Security, Top Priority Of My Administration – Osun Gov. Adeleke

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October 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state.

The governor spoke when he received the newly posted Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command, Toma Matthew Enya, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Osogbo.

The Governor welcomed the new Commandant and lauded the NSCDC for its vital role in safeguarding critical national assets, protecting public infrastructure and supporting law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order.

Adeleke noted that security remains a top priority of his administration, stressing that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and stability.

He assured the Commandant of the state’s support in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Corps in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

The Governor also urged the NSCDC to intensify efforts in the protection of government facilities, educational institutions, agricultural investments and other critical infrastructure across the state.

He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies to address emerging security challenges and ensure the safety of residents.

Speaking during the visit, Commandant Toma Matthew Enya expressed appreciation to the Governor for the warm reception and pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors.

He assured the state government of the Corps’ unwavering commitment to professionalism, discipline and effective service delivery.

The Commandant stated that his administration would prioritize intelligence gathering, community engagement and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders to strengthen security across Osun State.

He added that the Corps would continue to support efforts aimed at protecting lives, property and critical national assets.

Commandant Enya further pledged to deepen collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and other security agencies in the state to promote peace and prevent criminal activities.

According to him, collective responsibility and information sharing remain key to achieving lasting security and public safety.

He also reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, combating vandalism, curbing illegal mining activities and supporting government initiatives designed to enhance economic growth and social development.

The Commandant assured residents that the Corps would remain vigilant and responsive in addressing security concerns throughout the state.

Two Years After, Court Dismisses Suit Which Sought To Stop Kwara LG Poll

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Ayodele Oni

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October 7, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

A Federal High Court, FHC, sitting in Abuja, has dismissed a suit which sought to stop the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC) from conducting the last local government elections in the state.

The court, presided over by Justice Peter Odo Lifu, also ruled that the suit was found to be statute-barred and an abuse of the process of the Court.

The Suit with No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1061/2024 has the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as the plaintiff and was represented by Mayor Eze.

The defendants are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), KWASIEC represented by B.O. Elias and the Attorney-General of Kwara State represented by I.A. Olorundare, a Senior State Counsel, while Special Adviser to the Governor of Kwara State on Legal Matters, Sambo Muritala, was an observer.

The plaintiff commenced the action by originating summons, seeking, inter alia, an order of the court restraining KWASIEC from conducting the last LG elections in Kwara State, and an order restraining INEC from furnishing KWASIEC with the Voters’ Register for that purpose.

The court initially made an order for the maintenance of the status quo, which was subsequently vacated.

In consequence, the local government elections were conducted, while the substantive suit was still pending.

The plaintiff participated fully in the electoral process and, thereafter, filed some twenty-four (24) election petitions. All the petitions were dismissed, and no appeal was lodged against any of the decisions.

The plaintiff subsequently applied to amend its originating summons so as to seek an order nullifying the said elections.

But the court held that the amendment fundamentally altered the character of the action.

It noted that the suit, which was originally a pre-election matter, was by virtue of the amendment transformed into a post-election claim, which was supposed to be election petition and “this court lack jurisdiction to start as a election tribunal.”

It added that “having been so reconstituted, the suit was caught by the statutory limitation period, has no power as an electoral tribunal and was equally statute-barred and the court so hold.”

The Court further upheld the preliminary objection of the defendants that the suit constituted an abuse of the process of the court.

It noted that the plaintiff had voluntarily participated in the local government elections, presented election petitions, and failed in all of them.

According to the court, “it was impermissible for the plaintiff to return to this court, by way of an amended originating summons, to seek reliefs which it could no longer obtain through the election petition process.”

It added that “such conduct amounted to an attempt to re-litigate, by a different route, matters that ought to have been ventilated exclusively before the appropriate election tribunals.”

The local government election was conducted in Srptember, 2024.

International Friendly: Super Eagles Save Face, Draw 3-3 Against Russia

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 7, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Despite sending out a depleted side, Nigeria put up a credible showing to finish in a 3-3 draw with Russia in an international friendly match in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday.

