Ebonyi: I Want My Children Back

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August 18, 2026

By Victoria Okoro

My name is Victoria Okoro, wife of Francis Obila, son of the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State.
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‎Today, August 17th, will make it eight weeks since I was separated from my children.
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‎This happened on June 21st. At the time, my second child was barely three months old, while my first child was just a year and six months.
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‎For the past eight weeks, I have deliberately chosen silence.
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‎I have tried to remain calm. I have tried to be respectful of the people involved and their positions. I have tried to resolve this privately and peacefully. I have had conversations, reached out, and made several attempts to find a way for me to have access to my children.
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‎But eight weeks is a very long time for a mother to be separated from her children, especially children so young.
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‎I want to make something very clear: this is not about bitterness, revenge, or hatred. I have forgiven everyone involved.
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‎If this were only about me, perhaps I would have walked away from this situation a long time ago.
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‎But it is not only about me.
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‎There are two innocent children at the centre of this situation.
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‎Children who did not ask for any of this. Children who should not have to bear the consequences of whatever disagreement exists between the adults in their lives. They deserve the love, presence and care of both their parents.
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‎I have remained silent for this long because I wanted peace. I have respected private conversations because I believed that, eventually, reason would prevail.
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‎But silence should not be mistaken for weakness, and patience should not be mistaken for consent.
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‎I am therefore making this public appeal to my , Francis Obila, and his mother: I am asking that we find a peaceful and immediate resolution to this situation and that I be allowed access to and custody of my children.
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‎I am giving this one more week for us to resolve this privately and peacefully.
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‎If nothing changes after that, I will have no choice but to begin sharing, in a series, the events and circumstances that have brought us to this point.
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‎I will not do so to insult anyone, destroy anyone’s reputation, or seek revenge.
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‎I will simply tell my story, present the facts as I experienced them, and allow the public to understand what has been happening behind the scenes for the past eight weeks.
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‎My children deserve better than this.
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‎And as their mother, I cannot continue to remain silent while they are caught in the middle.
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‎I am asking for peace.
‎I am asking for fairness.
‎I am asking for Justice
‎Most importantly, I am asking for my children.

Leo Ekene Oketa
Joseph Ugochukwu Onwe
Hon Patricia Onyemaechi Obila
Vivian Obila Akwuaka
Peace Egwu Obila Inya

Osun: APC Group Laments Defeat; 2027 Unsure If Party Fails To Reward Loyalty

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James Orji

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August 18, 2026

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A group in the All Progressives Congress, Consolidated APC Grassroots Movement has warned the ruling party of the need to strengthen its structure and reward loyalty as the only way to win the 2027 election

The group’s leader, Agbi Stephen Omobamidele, gave the advise in a statement on the heels of loss suffered by the party during last week’s governorship election. The party’s candidate, Bola Oyebamiji suffered a defeat, as the incumbent and Accord party candidate in the election, Demola Adeleke won with a high margin of over 60,000 votes.

Following the defeat suffered by APC, some members of the party have been lamenting as they are yet to fully come to terms on why the party was defeated despite its earlier promise to win the election.

But, Omobamidele said this is not the period to cry over spilled milk, urging the party to restrategise for next year’s general election, by doing the right thing, including rewarding loyal members, and ensuring that the party’s structure at the grassroots is restructured for performance.

He said elections are never won on election day, rather victory is secured before ballots are cast, through loyalty, structure, sacrifice, and the deliberate reward of those who build the party from the ground up, noting that while the APC remains a strong national force, strength without coordination, discipline and a reward for loyalty is not enough, adding that thousands of party members who mobilised, defended and built APC structures during difficult times are often sidelined after the elections are over.

Proximity to power, he stressed, should not be the only way to qualify for recognition and reward, calling for such “imbalance” to be “corrected” immediately to brighten the party’s chances ahead the 2027 election.

“Every leader, from former governors to ministers, senators, and party executives, must understand that political office is not a reward for ambition, but a responsibility to build, deepen, and sustain structures,” he said.

Adding that: “A party that does not reward its builders will eventually lose its foundation.

“The 2026 Osun result shows clearly that while APC improved its vote base, our opponents expanded theirs faster. That is the real lesson.

“Let it be said clearly: APC has benefited immensely from the sacrifices of its grassroots members. They must not become invisible when recognition and responsibility are being shared.

“Osun should not breed blame. It should produce reform. We must rebuild trust, strengthen unity, reward loyalty, and restore confidence in the APC as a party that values its people.”

