INEC Clears 13 Political Parties For Ekiti Gov. Election

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May 27, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that 13 political parties are on the ballot paper for the June 20 off season governorship election in Ekiti state.

The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mallam Mohammed Kudu, spoke at INEC Forum for Media Executives, in Ado-Ekiti as part of preparations for the off-cycle governorship poll.

He described the Ekiti governorship election as an important political test ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kudu noted that the election would be conducted across the state’s 16 local government areas, 177 wards, and 2,445 polling units, with 13 political parties expected to participate.

According to him, the election is coming at a time of growing concerns over voter apathy, vote buying, political violence, misinformation, and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.

Kudu called on media organisations to intensify voter education in English, Yoruba, and other local dialects, particularly on the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), and voting procedures.

He also reminded journalists of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 regarding balanced coverage, election-day broadcast restrictions, and penalties for vote buying and other electoral offences.

In his welcome address, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, called for stronger collaboration with media professionals in the fight against fake news, misinformation, and hate speech ahead of the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election.

He described the media as a critical partner in protecting democracy, stressing that the credibility of any election depends largely on accurate, balanced, and professional reporting.

Omoseyindemi disclosed that INEC had intensified preparations for the election through voter education, logistics planning for sensitive and non-sensitive materials, training of election personnel, and continuous engagement with security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, and transport unions to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and inclusive electoral process.

He, however, expressed concern over the increasing spread of fake news, manipulated videos, misleading headlines, and unverified election reports, warning that such misinformation could create panic, erode public trust, and threaten electoral peace.

He urged media executives, reporters, producers, and on-air personalities to verify election-related information with INEC before publication or broadcast, amplify official voter education messages, promote issue-based campaigns, and avoid sensational or inflammatory reports capable of heating up the polity.

The Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, explained that the forum was organised to strengthen collaboration between INEC and media professionals, provide updates on election preparations, and clarify electoral processes, timelines, and legal frameworks.

Fmr Ondo First Lady, Anyanwu-Akeredolu Drops Senatorial Ambition, Opts For House Of Reps Contest

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Ayodele Oni

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May 27, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Citing interest and peace within the party, wife of the former Governor of Ondo state, Dr Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has dropped her ambition to contest Owerri senatorial seat on the ticket of Labour Party (LP).

Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has instead announced that she has secured her Certificate of Clearance as the Labour Party candidate’s House of Representatives seat for Owerri Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement, the former First Lady of Ondo State said her decision to step down from the Senatorial race and contest for the House of Representatives was taken in the interest of party unity and stability.

According to her, the move became necessary as the Labour Party works to rebuild after a prolonged period of internal crisis and legal battles.

Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu noted that although some supporters might be disappointed over her inability to secure the senatorial ticket, she chose to remain committed to the collective interest of the party.

She stressed the need for sacrifice, cooperation, and unity in building a stronger political platform capable of achieving victory in 2027.

The Labour Party candidate also reaffirmed her commitment to advancing female representation in elective positions and providing what she described as compassionate, courageous, and purposeful leadership.

She added that her mission remains unchanged regardless of the legislative chamber she eventually serves in at the National Assembly.

Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu urged her supporters and the people of Owerri Federal Constituency not to lose hope but to remain steadfast and committed to the political journey ahead.

She appreciated her family, political associates, supporters, and constituents for their continued encouragement and support.

Tinubu: All Forces Of Evil Will Be Defeated

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James Orji

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May 27, 2026

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Being full text of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Nationwide Broadcast To Mark Muslim Eid-el-Kabir Celebration

I extend warm felicitations to our Muslim brothers and sisters across Nigeria and worldwide as they celebrate the glorious Eid-el-Kabir, the Festival of Sacrifice.

We give glory to Almighty God for preserving our lives to witness this important celebration once again.