The three-time African Champions showed great character and commitment in a strong performance that saw it comeback from 3-1 down to salvage a 3-3 draw.

In an electrifying display of grit and tactical resolve, a youthful Super Eagles side twice came from behind to earn a dramatic 3-3 draw against Russia on foreign soil.

Head Coach, Éric Chelle handed international debuts to five players in a heavily-rotated lineup designed to test the squad’s competitive depth.

Only six players in the starting XI, viz Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Abdullahi Bewene, and Aderemi Adeoye had previously featured for the three-time African champions.

Nigeria drew first blood in the 11th minute through returning forward Kelechi Iheanacho.

Receiving a precise pass on the edge of the penalty area from Abdullahi Bewene, Iheanacho uncharacteristically unleashed a thunderous left-footed drive into the top corner, notching his 15th international goal in Nigerian colours.

Despite controlling early possession, defensive lapses by Nigeria allowed Russia back into the match.

The hosts levelled after breaking down the Nigerian rear-guard to beat debutant goalkeeper, Samuel James, before taking a 2-1 lead into the interval following a defensive let-off on the stroke of halftime.

Russia extended their advantage to 3-1 nine minutes into the second period, prompting Chelle to introduce fresh legs from the bench.

The substitutions injected immediate urgency into Nigeria’s attack.

Substitute Umar Abdullahi came close to pulling one back in the 73rd minute after intercepting high up the pitch following strong work from Isaac James.

Five minutes later, 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor made an instant impact off the bench.

The youngster drove aggressively through the Russian defense before firing an unstoppable strike past the goalkeeper in the 78th minute to make it 3-2.

With momentum firmly behind the Super Eagles, Chelle introduced Vince Osuji for Chibuzo Nwoko in the 83rd minute to maintain central balance as Nigeria pushed forward.

The relentless pressure paid off in the fourth minute of added time.

Emmanuel Fernandez initiated a swift counter-attack with a header from the back, finding Abdullahi, who squared intelligently for fellow substitute Akor Adams to turn home a 94th-minute equalizer.

In all, nine players made their Super Eagles debut on Tuesday night.

2023 Election: Obi’s ‘No Evidence’ Comment Was in Strict Legal Sense — Obienyem

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The Source

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October 7, 2026

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Peter Obi’s statement that he did not have evidence concerning the outcome of the 2023 presidential election was made in the strict legal sense, his Media Adviser, Valentine Obienyem, has said.

Obienyem explained that Obi was referring to evidence capable of satisfying the legal standard required by the courts to overturn the declared result.

“The courts, for whatever reasons, did not consider the evidence presented sufficient to do so,” he said.

He, however, distinguished between legal proof and reasonable inference, arguing that circumstances surrounding the election continued to raise legitimate questions.

“Looking at what actually happened on election day, the technology worked in other elections but stopped working for the presidential election at a point when Peter Obi was clearly leading in several results being collated. The moment they switched off the server, the results took another dimension,” he said.

Obienyem said that while this might not constitute evidence sufficient to win a case in court, it could still generate a reasonable inference about what happened.

He added that, with the Supreme Court having made its final determination, “following the mind of the court, one can say that the evidence presented was insufficient to establish the case to the required legal standard.”

“However, outside the courtroom, and looking at the events as they unfolded, it was clear to many Nigerians that Peter Obi had won the election,” he said.

According to him, the court determines what has been legally proved, while citizens remain entitled to reason about what they witnessed.

“A court’s inability to establish a claim to the required legal standard does not necessarily erase every reasonable question about what actually happened,” Obienyem said.

He maintained that accepting the finality of the Supreme Court’s decision does not prevent continued public discussion of the circumstances surrounding the 2023 election.

Uzodimma appoints Onuegbu, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations

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The Source

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October 7, 2026

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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has named former Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Chief Barr. Enyinna Onuegbu as his new Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations.

