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Gov. Adeleke Flags Off Campaign, Promises Updated Five-Point Agenda For Osun People

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gov Adeleke Flags off Campaign

By Ayodele Oni

 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has revealed that he is seeking a fresh mandate, to enable him implement an updated five-point agenda.

 

In the revised agenda are  youth, women and workers’ welfare; infrastructure consolidation; agro-industrial expansion; affordable health and education; and improved business environment for job creation.

 

The Governor spoke on Tuesday in Osogbo, at the flag off of his re-election campaign.

 

He declared that he would be re-elected for a second term on August 15, 2026, and vowed not to bow to “anti-democratic elements”.

 

Addressing a large crowd of Accord party leaders, defectors, labour groups, market associations, students, farmers, and religious bodies, the governor described the campaign launch as “a divine journey to victory”.

 

The Governor who is seeking second term re-election welcomed Decampees into the Accord party.

 

Adeleke assured supporters that the Accord party remains a duly registered political party and that “your votes will count”, as it will be on the ballot.

 

“Let me start by assuring you all – Accord will be on the ballot; your votes will count; and I will be re-elected as your governor on August 15th.

 

“All lawful means are being deployed to sustain and retain our rights to vote and be voted for.

 

“We will not bow to dark forces; we remain courageous and we shall again be victorious by the special grace of God,” he said.

 

He urged Osun people to “hold your head high” and mobilize at all voting units for Accord, adding: “Go out and mobilise. Accord will be on the ballot. We will vote. Our votes will count. We shall be victorious.”

 

On the local government, council funds, the governor congratulated Osun residents on what he called “victory over the local government issue” and commended “authentic chairmen and councillors” for their patience.

 

He said democratic tools have been deployed to “flush out impostors in our council secretariats”.

 

He repeated his directive to the Commissioner of Police to “stop forthwith his protection for the illegal occupation of our council secretariats”.

 

Adeleke also called on United Bank for Africa, UBA, to end its “unholy alliance with court sacked APC council chairmen” and demanded that “our diverted council fund must be fully accounted for by the bank and the sacked chairmen”.

 

The governor listed achievements since 2022, including payment of inherited half salary debt, cancellation of pension debt, school rehabilitation, health sector upgrades, new stadium development, farm mechanization, water sector reform, digital economy drive, budget transparency, local content enforcement, and climate action.

 

On recognitions:  he disclosed that Osun moved from 33rd to 7th in NECO ranking for 2024/2025; won the Primary Health Care Challenge for 2024 and 2025, ranking 1st in South West with $500,000 prize each year.

 

The state also moved from 14th to 4th in access to clean water; rated 7th in efficiency of public hospitals; cut debt stock by over 40% per DMO; scored 100% in BudgIT Fiscal Transparency for 2025; reduced infrastructure deficit by over 40%; and achieved single-digit rating for local content.

 

He also restated his support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid, saying: “Our support for Mr President is unshaken and total.”

 

The governor urged supporters to reject violence and declare readiness to “protect and defend our rights and our people”, while thanking labour, pensioners, technicians, cooperatives, religious bodies, market women, farmers, youth and students for endorsing his re-election.

“I Will Leave Nigeria If APC Wins 2027 Polls” – Jigawa ADC Gov Candidate Threatens

By
Ayodele Oni
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Sabo Nakudu - Jigawa ADC Gov Candidate

By Ayodele Oni

 

Nigerian youths have been charged to entrust power to leaders who are committed to development and accountability with public offices.

 

African Democratic Congress, (ADC),  governorship candidate in Jigawa State, Sabo Nakudu, made the declaration while receiving members of the ADC youth wing in Jigawa State.

 

Lamenting on the present economic situation under the present administration, Nakudu vowed to leave Nigeria if the APC, wins next years general election again without improving the living conditions of citizens.

 

The governorship candidate expressed concern over what he described as the growing hardship across the country and warned that young Nigerians would continue to suffer, if urgent steps are not taken to address the nation’s challenges.

 

He noted that the inability of successive governments to provide basic needs has left many citizens frustrated and uncertain about the future.

 

According to him, access to essential services such as clean water, electricity, education and security should not remain campaign promises decades after Nigeria attained independence.

 

Nakudu added that it was disappointing that many communities still struggle to get potable water and stable power supply, adding that governments should be assessed by the impact of their policies on the daily lives of ordinary people.

