice Vodka Energy Drink and Cody鈥檚 Vody Energy Mix, that were confiscated by Ghanaian authorities. NAFDAC warned importers, distributors, and consumers against bringing these products into Nigeria. The Ghana Food and Drugs Authority seized approximately 140 boxes of the products in the Upper East Region due to concerns about their safety and regulatory status. NAFDAC stated that these products were previously banned from sale and distribution due to potential health risks from combining alcohol and stimulants. The agency highlighted that stimulant ingredients in such drinks can mask alcohol intoxication, leading consumers to underestimate their impairment. Young adults and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to excessive alcohol consumption, impaired judgment, cardiovascular complications, dehydration, sleep disturbances, and increased risk of alcohol-related injuries. NAFDAC urged beverage dealers to ensure products comply with its registration and regulatory requirements and encouraged the public to report any sightings of these products or adverse events to the nearest NAFDAC office or via its e-reporting platforms.
Must ReadOyo State Governor Seyi Makinde stated that the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area occurred hours after he declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election. Makinde, who made the remark while addressing a meeting in Bauchi, noted that Oyo State had not experienced a similar incident during his seven years in office before the May 15 attack. He formally declared his presidential ambition on May 14 at a joint rally in Ibadan, aiming to "reset Nigeria," and later emerged as the presidential candidate for the Allied Peoples Movement. Hours after Makinde's comments, the Presidency announced that all victims were rescued after 56 days in captivity through a joint operation involving the military, Department of State Services, and police. Eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are in DSS custody, while others were neutralized. The Presidency confirmed that no negotiation or exchange took place despite the abductors' demand for a detained kingpin's release. Following the rescue, Makinde expressed relief and thanked President Tinubu and security agencies for securing the victims' freedom, describing it as a "big relief" for the families and people of Oyo State. President Tinubu also commended the security agencies and directed emergency agencies to provide medical care and support to the rescued individuals.
The Peoples Democratic Party PDP and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore have praised the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo State's Orire Local Government Area. The PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, welcomed the victims' safe return, acknowledging the efforts of the Federal Government, Oyo State government, security agencies, and other contributors, despite limited details on the rescue operation. The party highlighted the abduction as a stark reminder of Nigeria's security challenges, emphasizing the need for educational institutions to be safe spaces and urging the Federal Government to implement stronger measures to prevent future incidents. Omoyele Sowore also expressed gratitude to all who contributed to securing the victims' freedom. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the rescue as a "big relief" after 57 days in captivity. The Presidency confirmed the rescue, stating that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested and are in the custody of the Department of State Services, with others neutralized during the operation. The rescue was achieved without meeting the kidnappers' demand for the release of a detained kingpin.