All stakeholders across Oyo State have dismissed insinuations that recent reports rejecting a third-term agenda in Lagelu, and other parts of the state extensive to Nigeria were mere April Fool narratives, declaring instead that the message reflects a firm and unanimous political position.
This follows developments captured in two separate reports published on April 1, 2026, highlighting rising resistance to alleged third-term ambitions and growing calls for fresh leadership in Lagelu Local Government.
According to the reports, key political actors under different platforms, including grassroots groups and opinion leaders, openly rejected any form of tenure elongation, describing it as undemocratic and contrary to established political norms. They emphasized that the agitation for new leadership is not symbolic but a clear directive from the people.
Stakeholders stressed that the timing of the reports coinciding with April 1 should not undermine their seriousness. They maintained that “zero tolerance for third-term agenda” remains a binding consensus across party lines in Oyo State, warning against attempts to trivialize the issue as a prank.
The several concerned groups across the zones of Oyo State were reported to have strongly opposed any move to recycle leadership, instead advocating inclusiveness, fairness, and opportunities for new entrants into the political space.
Similarly, voices within the political structure: PDP, APC, ADC etc cautioned against imposition, urging party leaders and government authorities to respect internal democracy and the will of the people. The resistance, they noted, cuts across factions and is gaining momentum.
The stakeholders further called on Governor Seyi Makinde to remain neutral and uphold democratic principles, particularly in relation to any existing agreements or Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) that could be interpreted as supporting tenure extension.
They urged the governor to ensure that no arrangement formal or informal undermines the widely accepted stance against third-term bids in any political office within the state.
Reaffirming their position, the stakeholders declared:
• No third or fourth term for any political office in Oyo State and Nigeria
• No imposition of candidates under any guise
• Full adherence to democratic processes and fresh leadership opportunities following the 2026 electoral acts.
They concluded that the developments represent a serious political awakening rather than a symbolic protest, insisting that the message from Lagelu reflects a broader statewide consensus that cannot be ignored.
