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How Bandits Attacked Kebbi Police Formation, Kill 10 Personnel, Lose 17 Of Their Own Criminal Gang

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Bandits Attacked Kebbi Police Formation
Bandits Attack on Kebbi Police Formation

By Adesina Soyooye

 

A former Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has made public a heartbreaking incident which occurred in Kebbi State, North-west, Nigeria.

 

According to Dalung, a Lawyer, who was Minister under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, bandits numbering about 240, invaded and fatally attacked a  Nigerian Police Force Formation in  Makuku, Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

 

Lamenting the heartbreaking incident, Dalung said the bandits came in about 200 motor cycles and overwhelmed, almost, the Police Formation.

 

The gallant Police Officers fought back. But inspite of their gallantry, when the intense gunfire stopped, 10 Police personnel paid the supreme price with their lives, while 17 of the bandits lay dead, having been killed by the gallant officers.

 

Mourning the dead police personnel, and wondering  when the rivers of blood flowing across Nigeria will stop, Dalung wrote:

Solomon Dalung
Solomon Dalung

“The news coming out of Makuku in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State is heartbreaking.

 

“Ten police officers were reportedly killed when armed bandits attacked security personnel around Rafin Makuku. Two civilians were also killed, while 17 of the attackers were reportedly neutralised.

 

“Reports say the attackers were a large group, reportedly about 240 men riding more than 200 motorcycles, who moved into Kebbi from the Zamfara axis. They were heavily armed and were able to engage a police formation with enough force to inflict such a devastating casualty on the officers.

 

“Some reports also indicate that weapons belonging to the slain officers were taken away after the attack.

 

“And somewhere today, ten families are dealing with that reality.

 

“What happened in Makuku also tells us something heartbreaking about the security situation in the Northwest. Armed groups are not operating as small bands of criminals hiding in the bush anymore. We are increasingly seeing large groups of armed men moving across state boundaries, in massive scale, mobilising in significant numbers and confronting security forces.

 

“Kebbi has suffered this violence before. Zamfara has lived with it for years. Parts of Katsina, Benue, Plateau, Sokoto and other states in the country have also endured the same nightmare.

 

“And the cycle continues.

 

“We need to ask why these attacks are repeatedly happening, how these groups are moving, where they are getting their weapons and why communities remain vulnerable despite the enormous resources committed to national security?

 

“This afternoon, I am thinking particularly about the ten police officers who died in Makuku.

 

“May God rest  their souls and give their families the strength to bear this terrible loss.

 

“But tomorrow, when the condolences are over, Nigerians don’t have to bear a repeat of this again.

 

Solomon Dalung Esq

Orji Kalu Vows Parallel Abia APC Amidst Threats Of Disciplinary Action Against Him

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Orji Uzor Kalu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu, has threatened to run a parallel faction of the All Progressive Congress APC, amidst sharp disagreement with the State Party Leadership.

 

This is as he rejected claims suggesting that he endorsed Labour Party’s  Governor Alex Otti for a second term in office , ahead of the APC gubernatorial candidate in Abia state.

 

Kalu’s clarification is coming against the backdrop of a seven-day ultimatum issued by the leadership of the Abia State chapter of the APC ordering Kalu to tender an unreserved apology over his alleged anti-party activities and misconduct.

 

The Abia APC in a communique issued on Monday, August 10, 2026, after a meeting of the State Working Committee, SWC, expressed serious disappointment and displeasure with the  duo of Senator Kalu and Hon Chris Nkwota, member representing Ukwa West/Ukwa East at the National Assembly over their purported endorsement of the second term ambition of the Abia state Governor.

 

The APC, in the communique, described the conduct of both leaders as totally unacceptable, irresponsible , unstatesmanlike, as well as inimical to the overall interest of the party in the state.

 

The party, therefore, urged the two members to apologise for their unbefitting conduct ,or be prepared to face  disciplinary actions.

