The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a stern warning to political aspirants, party leaders and their supporters in Oyo State against political rhetoric and actions capable of undermining the peace and stability the state has enjoyed in recent years.
The warning was issued on Monday morning in Ibadan during a press briefing addressed by Comrade Alao John Oluwadamilola, National Financial Secretary of NANS, alongside Comrade Ojetola Babatunde Yussuf (TOYYEM), General Secretary, NANS Southwest Zone D and Comrade Uthman Olawale Abdul-Azeez (Industry), Chairman, NANS Joint Campus Council (JCC), Oyo State.
The Association expressed concern over reports of a protest allegedly organised by supporters of Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in the 2027 Oyo State election, during which Governor Seyi Makinde was reportedly blamed for the senator’s alleged failure to deliver empowerment and other constituency benefits.
Speaking at the briefing, Alao described the reported argument as an attempt to shift responsibility and misdirect public criticism, insisting that elected officials must be held accountable for the responsibilities attached to their respective offices.
“Oyo State must not become a theatre of political desperation ahead of the 2027 elections. The peace we have enjoyed in this state over the past seven years must not be sacrificed on the altar of personal ambition or partisan rivalry,” he said.
He questioned the rationale behind blaming a state governor for the performance of a federal legislator, noting that senators and governors occupy distinct offices with different constitutional responsibilities.
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👉 JOIN GISTSMATE WHATSAPP CHANNEL“If constituents believe that their senator has not done enough, they should demand answers from the senator and assess his record. A governor must not be turned into a convenient scapegoat simply because the performance of another elected official is being questioned. Public office is a responsibility, not a licence to shift blame,” Alao added.
NANS acknowledged the right of citizens to peaceful protest and political expression but warned that such freedoms should not be used to mislead the public, inflame political tensions or create hostility between residents and public officials. It maintained that opposition politics should focus on credible alternatives, policy proposals and constructive scrutiny rather than narratives that evade accountability.
Also speaking, Comrade Ojetola Babatunde Yussuf (TOYYEM), General Secretary of NANS Southwest Zone D, cautioned political aspirants against allowing electoral ambitions to threaten the state’s stability.
“The 2027 election is not a licence to destabilise Oyo State. Citizens have every right to question their leaders, but accountability must be directed appropriately and pursued responsibly. Political competition should be based on ideas, performance and credible programmes, not attempts to inflame passions or mislead the public,” he said.
The student leaders stressed that Governor Makinde, like every other public official, remains open to legitimate scrutiny. However, they insisted that criticisms of his administration should be based on verifiable facts and relevant responsibilities, rather than attempts to make him answer for matters outside his direct mandate.
Comrade Uthman Olawale Abdul-Azeez (Industry), Chairman of NANS JCC, Oyo State, called on political actors to protect the state’s atmosphere of peace as preparations for the next election gather momentum.
“Oyo State must remain peaceful before, during and after the 2027 elections. Political disagreements must not become an excuse for hostility, intimidation or disruption of everyday life. We urge all aspirants to put the welfare of the people first,” he said.
NANS further urged political parties and their supporters to focus on substantive issues, including education, employment, healthcare, security, infrastructure and youth development. It warned young people against being used as instruments of political hostility and encouraged them to demand accountability through lawful and democratic means.
The Association maintained that no individual, political party or electoral ambition is greater than the collective interest of Oyo State. It called on all political actors to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and respect the rights and welfare of residents.
NANS warned that any attempt to exploit political disagreements in ways that could endanger public peace would be irresponsible and unacceptable. It urged aspirants to demonstrate the maturity and leadership expected of those seeking public office, stressing that the 2027 election should be a contest of ideas, records and credible solutions, not blame-shifting or political division.
Signed:
Comrade Alao John Oluwadamilola
National Financial Secretary, NANS
Comrade Ojetola Babatunde Yussuf (TOYYEM)
General Secretary, NANS Southwest Zone D
Comrade Uthman Olawale Abdul-Azeez (Industry)
Chairman, NANS Joint Campus Council (JCC), Oyo State
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