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Governors Give Nod To State Police, As AGs Submit Constitutional Framework

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Police

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Governors of Nigeria’s 36 states rose from their meeting early Thursday, with a resolve to endorse the establishment of state police, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to reform the country’s security architecture.  

 

The resolution was among those agreed upon at meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja, which extended from Wednesday into the early hours of Thursday.

 

 The position was contained in a communiqué signed by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

According to report, the governors adopted the position after receiving presentations from the NGF Secretariat and a delegation of state Attorneys-General on the progress made toward creating a constitutional framework for state policing. 

 

The governors emphasized that any state police structure must be firmly rooted in the Constitution and operate in accordance with the principles of federalism, while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of citizens. 

 

They also highlighted the importance of extensive consultations with the Attorneys-General to review proposed constitutional amendments and implementation frameworks.

 

The communiqué noted that the collaborative engagement would reinforce the collective position of the states and contribute to the development of a legally sound and effective state policing system.

 

The endorsement comes as the bill seeking the establishment of state police continues to gain legislative momentum, having already secured passage in the House of Representatives and advanced through its second reading in the Senate.

 

Beyond security, the governors reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing reforms in the power sector and pledged to strengthen partnerships aimed at expanding access to reliable and affordable electricity across the country.

 

The Forum also received a presentation on the National Solar Super-Grid (NSSG) Initiative, a proposal designed to improve electricity access through large-scale decentralized solar energy generation integrated into a national high-voltage transmission network. 

 

The governors observed that the initiative has the potential to drive industrialization, enhance energy security, strengthen state electricity markets, and accelerate economic growth.

 

In addition, the governors resolved to support the National Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative, reaffirming their commitment to tackling child malnutrition and improving nutrition outcomes nationwide. 

 

They also acknowledged ongoing efforts to advance the National Nutrition Bill and encouraged sustained engagement with relevant stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s legal and policy framework for nutrition governance.

Kwara Police Command Douses Tension As Scare Of Bandits Throws Ilorin Into Chaos

By
Ayodele Oni
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Police on Duty

 

By Ayodele Oni

 

Kwara State Police Command has reacted to rumour of invasion of bandits in Ilorin, the State capital, which led to a break down of commercial activities.

 

A wave of fear, confusion and panic swept across parts of Ilorin and its surrounding communities on Thursday, following widespread, but unconfirmed reports that bandits had infiltrated the town and were targeting school children for abduction.

 

The State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, condemned the spread of false security alerts, capable of causing public panic and disorder, warning that individuals responsible for circulating unverified information would be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

 

The rumour, which spread rapidly through phone calls, social media messages and word-of-mouth communication, triggered a mass exodus of parents from homes, offices, markets and business premises as they rushed to schools to retrieve their children.

 

The situation created scenes of anxiety rarely witnessed in the town. Distraught parents flooded school premises, while children were seen crying and clinging to teachers amid uncertainty over what was happening.

 

In several schools, academic activities were abruptly suspended as administrators struggled to manage the growing tension.

 

Teachers reportedly spent hours calling parents and guardians, urging them to come for their wards as fears of a possible security threat intensified.

 

Some schools released pupils earlier than scheduled, while others completely shut down activities for the day.

 

Roads leading to major schools witnessed unusual traffic congestion as hundreds of vehicles and motorcycles converged on educational institutions.

 

“We cannot take chances with the lives of our children. Whether the report is true or false, every parent’s first instinct is to protect their child,” a visibly worried mother said while waiting to pick up her daughter.

 

Another parent lamented the state of insecurity across the country, saying the mere circulation of such a rumour was enough to send shockwaves through communities.

 

“The painful reality is that insecurity has become a national concern. When people hear stories about bandits or kidnappers, they immediately believe it because such incidents have happened in many parts of the state. That is why everyone panicked,” he said.

 

Parents interviewed by our correspondent expressed fears that children may become reluctant to attend school if such incidents continue to occur.

 

Some also worried about the academic consequences of repeated disruptions to learning.

 

“If children stay at home today because of fear, what happens if another rumour emerges tomorrow? Are schools expected to close again? For how long can learning continue under such uncertainty?” one concerned guardian asked.

 

Stakeholders are urging the Kwara State Government, security agencies, community leaders and school authorities to intensify public sensitisation campaigns, establish emergency communication systems and reassure residents of the safety of educational institutions.

 

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Police Command has dismissed the reports as false.

 

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the Command received reports of panic around Government Girls Secondary School, Oke-Oyi, following claims that suspected bandits had invaded the area.