 

“I will leave Nigeria if the APC wins the 2027 general elections. The younger generation will bear the greatest consequences if the current situations of unemployment, insecurity and poor infrastructure persist.

 

“Don’t distance yourselves from politics but to participate actively in the democratic process.

 

“Only leaders who are committed to development and accountability should be entrusted with public offices,” he added.

Deregistration Of Parties: Ajulo Says Court Only Interpreted Law, Defends Judge

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Ajulo SAN

By Ayodele Oni

 

Constitutional Lawyer and Ondo State Attorney-General, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, has observed that constitutional provisions on which the Court based its judgement on Deregistration of five political parties were introduced through amendments assented to by late former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018.

 

According to Ajulo, the legal framework predates the current administration.

 

He defended the judgment delivered by Justice Peter Lifu deregistering the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party and other political parties, describing the ruling as a faithful interpretation of constitutional provisions, rather than a politically motivated decision.

 

Ajulo, in a statement, noted that the judgment has generated widespread reactions across the country, with some critics alleging political interference and directing blame at President Bola Tinubu.

 

He added that, such criticisms ignore the fact that the court merely applied existing constitutional provisions governing the operation and survival of political parties in Nigeria.

 

He pointed to Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister political parties that fail to meet specified electoral performance thresholds.

 

“The law is clear and leaves little room for sentiment or political convenience. Justice Lifu did not create the law; he simply interpreted and applied it as enacted,” Ajulo stated.

 

He further pointed out that the constitutional provisions in question were introduced through amendments assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, stressing that the legal framework predates the current administration.

 

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria argued that the judiciary must remain guided by the law and not by political considerations, adding that judges are duty-bound to interpret statutes as they exist.

 

Ajulo said democracy thrives on adherence to legal and constitutional standards, emphasizing that political parties must satisfy established requirements to retain their legal status.

 

He warned against treating constitutional provisions as optional, noting that political actors have a responsibility to ensure that their platforms comply with extant laws.

 

The Attorney-General also highlighted what he described as the irony surrounding the criticism of the judgment, observing that some prominent politicians now opposed to the ruling were influential figures during the Buhari administration when the constitutional amendments were enacted.

 

 

He maintained that legal principles should be applied consistently, regardless of whose interests are affected.

 

Ajulo urged Nigerians to view the judgment through the lens of constitutionalism and the rule of law rather than partisan politics.

 

He reiterated that the supremacy of the Constitution remains the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic system, stressing that its provisions are binding on all authorities and persons throughout the federation.

 

“The Constitution remains supreme, and its provisions must be respected by all, irrespective of political affiliation or status,” he said

Brother From Hell, Chains Sister For 16 Months,  FCT Police Rescues Her, Search For Missing Son

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Brother Chains Sister For 16 Months in FCT

By Akinwale Kasali

 

After being chained and locked up in a room for 16 months  by her brother identified as Chinedu, a young woman has been rescued by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.

 

Chinedu is a brother from hell. For the 16 months, he locked up his sister, she had no company as her son was taken away from her. Now the Police has commenced an investigation to locate him.

For the 16 months, the victim was fed with only bread and water.

 

FCT Command’s  Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed this shocking incident, during a media interaction with journalists.

 

According to the CP, Chinedu was arrested thanks to credible intelligence received by officers attached to the Katampe Division. The intelligence confirmed the  inhumane treatment meted out on the victim.

 

The Police further revealed that the suspect had earlier taken the victim’s son away from her, and the child has remained missing for over two years.

 

The victim was subsequently taken to a medical facility for treatment and rehabilitation.

 

Condemning the act, CP Sanusi described it as cruel and inhumane, and assured that the suspect would face the full weight of the law, while optimistic that she victim would recover from the physical and psychological trauma she endured during the prolonged confinement.

 

The FCT Police Boss added that efforts are ongoing to locate and recover the victim’s missing son, adding that investigators are pursuing all available leads to determine his whereabouts.

 

He urged members of the public to promptly report cases of abuse, unlawful confinement, and other human rights violations to security agencies for swift intervention.