Osun APC: Adeleke Did Not Win Majority Votes; We Will Not Congratulate Him

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James Orji

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August 18, 2026

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Accord party candidate in last week’s governorship election in Osun state, Ademola Adeleke did not win the election, according to the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC which has vowed to challenge the results of the election in court if possible.

APC took the position through the Director General of its campaign, Wole Oke in the just concluded election, in which the incumbent was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

According to the results declared by the electoral umpire, Governor Adeleke scored over 511,000 votes against his opponent, the APC candidate, Bola Oyebanji who secured 444,000 votes in the keenly contested election. The incumbent defeated his closest rival in the election by over 60,000 votes in the August 15 election, according to the results declared by INEC.

Oke, however, rejected the results insisting that the governor-elect did not score the highest number of votes saying the APC is still studying the results with a view to take the next decision on the matter, adding that the party has yet to congratulate Governor Adeleke because it has reservations on the results declared by INEC.

Following INEC’s announcement of Governor Adeleke as the winner, the incumbent has received outpour of congratulations from not a few Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who said Adeleke’s victory was a testimony that he’s popular in the state. The Nigerian Governor Forum, NGF has also congratulated the governor, urging him to do more for the people of the state in his second term in office.

In spite of the slew of congratulatory messages the incumbent has received, Oke said it will not accept the results until it’s satisfy that he truly won.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Osun State has rejected the result of the August 15 governorship election, insisting that Governor Ademola Adeleke did not secure the highest number of valid votes cast in the poll.

The Director-General of the APC governorship campaign, Oluwole Oke, stated this during an interview with Arise News on Monday while explaining why the party had yet to congratulate Adeleke on his re-election.

Oke said the party disagreed with the declaration made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and had commenced a review of election materials before deciding its next course of action.

“We believe he did not score the highest valid votes,” Oke said on Monday while featuring on Arise Television, noting that the APC will not be pressured to accepting the results declared by INEC until it’s fully satisfy that the process was not fraught with any irregularity.

“And like I’ve told you that what we are doing, even for future, for records, is to conduct a thorough review of the entire process and then form our opinion.

“We won’t be under any sort of pressure to easily reach out to congratulate Senator Ademola Adeleke,” he said.

Why Kaduna University Lost 200 Professors

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 18, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU has given the authorities of the Kaduna state University KASU ,a 14-day ultimatum to implement the 2025 Federal Government FG/ASUU agreement ,or face a full blown and indefinite strike action.

This is as the body lamented that over 200 Professors and other categories of teaching staff have resigned from the employ of University owing to the failure of the authorities to implement the 2025 FG/ASUU agreement ,as well as the poor and unconducive working environment prevalent in the institution.

At a media briefing on Monday in Kaduna ,the Chairman of ASUU-KASU , Dr Abubakar Abdullahi, warned that unless urgent measures are put in place to arrest the unprecedented high level of lecturers exodus ,the University may be plunged into a monumental industrial crisis.

Abdullahi called on the University’s Management, Governing Council, and all relevant authorities , including the Kaduna state Government to intervene immediately to avoid ASUU members shutting down the system as well as further loss of valuable human resources .

According to the ASUU Chairman, the December 2025 ASUU-FGN Agreement which seeks to improve the welfare and salaries of academic staff, and which became effective since January 2026, has already been implemented by the Federal Government and many state-owned Universities.

He expressed regret that almost eight months down the line, the authorities of KASU, and Kaduna state Government are still dragging their feet over the matter.

The ASUU Chairman explained that several futile efforts , including the writing of several letters , have been made to get the Management of KASU to address the demands of the lecturers .

Similarly, Abdullahi disclosed that the union had equally enlisted the intervention of critical stakeholders all in a bid to avoid industrial crisis.

He particularly, expressed serious concern that the failure of the authorities to address the issue of the implementation of the agreement ,as well as the existing poor working conditions in the system have resulted in the exit of many experienced lecturers , including professors.

The ASUU Chairman described the brain drain ongoing as portending a serious danger to the future of the institution.

Osun Election: Senate Leader, Bamidele, Congratulates Gov. Adeleke, Urges Oyebamiji To Do Same

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Ayodele Oni

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August 18, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Senate Leader and Chairman of the National Assembly South-West Caucus, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, to see himself as a stakeholder in the development and future of Osun State, but not as a loser in the Saturday election.

Bamidele advised the APC candidate and others to congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and offer constructive policy ideas to improve governance in the state.