 

“Failure by either of the two individuals to comply with this demand within the stipulated seven days will leave the party with no option than to constitute a disciplinary Committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding their respective statements and actions, and make appropriate disciplinary recommendations to the competent organs of the party”, the APC stated.

 

But in a statement from his “Reality Political Organization” late on Tuesday , August 11, 2026, the Senator representing Abia North District , accused the State Party Leadership of high-handedness and intolerance in its handling of the affairs of the Party.

 

He warned that he will never sit idly by, and watch the State Party Leadership, most of whom he alleged came from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  destroy what they spent years to build.

 

While vehemently debunking claims that he endorsed Governor Otti for a second term in office, Kalu explained that his was a simple case of prediction of the outcome of the gubernatorial polls in the state in 2027.

 

He questioned the basis for labelling his prediction of political outcomes as an anti-party activity.

 

“It is becoming increasingly obvious that the APC in Abia state is being run by people whose actions appear more calculated to destroy the party than build it .

 

“Even more disturbing is the intellectual poverty displayed in attempting to manufacture an allegation of anti-party activity from a straightforward political prediction.

 

“Where, precisely, did Senator Orji Uzor Kalu engage in anti-party activity? During the television interview being mischievously referenced, Senator Kalu was asked whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election. He answered yes .

 

“He was asked whether Governor Alex Otti would win the Abia Governorship election. He answered yes. He was further asked whether the APC was in alliance with Governor Otti . His answer was as an unequivocal no.

 

“Where, therefore, is the endorsement? Is a prediction now synonymous with an endorsement? Has political analysis suddenly become anti-party activity?

 

“At what point did expressing an opinion about the likely outcome of an election become an offence under the APC Constitution?”, Kalu queried.

 

The former Governor accused the APC Leadership in the State of suffering from what he described as  “manifest and profound intellectual laziness” which has led it into an orchestrated attempt to mislead members of the party and the public.

 

He emphasized that his  “prediction” during the said interview would have ordinarily provoked a serious leadership into a sober reflection, rather than issuing veiled threats.

 

“Rather than reaching for threats and disciplinary proceedings, they should be asking themselves what shortcomings within the party could produce such a prediction, and what must be done to change the political equation before 2027.

 

“Or would Chijioke Chukwu and his colleagues prefer Senator Kalu to predict an APC Governorship victory merely to massage their egos, even when his assessment of the prevailing political situation suggests otherwise? That would not be loyal. It would be self-deception dressed in party colours”, Kalu added.

 

The statement further accused the party leadership of earlier gloating over a similar political prediction made against Senator Kalu himself by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu.

 

“There is also an extraordinary degree of selective outrage at play. Only a few days before the National Assembly primaries, the camp of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives wrote an article predicting hurdles for Senator Kalu, even if he secured the APC Senatorial ticket.

 

” Where were Chijioke Chukwu ( party chairman) and his colleagues then? What was their reaction? Where was the communique? Where was the righteous indignation? Where were the threats of disciplinary proceedings . Their silence was deafening”, the statement noted.

 

Kalu, therefore, vowed to take measures to steer the party towards genuine and purposeful path, should the present leadership continue to promote disunity.

 

“If this culture of segregation , intimidation, high-handedness and impunity continues ,then ,by the grace of God , genuine and patriotic members of the Abia APC will have no alternative but to unveil a dedicated State Working Committee to run the affairs of the party and provide the inclusive leadership that members across Abia state deserve. Nobody should mistake restraint for weakness”, Kalu warned.

Political Platforms Will Not Determine Winner Of Osun Gov. Election – Adeleke

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Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke

 

By Ayodele Oni

 

Osun State Governor and candidate of the Accord party, Senator Ademola  Adeleke, has reiterated that his relationship with voters in the State and the performance of his administration qualify him for reelection on Saturday.

 

Aside this, Adeleke expressed confidence in emerging victorious in the election saying he would win the State’s governorship election even if he contested as an independent candidate without the backing of a political party.