Peter Obi Remains Opposition Parties’ Joker In 2027 – Jerry Gana, Advises Atiku To Step Down

By
Ayodele Oni
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Prof Jerry Gana

By Ayodele Oni

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‎There are subtle moves to bring together opposition political parties as part of a strategy to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC), candidate, President Bola Tinubu during next year’s elections.

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‎The African Democratic Congress (ADC) a coalition of parties, which earlier rallied together with a view to present a common front to challenge the ruling party, has been scattered by ambitions with Peter Obi pulling out to pick the Presidential ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

‎

Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

‎Even at that, opposition parties are still battling to manage crisis which trailed the conduct of the primary elections with notable figures like former Secretary to government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal withdrawing his support for Atiku Abubakar.

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‎However, in a dramatic political twist that has sent shockwaves through the opposition camp, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former Minister of Information, Prof Jerry Gana, has suggested a way forward, advising former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, to drop his 2027 presidential ambition and throw his full weight behind Labour Party leader and NDC candidate, Peter Obi.

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‎Gana made the remarks while reviewing the fragmentation of the opposition alliance and the growing regional anxieties shaping the countdown to the next general elections.

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‎The elder statesman declared that the ultimate sacrifice for the survival of the nation and the defeat of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) requires a selfless change of guard at the top of the opposition ticket.

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‎“If I were Atiku, I would tell Obi: ‘Go for the Presidency! I will fully support you for the sake of Nigerians,” Gana stated flatly, putting public interest above party or personal loyalty.

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‎According to the PDP veteran, the political realities in the country require a candidate who commands deep organic appeal and can serve as a unifying figure across diverse demographics.

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‎By urging Atiku to step down from the frontline, Gana is advocating for a strategic retreat to save the opposition from another catastrophic electoral defeat.

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‎Political analysts view Gana’s statement as a major validation of the enduring electoral appeal of Peter Obi, whose massive movement continues to dictate the terms of engagement for opposition coalitions ahead of 2027.

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‎Shaking Up the Coalition Chessboard,

‎The former minister’s public stance exposes a widening ideological rift within the old guard of the main opposition structures.

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‎While Atiku Abubakar has actively sought to construct an alternative opposition umbrella under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other regional coalitions, Gana’s remarks suggest that a segment of influential political elites believe a joint ticket must be built around Obi to achieve electoral viability.

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‎The statement further complicates Atiku’s campaign roadmap, which has already suffered major setbacks following the withdrawal of high-profile political actors over regional balancing and running mate choices.

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‎With a founding member of the modern PDP structure openly calling for an Atiku step-down, pressure is expected to mount on the former Vice President’s camp to clarify his next line of action.

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‎Whether Atiku will heed the advice of the elder statesman or press forward with his multi-party coalition strategy remains the biggest question of the 2027 political season.

Commanding Officer, 6 Brigade, Taraba,  Lt. Col Okoye Dies, Nigerian Army Mourns

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Lt Col Emmanuel Okoye

By Adesina Soyooye

 

The Nigerian Army has announced the sad passing of one of its Commanding Officers, Lt. Col. Emmanuel  Okoye.

 

Before his sudden passing, Okoye was the Commanding Officer of the 6 Brigade.

 

The late Commanding Officer, the Army said, was devoted to his duty, was  committed to his troops and service to the country. He would, the statement said, continue to inspire military personnel across the nation.

 

Part of the statement which mourned Lt. Col. Okoye read: “His service to the nation, devotion to his troops, and steadfast commitment to the defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty will remain a source of inspiration to officers and soldiers across the Nigerian Army.

 

“His death is a great loss not only to his family and colleagues but also to the Nigerian Army.”

 

The 6 Brigade, where he was the boss,  reaffirmed its commitment to its constitutional responsibilities of maintaining peace and security and protecting the territorial integrity of the country.

 

“While mourning this painful loss, Headquarters, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to safeguard lives and property, maintain peace and security, and defend the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

“The prayers and thoughts of the officers and soldiers of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army are with the family of the deceased during this period of grief. May Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest and his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

 

The late senior officer was born  on November 6, 1980 and was 45 years old when he passed on.

FAAN: Suspects In N4bn Gold Smuggling Saga Face Probe

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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0
Festus Keyamo - Aviation Minister

An employee of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN and three other suspects alleged to be involved in the plot to smuggle out gold worth over N4 billion from the country are curently being investigated.