 

According to the police, officers were immediately deployed to assess the situation and ensure the safety of students, staff and residents.

 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the alarm originated from a woman who reportedly rushed into the school claiming that bandits had arrived in the community.

 

The police stated that their assessment confirmed there was no bandit attack, no sighting of bandits and no security breach within the school, Oke-Oyi community or any part of Kwara State.

“I Will Never Sit Down On The Negotiations Table With Terrorists” – Zamfara Gov. Vows

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Dauda Lawal

 

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has foreclosed any chances of indulging and negotiating with banditry elements operating in the State.

 

This was as he vowed to continue dangling the stick until insurgency and other forms of criminal activities are defeated.

 

Lawal’s position is coming against the backdrop of the growing tendency by Governors, especially those from the Northern region to engage in negotiations with banditry kingpins.

 

But speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Governor Lawal, whose State has remained one of the epicentres of terrorist activities, including violent attacks, kidnappings, killings and wanton destruction of properties, maintained that no terrorist is stronger than the Government.

 

“I do not accept that terrorists are stronger than Government. Therefore, as Governor of Zamfara state, I maintain that I will not negotiate with terrorists”, Lawal vowed.

 

According to him, insurgency and all its associated problems – Killings , kidnappings , violent destructions etc – have not disappeared in some states where authorities have engaged the terrorists.

 

While not condemning any of his  colleagues and or  authorities’ that have chosen to negotiate with terrorists, Governor Lawal insisted that such an approach is totally not an option for him in the quest to tackle criminality in Zamfara state.

 

He emphasized that indulging terrorists in any form whatsoever, including negotiations, has the dangerous potential of sending out a wrong message, undermining constituted authorities, and eroding public confidence ,and trust.

 

“Even in states where negotiations have taken place, have attacks completely stopped? Some say there has been improvement but how can a Government sit down with criminals and be negotiating? That would imply that terrorists are stronger than the state”, Gov Lawal stated.

 

While acknowledging the challenges of the current insecurity in some parts of the country, the Zamfara State Governor, however, insisted that Government is still on top of the situation.

 

Similarly, Governor Lawal maintained that Government has not been overwhelmed by terrorists, despite pockets of protest matches by  citizens who are feeling frustrated by the seemingly intractable activities of insurgents.

 

“If people are unhappy ,we must listen to them. If their concerns can be addressed, we will address them.

 

“If something is beyond our capacity, we will explain that as well. That is democracy.

 

“However, I want to state categorically that the State has not been overwhelmed by the security situation.

 

” No, terrorist have not in anyway overwhelmed us. As said earlier, we are doing everything possible to protect lives and property.

 

“Just two weeks ago, there were communities that were displaced ,but we deployed security personnel, and people have since returned to their normal lives. We have done this in many places and will continue to do so”, the Governor assured.

 

Speaking on the much sort after, but elusive Kachalla Bello Turji, the Governor expressed the optimism that he will still meet his end.

 

” I keep on saying that no terrorist is stronger than the Government. It is only a matter of time. By the grace of Allah, we will get him ( Turji).

 

” I can not give a timeline. This is a warfare, not a simple matter where you can predict an exact. But based on the measures in place, I am confident he will eventually be apprehended.

 

“The fact is that  while Turji and some others are still at large, many of the terrorists have already been arrested, while others have been killed”, Lawal noted.

ADC Petitions National Judicial Council, Demands Dismissal Of Justice Lifu

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Honourable Justice Peter Lifu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has petitioned the National Judicial Council, NJC, seeking to stop Honourable Justice Peter Lifu from adjudicating matters relating to the party.

 

The ADC’s position is coming against the backdrop of Justice Lifu’s controversial ruling on Monday June 15, 2026, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to deregister five political parties, including the ADC over perceived failure to meet electoral performance requirements for political parties.

 

Barely 24 hours after the deregistration verdict, Justice Lifu; on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, declined to recuse himself from the case involving the leadership tussle between the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC, and the party’s erstwhile Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala-Gombe.

 

Ruling on the application filed by Rauf Aregbesola, the National Secretary on behalf of the Mark-led ADC NEC demanding his recusal, Justice Lifu held that there were no justifiable and cogent reasons for him to recuse himself from the matter.

 

Justice Lifu has since fixed June 23, 2026, date for the commencement of accelerated hearing of the motion on notice filed by Bala-Gombe challenging the emergence of Senator Mark and his ADC NEC.