Bamidele, who congratulated Adeleke on his victory, said the outcome of the election reaffirmed the supremacy of the electorate in a democracy and imposed a responsibility on the governor-elect to pursue inclusive governance.

The Senate Leader stated this in a statement he personally signed on Monday while reviewing the outcome of Saturday’s governorship election in the State

Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salam, came third with 17,180 votes.

Bamidele noted that the reported 51.57 per cent voter turnout reflected growing confidence among Nigerians in the electoral process and the opportunity to participate in choosing their leaders.

He pointed out that the outcome of the election had once again demonstrated that the ultimate power in a democracy rested with the electorate.

“The summary of the entire process, again, perfectly reminds us where the final power actually lies in democracy.

“As shown in the recent elections across the federation, the final decision lies with the people, the true and ultimate arbiter of every democracy.

“Now that the people of Osun State have spoken, all contestants must accept and respect the decision of the majority,” he said.

He urged Adeleke to use his renewed mandate to reunite the people of the state across political divides and pursue policies capable of promoting peace, stability and development.

According to him, governance must go beyond partisan considerations and accommodate all sections of society.

“To drive a truly inclusive governance, Governor Adeleke must look beyond the political platform that nominated him for the contest and extend his hands of fellowship to other candidates and political parties with a view to building a resilient state that functions in the interests of all people regardless of their leanings,” he said.

Bamidele also called on other candidates in the election to accept the outcome and support efforts aimed at promoting inclusive governance in the state.

He specifically urged Oyebamiji to reach out to Adeleke, congratulate him and contribute ideas that could strengthen the administration.

“On this premise, I strongly encourage the candidate of our great party, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, to contact Governor Adeleke; congratulate him on his re-election and constructively share with him innovative policy ideas that can help him serve the interests of our people much better,” he said.

The Senate Leader argued that the election should not be viewed strictly through the prism of party victory or defeat, stressing that the development of Osun State should remain the priority of all political actors.

He also congratulated the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the conduct of the election, saying its outcome should provide useful lessons for political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bamidele said the result should prompt the APC to review and strengthen its campaign strategy and deepen engagement with stakeholders across the South-West.

He urged the party to broaden its engagement with artisans, traders, farmers, entrepreneurs, youths, women, labour unions, civil society organisations, community leaders, traditional rulers, business leaders, the private sector and the elderly.

“Our engagement approach, more than any time in our recent history, must be all-encompassing, and it must not leave any person or interest behind,” he said.

He said the Osun election also offered opportunities for the APC to improve its mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 elections, including its plan to secure increased support for President Bola Tinubu across the South-West.

Bamidele said the party should use the lessons from the election to strengthen its grassroots structure and communicate more effectively with voters.

He further urged APC members to highlight what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration in areas including economic reforms, security, democratic governance and national development.

The Senate Leader congratulated Adeleke on his re-election, saying the renewed mandate came with a responsibility to deliver greater dividends of democracy to the people.

“To Governor Adeleke, your re-election reaffirms the supremacy of the people in democracy, and this comes with a huge responsibility that demands a collective approach.

“To the APC and its candidate, we have competed with courage, ideas and vigour, but the people decided otherwise.

“The outcome of this election does not make us a loser, but indeed a true stakeholder in the progress and posterity of Osun State,” he said.

Bamidele expressed optimism that the election would usher in a new phase of development in Osun State and congratulated the people of the state on the conclusion of the electoral process.

NFF Sacks Coach Maduagu, Technical Crew Over Shambolic Display WAFCON, World Cup Miss

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Akinwale Kasali

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August 18, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

After a shambolic display at the just concluded Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON, that cost the country the automatic FIFA World Cup ticket and missing out at the Intercontinental Playoffs, the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has sacked Super Falcons Coach, Justine Maduagu, alongside his Technical Crew.

The President Ibrahim- Gusau led NFF ordered all the Coaching and Technical Team of the Super Falcons to step down with immediate effect.

In a tweet by the NFF on its X handle, it stated, “The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has asked members of the technical crew of the @NGSuper_Falcons to step down with immediate effect,” NFF tweeted.

In the history of Nigeria’s Female Football and in the continent at large, the 10-time African Champion has never failed to appear at the FIFA World Cup since its inception in 1991, and it has never failed to reach the last four at every WAFCON Championship.

Its shambolic and lackluster performance at this year’s tournament has raised series of questions, with the future of some of the players in the Super Falcons fold uncertain.

No doubt, this is the worst outing of the Super Falcons at any WAFCON Tournament, having been knocked out of the competition in the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

The team was largely unconvincing throughout the tournament and ultimately suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the last eight.