 

Adeleke made the assertion during the Arise News Town Hall, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State,

 

He said Nigeria’s electoral system currently requires candidates to contest under political parties, but expressed hope that the country would eventually allow independent candidacy.

 

“Assuming the way they do it in America, that you can come out and be an independent candidate. I’m looking towards that, that one day, Nigeria, our democracy will go to that.

 

“I can assure you, if we have an independent candidate who can come out, if I come out as an independent candidate, I will see a win.”

 

Adeleke maintained that his decision to leave the PDP was not motivated by disloyalty to the party, acknowledging its role in his political rise.

 

“I love PDP. PDP has given me the chance to become a senator and a governor,” he said.

 

However, he said persistent internal disagreements and uncertainty within the party forced him to reconsider his political future ahead of the governorship election.

 

“When I see that things are going bad, every day fighting, closing doors, I have to think twice.”

 

According to the governor, his move to the Accord Party followed consultations with political stakeholders and was not a decision he took alone.

 

He also dismissed claims that he left the PDP because he could not secure the party’s governorship ticket, arguing that the prolonged crisis within the party had created uncertainty over whether it could provide a viable platform for his re-election.

 

Adeleke said his administration’s performance would be more important to voters than political party affiliation.

 

He cited investments in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, education and security as evidence of his administration’s achievements.

 

The governor stated that his government had completed more than 350 kilometres of roads across Osun State, while another 160 kilometres were currently under construction.

 

He also revealed that about 200 healthcare centres had been rehabilitated since he assumed office.

 

Responding to allegations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that some roads constructed by his administration were substandard, Adeleke rejected the claim.

 

He said qualified engineers had assessed and certified the projects. “Why would I come and do substandard? Are you a certified engineer? Are you an engineer?” he asked.

 

On security, Adeleke revealed that his administration had strengthened the Amotekun security outfit by recruiting more than 1,500 personnel for deployment across local government areas in the state.

 

The governor also denied allegations that he was responsible for the increased presence of security personnel in Osun ahead of the election.

 

“I did not militarise. I don’t have that capacity. I am not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”

 

He accused some political actors of using intimidation and federal influence ahead of the poll but called on his supporters to remain peaceful.

 

Despite the political contest surrounding the election and his defection from the PDP, Adeleke maintained that political parties would not ultimately determine the outcome of the poll. “It is the people,” he said.

 

The governor expressed confidence that Osun voters would make their choice based on the candidates and their records in office, rather than simply on the political platforms under which they contest.

Osun 2026: PDP Governorship Candidate, Adebayo, Withdraws From Race, Backs Governor Adeleke

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Adedamola Adebayo

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The political tension in Osun State is intense ahead of the August 15th 2026, Governorship Election in the State.

 

Incumbent Governor, Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party could heave a sigh of relief following the withdrawal of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  Governorship Candidate, Adedamola Adebayo, popularly known as FRYO, who has declared support for him.

 

Adebayo announced his decision on Wednesday at a press conference in Osogbo, Osun State Capital, less than 72 hours to the election.

 

He also directed members of the PDP, his supporters and political structures loyal to him across the State to support and cast their votes for Adeleke in Saturday’s poll.

 

According to Adebayo, the decision followed extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the political situation in Osun.

 

He said his withdrawal was motivated by what he described as the broader interest of the state rather than personal political ambition.

 

Adebayo stressed that political leadership sometimes required taking difficult decisions, even when such decisions might not be popular among supporters.

 

He said: “After extensive consultations and careful consideration, I have decided to endorse His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, in the August 15 gubernatorial election in Osun State.”

 

The former PDP Candidate said he was solely responsible for the decision and had communicated his position to party leaders, members and stakeholders.

 

He subsequently urged PDP members and his supporters to support Adeleke’s re-election bid.

 

He, however, acknowledged that some of his supporters might disagree with his position but appealed to them to respect differing opinions, describing such disagreements as part of the democratic process.

 

He also called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to reject violence, intimidation, hate speech and other forms of electoral hostility before, during and after the election.