 

But in a petition dated June 18, 2026, addressed to the Executive Secretary, National Judicial Council, NJC, and signed by its National Youth Leader Comrade Balarabe Rufai, the National Youth Wing of the party,demanded the removal of Justice Lifu” from any, and all adjudicatory matters, reviews, or decision-making roles concerning the ADC”

 

Addressing the media  at the ADC National Headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday, Comrade Ibrahim Garba Wala, who stood in for the National Youth Leader informed that following concerted efforts by the authorities to frustrate the presentation of the petition to the NJC, the party  decided to make the matter a public issue.

 

According to him, all the roads leading to, and from the NJC Abuja Headquarters were barricaded by hordes of stern-looking and heavily armed security personnel.

 

“We demand the immediate and total removal of Hon Justice Peter Odo Lifu from any, and all adjudicatory matters, reviews, or decision-making roles concerning the ADC.

 

” Furthermore, given what we perceive as a pattern of judicial misconduct, we demand that the National Judicial Council recommend his dismissal from the Judiciary in order to preserve the credibility of the bench” Rufai stated.

 

According to the ADC Youth Wing, Justice Lifu’s ruling on the motion on notice filed by Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators seeking the deregistration of some political parties was politically motivated, heavily manipulated, and compromised with the ultimate aim of stifling opposition parties in the country.

 

The party cited the decision of the presiding Judge to go ahead with delivering the judgment despite a subsisting Court of Appeal order staying proceedings, as an eloquent testimony to his bias and compromised disposition.

 

The ADC Youth Wing equally accused Justice Lifu of aiding and abetting the plaintiffs in the alteration of their status during proceedings without the requisite court order.

 

Comrade Rufai also referred to what he described as an avalanche of petitions against Justice Lifu from other aggrieved members of the public as an additional reason why the NJC should seriously consider the option of doing away with him before he will completely erode public trust and confidence in the bench.

 

“We cannot watch the political rights of millions of young Nigerians be auctioned off by compromised benches.

 

“The continued involvement of Justice Lifu in ADC-related matters undermines public and raises concerns about fair hearing”, the party added.

 

This was as it vowed to continue with its protest until the NJC acts to protect institutional integrity, enforce discipline, as well as recuse Justice Lifu from all matters involving the ADC.

Retired Generals Call For Joint Efforts To End Insecurity

By
James Orji
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Major -General Rabe Abubakar
Major -General Rabe Abubakar

Some retired military officers in the country have called for comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture following the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar after his abduction by bandits in Katsina State.

Abubakar, a former Defence spokesperson died in hands of kidnappers last week after he was held for weeks, alongside his wife by the abductors in Katsina state.

The General’s wife has now been rescued by security forces who launched an assault on the fleeing suspected Fulani kidnappers.

The General made the call  during a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, where Brigadier General Isma’ila Abdullahi (rtd), speaking on behalf of the deceased’s colleagues, friends and associates, described the incident as a stark reminder of the country’s persistent security challenges.
Abdullahi said the late general died after being kidnapped by bandits in the Matazu area of Katsina State, noting that his death had left colleagues and associates devastated.
He commended the Federal Government and the Katsina State Government for efforts that led to the rescue of Abubakar’s wife, Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, but stressed that the incident highlighted the urgent need for stronger action against banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
According to him, the killing of the retired officer reflects the broader security crisis confronting the nation and the difficulties in guaranteeing the safety of citizens.
The retired officers warned against politicising insecurity or giving it ethnic and regional interpretations, insisting that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping are national challenges requiring a collective response.
They called for stronger security institutions, closer collaboration among security agencies and increased investment in intelligence gathering and border security to curb the flow of illegal weapons into the country.
While acknowledging the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism, the group maintained that the primary responsibility for securing the country rests with Nigerian authorities.
The officers also advocated greater support for community-based security initiatives, particularly in rural areas frequently targeted by armed groups. They said properly trained and supervised local security volunteers could complement formal security efforts.
However, they cautioned against the uncontrolled proliferation of arms, stressing that any community defence arrangement must operate under strict regulation.
The group further urged state governments to establish and adequately equip forest guard units to strengthen security operations in forested areas often used as hideouts by criminal groups.
On the debate over state police, the retired officers expressed support for the idea but said only states with the financial and institutional capacity to sustain such structures should be permitted to establish them.
They also called on governments at all levels to support families affected by insecurity and intensify efforts to secure the release of citizens still in captivity.
According to the group, the death of Major General Abubakar should serve as a wake-up call for renewed political commitment and a coordinated national strategy to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.

