Ahead 2027, Contenders For Political Offices In Edo To Resign March

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March 2, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead 2027 general elections, and in order to insulate public office holders from partisan politics, Edo State Government has issued notice to anyone of them interested in politics to resign.

The State Government explained in a statement on Monday, signed by the Secretary to the Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, that responsibilities of governance must not be compromised by partisan political engagements.

It reads “The Edo State Government hereby notifies all Public Servants, Political Appointees, and Government Functionaries serving in any capacity within the Edo State Public Service that any officer, who intends to contest for any elective position in the forthcoming electoral cycle, must tender his or her resignation on or before 1st March, 2026, prior to participating in any party primaries or electoral process.

“This directive is issued in strict compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026, and is aimed at ensuring that all aspiring candidates do not run the risk of disqualification by the relevant electoral authorities.

“Government emphasizes that this requirement is intended to promote fairness, transparency, and a level playing field for all aspirants, while also safeguarding the integrity and neutrality of public institutions.

“Public office holders are reminded that the responsibilities of governance must not be compromised by partisan political engagements.

“All affected officers are therefore advised to take immediate and necessary steps to comply with this directive within the stipulated timeline.

“The Senator Monday Okpebholo-led Administration remains firmly committed to upholding constitutionalism, respecting the rule of law, and ensuring that due process is strictly observed in all matters of governance and political participation.

“By this announcement, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies are directed to give this notice the widest possible circulation.”

Ondo Landlord’s Son Remanded For Stabbing Nursing Mother To Death

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Ayodele Oni

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March 2, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

A dispute over house rent has led to the killing of a nursing mother by a landlord’s son in Ore, Odigbo local government area of Ondo State.

The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Quozeem Awe, was accused of fatally stabbing Deborah Adeleye and injuring her husband, Mathew Adeleye, as well as their daughter in the early morning attack.

The tragic incident reportedly occurred around 5:00 a.m. at the Ore Alaba area, beside a popular school, throwing the usually peaceful neighbourhood into confusion as frightened residents scampered for safety.

Eyewitnesses recollect that the violence was allegedly triggered by a lingering disagreement over house rent between the suspect and the deceased’s husband, a tenant in a building owned by the suspect’s father.

Sources disclosed that the dispute had been brewing for weeks before the landlord’s son allegedly stormed the apartment armed with a knife and a cutlass, escalating the confrontation.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Mathew Adeleye recounted that he and other tenants had earlier been served quit notices, despite the fact that their rents have not yet expired.

He explained that his tenancy was scheduled to expire on March 16 and that he had already begun arrangements to relocate in compliance with the notice.

“I had informed friends to help us search for another apartment, and we eventually secured one. We were preparing to move out that same day the incident occurred.”

He added that there had been no prior physical altercation between him and the suspect.

Narrating his ordeal, Adeleye explained that at about 5:00 a.m., Quozeem allegedly knocked on their door. Suspecting danger, he claimed to have warned the only other tenant in the building not to open the entrance.

“Moments later, he rushed into the room where my wife, Deborah, was lying on the bed. Immediately he entered, he jumped on her. She screamed that she had been stabbed. She died on the spot,” he alleged.

Adeleye stated that he rushed out upon hearing the commotion and confronted the suspect at the entrance.

“In the struggle to disarm him, I slipped and fell. He overpowered me and stabbed me several times in the back, hand and leg.”

Their first child, Tunrayo Adeleye, was also said to have sustained a stab wound on the wrist while attempting to escape.

She reportedly ran outside to raise the alarm, alongside one of Deborah’s customers who had arrived early to supply bread for her tea business.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident and arrest of the 27-year-old suspect, Kazeem Awe in connection with the case of suspected murder incident that occurred in the early hours of 26th February 2026 at Daystar Area, Ore-Alaba, Ore.

“Police operatives promptly visited the scene, recovered a blood-stained cutlass suspected to have been used in the attack, and took the suspect into custody.