Onuegbu replaces Barr. Sydney Emeka Agbor who recently vacated the office to seek election as member representing Oru West in the Imo State House of Assembly.

Onuegbu had been communicated about his current designation through the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Cosmas Iwu.

Onuegbu was Governor Uzodimma’s first Commissioner for Lands in 2020, and later Commissioner for Power.

An astute politician with grassroot following, he was also at a point appointed the Chief Political Adviser and Head Political Bureau to Governor Uzodimma, a position he held before he was returned to the Lands and Survey ministry in 2024.

His political journey in Imo State, years ago, saw Onuegbu learning at the feet of one of Nigeria’s maverick politician, late Senator Francis Arthur Nzeribe, and of late Governor Uzodimma.

Onuegbu was also at a time the Executive Chairman of Ngor Okpala Local Government Council during the administration of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, and the spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the early days of the Party in Imo State.

A lawyer by profession and holder of the traditional title of Ebekuo Dike, Onuegbu is proudly cherished in his Community as the Traditional Prime Minister (TPM) of Eziama Ancient Kingdom in Ngor Okpala LGA.

He is happily married to Hon Justice Chinemerem Onuegbu, JP, and blessed with children.

While his appointment takes effect from September 30, 2026, Governor Uzodimma expects Onuegbu to bring to bear his wealth of experience and love for teamwork in the discharge of the responsibilities which his new office demands, and in line with the tenets of his administration encapsulated in 3R – Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery.

2027 Election: Rhodes-Vivour Clears Air, Says He Has No Issue With Obi, Backs Atiku To Be President

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 7, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Lagos State Governorship Candidate, has debunked insinuations that he has issues with Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi.

Recall that during the 2023 election, Rhodes-Vivour was the Labour Party, LP, Governorship Candidate in Lagos while Obi was the LP Presidential Candidate.

Rhodes-Vivour has now declared his support for Atiku Abubakar for President come 2027.

Speaking on British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, Igbo, Rhodes-Vivour said his primary political interest remained Lagos State while reaffirming his commitment to the ADC and its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I have no issues whatsoever with His Excellency Peter Obi, regardless of what happens at the top level. My first priority and my first love is Lagos State, and I must always make decisions based on Lagos first,” he said.

The ADC candidate recalled that his political journey had previously brought him into the same political camp with both Atiku and Obi, noting that the two politicians had occupied different positions in successive election cycles.

“The first time I ran for Senate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar was a presidential candidate; His Excellency Peter Obi was his vice president,” Rhodes-Vivour said.

He added that the political configuration changed in the following election, when both Atiku and Obi contested the presidency separately.

According to him, his current political affiliation means that Atiku is his presidential candidate, and he would work to advance the interests of the ADC.

“I’m in the ADC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is my presidential candidate, that’s where I am, so we are going to do everything we can for our party as the ADC,” he said.

Rhodes-Vivour, however, urged Nigerians to vote according to their convictions, while calling for an electoral process in which citizens’ votes would be respected.

“Nigerians should vote for who they believe is going to take them forward, and let’s ensure as a people that our voices are heard, and our votes count,” he said.

On the description of Lagos as a “no-man’s land”, the ADC candidate rejected the claim, saying the state had never been one.

“Lagos has never been a no-man’s land,” he said.

Rhodes-Vivour questioned the basis for the description, particularly in relation to land ownership and transactions in the state.

“If it’s no-man’s land, who are they buying the land from?” he asked.

He described the claim as offensive, saying it went beyond him personally.

“But for anybody to say Lagos is a no-man’s land, that’s a very big insult. It’s an insult not just to me, it’s an insult to my ancestors,” Rhodes-Vivour said.

Lagos Beats Kano, Records Highest Number Of Voters, Ekiti Lowest – INEC

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Ayodele Oni

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October 7, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has released a breakdown of registered voters preparatory to 2027 genereal elections, revealing that women account for 49.9 million of the 103.4 million registered voters.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Tuesday at a stakeholders meeting and press conference in Abuja, where he presented an update on the national voters’ register, following the completion of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise and biometric clean-up.