Police Foil Plan To Traffic Nigerian Girls To Ivory Coast For Prostitution

By
James Orji
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Olatunji Disu - IGP
IGP Olatunji Disu
The Lagos Police Command  has apprehended a woman for allegedly attempting to traffic three Kaduna girls to Ivory Coast for prostitution, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.
According to the agency report, the suspect allegedly lured the girls, aged between 18 and 20, from Kaduna State to Lagos with promises of legitimate employment in a restaurant in Lagos.
However, upon their arrival in the Ajegunle area of the state on May 23, the suspect allegedly informed them that she intended to send them to Ivory Coast.
One of the victims, who refused to be taken abroad, subsequently reported the matter to the police.
Following the report, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, directed that the case be transferred from the Tolu Division, Ajegunle, to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further investigation.
The investigation into the allegations of conspiracy, deception and human trafficking is being handled by the Anti-Human Trafficking/Gender Unit of the SCID under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the department, Mr Dayo Akinbisehin.
A police source told NAN on Thursday that the victims were never informed of the alleged plan before leaving Kaduna.
According to the source, one of the victims objected after discovering that she was being taken abroad for prostitution rather than the promised job opportunity.
“She immediately told the suspect that prostitution was not what they had been told they were coming to Lagos for.
“The suspect allegedly took the girls to a motor park with plans to facilitate their movement out of the country.
“Alarmed by the development, one of the victims approached the police and lodged a complaint.
“Following the report, detectives launched an investigation and subsequently apprehended the suspect,” the source said.
The source added that efforts were underway to rescue the other victims allegedly being held by an accomplice and to trace other persons connected to the suspected trafficking operation.

Zamfara Security Has Improved Under Me- Gov

By
James Orji
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Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal
Governor Dauda Lawal


Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has disclosed that he didn’t promise to end insecurity immediately when he came to office three years ago, saying significant progress has been made in the area since he became the state chief executive.

The governor, however, said significant progress has been made to end the menace, with the combined efforts of the security agencies and local vigilante

Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Governor Lawal said his pledge during the 2023 governorship campaign was to implement measures that would bring relief to residents and improve security across the state adding that his administration faced enormous challenges when he became governor.

According to him, the challenges faced, under him, include insecurity, which the state has faced for years.

Zamfara, is one of the epicenter of kidnapping, terrorism and banditry, the governor however stated that his administration has responded swiftly to the problem, and that significant progress has been recorded.

As soon as he became governor, Lawal said  his administration responded by establishing the Zamfara Community Protection Guards, popularly known as Askarawa, to complement the efforts of federal security agencies in tackling banditry and other violent crimes.
The guards, the governor said, were recruited from local communities in collaboration with security agencies, including the DSS, police and military, before undergoing about three months of training and being equipped with weapons, vehicles and other operational tools.
He noted that the initiative has helped improve intelligence gathering and response time because the personnel are familiar with the terrain and communities they serve.
The governor claimed that attacks in the state have declined significantly since the introduction of the outfit, estimating a reduction of about 60 per cent.
“I am not saying attacks no longer happen. What I am saying is that the frequency and intensity are not what they used to be,” he said.
Reacting to criticism that insecurity continues to affect farming activities in parts of the state, Lawal maintained that he never promised an immediate end to the crisis.
“I never promised that I would completely end insecurity immediately. What I promised was that I would take measures to bring relief to the people, and by the grace of Allah, we have done that,” he said.
The governor added that while security challenges persist, the state’s collaboration with federal security agencies and the deployment of community protection guards have delivered measurable gains in the fight against banditry.

The ‘Obidient’ Movement: “We Remain Undivided, Evolving Along Obi’s Principled Approach To Governance”

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

The Obidient Movement says it has become aware of ongoing, manufactured media reports suggesting that the Obidient Movement is experiencing internal divisions or fracturing. 

 

In a statement signed by Ibrahim Umar, the Spokesperson for POMR, the Movement  strongly refuted the claim of any division within. 

 

The statement released on Thursday, June 17, reads in part: 

 

“What those who oppose the current system perceive as disunity is, in fact, the organic and decentralised evolution of a citizen-led coalition.

To grasp why the Obidient Movement is resilient to traditional political fault lines, one must acknowledge that the Movement embodies an idea of governance anchored on accountability principles of our principal, Peter Obi. It’s not a conventional political organisation that operates under a rigid hierarchy; the Obidient Movement is founded upon shared values such as accountability, economic advancement, systemic fairness, and capable leadership as embodied by Peter Obi. While various civic groups across the nation may employ different strategies, their collective objective is a unified vision for a New Nigeria.