That result meant Nigeria missed out on an automatic qualification ticket to the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time.

Instead, the Super Falcons were condemned to the playoffs, where they needed to overcome South Africa in the African playoffs before advancing to the Inter-Confederation playoffs.

However, their hopes of reaching the tournament suffered another setback as they fell 2-1 to Banyana Banyana of South Africa.

The disappointing result means the Super Falcons will not feature at the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, prompting the NFF to wield the big stick.

Deji Adeleke: “What I Told God Of My Gov-Brother On Osun Election Day”

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Adesina Soyooye

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August 18, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

“Let them come with all the battalions, withdraw the Army, bring all the money from the Central Bank. Nobody is above God Almighty. My brother dances and praises your name. So, Lord Almighty, God, the owner of the universe, show up for him.”

Re-elected Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke’s elder brother, Billionaire Deji Ademola, has revealed what he told God on the eve of Osun State Governorship Election.

The taciturn senior Adeleke, who is international music Superstar, David Adeleke’s father (Davido) revealed on Sunday during a celebration to mark the Governor’s victory, that he had no capable shadow of doubt that his younger brother was going to be victorious in his re-election bid.

Adeleke senior attributed his strong confidence to strong faith in God. He said he deposited the re-election bid of his brother at the feet of God, and so knew, from the time he did that, that his brother’s victory was already a done-deal, sealed by God.

Of his brother, the billionaire businessman and entrepreneur said he told God: “He dances and praises your name. So, Lord Almighty, the owner of the universe, show up for him”.

He said he was, thereafter, convinced that his younger brother would be re-elected irrespective of the weight of his challengers for the governorship seat.

Adeleke senior who spoke in

a recorded video, played at the Governor’s victory celebration Sunday night, insisted that his brother’s clear lead, even before results were called came from prayers.

His words:

“I don’t discuss with anybody. I do it in the corner of my room. I do this every day. So, I was not worried. I had no doubt in my mind that Ademola will win. Ademola will overcome.

“I fortify myself with the power of the Almighty God every day. And the day that I fast, I’ll do it (pray) three times a day. And nobody knew. I don’t discuss with anybody.”

On the opposition to the Governor’s re-election which seemed insurmountable, he said he was not bothered.

“Let them come with all the battalions, withdraw the Army, bring all the money from the Central Bank. Nobody is above God Almighty.

“He comes with his wickedness. He comes with the power that he thinks he has because he’s connected to the Presidency. But Ademola comes against them in the power of the Almighty God.

“He dances and praises your name. So, Lord Almighty, God, the owner of the Universe, show up for him.”

He, indeed, showed up for him in the way nobody thought would be possible, considering what he went through in the weeks running up to the election.

Governor Adeleke won the election conducted on August 15, 2026, in a landslide, almost. He won 19 out of the State’s 30 LGAs leaving his closest opponent, Mr Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, with 11 LGAs.

His total vote count was 511, 062 against Oyebamiji’s 444,811.

The Governor contested under the Accord Party.

Ganduje, Gov Yusuf’s Political Careers Over – Kwankwaso

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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August 17, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC in the 2027 general elections , Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has adjudged the political career of the duo of immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and the Kano state Governor Kabiru Yusuf over.

On NAN personality interview on Sunday, Kwankwaso, a former Governor of Kano State insisted that no one stays on top of the political ladder through treachery and betrayal.

According to him, those who betray their political benefactors and allies to gain ascendency, sooner than later go into political extinction.

The leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement said Ganduje, who for eight years served as Deputy Governor under him, and later succeeded him, is gradually relapsing into political oblivion owing to his betrayal of the very political structure that aided his rise.

According to him, his eirstwhile deputy and ally could have maintained his top spot on the Kano and national political pecking order, but has, instead, been on a steady journey to political extinction because of his betrayal of the very people that supported his political growth.

“You cannot succeed through treachery. I have not seen one instance where someone sustained success through betrayal.

“If I ask you, I am sure you don’t know that he ( Ganduje ) is going into oblivion politically. He is nowhere now”, Kwankwaso stated .

He emphasized that the political horizon would have been brighter for Ganduje if he had sustained and nurtured the political structure they built together from 1999.

The NDC Vice Presidential Candidate, however, expressed regret that Ganduje is today facing a bleak political future owing to his preferences.