Amupitan disclosed that the register now contains 103,428,715 voters, comprising 53,528,218 males, representing 51.75 per cent, and 49,900,497 females, representing 48.25 per cent.

“The top 10 states by number of registered voters are Lagos State in first position with 7,488,633 registered voters; followed by Kano State with 6,570,276. Next is Kaduna State with 4,662,640 voters.

“Katsina followed with 3,876,051 registered voters, while Rivers ranked fifth with 3,736,434. Oyo had 3,588,111 voters, Delta 3,525,988, Benue 3,057,225, Ogun 3,037,981 and Bauchi 3,012,547.

“The three leading states — Lagos, Kano and Kaduna — therefore account for more than 18.7 million registered voters, making them the states with the largest voter populations on the updated register.

Amipitan said the three-phase Continuous Voter Registration exercise produced 10,772,421 new registrations before the final biometric verification and cleaning of the register.

On the age distribution, Amupitan revealed that voters aged between 35 and 49 years constituted the largest group, with 43,265,946 voters, representing 41.83 per cent of the register.

“Those aged 18 to 34 years accounted for 29,777,576 voters, representing 28.79 per cent, while voters between 50 and 69 years numbered 22,982,900, or 22.22 per cent.

“Voters aged 70 years and above formed the smallest age category, with 7,402,291 registered voters, representing 7.16 per cent.

“At the lower end of the state-by-state distribution, Ekiti had the fewest registered voters with 1,055,708, followed by Bayelsa with 1,200,691.

“The Federal Capital Territory ranked third from the bottom with 1,732,043 voters, followed by Ondo with 1,733,641 and Gombe with 1,768,560.

The INEC chairman also disclosed that 232,658 persons with disabilities were captured in the register across 10 categories, representing about 0.23 per cent of the total electorate.

He stated that the largest category was classified as “others”, with 101,183 registered voters, followed by persons with albinism at 44,023 and those with physical impairment at 27,141.

“The register also contains 19,936 persons with visual impairment, 14,326 with hearing impairment, 8,832 with autism and 7,723 classified as having cognitive or learning disabilities.

“Others include 5,755 persons with limb impairment, 2,008 with Down syndrome and 1,656 with spinal cord injuries.”

Meanwhile, INEC has announced that nationwide collection of newly issued Permanent Voter Cards will begin on October 9, 2026.

The commission will also display the register for public scrutiny from October 9 to 15, in compliance with Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026.

Amupitan said the exercise would enable Nigerians to examine the register and raise claims or objections ahead of the 2027 elections.

“The register of voters will be displayed for public scrutiny from the 9th to 15th of October 2026, not later than 90 days before the general election,” he added.

Crashed Military Aircraft Pilot Was UNIBEN Student …Course Mates Mourn

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Adesina Soyooye

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October 7, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Squadron Leader Mahmud Aburimen, the Pilot of the ill-fated Airforce Aircraft and who perished along with 24 others was a student of the University of Benin.

He was a postgraduate student of the Department of Mass Communication of the University and his death in the plane crash have thrown his colleague-students into deep mourning and agony and grief.

Recall that the nation was thrown into mourning on Tuesday, October 5, when the news of the crash at Igbokoda, Ondo State.

The Airplane was on its way from Benin to Lagos, on what was said to be a routine mission.

According to the reports, the Pilot, Squadron Leader Aburimen was at the University last Friday to make up for a test organised by one of his lecturers.

Desmond Odiah, his class representative, described Aburimen as “a gentle and disciplined student who, despite the demands of his military duties, made efforts to attend classes.”

The two of them, Odiah explained started the Master’s Degree programme together from the Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) level.

He said “We were currently doing our Master’s together, but we actually started from Postgraduate Diploma. We did PGD together for one year and, after the results, we went for Master’s together too.