 

According to him, the interests of Osun State should take precedence over partisan considerations.

 

“Osun State is bigger than any individual. Osun State is bigger than any political party. And Osun State is certainly bigger than any election,” he said.

 

Adebayo urged political actors to remember that the election would eventually end, while residents and communities would remain together.

 

He also expressed appreciation to those who supported his governorship campaign, saying his decision to back Adeleke did not diminish the relationships and experiences built throughout his political journey.

Anambra-born Billionaire Joseph Ezeokafor’s Family, Confirms Abduction, Fears For His Health

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Sir Joseph Ezeokafor

By Adesina Soyooye

 

Seven days after he was kidnapped, the family of Anambra-State-born billionaire businessman Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, has debunked the story making the rounds that he has regained his freedom.

 

On the contrary, said the family in a statement where it narrated how the oil magnate was abducted, nothing has been heard from him or his abductors since the incident. And, now, expectedly, the family’s greatest fear is for his health because according to the statement, he is hypertensive, and did not have his medication with him at the time of his abduction.

 

The family explained that he was abducted at about 2.00am, on Tuesday last week, from what they called a ‘remote Catholic praying ground’. Ironically, the Chief constructed the prayer House on the grounds and also constructed the roads which lead to it.

 

A staunch Catholic, the family explained that he usually went there every month to pray and devote himself totally to the worship of God as that is the only way he found fit to appreciate God for uplifting him in life, being a helpless orphan before God intervened.

 

The family’s statement reads reads in part:

 

“1) He was kidnapped from a remote Catholic prayer ground, located at Ifite, Awka, Anambra State, by dare armed gunmen who stormed the prayer ground at exactly 2:00 am Tuesday last week.

 

“2) He was the financier who financed the construction of the prayer house and the access roads that lead to the prayer ground as part of his contribution to the Catholic Church that he loves so much.

 

“3) Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, even though he is a wealthy man in dollars and naira, is a humble,  devout  and pious man who loves  God  so much, and so every month, he visits the Catholic prayer ground without his security details attached to him because he believes so much in his heart that the holy prayer ground should not be littered with security details.

 

“4) Last Tuesday was not his first time visiting the prayer ground; he visits every month, quietly and without fanfare, to communicate with his God, the God that changed his life as an orphan, because that is the only way he understands that it should be done.

 

“5) Contrary to the rumours spreading out there, he has not been released, and the kidnappers have not even established contact with the family who are sick and worried about the health of their patriarch, who is without his high blood pressure medication.

 

“6) Sir Joseph Ezeokafor is the founder and the CEO of Jezco Oil, an integrated energy business that is involved in the following businesses z

 

“Jezco filling station, a downstream business involved in the business of selling fuel and diesel with a presence all over the country.

 

“Jezco lubricant, his engine oil brand which is very popular in the east

And then Jezco trading, his trading arm that is into the importation of base oil, a very important commodity and raw material needed for the production of engine oil which they sell to popular lubricant manufacturers in the country.

 

“He is also the father of Jowizaza, a popular Instagram celebrity.

 

“7) A very kind and good man was kidnapped while he was on his knees, seeking the face of the giver of life, the Almighty God.”

 

Why the Chief, a man with a number of security details, would go to the remote praying ground, alone,  is the question not a few people are asking.

 

Chief Ezeokafor is reputed as the wealthiest  man in his Ekwulobia Community of Anambra State. Since his abduction, the Community has been thrown  in confusion. The Traditional  Ruler has, consequently, postponed the Community’s Annual New Yam Festival pending his freedom.

Insult: South Africa Demands $18.5 Million From Nigeria, Two Other African Countries Over Xenophobic Attack

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Cyril Ramaphosa - South African President
Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President

By Ayodele Oni 

 

In what could, in local parlance, be described as “insult upon injury”, South Africa is demanding a multi-million Dollar refund from Nigeria and two other countries over the Xenophobic attacks in its Country.

