Wole Oke’s speakership ambition puts Tinubu’s re-election at risk – POCO

The Pelumi Olajengbesi Campaign Organisation (POCO) has questioned the ambition of the member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Wole Oke, to become Speaker of the House of Representatives after the 2027 general election, warning that his political calculations could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its spokesperson, Sodiq Lawal Chocomilo, the organisation said it had observed what it described as a campaign by Oke to convince constituents that he was positioned to succeed the incumbent Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, after the next general election.

POCO said it had no objection to Oke’s political ambition but questioned the basis of his aspiration, particularly because he recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was reportedly given an automatic ticket despite the presence of longstanding party members.

The organisation argued that Oke’s ambition raised questions about the existing political arrangement, noting that both President Tinubu and Oke are from the South-West.

According to POCO, the convention of zoning and regional balancing would make it difficult for the South-West to retain both the presidency and the speakership at the same time.

It therefore questioned how Oke intended to emerge as Speaker while Tinubu remained President, suggesting that his ambition could only materialise if the political arrangement changed after the 2027 election.

The campaign organisation also questioned Oke’s commitment to Tinubu’s re-election, asking why he had allegedly not been actively campaigning for the President despite seeking another term under the APC platform.

POCO further accused the lawmaker, who is seeking a sixth term, of using the speakership ambition as a campaign strategy without presenting what it described as a convincing record of performance in the constituency.

It also argued that Oke’s years in both the ruling party and opposition had not translated into his emergence as a principal officer of the House of Representatives.

However, the organisation presented its candidate, Pelumi Olajengbesi, as an alternative, saying his ambition was centred on improving representation and attracting development to Obokun/Oriade.

It said Olajengbesi would prioritise youth empowerment through digital technology and vocational training, support women-owned businesses and provide assistance to farmers through agricultural inputs and innovative farming methods.

The organisation said its candidate was committed to what it described as rescuing, restoring and resetting Ijesa North for sustainable development.