“I became closer to him when I became the class representative for the Master’s programme. He was always reaching out to me privately about classes, anything that had to do with academics.

“Aburimen was a perfect gentleman who was not confrontational and preferred to keep a low profile in class.

“He didn’t have issues. Every single time he was in the class, he was always at the back with his cap on. So he was a perfect gentleman that didn’t want issues, didn’t want any problems.

“His demanding military responsibilities did not prevent him from making efforts to keep up with his academic work.

“Regardless of his tedious work and responsibility, he was able to try as much as possible to attend classes. He was even around on Friday, this last week Friday, for a make-up test.

“I actually reached out to him about the test, so that was the last time we spoke. He told me that he was in school already for the make-up test. He was somebody who believed in due process.”

Sadly, he has gone.

Court To INEC: Olawepo Is Accord Party Presidential Candidate

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James Orji

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October 7, 2026

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to recognise Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the presidential candidate of the Accord Party for the 2027 general election.
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, in a judgment delivered in a suit filed by Olawepo-Hashim against Accord Party and INEC, directed the party to submit his name to the electoral commission in line with Section 86 of the Electoral Act 2026.
The court held that the provision was violated when Accord Party allegedly failed to forward Olawepo-Hashim’s name to INEC after he emerged as the sole aspirant at the party’s May 30 presidential primary.
Accord Party had denied conducting the primary. However, Justice Umar rejected the claim, citing evidence that the party accepted N50 million paid by Olawepo-Hashim for the expression of interest and nomination forms.
The judge also noted contradictions in the party’s submissions regarding the disputed primary.
Olawepo-Hashim, through his counsel, Henry Akunebu (SAN), had asked the court to compel Accord Party to upload his name to INEC’s nomination portal and direct the electoral body to accept his nomination.
Akunebu also challenged the authenticity of documents tendered by the party and INEC, particularly a letter purportedly cancelling the presidential primary. He argued that the document did not bear the party’s official stamp and was addressed to the INEC chairman but received by an unnamed national commissioner.
In his affidavit, Olawepo-Hashim said he was a registered and financially committed member of Accord Party, adding that he contributed N7 million towards the party’s electronic membership registration and paid N50 million as nomination fees.
He maintained that he emerged as the sole aspirant at the May 30 presidential primary, which he said was monitored by INEC officials, but that the party subsequently failed to forward his name to the electoral commission.

Lagos, Kano Top List Of Registered Voters

By

James Orji

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October 7, 2026

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Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan - INEC Chairman

Nigeria’s voter register has risen to 103.4 million, with Lagos, Kano and Kaduna leading the states with the highest number of registered voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Tuesday at a World Press Conference and National Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja.
Amupitan said the figure followed the completion of the three-phase Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise and the final biometric cleanup of the register.
According to him, the CVR exercise produced 10,772,421 new registrations after the completion of the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) exercise.
Lagos tops the list with 7,488,633 registered voters, followed by Kano with 6,570,276 and Kaduna with 4,662,640.
Katsina comes fourth with 3,876,051 registered voters, while Rivers has 3,736,434. Oyo follows with 3,588,111, ahead of Delta with 3,525,988.
Benue, Ogun and Bauchi complete the top 10, with 3,057,225, 3,037,981 and 3,012,547 registered voters respectively.
Amupitan said the register comprises 53,528,218 male voters, representing 51.75 per cent, and 49,900,497 female voters, representing 48.25 per cent.
Voters aged between 35 and 49 constitute the largest age group, accounting for 43,265,946, or 41.83 per cent of the register. They are followed by those aged 18 to 34, who number 29,777,576.
The INEC chairman said the register also contains 232,658 persons with disabilities across 10 disability categories.
He added that the national register would be displayed for public scrutiny from October 9 to 16, in line with the Electoral Act 2026, to allow eligible voters to raise claims and objections.
The first phase of the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at local government centres will also commence on October 9.
With more than 103 million registered voters, Nigeria remains Africa’s largest democracy, according to the INEC chairman.

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