Security Tops Agenda as Colonel Adegbola Joins Oyo North Race

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Retired military officer and All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial aspirant for Oyo North, Col. Gbenga Adegbola (rtd.), has said tackling insecurity and strengthening national stability would be among his top priorities if elected into the National Assembly in 2027.

Adegbola stated this on Saturday while addressing journalists after a successful screening exercise for the Oyo North Senatorial District in Abuja.

The retired colonel, who is joining the growing list of contenders for the Oyo North seat, said his military background and experience in strategy and security management would be useful in addressing the country’s security challenges.

His declaration comes at a time residents in parts of Oyo State continue to express concern over rising cases of kidnappings, attacks on rural communities and criminal activities along some highways in the state.

In recent months, security agencies have intensified operations across parts of Oyo North and surrounding areas following reports of abductions and attacks linked to armed groups operating around forest corridors and border communities.

Speaking after the screening exercise, Adegbola commended the APC leadership for what he described as a smooth and transparent process.

“Well, I think it’s very, very good. I enjoyed it. It’s not too cumbersome and the screening committee did wonderfully,” he said.

On reports of possible consensus arrangements within the party ahead of the primaries, the senatorial hopeful expressed confidence that APC stakeholders in Oyo State would manage internal issues peacefully.

According to him, Oyo State has a long tradition of resolving political disagreements without rancour.

“Oyo State is a unique state out of the states in Nigeria. We are unique. We are first in everything. That’s why they call us the pace setters. We always set the pace,” he stated.

“Our differences will be settled naturally without problems. No problems in Oyo State at all.”

Adegbola also said his ambition was driven by a desire to contribute to national development and improve representation for the people of Oyo North at the Senate.

“I want to contribute significantly to the development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And my background, as an expert in military strategy, I’ll be able to put a lot of things to correct some abnormalities as a senator of the Federal Republic,” he said.