Meanwhile the suspect has been charged to court and remanded in the custody of a Correction centre.

NPC Confirms Disu As New IGP

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Akinwale Kasali

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March 2, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Acting Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has been unanimously confirmed as the substantive Inspector General of Police by the National Police Council, NPC.

The NPC endorsed his appointment of after a Council Meeting held at the State House, Abuja.

The meeting is in compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, which requires the Police Council to consider the appointment.

It would be recalled that Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, had, earlier in a statement, said, ““In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.”

The Police Council is chaired by the President and comprises of all 36 state governors, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

Those who attended the meeting were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Head of Civil Service, Didi Walson-Jack, and the Governors of Enugu, Nasarawa, Ogun, Kwara, Plateau, Ondo and Lagos.

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State also attended alongside the Ministers of the Federal Capital Territory, Police Affairs and Interior.

Disu was appointed by President Tinubu after the resignation of Dr. Kayode Egbetokun as the IGP, allegedly, to attend to family issues which require his personal attention.

“Nigerians Still Love Me, Will Overwhelmingly Vote For Me As Presidential Candidate”, Wike Boasts

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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March 2, 2026

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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Despite publicly admitting being the most abused political actor in Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister Nyesom Wike, insists that he will still enjoy overwhelming support from across Nigeria if he decides to throw his hat into the Presidential ring.

The Source reports that in late 2025, the Wike, who not a few have come to love, or hate, owing to his perceived impudent and domineering posture, and somewhat uncouth comments and actions, had confessed to being one of the most abused and hated Nigerian politicians in recent times.

He has, however, dismissed whatever negative public perception of him as immaterial ,and of no consequences.

Speaking at his monthly media parley in Abuja on Monday, the FCT Minister highlighted his strong capacity to connect and reconnect with the grassroots

Further underlying his political prowess and acceptability, within the country’s political landscape, Wike, apart from expressing the confidence that people will vote for him as a Presidential candidate, insisted that candidates loyal to him will still win the FCT Council Polls even if they are held one hundred times .

According to him, his acclaimed high performance index both in Rivers State and now, in the FCT, is enough to market and endear him the country’s electorate.

“Nigerians still love me despite whatever some vocal people are saying. If I decide to run for the Presidency, I am certain that overwhelming majority of Nigerians will vote for me if I decide to contest the country’s presidency”, the immediate past Governor of Rivers State stated.

I am The Governor Of The FCT; I Have The Right To Move Around Amidst Curfew

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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March 2, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has insisted that as the ” Governor” of the Country’s capital he has the power and authority to declare a curfew if it becomes necessary.

This is as he, however, explained that the work-free day and movement restrictions imposed on residents of the FCT during the just concluded FCT council polls were approved by President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking at his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday March 2, 2026, Wike remained adamant that he did no wrong by engaging in an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in the FCT during the council elections.

According to him, contrary to widespread insinuations and claims suggesting that he unilaterally declared curfew and imposed movement restrictions, it was the President who directed same based on the availability of some unfavourable security reports ,as well as the need to allow voters to go to their areas to participate in the exercise.

But beyond this ,Wike insisted that as the ‘Governor’ of the FCT, with an estimated three thousand polling units, it will amount to an abdication of responsibility not to monitor the election .

” I have the rights. I am the Governor of 3000 polling units. For security, I have to find out what the situation was like. I don’t have to be told that. Iwas not a candidate for the election.

“Some people have said that I moved about on the election day. There are about 3000 polling units in the FCT. Assuming I went to 10 polling units to observe the situation, how will that affect electoral outcomes in a situation where you have no fewer than 3000 polling units? ..

“Yes as a candidate, I cannot move around; I must have my agents . But as the Chief Security Officer of the FCT, I have the right to have an over view of what was going on. How does that affect and influence the outcome of the election?”, Wike queried.

This is as he blamed the opposition for their abysmal performance during the elections.

He attributed the success recorded by the APC during the FCT ,and by-elections in Kano and Rivers states to the sterling performance of the President Tinubu’s administration .