Eid-el-Kabir reminds us of the enduring virtues exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim—faith, obedience, and the willingness to sacrifice for a higher purpose. This sacred festival calls on all Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians and the whole of humanity, to embrace sacrifice, selflessness, unity, and compassion for our fellow human beings.

One central lesson of Eid-el-Kabir is the call to show mercy and compassion, regardless of race, ethnicity, or creed. There is no greater example of duty and devotion than Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to offer his only son, Ismail, as a sacrifice to Allah.

As a nation, we are on a journey of reconstruction and renewal. The reforms we have undertaken are challenging but necessary to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria for future generations.

Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth. The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here.

I am confident that, by the Grace of God, the reforms we have diligently pursued will continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities for all.

I am aware that, despite the best efforts of our security and intelligence agencies—including the recent elimination of a wanted ISIS leader—heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities. I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil.

To our Muslim faithful, I urge you to use this sacred occasion to pray for our country, for peace in our communities, and for wisdom for those in leadership.

Let us pray that those who commit crimes among us may rethink and abandon their evil ways, or face the full weight of the law.

Let us also reach out to the less privileged, share with our neighbours, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us as one people.

My administration remains committed to building a Nigeria where all citizens can live in peace, worship freely, and pursue their dreams without fear.

We will continue to invest in security, infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital to fulfil the great promise of our great nation.

On behalf of the government, I wish you all a peaceful, joyous, and blessed Eid al-Kabir. May Allah accept our sacrifices and prayers, and may He continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Eid Mubarak! Happy Sallah!

Labour Party Celebrates With Muslim Faithful On Eid-el-Kabir

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The Source

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May 27, 2026

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Nenadi Esther Usman - Labour Party Chairman

The Labour Party has felicitated with all Muslim faithful on the celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir (Eid al-Adha).

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Eluma Asogwa, the LP while extending its good wishes on this occasion said:

“As Muslims in Nigeria and across the world commemorate the sacred festival of Eid-el-Kabir (Eid al-Adha), the Labour Party extends its warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to the entire Ummah on this solemn and spiritually significant occasion.

“Eid al-Adha symbolizes the profound faith, obedience, sacrifice, and total submission exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace Be Upon Him) in his total devotion to the will of Almighty Allah. These enduring virtues remain timeless lessons not only for the faithful but also for leaders and citizens alike as we strive to build a more just, peaceful, and compassionate society.

“Beyond the festivities, this holy season calls for deep reflection, renewed spirituality, selflessness, and greater commitment to the service of humanity. It is a period to seek the mercy and guidance of Allah (SWT), strengthen our bonds with one another, and recommit ourselves to the ideals of love, humility, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

“At a time our nation continues to grapple with economic hardship, insecurity, hunger, and growing social and ethno-religious tensions, the values embodied by Eid al-Adha have become even more urgent and relevant. We therefore urge Nigerians to embrace compassion, generosity, and mutual understanding, especially towards the less privileged and vulnerable in society.

“The Labour Party also calls on those entrusted with leadership and public responsibility to govern with justice, fairness, equity, and empathy in line with the noble teachings of Islam, which place great emphasis on the welfare and protection of the people, ideals that the Labour Party vigorously pursues. This is a defining moment for leaders at all levels to rise above selfish interests and work sincerely towards alleviating the suffering of Nigerians.

“As we celebrate this blessed festival, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) accepts our sacrifices and acts of worship, grants peace and prosperity to our nation, and continues to guide us on the path of righteousness.

“Eid Mubarak to all Nigerians. May this celebration bring abundant blessings, divine mercy, peace, and renewed hope to every home.”

“Dear Media Friends, We At INEC Distance The Commission From APC’s Claim Of 12.9m Registered Members”

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 26, 2026

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Professor Josiah Amupitan INEC Chairman — Prof Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has distanced itself from the figure of the digital membership registers of political parties recently made public by the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress APC Prof Nentawe Yilwaltda.