“If you can see the issue of Ganduje who we came together in 2015 and supported, and became Governor on a platter. But the day he started fighting was the day his political problems manifested. If I may ask: Where is he now? It is difficult to properly locate him politically at the moment”, Kwankwaso added.

In the same vein, Kwankwaso predicted the same dwindling political fortune for his estranged political godson, Governor Yusuf.

According to him, Governor Yusuf, who is not comfortable with being identified with Gandujiyya ,the political structure of Ganduje, is facing political difficulties because of his abandonment of the structure that brought him to power.

“We went down, right down to pick Abba Kabiru Yusuf because we wanted somebody who will not repeat the betrayal we suffered at the hands of Ganduje.

“And members of my political group worked day and night to field Yusuf in the 2019 Governorship election which he actually won ,but was overturned.

“And in 2023, the same political structure returned and successfully put him as Governor despite all all odds.

“But he has since left us . And even though they are in the same party ( APC) Yusuf is not with Ganduje now. He is in-between because I don’t think he is happy being identified as “Dan Gandujiyya” (a follower/member of Gandujiyya)”, the NDC presidential running mate asserted.

Kwankwaso claimed that the decision by Governor Yusuf to be identified with the same political train as Ganduje has created political problems for him in Kano.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement leader described Governor Yusuf’s political problems as self-inflicted, blaming impatient as the major cause.

“People have no patience and that is why they are making so much mistakes”, he added.

APC’s Underestimation Of Adeleke Led To Defeat In Osun – Dayo Israel, Says Gov’s Dancing Habit An Asset

By

Ayodele Oni

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August 17, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and member of its National Working Committee, (NWC), Dayo Israel, has adduced reasons why the party lost in weekend’s Osun State governorship election.

In a post on his official X handle, @dayoisrael, he stated that the ruling party failed to connect with the electorate.

Israel pointed out that the APC underestimated Adeleke, who was often derisively described as the “Dancing Governor.”

In his post titled, “Osun has spoken: The bitter truth APC must hear before 2027,”

Israel argued that Adeleke’s dancing, which was often mocked by political elites, became an asset that helped him build an emotional connection with the people.

He wrote: “For years, some members of the political elite have reduced Governor Adeleke to his dancing. That assessment has always underestimated both the man and the nature of Osun politics.

“Osun is deeply rooted in its communities, traditions, faith and local culture. Its politics cannot be understood solely through elite conversations, social media commentary or the calculations of Abuja.”

Israel said Adeleke’s dancing was not a weakness, but a political tool that made him accessible and helped him connect with ordinary voters.

“Governor Adeleke’s dancing was never a weakness. It was a political language. It humanised him, made him accessible, and created emotional proximity with ordinary voters.

“His singing, dancing, accessibility and public worship built a bond that many technocratic analyses failed to capture,” he said.

He added that politics was driven not only by policies but also by emotion, identity, presence and a sense of belonging.

“Politics is not only policy. It is emotion, identity, presence and belonging. Governor Adeleke stayed close to his grassroots while some opponents dismissed the very traits that strengthened his connection with the people.

“Our party must therefore stop confusing sophistication with electoral value. A candidate may dominate elite discourse and still fail to move a ward.

“Another may be mocked in elite spaces and still command overwhelming loyalty on the ground. Elections are not won by approval ratings in Abuja. They are won by understanding people as they are.”

The APC National Youth Leader also expressed concerns about the performance and capacity of the expanded national campaign council led by Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

He criticised the composition of the campaign council, noting that it was dominated by governors, senators and former office holders.

“These leaders are important, but we must ask a hard question: how many young Nigerians do they genuinely inspire, mobilise or emotionally connect with?” he queried.

Israel also criticised the National Working Committee for failing to formally review the campaign’s progress since the inauguration of the council.

“It is also important to state a difficult but necessary truth: since the inauguration of the campaign council, the National Working Committee did not meet to formally review progress, assess strategy or recalibrate direction.

“In any serious political organisation, that absence of structured oversight is not a minor administrative gap. It is a strategic weakness.”

On the party’s internal crisis in Osun, Israel observed that there had been no genuine effort to reconcile aggrieved aspirants with the APC candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, who emerged through a consensus arrangement.

He described internal division as one of the party’s major challenges, adding that

“The deeper challenge remains internal division.

“No amount of campaign technology can compensate for a fractured political family. We cannot continue with a ‘to your tents, O Israel’ approach and expect victory. Politics is addition.

“Sometimes it requires humility, accommodation and strategic reconciliation.”

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Israel called on APC leaders to prioritise reconciliation and review the party’s strategies for connecting with eligible voters.