 

Lamenting the alleged high cost of repariating some Nigerians and nationals of Malawi and Ethiopia, the South African government is demanding a refund of $18.5m repatriation.

 

This is coming amidst  migration crackdown and xenophobic attacks which led to the death of some  non indigenes from South Africa.

 

The Department of Home Affairs revealed that it has spent almost R300 million, approximately $18.5 million, on the repatriation operation, which has seen tens of thousands of foreign nationals processed for return to their countries.

 

The department has written to the government of Malawi and to the embassies of Nigeria and Ethiopia, through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) requesting reimbursement of the costs incurred.

 

Home Affairs Director-General, Tommy Makhode, told Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs that the department had spent R292 million on the operation, substantially exceeding its R60 million allocation for deportations.

 

Transport accounted for the largest share of the expenditure, as authorities moved undocumented migrants to repatriation centres and border points.

 

Report revealed that as of August 6, Home Affairs had processed 82,875 foreign nationals through its repatriation centres. 

 

The figure excludes people repatriated before June 30 and those processed directly by the Border Management Authority.

 

The repatriation operation followed a surge in anti-immigrant protests across South Africa, with several African governments organising voluntary returns for their citizens amid concerns over their safety.

 

Malawians have accounted for the largest group of people returning or being deported, followed by nationals from Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

 

South African authorities have also continued deportations through the Lindela Repatriation Centre. 

 

Home Affairs said 44,607 foreign nationals were deported from Lindela during the previous financial year, while 16,078 were deported between April 20 and July 28 this year.

 

The government has described the increased enforcement as part of efforts to strengthen immigration control and address the growing number of undocumented migrants in the country.

 

However, the financial burden has emerged as a major concern for Pretoria. Makhode said the repatriation programme had not been budgeted for under the department’s existing framework, prompting the government to seek reimbursement from the countries whose nationals were repatriated.

 

“We have also written to the government of Malawi and, of course, the embassies of Nigeria and Ethiopia requesting reimbursements of this cost through the department of DIRCO,” Makhode told lawmakers.

 

South Africa is now awaiting responses from the three governments as it seeks to recover part of the R292 million already spent on the operation.

Osun Guber: Police Ban Amotekun, Others From Election Operation 

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Olatunji Disu - IGP
IGP Olatunji Disu
As political tension builds ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State, the Nigeria Police Force, NPF has banned quasi-military groups, including Amotekun from taking part in operations during the election slated for this weekend.
The police has also warned political parties and voters taking part in the election that violence in any kind, including thuggery and ballot snatching will not be permitted.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has slated the governorship election for August 15, 14 political parties, it said, are participating.
As the election draws closer, violence and killing have been reported in many parts of the state, as politicians stepped up rhetoric which analyst say are capable of setting the state on fire before, during and after the election.
The NPF has however warned that violence will not be tolerated, urging politicians and voters  to maintain peaceful conduct.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, gave the warning in a statement  issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu,urging political parties, candidates and their supporters against recruiting, arming or deploying unofficial security groups during the election.
Amotekun, vigilante organisations, the Joint Civilian Task Force, hunters’ associations, community-based security groups and neighbourhood watch outfits are among those specifically excluded from election security duties, the police said.
They are not permitted to escort electoral materials, guard polling units, establish checkpoints or carry arms in connection with the election.
According  to the police, political actors who sponsor or deploy them also risk arrest and prosecution.
The Force said anyone found using unauthorised security outfits to influence or disrupt the election would be dealt with according to the law, regardless of political affiliation or status.
The move comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity in the state, where the contest has attracted considerable attention and concern from not a few Nigerians over possible violence.
But The police has  warned  politicians and voters, declaring that violence, intimidation, thuggery and other forms of electoral malpractice would not be tolerated.
The police stressed that ballot-box snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying and clashes between rival supporters could lead to arrest.