On an Arise Television’s News programme to defend the seemingly outrageous high number of votes purportedly garnered by President Bola Tinubu at the just concluded primaries of the party, Yilwaltda had claimed that the APC verified and submitted a whopping 12 .9 million registered members after its registration exercise.

The APC National Chairman, while also giving the number of registered members of other parties, claimed that the combined numbers of opposition party members is not up to that of the APC .

According to his breakdown, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has 2.4 million members, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, 1.6 million, Labour Party, LP, 1.3 million members ,and Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, 700,00 members.

” We ( APC) have about 12.9.million registered members that were submitted to the INEC. Let me give you data . APC submitted.12.9.million registered members .

” PDP submitted 1.6 million registered members. The ADC

submitted 1.6 million registered members, Labour Party submitted.1.3 million registered members, and NDC submitted, 700,000 registered members.

” So, these are the data. If you put all these political parties together, they don’t add up to APC’s registered members.

All the political parties, this number I have counted, they are not up to the number that APC registered.

“But even the most important thing in our own case is that we have verified data. The data of our members are verified by NIMC . We synchronised the data with NIMC”, Yilwaltda claimed.

He emphasized that the numbers of votes polled by the President during the primaries were nothing extraordinary going by the figure of registered members of the party.

But apparently scandalized, the INEC said the figure reeled out by the APC National Chairman never emanated from it .

The spokesperson for the INEC Chairman, Dayo Oketola, in a short statement on Tuesday, May 26, informed that the data so released by the APC National Chairman remains strange to the Commission.

” Dear esteemed media colleagues, please note that this is certainly not from INEC . Thanks” Oketola stated .

Osun Gov. Adeleke Says Appeal Court Has Saved Accord Party From Bad People, Lauds Judiciary

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Ayodele Oni

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May 26, 2026

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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has opined that those scheming to disenfranchise and block Accord Party members from August polls have failed with the Appeal Court judgement.

The governor described the judiciary as the last hope and refuge of the citizens as he commended the Court of Appeal for ordering stay of proceedings in a suit seeking to deregister Accord and other parties.

In a statement, the governor hailed the presiding justices for their professionalism and undiluted commitment to fair and equitable administration of justice.

He described the Court ruling as a just action designed to protect the rights and privileges of all stakeholders, calling the Justices the preserver of citizens’ rights as guaranteed by the constitution.

“I am using this opportunity to commend the judiciary for protecting the sanctity and integrity of our democracy from deliberate abuse by anti-democratic elements.

“On behalf of the good people of Osun State, we thank the justices and the entire judiciary.

“From 2018 till date, I have been a beneficiary of judicial interventions which protect my rights and privileges when faced with constant abuse and attacks on democratic rights.

“The judiciary is the last hope of the oppressed, the refuge for the weak.

“The judgement by the Justices of the Court of Appeal further reinforces our faith in the judiciary, further rekindles our trust in the democratic process.

“As we escape the trap of those seeking to avoid free and fair elections, I congratulate Accord leaders locally and nationally.

“We should now redouble our campaigns to secure an overwhelming victory on August 15. We must be bold, strong and resolute within the confine of the law to sustain and extend our mandate.

“As we have the people and God with us, we won’t succumb to intimidation and harassment. August 15th is for the continuity of our Imole administration.

“We will legally resist any attempt to derail the democratic process,” the governor decared.

At the resumed hearing of the appeal number CA/ABJ/CV/569/2026 between Accord versus Incorporated Trustees of National Forum of Former Legislators & 6 Ors, counsel to the appellant, Musibau Adetunbi SAN had informed the Court of three pending applications.

They include an Application for Stay of Further Proceedings filed on 4th May, 2026; an Application seeking Departure from the Rules filed on 4th May, 2026; and an Application seeking leave to amend the Notice of Appeal filed on 14th May, 2026.

In a bench ruling, the Court held that the essence of an application for stay of proceedings is to preserve the res pending the determination of the appeal and to ensure that the appeal, if successful, is not rendered nugatory.