Wike Again Vows To Stop Senator Kingibe From Returning To The National Assembly In 2027

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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March 2, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With the dust raised by the comments and actions of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister Nyesom Wike before, and during the FCT Council polls yet to settle, Wike has further stirred another controversy with his open declaration that Senator Ireti Kingibe will not return to the Senate as the representative of the FCT.

The Source reports that Wike, in the count down to the just concluded FCT Council polls unapologetically told bemused fellow country men and women that only candidates perceived to be supportive of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and administration would be allowed to scale through the elections.

On another occasion, he gleefully told a gathering of All Progressive Congress, APC supporters, to simply go and cast their votes on the election day and leave the rest efforts for him.

Of course ,he never disappointed as he turned out a sterling and overwhelming performance as the APC swept the polls.

Speaking at an interactive session with the media broadcast live on TV channels on Monday, March 2, 2026, the FCT Minister informed that his earlier position on the political future of Senator Kingibe, to the effect that she will not be returning to the hallowed red chamber of the National Assembly after the 2027 polls remains sacrosanct.

For the FCT Minister , the fate of the African Democratic Congress ADC Senator is sealed. According to him, the new political structures springing out in the FCT will decide.

” I said it more than a year ago — Senator Ireti Kingibe won’t come back as Senator representing the FCT at the National Assembly and I stand by it”, Wike stated.

According to him , going by the emerging political alignments ongoing within the FCT, it will be a mirage to contemplate the return of Senator Kingibe to the Senate.

Like in his refrain during the FCT Council polls, Wike emphasized that performance, loyalty and grassroots acceptance will play significant roles in shaping the political future of actors within the FCT.

Instructively, Wike’s vaunting disposition is coming against the backdrop of growing fears and lack of confidence already expressed by the opposition in the country’s electoral process after the hurried signing into law of the controversial 2026 amended Electoral Act by President Tinubu.

The opposition camp has decried the National Assembly’s rejection of the mandatory electronic transmission clause, despite overwhelming majority of Nigerians rooting for it as a veritable means of stemming election results manipulations .

“Senator Ireti Kingibe Reads Only Love Magazines” – Wike

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Adesina Soyooye

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March 2, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe. The Senator, Wike said does not read. “She reads only love Magazine”, he added for effect.

The Minister spoke during his monthly media chat on Monday while answering questions from Journalists.

Asked why he declared a public holiday on Friday, a day before the FCT Council Election, and a 22-hour curfew as pointed out by the FCT Senator and others because he had no powers to do that, Wike specifically picked on Kingibe.

He said he did no such thing and that the problem is that the Senator does not read, that what he said, and what was published, was that President Bola Tinubu directed him to do so; that he was not the one who declared either the public holiday or the curfew; that the President directed him to declare the public holiday to enable people go back to their councils on Friday so as to vote on Saturday instead of going back to their Councils late on Friday.

He said: “The problem is that the Senator (Ireti Kingibe) does not read. She reads only love magazines”.

He then raised the ante. “They are talking about few people coming out to vote. Is it the job of the Independent National Electoral Commission to mobilise people to come out and vote? It is the job of Politicians and political parties to mobilise people to come out and vote. Ask the Senator, in her own polling booth, who did she mobilise? It was empty. Her party, ADC, scored two votes, APC scored three votes, and PDP scored one vote.”

“Aunty Iyabo, Grow Up”, Senator Adeola Tackles Fmr. President Obasanjo’s Daughter, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo

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Adesina Soyooye

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March 2, 2026

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Iyabo Obasanjo and Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola - YAYI

By Adesina Soyooye

“Senator Yayi will not descend to engage in petty politics with a Diaspora- returnee whose contribution to progressive politics is near nil”

In the past few days since Professor Iyabo Obasanjo, a daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, re-entered politics after a 15-year absence, she has been talking tough, literally hitting out from all cylinders. She has hauled very uncomplimentary words at the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a party under which she was a Commissioner for Health in her Ogun State, and a one-term Senator. She dismissed the party as useless and its leadership as unserious and idiots.

