Fmr Minister Adelabu Confirms Return Of Abducted Family Members, Lauds Security Agencies

June 7, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The family of former Minister of Power and a Gubernatorial aspirant of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu has reacted to the release of the abducted members.

It expressed gratitude to God and Nigerians following the successful rescue of Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were kidnapped last week by gunmen in Ibadan.

The Nigeria Police Force had announced the rescue og Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, from their abductors following a late-night operation on Saturday.

The victims were freed alive during the rescue mission carried out at about 7:30 p.m., few days after they were kidnapped in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Police sources disclosed that two suspected kidnappers were killed during a fierce gun battle with operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the criminal gang.

Mrs. John-Paul, who is the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adelabu, was reportedly abducted alongside her twin sons at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, while taking the children to school.

According to security sources, sustained intelligence gathering, electronic tracking, and tactical pressure mounted on the kidnappers forced them into a confrontation with police operatives, culminating in the successful rescue of the victims.

The rescued mother and her children were said to be in stable condition following the operation.

The family, in a statement signed by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro confirmed that the victims were freed unarmed and are in good condition.

The statement described the outcome as proof of what collective action, citizen support, and committed security institutions can achieve.

It thanked President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu and the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde for their concern and support during the ordeal.

It also commended the Inspector-General of Police, the Oyo State Police Command, and the Commissioner of Police for their professionalism and tireless work on the case.

Special appreciation was also extended to the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS headquarters in Abuja, and the Oyo State Directorate for intelligence-led efforts that contributed to the rescue.

“Gratitude was also given to the APC national leadership, Oyo State chapter, party leaders nationwide, government officials, political associates, religious and traditional rulers, community leaders, friends, and well-meaning Nigerians whose prayers, visits, calls, and messages strengthened the family.”

While celebrating the rescue, the family said their thoughts remain with other kidnap victims still in captivity, praying for their safe return.

It noted that insecurity cuts across politics, ethnicity, and religion and called for continued unity and support for security agencies to make Nigeria safer.

Insecurity: CAN Urges FG To Seek Foreign Help, Calls For State Of Emergency

Ayodele Oni

June 7, 2026

Bishop Barnabas Akin-Akinsanya - South West CAN President

By Ayodele Oni

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) South West zone, has called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on security and adopt urgent measures to stem the rising tide of kidnappings, banditry, and violent crimes.

The association expressed concern over the worsening security situation across the country, particularly in the South-West region.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Chairman of CAN South-West, Bishop Barnabas Akin-Akinsanya, described the growing wave of abductions and attacks in states such as Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, and Lagos as a serious threat to national peace, economic development, and social stability.

The association insisted that the deteriorating security situation warrants declaring a security emergency to coordinate an aggressive response against criminal elements.

Recognising the increasingly sophisticated operations of criminal gangs, CAN advised the Federal Government to seek technical and intelligence support from friendly nations and international security partners where necessary.

Expressing concern over the vulnerability of forests, highways, farmlands, and border communities across the South-West, CAN warned that criminal elements are increasingly exploiting these areas as operational bases.

The association called on governors in the region to strengthen inter-state security collaboration, improve intelligence sharing, and provide greater support for existing regional security outfits.

It also advocated increased investment in community-based intelligence gathering and surveillance systems to detect and prevent criminal activities before they occur.

The Christian body noted that incidents of kidnappings and other violent crimes, once considered isolated cases, have now become a recurring national challenge that continues to instill fear and uncertainty among citizens.

CAN condemned the activities of kidnappers, bandits, and other criminal elements terrorising communities across the country, while expressing sympathy with victims and their families.

The association also offered prayers for the safe release of those still in captivity and comfort for families who have lost loved ones to criminal attacks.

The association urged governments at all levels to move beyond verbal assurances and take concrete, decisive actions to address the nation’s security challenges.

According to CAN, extraordinary times require extraordinary responses, underscoring the need to deploy modern security technologies, enhance intelligence gathering, and improve coordination among security agencies.

“The time has come for governments at all levels to move beyond rhetoric and adopt extraordinary measures to confront this national emergency,” the statement read.

CAN specifically called on the Federal Government to strengthen the country’s security architecture by equipping security agencies with modern surveillance equipment, drones, advanced communication gadgets, intelligence systems, and rapid-response capabilities needed to combat criminal networks.

The association pointed out that national security should take precedence over political considerations, bureaucratic bottlenecks, or concerns about national pride.

“Every legitimate avenue capable of restoring peace and security to our nation should be explored,” CAN stated.

The Christian body also renewed its support for the establishment of state police, urging the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to accelerate efforts towards decentralising policing in the country.

According to CAN, state policing has become imperative given the unique security challenges facing different regions of the country.

