Author: Platform Times Newspaper

As political permutations ahead of the 2027 general elections gather steam, activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has stirred the hornet’s nest with a bold claim that no Southern politician stands a chance of defeating President Bola Tinubu at the polls—except former President Goodluck Jonathan. Adeyanju, in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, argued that the opposition’s most viable route to dislodging Tinubu would be through a Jonathan-Rabiu Kwankwaso joint ticket or a younger Northern candidate paired with Labour Party’s Peter Obi. “No Southern candidate can defeat Tinubu except Goodluck Jonathan,” Adeyanju wrote, warning that any…

Traditional religion adherents in Ogun State have expressed outrage over the burial of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, saying the exclusion of Isese rites from the monarch’s final journey was a disrespect to Yoruba cultural heritage. The Isese community, under the aegis of Isese Worshippers of Ogun State, voiced their concerns during a meeting held in Aneokuta to review the incident. The session, chaired by Oba Dr. Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun, the Oba Isese of Ogun State, condemned the manner in which Islamic rites were exclusively observed at the burial, sidelining the traditional ceremonies historically linked with royal…

Balkis Adeniji  A political group, Progressives Vanguard, has thrown its weight behind the 2027 governorship ambition of former Nigerian  High Commissioner to  the United  Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji Isola, hailing him as a seasoned administrator with the pedigree to steer Ogun State toward accelerated development. At a strategic meeting held on Tuesday, July 16, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the group—which draws membership from across the 20 local government areas of the state—formally endorsed Isola, citing his extensive experience in public service. Speaking at the gathering, the group’s leader, Hon. Ayobami Makinde, emphasized the need for unity among supporters ahead…

 By Hon. (Chief) Olalekan A. Shoyinka (Ayinla Egba) United Premier Movement, Abeokuta South Local Government The political terrain of Nigeria was jolted yet again with the news of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s reported exit from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). For many of us who identify as progressive-minded politicians, this news lands not as a loss, but as a long-awaited gust of fresh air — the beginning of what could be a genuine cleansing and rebuilding process for a party that once held so much promise. If I were a card-carrying member of the PDP, I would interpret Atiku’s departure as…

The Chairman of Ijebu-Ode Local Government, Hon. Dare Alebiosu, has dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that all markets in the council area have been ordered to shut down for 75 days following the death of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. Alebiosu, in a personally signed statement issued on Thursday, described the claim as “false and baseless,” urging traders, market leaders, and the general public to disregard the rumour. He stated that no such directive emanated from his office or any competent authority, stressing that economic activities across the local government remain unhindered. “The attention of…

Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri, has paid tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, saying she will never forget the positive impact he had on her life. In a condolence message on Wednesday, Waziri described Buhari’s death as a national loss and a personal moment of reflection. She said the former president would be remembered for his discipline, honesty, and lifelong commitment to fighting corruption. “From his military days to his democratic rule, President Buhari stayed true to his anti-corruption stance,” she said. Waziri praised Buhari’s personal integrity, saying he lived…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has continued to generate reactions from political stakeholders, with some downplaying the impact of his exit on the opposition party. Atiku, in a letter dated July 14, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the PDP Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State, cited irreconcilable differences and the party’s deviation from its founding principles as the reason for his departure. The former vice president, who served from 1999 to 2007 and contested the presidency under the PDP in 2019 and 2023, said he made the decision “with a heavy…

A socio-political movement, The Alternative, has intensified its grassroots campaign against voter apathy, vote buying, and political disillusionment, urging Nigerians to take charge of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Wednesday during an empowerment programme for Agbe Gbe’lu Agro Network Limited, Ogun West chapter—a farmers’ cooperative in Ogun State—the Convener of The Alternative, Segun Showunmi, said the movement is focused on reawakening political consciousness among rural dwellers. Represented by a national member of the movement, Mr. Adai Edwin, Showunmi declared that Nigeria must move past the era of vote trading, empty campaign promises, and voter…

A statewide strike declared by organised labour has crippled government operations in Ogun State, as major public offices, schools, and courts were shut on Wednesday in compliance with the indefinite industrial action. The strike, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), entered its second day with near-total compliance observed across the state capital, Abeokuta. PLATFORM TIMES which monitored the situation observed  that several government facilities, including ministries, courts, and schools, had their gates under lock and key, with workers nowhere in sight. The labour unions had on Monday directed all…

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has come under heavy criticism for using Nigeria’s official Coat of Arms in his resignation letter from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 18 years after leaving public office. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who led the backlash, described the move as both “morally wrong” and “legally offensive,” citing the Flag and Coat of Arms Act. Abubakar’s resignation letter, dated July 14, 2025, and addressed to the PDP chairman of Jada 1 Ward in Adamawa State, was posted online by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, on Wednesday. The development coincided with the…