One Ali Baffa, a FAAN staff was caught by the EFCC recently, alongside some alleged accomplices at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano while trying to smuggle the items out of the country.

Baffa, was apprehened by EFCC operatives at the airport after allegedly concealing 22.2 kilogrammes of unprocessed gold bars estimated at over N4,400,000,000 in his trousers, with the aim of bypassing security checks and hand over the precious minerals to overseas-bound passengers for illegal export out of the country.

The suspect and his accomplices, according to the anti-graft agency are currently being held in its custody for investigations.

Speaking to The Punch,  FAAN publicist Henry Agbebire said the suspects have been arrested, and are being interogated, noting however that they remain innocent until the outcome of the ongoing investigations. .

The newspaper quoted Agbebire as saying that full-scale investigation has commenced on the issue to ascertain Baffa’s alleged complicity.

Agbebire: “Well, what I can say now is that we are yet to decide on the matter; investigations have been allowed to go on; that is what we have on the matter as at now.”

The EFCC had accused Baffa of allegedly concealing 22.2 kilogrammes of unprocessed gold bars in his trousers to evade security checks and facilitate their illegal export.

According to the EFCC, Baffa and two other suspects, Aushabu Nasidi and Mukhtar Muhammad Dan Zaria, were intercepted during a surveillance operation by the Land and Property Fraud Section of the EFCC’s Kano Zonal Directorate.

The statement reads, “Preliminary investigations revealed that Ali Baffa allegedly concealed 22.2 kilogrammes of unprocessed gold bars estimated at over N4,400,000,000 in his trousers, with the intent to bypass security checks and hand over the precious minerals to overseas-bound passengers for illegal export out of Nigeria.”

Further investigations led to the arrest of Nasidi, whom the commission accused of supplying the gold bars to Baffa. The EFCC said one of Baffa’s alleged accomplices, Nasidi, was found with several foreign currencies, including 3,000 Saudi riyals, 40,000 Turkish lira, 199.75 Kuwaiti dinars, 20,700 Philippine pesos, 80 Australian dollars, 310 Chinese renminbi, 4,000 Algerian dinars, 40 Hong Kong dollars, 26,000 Hungarian forints and 1,000 Sudanese dinars.

The investigation later led to the arrest of Mr Dan Zaria, who allegedly supplied the gold bars to Nasidi. During interrogation, Dan Zaria allegedly told investigators that he had smuggled about 40.2 kilogrammes of gold between 1 and 11 June using the same method, according to the EFCC, the EFCC said.

 

Osun: Gov. Adeleke Demands Security Cover For Duly Elected LG Chairmen, As Court Dismisses APC Tenure Elongation Suit

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Governor Ademola Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke

By Ayodele Oni

 

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke,  has put forward some demands to security agencies and financial institutions over the administration of local governments in the state.

 

The demands follow the Federal High Court, Osogbo, ruling dismissing the suit for tenure elongation for local government chairmen elected on the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun state.

 

Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on security agents to ensure compliance with the ruling.

 

Popularly known as Yes/No chairmen, they have taken over administration of local council in the state.

The Federal High Court in Osogbo had dismissed a tenure elongation suit filed by local government chairmen elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The court affirmed that their removal was valid, backing the Osun State Government’s stance on the leadership of the 30 local councils.

The Federal High Court dismissed their motion and tenure elongation claims, upholding the legality of the local councils’ administration under the state.

In his reaction to the ruling Governor Adeleke expressed satisfaction to the constitutional crisis in the local government administration, which has put the councils’ fund in care of the sacked chairmen.

“I congratulate our authentic elected chairmen on the Court ruling today. The dismissal of the elongation request conforms with the stipulations of the constitution.

“The judgment further validates the precedent set by the Supreme Court ruling that tenure elongation is unconstitutional.

“The Court also holds that the sacked chairmen have no legal foundation to file the case in the first place. Based on this ruling, it is clear the Yes/No chairmen’s tenure, if at all they have any, elapsed October 2025.

 

“Based on today’s judgement, I therefore call on the Inspector General of Police to direct the Osun state police command to stop its current support for the Yes/No chairmen.

 

“I specifically direct the Commissioner of Police to stop providing further security cover for the illegal occupation of the council secretariats by the sacked chairmen.