She, also, descended on Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popular as YAYI, and dismissed him as a political prostitute.

Now, Senator Adeola has decided to pay her back in her own coins and both directly and indirectly, asked her to learn the ropes in politics, and more important, grow up.

Following is the full text of his response through an Aide.

“My attention has been drawn to Senator Iyabo Obasanjo’s recent statement on a radio programme, labelling my principal, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, YAYI, an opportunist.

“While I find it surprising that a politician of her stature would resort to cheap personal attacks to find undue relevance, I also see it as a show of pedestrian politicking that someone of her status would be willing to toe such a flimsy path in the serious business of development politics.

“I would like to remind Senator Obasanjo that any son or daughter of Ogun State who has had the privilege to serve outside the state has the inalienable right to return home and serve his or her people whenever they deem fit, and Senator YAYI’s own won’t be an exception. If anyone who abandoned her state for personal pursuits for about 15 years is bittered, jittery or upset about that, we cannot but be amused at unwarranted tantrums.

“Senator YAYI has consistently demonstrated his commitment to Ogun West and indeed Ogun State, participating as a prominent stalwart in her progressive politics since 2011. His political weight and influence have contributed immensely to the successes recorded by the APC in the last two general elections from the senatorial district and beyond.

‘If being an opportunist has caused huge development in the infrastructure of Ogun West in recent years and other parts of the state, then maybe it’s safe to say many politicians need to join the fray of being opportunistic like Senator YAYI, so as to better serve their constituents and their state.

“In the last decade, Senator YAYI has facilitated numerous infrastructure projects, including hundreds of classrooms, primary health centres, roads, solar street lights, donation of electricity transformers, and markets, amongst others, in Ogun West, earning him the respect of many.

“Aunty Iyabo should please focus on your own political journey rather than attacking others – this is very honest counsel that anyone can give you at this time.

“As a new member of the APC, it is morally expected that Senator Obasanjo should adopt a more constructive approach, leaving her old party’s brigandage politics behind. Again, my advice to her is to calm down and engage in healthy competition. If she wishes to contest the APC governorship ticket, as reported, she should start learning the ropes of progressive politics, mobilise for the party, and warm up for the contest ahead, rather than resorting to personality attacks or petty displays of jittery.

“Senator YAYI remains committed to serving Ogun State and its people, and this he has continued to do for more than a decade as a participating member of the progressive party, APC.

“His strides as a Senator representing Ogun West are a huge reference that politics should be centred around the development of the people and not infighting or mudslinging.

Senator Yayi remain focused on delivering on his senatorial mandate for now and will not descend to engage in petty politics with a Diaspora returnee whose contribution to progressive politics is near nil.”

“I Will Reduce Fmr. Govs. Amosun, Daniel To Refugee Status In Ogun State” – Gov. Abiodun

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Adesina Soyooye

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March 2, 2026

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Dapo Abiodun and Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun

By Adesina Soyooye

Unless former Ogun State Governors, specifically, Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun stop their criticisms of current Governor Dapo Abiodun or align with him, they will end up as refugees in the State over which they superintendent. Governor Abiodun has promised that he will deposit them in the camp of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDP.

The Governor spoke as he commissioned the Iworo-Ogbogbo-Igbeba Road in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area, assured that he would send all his “enemies,” specifically, his predecessors, to IDP camps by flaunting his achievements in Ogun State.

His words: “This Local Government, Ijebu North-East, is one of our breadbaskets in Ogun. This road connects Ijebu North-East to Ijebu-Ode Local Government and allows our farmers to bring their produce to market conveniently. This is what is called expository, participatory, intentional, and collective governance.

“I want to thank all those who brought this road to our attention. This road is a continuation of the Igbeba Road in Ijebu-Ode that was commissioned two weeks ago. At that commissioning, I showed you 28 roads that have been constructed. You know we have been intentional about this. I will call this our own infrastructural emancipation for the entire Ijebuland.

