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, alleging that his political calculations could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The organisation argued that Oke’s ambition was difficult to reconcile with the zoning arrangement, considering that both he and President Tinubu are from the Southwest.
POCO spokesperson, Sodiq Lawal, popularly known as Chocomilo, raised the concerns in a statement issued on Monday, November 9, 2026, accusing the lawmaker of using the speakership ambition as a campaign strategy to secure a sixth term in the National Assembly.
The organisation said it had no objection to Oke’s ambition but expressed concern that he had joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) barely a year ago and was given an automatic ticket at the expense of longstanding party members.
“By the established conventions of zoning, equity and national balance, one geopolitical zone cannot simultaneously produce the President and the Speaker,” the statement read.
POCO further alleged that Oke’s ambition could only materialise if Tinubu lost the 2027 presidential election or if the existing political arrangement was disrupted.
“The only way Hon. Wole Oke can become Speaker is to secretly work against President Bola Tinubu, and decamp to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after the 2027 general election,” it alleged.
The organisation also questioned Oke’s commitment to Tinubu’s re-election campaign, asking: “Is this why he is not campaigning for President Tinubu? Is he subtly wishing for the electoral defeat of President Tinubu, the very man under whose party platform he now seeks a sixth term?”
POCO described the speakership narrative as a campaign tool to secure another term, alleging that the lawmaker had not demonstrated a corresponding record of performance in Obokun/Oriade.
It also questioned his leadership credentials, noting that despite spending eight years in the ruling party and 12 years in the opposition, he had never occupied a principal office in the House of Representatives.
“Hon. Wole Oke cannot become Speaker. He has spent eight years in the ruling party and twelve years in the opposition, yet he has never held any principal office,” the organisation stated.
Meanwhile, POCO said its candidate, Pelumi Olajengbesi, was seeking office to improve representation, attract development and give the constituency a stronger voice.
It listed youth empowerment through digital technology and vocational skills, support for women-owned businesses and assistance to farmers through agricultural inputs and innovative ideas among Olajengbesi’s proposed priorities.
The organisation said its candidate was committed to rescuing, restoring and resetting Ijesa North towards prosperity.