 

“I further  call on the United Bank for Africa to stop its illegal collaboration with the sacked chairmen. We remind UBA that it has sworn to an affidavit in which it vowed that the entire diverted local government fund is intact.

 

“Based on this affidavit and today’s judgement, we insist that the UBA must ensure that every kobo of the local government fund is secured and accounted for.

 

“We demand that the UBA allows signatories prescribed by law to become signatories to the local government accounts. These funds are needed to pay local workers who are in need of their pension and other allowances.

 

“We demand that all law enforcement agents should support the immediate restoration of the duly elected local government chairmen. This is the path of law and the constitution.”

Confusion As Federal High Court Owerri Division Dismisses Suit For Deregistration Of Political Parties

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Court and Law

By Ayodele Oni

 

Nigeria’s continued journey into democracy is under threat following latest conflicting courts’ rulings on the same issue.

 

The latest, which has drawn mixed reactions is the Federal High Court, Abuja judgement on Monday, which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties.

 

Those affected are African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

 

Also on same day, a Court of the same jurisdiction, sitting in Owerri, Imo state with Justice I.N. Oweibo presiding, dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Action Peoples Party (APP) from INEC’s register of political parties, holding that the party remained a duly recognized political organization under Nigerian law.

 

The different rulings same day over same issue, had further deepened confusion over the legal status of the Action People’s Party (APP).

 

The  Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, also ruled that the party was never deregistered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite an earlier judgment by a Federal High Court in Abuja ordering its deregistration.

 

In the Owerri judgment, Justice I.N. Oweibo dismissed a suit seeking the removal of APP from INEC’s register of political parties, holding that the party remained a duly recognized political organization under Nigerian law.

 

The ruling came hours after another Federal High Court sitting in Abuja reportedly directed INEC to deregister APP and four other political parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements, creating what observers may view as conflicting judicial pronouncements on the party’s status.

 

While the Abuja court’s decision focused on compliance with constitutional provisions governing political parties, the Owerri court examined claims that APP had already been deregistered during INEC’s February 2020 exercise and found no evidence that such deregistration ever took effect.

 

Justice Oweibo held that APP had secured a valid court order from the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in 2020 restraining INEC from taking any action affecting the party’s status pending the determination of judicial review proceedings.

 

The court ruled that the plaintiff failed to establish that APP was ever lawfully deregistered and consequently dismissed all reliefs sought against both INEC and the party.

 

The judgment reinforces APP’s claim that it remains a legally recognized political party.

 

However, the existence of the separate Abuja judgment directing its deregistration, may set the stage for further legal proceedings to determine which order ultimately governs the party’s status.

Court Order To Deregister  Political Parties, Threat Against Integrity Of Electoral Process – Gov Adeleke

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has described Court judgement which ordered deregistration of five political parties, as an affront on the Court of Appeal, an abuse of court process and an open threat against the integrity of the electoral process.

 

The governor spoke in Osogbo on Monday, during a press conference.

 

A Federal High Court, in defiance of a Court of Appeal order, had ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to deregister the five political parties including the Accord Party.

 

In an earlier ruling, the Court of Appeal in a unanimous decision of a  panel of three Justices had on May 22, 2026 directed the Federal High Court Judge not to proceed with the suit until an appeal pending before them and filed by Accord Party is resolved.

 

In a Certified True Copy Enrol Order of the Superior Court, Justices Mohammed Danjuma, Adebukola Banjoko and Oyejoju Oyewumi asked the lower Court Judge to stay proceedings until all issues on the appeal filed by the Accord party were resolved.

 

Governor Adeleke stated that “Our lawyers have taken necessary steps to right the wrong.

 

“It is on record that the Court of Appeal had stayed proceedings on the matter till October. We are therefore surprised that the lower court proceeded to act on a matter already acted upon by the higher court.

 

“I call on Osun people to remain calm. The judgement cannot stay; Accord will be on the ballot; we will be on the ballot ; and we will win resoundingly on August 15th.

 

“The only hope of Osun APC to secure power through the backdoor by aiming at supposed empty net has been dashed.

 

“Our people are reassured that efforts by Osun APC to stop our re-election have failed. Our flag off rally is holding tomorrow. Let us troop out enmasse to grace the occasion.

 

“We will not be distracted. We remain focussed on winning. By God’s grace and the people’s support, continuity shall prevail come August 15th.”

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