“We must rebuild respect for party institutions. We must reconcile our internal divisions. We must replace ceremonial structures with working organisations. And we must stop mistaking elite presence for grassroots mobilisation.

“President Tinubu gave us a democratic contest. Governor Adeleke understood his people. Davido understood his generation.

“The question is whether the APC understands its own lesson.

“This is not a call for blame. It is a call for renewal. Silence will not win 2027.

“Osun has spoken. The APC must now listen.”

Osun Gov. Election: Accord Party Demands Release Of Members Detained In Abuja, Nasarawa

By

Ayodele Oni

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August 17, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

National Chairman of the Accord Party, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Mr Tunji Disu, to order the release of the detained party members, arguing that the election had been concluded and there was no justification for their continued detention.

The Accord chairman made the demand in a statement on Monday while reacting to the victory of the party’s candidate and incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, in the August 15 governorship election.

Mgbudem, however, said his immediate concern remained the release of Accord leaders, candidates, members and supporters whom he alleged were arrested and detained in Abuja, Nasarawa and Osun states.

He described their continued detention as a violation of their fundamental rights and urged the Inspector-General of Police to intervene.

The Accord chairman argued that the conclusion of the governorship election should be considered in reviewing the continued detention of the party members.

“It is in the interest of justice and equity to release them immediately. The election is over, there is no need for their detention.”

He described Adeleke’s victory as a triumph of courage over fear and intimidation, saying the outcome demonstrated the determination of the people of Osun State to freely choose their governor despite what he described as attempts to suppress the party and its supporters.

According to Mgbudem, the election represented a significant moment for Nigeria’s democracy, as the electorate demonstrated its resolve to protect its votes and participate actively in the democratic process.

He described Adeleke’s victory as “a powerful testament of the people’s resolve to freely and peacefully choose their governor and protect their votes in spite of all odds.”

Mgbudem alleged that the electioneering period was characterised by what he described as “unusual harassment, intimidation, destruction of property, arrests, detention, killings and the use of federal might”, particularly through the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He alleged that the actions were aimed at suppressing the Accord Party, the Osun State Government and what he described as peace-loving residents of the state.

The Accord chairman also alleged that the withholding of federal allocations due to local government areas in Osun State was part of efforts to weaken the Adeleke administration and make the state ungovernable.

He claimed that the alleged objective was to destabilise the state government and create conditions that could eventually pave the way for the declaration of a state of emergency.

Mgbudem therefore appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the federal allocations allegedly being withheld from the state’s local government areas, arguing that the funds were meant for grassroots development and should not be used as a political weapon.

According to him, the people of Osun State should not be made to bear the consequences of political disagreements, stressing that local government funds should be made available for the provision of basic services and development at the grassroots.

Despite what he described as pressure on the party and the state government, Mgbudem said the people of Osun remained firmly behind Adeleke and the Accord Party, turning out in large numbers during the campaign and other political activities.

He attributed the governor’s re-election to what he described as the electorate’s recognition of the achievements of the Adeleke’s administration and its desire for continuity, inclusive governance and further development.

Mgbudem said Accord prepared for an election and not a war, stressing that the party believed in the supremacy of the ballot over violence.

“It was indeed the triumph of courage over fear and intimidation. The people have spoken loud and clear with their votes. They have in one accord renewed the mandate of their beloved Governor Adeleke. They have voted for continuity, compassionate and inclusive governance.”

The national chairman dedicated the victory to the people of Osun State, whom he said had demonstrated their commitment to democratic participation and the defence of their votes.

He commended Nigerians, civil society organisations, local and foreign election observers, the international community, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for their respective roles in the electoral process.

Mgbudem also commended President Tinubu, while urging all stakeholders to continue to support democratic values, peaceful political participation and national unity.

He declared that with the election concluded, the people of Osun State were the ultimate winners. “There is no victor, no vanquished,” he said.

The Accord chairman called on all political parties, candidates, members and supporters to close ranks and work together for the development of Osun State.

He also commended candidates of various political parties who stepped down in support of Adeleke, describing the development as a demonstration of political alliance, cooperation and partnership capable of deepening Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, the interest of Osun State must remain greater than individual or partisan interests.

“Osun State belongs to all its citizens. The interest of the state is greater than individual and political interests,” he said.

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“Let them come with all the battalions, withdraw the Army, bring all the money from the Central Bank. Nobody is above God Almighty. My brother dances and praises your name. So, Lord Almighty, God, the owner of the universe, show up for him.”