“Ijebuland had been abandoned for more than 24 years by previous administrations. It was a deliberate intention to put Ijebuland at the back bench. Our development was suppressed by previous administrations in favour of other parts of the state, and I am glad I can beat my chest about this new development.

“I said it two weeks ago that there were no taxis in Ijebuland because there were no roads. Now I can boldly say companies are coming back to reintroduce taxis in Ijebu-Ode. We have constructed roads that all previous administrations combined could not construct. I am glad that one of our renowned monarchs, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, said this administration has constructed more houses than all previous administrations combined.

“I want to assure you that we will continue to provide inclusive and purposeful leadership to everyone in the state, including people in the micro-economy, and ensure the grassroots are not left behind — from our affordable homes to our primary healthcare centres and our schools.

“They have continued to hire bloggers to malign us. We will respond with this kind of commissioning. We will continue to commission our housing projects, roads, agricultural programmes, and what we do for our market women, education, and other developments in the State.

“I have been getting feedback on our roads.

Just on my way here, a judge from Lagos texted me about the Alagbole, Toyin, Ajuwon, Akute, and Lanbe roads. He said in the last few years, Akute and Oke-Aro had been under construction, and, ‘We are proud of you, Your Excellency.’ That’s from a judge — and you know judges don’t lie.

“For those who have been sponsoring social media attacks or sponsoring litigation, I want to tell you that you will all end up in IDP camps. None of you constructed all roads in eight years — not even in your combined 16 years. This is Ogun State, the Gateway to Nigeria’s prosperity. We have more roads than some states put together.

“Our administration has constructed more roads of economic importance, and we will still construct more. If my predecessors had done half of what we have done, we would not have met such a huge infrastructural gap. So you should bury your heads in shame and shut your mouths.

“I sincerely want to thank our father, a father of the nation, who has brought more infrastructure to the country and emphasised the importance of infrastructure — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — for your laudable implementation of projects. Go to Sagamu; for many years before 2023, the Sagamu Expressway had been abandoned, but now the road is enjoying our President’s robust infrastructure drive.”

Former Governors Daniel and Amosun have had a very untidy relationship with Governor Abiodun. Amosun, for instance, was never in support of Abiodun’s candidacy as Governor both in his first and second tenures.

NIMASA, WMU Renew Capacity Building Agreement

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James Orji

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March 2, 2026

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The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA has renewed its strategic capacity development partnership with the World Maritime University (WMU), Malmö, Sweden, through the signing of a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime human capital and institutional capacity.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola described the partnership as a critical pillar in NIMASA’s human capital development framework and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s maritime future.

“This collaboration has significantly strengthened our technical and regulatory capabilities over the years. Officers trained at WMU have enhanced our effectiveness in maritime safety administration, environmental compliance, maritime law, and shipping management. Their expertise has also reinforced Nigeria’s participation at the International Maritime Organization and other international maritime platforms,” he stated.

Under the renewed MoU, which was first signed in 2022, NIMASA will sponsor at least ten officers annually for the 14-month Master of Science programme at WMU in Malmö for the 2026–2029 intakes, as well as at least one officer for the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme jointly delivered by WMU and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), Malta.

The MoU also provides for distance learning, executive professional development courses, research collaboration and technical assistance to strengthen NIMASA’s capacity in maritime safety, environmental management, seafarer certification and implementation of international maritime instruments. WMU will further seek additional fellowships from international donors for qualified NIMASA candidates.

Dr. Mobereola endorsed the MoU on behalf of NIMASA with the President of WMU, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia Jr signing on behalf of the University while Executive Director Finance and Administration NIMASA Chudi Offodile and the Registrar of WMU, Mr. Peter Marriott both signed as witnesses.

Established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization, WMU was mandated to strengthen global maritime capacity, particularly in developing countries. The University has since become a leading centre of excellence, and Nigeria has benefited significantly through the training of NIMASA officers who continue to enhance national maritime governance and international engagement