The Court further held that having considered the grounds of appeal together with the affidavit evidence placed before it, and particularly in view of the absence of substantial opposition from the Respondents, the Appellant had placed sufficient materials before the Court to warrant the exercise of its discretion in their favour pursuant to Order 4 rules 10 and 11 of the Court of Appeal Rules, 2021.

The Court also made reference to Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/444/2026 – Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem v. Accord, being a matter of similar facts wherein the Court of Appeal had equally granted an application for stay of proceedings in similar circumstances.

The Court accordingly granted the Appellant’s Motion for Stay of Proceedings.The appeal was thereafter adjourned to 27th October, 2026 for hearing.

Rivers APC Gov. Candidate, Chinda, Faces Legal Hurdle To Stop Him

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Ayodele Oni

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May 26, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners has filed a suit to stop Chinda, a known ally of Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), minister, Nyesom Wike, governorship ambition.

Chinda had as emerged the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the party’s primary election held on May 21, 2026.

Chinda stood as the sole candidate in the election, following the last minute withdrawal of other contestants – incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Tonye Cole and Alabo Dakorinama George-Kelly.

Following the development, Chinda is currently the governorship candidate of the ruling APC in Rivers State, while also serving as Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, a position he occupies due to his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Not much was heard about the lawmaker’s defection to the APC until his name came up as one of the aspirants in the ruling party’s Rivers gubernatorial primary.

However, legal hurdles emerged in the APC gubernatorial flagbearer’s path ahead of the 2027 election as an association of lawyers, who include members of Chinda’s Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency of Rivers State, has approached an Abuja Federal High Court seeking to stop him from taking part in the 2027 poll on the grounds that his defection from the PDP to the APC did not comply with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, as amended, as well as Supreme Court pronouncements on defection of legislators.

According to court documents, lawyers under the aegis of Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners filed the suit on May 12, 2026, asking the court to stop Chinda from participating in the APC gubernatorial primary, and, in the event he emerges as candidate, bar him from participating in the general election.

Listed as respondents in the suit filed on behalf of the plaintiff by J. B Lamay, Esq, are Chinda, George-Kelly, Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Speaker House of Representatives, APC, Department of State Services, (DSS) and Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Besides an order stopping Chinda from participating in the gubernatorial election in Rivers State, the plaintiff also asked the court to order the Speaker of the House of Representatives to immediately remove him as Minority Leader due to dual party membership, and declare his seat vacant.

Reliefs sought by the plaintiff include an order directing INEC to conduct a bye-election to fill the said vacancy due to Chinda’s alleged violation of Section 68 (1) (g) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and the Supreme Court of Nigeria judgment of 27th February 2025 that stipulates the steps for defection by legislators.

In the same vein, the plaintiff asked the court to order the national leadership of the APC to reject and prevent Chinda and George-Kelly from participating in the Rivers State governorship primaries due to violations of the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026.

In George-Kelly’s case, the court was informed that he failed to resign his position as Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency according to the directive that all appointees of the President of Nigeria ought to resign by 30th March 2026 if they seek to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections.

However, with George-Kelly having withdrawn from the primary, Chinda’s emergence as APC gubernatorial candidate is now under threat going by the reliefs sought in the lawsuit.

Specifically, the plaintiff asked the court for “an order directing INEC not to recognize or accord validity to the participation, nomination and/or candidature of the 1st and 2nd defendants/respondents (Chinda and George-Kelly) in the APC Rivers State governorship primary election” pending the determination of the suit.

Peter Obi Media Office Reacts To Misleading 45m Figures Ascribed To Him At Purported NDC Primary Election

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The Source

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May 26, 2026

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The attention of the Peter Obi Media Office has been drawn to certain 45m primary vote figures currently circulating on social media and various news platforms, purporting to be the breakdown of official results from an imaginary primary by the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC ascribed to Mr Peter Obi.