Obi Condemns Fadahunsi’s ‘Incendiary’ Rhetoric Ahead of Osun Election, Urges Senator To Apologise

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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has expressed concern over what he described as “inflammatory comments and threat-laden rhetoric” attributed to Senator Francis Fadahunsi ahead of the Osun State election.

 

Obi, in a statement, said he was deeply concerned that a serving senator and senior lawmaker would make remarks capable of heightening political tensions, intimidating voters or potentially inciting electoral violence.

 

According to him, lawmakers have a constitutional and moral responsibility to promote peace, uphold democratic norms and foster unity, making such rhetoric “alarming and unacceptable.”

 

He stressed that elections should be peaceful exercises through which citizens freely choose their leaders without intimidation, harassment or coercion.

 

Obi therefore called on Fadahunsi to retract the alleged statements and apologise to the people of Osun State.

 

He also urged political leaders, stakeholders and party supporters across party lines to exercise restraint, moderate their language and recommit themselves to peace and democratic decorum.

Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi
Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi

The former Anambra State governor called on security agencies to closely monitor inflammatory statements and ensure equal protection for citizens, election officials and voters before, during and after the polls.

 

“The democratic mandate belongs to the people,” Obi said, warning that no individual, regardless of political status or office, should attempt to subvert the will of the electorate through fear or coercion.

 

He urged the people of Osun State to remain calm, peaceful and resolute as they exercise their constitutional right to vote.

‘Never Said Military Should Reject Salary Increase’ – Peter Obi

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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

Presidential candidate  of the Nigeria Democratic Congress ( NDC), Mr. Peter Obi has dismissed as false a report attributing to him a statement that Nigerian  soldiers should reject any salary increase until after the elections.

 

Obi, in a clarification, said the claim was entirely untrue, stressing that he has profound respect for Nigeria’s security forces, particularly personnel of the Nigerian Army who continue to serve and protect the country under difficult conditions.

 

He said he had consistently advocated adequate equipment, motivation and protection for security personnel, noting that his concern over the welfare and safety of soldiers had been demonstrated on several occasions.

 

Obi recalled his reaction to the loss of soldiers to insurgents following a delayed rescue effort, questioning how those charged with defending the nation could themselves be left vulnerable when they needed assistance.

 

He further pledged that, if elected President, the welfare, resources, safety and dignity of Nigeria’s military personnel would be among his priorities.

 

“Those who ensure Nigeria’s security must never be relegated to a secondary concern,” he said, stressing that soldiers deserve the nation’s utmost respect, support and a government that will stand firmly behind them.

 

Obi urged Nigerians to disregard what he described as the misleading report, reaffirming his commitment to presenting what he called a clear and consistent vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria.

Osun Politics: Oyinlola Stabbed Me At The Back, Jealous Of Adeleke Family – Gov. Adeleke

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

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has accused a former Governor of the State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, of stabbing him at the back after he  gave him a car on his request.

 

Adeleke revealed that the former governor complained to him about not having a car and requested for one, adding that he gave it to him, and after collecting it went ahead to endorse the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji, for the upcoming election in the state.

 

Adeleke made the revelation during a town hall meeting organised by Arise News for the candidates of the August 15, 2026 election.

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola
Olagunsoye Oyinlola

“Oyinlola is so jealous of the Adeleke family. He contested with my late brother, the first executive governor of Osun State, the late Isiaka Adeleke.

 

“In fact, my brother brought him to come and do politics after he retired as a military officer.

 

“He has never supported the Adeleke family, and we have always supported him.

 

“When I wanted to contest for the Senate, he did not support me.

 

“He did not support me in 2018. He did not support me in 2022. He went to his hometown to bring (Fatai) Akinbade (former Secretary to the Osun State Government).

 

“Throughout Osun State, they only got 7,000 votes. In his hometown, I have always defeated them.

 

“I have always beaten him, even in his unit.

 

“Immediately I won, he came back to me that he didn’t have a car. I gave him a new car.

 

“He collected the car, went to APM (Allied People’s Movement), and two days ago, he endorsed the APC candidate.”