 

“The organic decentralised nature of the Obidient Movement is its source of strength. The absence of a central, easily influenced or compromised leadership body prevents any single individual or subgroup from compromising the aspirations of millions. The movement belongs to the Nigerian populace, not to a select group of politicians.

 

“The central mission remains unaltered along Peter Obi’s principles and approach to governance. Let it be unequivocally understood by both supporters and critics that the Obidient Movement’s steadfast commitment to ending the transactional politics that have held Nigeria captive is absolute. There is no division whatsoever regarding our fundamental objectives.

We implore the public and our vast network of organic supporters globally to dismiss these deliberately orchestrated campaigns of distraction. The movement is unified on achieving the socio-economic liberation of Nigeria.”

UK Court’s Acquittal Of Diezani, Fmr. Petroleum Minister: Ijaw Women Group Commends Due Process

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Diezani Alison-Madueke appears in Uk Court
Diezani Alison-Madueke.

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ijaw Women Advocates for Justice has expressed satisfaction that rule of law prevailed in the trial of former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, by London’s Southwark Crown Court.

 

The women group hailed the acquittal of  Alison-Madueke, by London’s Southwark Crown Court, in the five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.

 

A jury on Wednesday acquitted Alison-Madueke of five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery after more than 46 hours of deliberation.

 

In a statement signed by Timiebi Koripamo-Agary, the Ijaw women group noted that due process remains the cornerstone of every civilised society, adding that allegations are not convictions.

 

“Today, June 17th, we receive with gratitude the verdict of the UK court acquitting Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke of all charges brought against her after a lengthy legal process,” the statement said.

 

“In April, the Ijaw Women Advocates for Justice addressed the press and called for one simple principle: respect for the Rule of Law and the right of every person to a fair hearing.

 

“We neither sought to influence the judicial process nor substitute public opinion for the courts. We simply insisted that justice must be allowed to take its course.

 

“Today’s outcome reinforces an important truth: allegations are not convictions, and due process remains the cornerstone of every civilized society.

 

“We thank God that the judicial process has run its course and that a verdict has been reached by a competent court and jury.

 

“We also appreciate all those who stood firmly for fairness, justice, and the presumption of innocence throughout this long and difficult journey.

 

“As Ijaw women, we remain committed to justice, equity, and the rule of law for all people, irrespective of status, gender, ethnicity, or circumstance. To God be the glory.”

Ekiti Gov. Election : SDP Disowns Candidate, Urges Members To Vote For APC Oyebanji

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Biodun Oyebanji

By Ayodele Oni

 

Less than 48 hours to the governorship election in Ekiti State, The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has disowned Peter Obafemi as its candidate.

 

The party, in a social media post accused Obafemi of not relating with leadership of the party since his emergence as candidate.

 

The party has therefore advised it’s supporters to come out enmasse on Saturday and cast their vote for Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

 

The post reads “The Social Democratic Party (SDP), Ekiti State Chapter, has officially distanced itself from its governorship candidate, Otunba Olugbenga Peter Obafemi, over what the party described as a lack of commitment to the party’s activities and electoral process.

 

“Speaking after an extensive deliberation, the party expressed disappointment in the conduct of Otunba Peter Obafemi, alleging that since emerging as the party’s candidate, he has failed to participate in party functions and activities across the state.

 

“According to the party, the candidate has neither engaged with the party structure from the state level down to the ward level nor embarked on any meaningful campaign across Ekiti State.

 

“The SDP leadership further described his actions as detrimental to the party’s collective interests, accusing him of treating the party’s governorship ticket as a personal venture rather than a platform for genuine political engagement.

 

“The party stated that his absence from critical party engagements and inability to mobilize support have left members disappointed and frustrated ahead of the governorship election.

 

“Consequently, after what it described as a vigorous and unanimous deliberation, the Ekiti State chapter of the SDP resolved to support the re-election bid of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji in the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

 

“While reaffirming its identity and existence as an independent political party, the SDP announced its endorsement of Governor Oyebanji for a second term, citing the need to align with what it considers the best interest of Ekiti State and its people.

 

“The party emphasized that despite its decision to endorse Governor Oyebanji, the SDP remains a distinct political platform committed to the advancement of democratic values and the development of Ekiti State.

 

“This decision is in line with the collective resolution of the party to support BAO’s re-election bid and enable him to continue the developmental strides being witnessed across Ekiti State.

 

“The SDP maintains that the priority of every well-meaning citizen should be to support a credible leader who can deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

 

“The party believes that Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has demonstrated exceptional leadership, with his performance and achievements evident across various sectors of the state.”

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