A statement signed by Ibrahim Umar, Spokesperson for POMR in reaction stated:

“We wish to state categorically that these figures are entirely false, fabricated, as such, the primary never took place and no figure was generated from any process. We urge the general public, party supporters, and members of the press and the public to completely disregard these misleading statistics.

Official and accurate information regarding Mr Peter Obi’s engagements and political processes will always be communicated through our verified and authorised channels and appropriately signed.

“Those behind this fraudulent figure attribution to Peter Obi are looking for partners in their fraud but they should look elsewhere not with Peter Obi.”

Nigerian Footballer, Victor Udoh, Dies At 21 Years, Football Community Mourns

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 26, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

The World Football Community is mourning the sudden demise of Nigerian footballer, Victor Udoh who passed at the age of 21 years.

Udoh, a former player for Belgian Side, Royal Antwerp and English club, Southampton Football Club, reportedly died in Abuja under circumstances that are still unclear.

It was gathered the sad occurrence happened Tuesday, May 26th, 2026.

An official statement from Royal Antwerp Football Club where the youngster rose through the ranks before moving to England, confirmed his passing, saying, “It is with great sadness that RAFC has learned of the death of former player Victor Udoh,” the club said.

The Belgian club added that its thoughts were with his family, friends, and loved ones during the difficult period.

Udoh moved from Abuja to Belgium as a teenager to pursue his football career and quickly impressed in Antwerp’s youth setup, scoring 12 goals in 21 appearances before earning promotion to the senior team.

The Late Udoh joined Southampton in January 2025, on a Three-and-a-Half-Year contract and featured for the club’s development side before later moving to Czech Republic Club Side, Dynamo Ceske Budejovice.

It was gathered that the Striker had recently returned to Nigeria following the end of the Czech football season before news of his death emerged.

His death has led to tributes pouring in from fans, teammates, and members of the football community mourning the loss of the promising young striker.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is yet to comment, or issue a statement on the sudden demise of the youngster.

Ekiti ADC Flays “Hurried Arraignment, Detention” Of House Of Assembly Candidate

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Ayodele Oni

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May 26, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State chapter of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC) has condemned what it called the illegal arrest, unlawful detention, and hurried arraignment of Mr Ayodele Babatola, the House of Assembly Candidate of the party in Ado Constituency 1, on allegations of ra*e.

He was remanded in prison custody on the orders of a magistrate court sitting in Ado Ekiti.

Babatola was arraigned on Monday by the Ekiti State Police Command, through the Rapid Response Squad, for allegedly having a forced intimate affair with a woman whose identity was withheld.

Reacting in a statement, the party stated that: “We view these actions as a gross violation of the constitutional rights of Mr Babatola and a dangerous abuse of State power.

“Every Nigerian, regardless of status or political affiliation, is entitled to the presumption of innocence, due process, and protection from arbitrary detention under Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.”

The statement, signed by Gboyega Aribisogan, Director, Communications, Media and Publicity, Dare Bejide Campaign Organisations, added that: “From the available facts, the arrest and detention were carried out without adherence to due process.

“Babatola was neither properly invited nor granted the opportunity to respond to the allegations before being detained and arraigned. Such conduct undermines the integrity of our justice system and erodes public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

“While we do not condone any form of sexual violence and affirm that ra*e is a heinous crime that must be investigated and prosecuted thoroughly, we insist that justice must never be sacrificed on the altar of political persecution or mob sentiment.

“The law must take its course, but it must do so lawfully, fairly, and without malice.

“We, therefore, demand the immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention to determine if due process was followed.

“The party demands the release of Ayodele Babatola on bail pending the conclusion of any lawful investigation and trial in line with his constitutional right.

“We call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Ekiti State Attorney General, National Human Rights Commission, and the National judicial Commission to intervene and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

“The ADC stands for the rule of law, human rights, and due process. We will not remain silent while citizens are subjected to illegal persecution under the guise of criminal allegations.”