While acknowledging the growing security concerns, CAN urged Christians not to surrender to fear, encouraging them to continue praying for peace, security, and national healing.

The association, however, advised churches and worshippers to exercise caution during night vigils and other late-night religious activities, especially in areas where adequate security arrangements may not be guaranteed.

It further urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel through high-risk areas, and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.

Praying for divine intervention, the association concluded: “May God deliver our nation from the hands of evil and restore lasting peace, security, and prosperity to Nigeria.”

Two Infants Die As Military Rescues 360 Abducted Ngoshe Residents

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 7, 2026

Military Rescues 360 Abducted Ngoshe Residents

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Troops of the Operation Had in Kai, in conjunction with operatives of the Special Forces of the Nigerian Army, have successfully rescued over 360 victims of the Ngoshe, Borno State abduction.

The Source reports that suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents had on March 3, 2026 attacked, and whisked away over 400 residents of Ngoshe, including the Chief Imam, in Gwoza Local Council of Borno State.

However, scores of the victims were reported to have escaped from the kidnappers’ den on March 24, 2026.

Only last month, the abductors issued an ultimatum to the authorities and warned that they may be forced to marry off the female folk and eliminate others especially the male victims if their demands, including a substantial amount of cash are not met.

But the Theatre Commander of the North East Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulraham at the weekend informed that the victims were rescued following a coordinated, and special operation carried out on Saturday June 6, 2026.

He emphasized that Special Forces operatives had first launched a decoy operation that resulted in tension and confusion within the enclave of terrorists with troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade moving in swiftly for the rescue operation.

He further informed that the rescued victims were subjected to immediate medical screening with those in need offered medical attention by the Brigade’s medical team, while others were admitted at the General Hospital Gwoza for a comprehensive treatment.

The Theatre Commander however regretted that two infants lost their lives due to the harsh and difficult terrain during the process of moving the victims to safety.

” The rescued civilians were among residents abducted during a terrorist attack on Ngoshe community on March 3 ,2026 .

” However ,the operation recorded a tragic set back as two infants died during the rescue efforts due to harsh and difficult terrain encountered while moving the victims to safety.

“The victims were also provided with food and water before being moved to a secure holding facility pending their handover to relevant authorities and reunification with their families” General Abubakar stated.

Confirming the safe release of the victims, the President of the Borno South Youth Alliance BOSYA, Samaila Kaigama, disclosed that the body played a pivotal role in the rescue efforts through its series of mediations.

According to him, the leadership of the Youth body had engaged the abductors’ in sustained communications and negotiations, expressing immense gratitude over the success of the rescue efforts.

“We have secured the release of all the 416 women and children from Ngoshe community taken away. They were released on Saturday, June 6, 2026, Kaigama disclosed.

Terrorism: Acquire Weapons, Defend Yourselves, Emir Appeals To His Subjects

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 7, 2026

Emir of Argungu - Alhaji Mohammad Samaila Mera

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Apparently frustrated by the growing level of insecurity in the country, and the vulnerability of his people, the Emir of Argungu in Kebbi state, Alhaji Mohammad Samaila Mera, has advised his subjects to separately, and collectively acquire firearms to defend themselves.

The source reports that many parts of Kebbi state have, of recent, been the epicentre of violent attacks and other criminal activities perpetrated by hordes of suspected terrorists groups, including the very dangerous Lukarawa militia.

Most communities have been subjected to consistent raids, pillaging, killings, abduction and wanton destruction of homes and properties by the insurgents who have found Kebbi State a haven, being a border State.

The Argungu Monarch who spoke during a routine meeting with District Village Heads, as well as some major traditional title holders at his Palace, enjoined the people to, as a matter of urgent importance, consider pulling resources together for the purpose of acquiring some legally permitted weapons for the purpose of self-defence.

While appealing for vigilance and proactiveness, the royal father emphasized that the time has come for the people to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in protecting themselves against incessant violent attacks, killings ,and Kidnaping by suspected terrorist elements.

He expressed the confidence and optimism that such proactive measures by the people will go a long way in deterring and mitigating the activities of the insurgents.

The Emir noted that his message is rooted in the Islamic teachings, that emphasizes that it is not ideal for faithful to remain lukewarm in the face of obvious threat to their existence.

“It is not right for a Muslim to remain passive while criminals kill people, kidnap innocent citizens, and rape our women.

“Be prepared to defend yourself, your family, and your communities against any attack”, Emir Mera admonished.

However, he stressed that his call should not be misconstrued as a licence for people to take laws into their hands and or resort to acts of gangsterism and terrorism.

Rather, he emphasized that his message should be seen from the perspective of self-defence, noting that the security challenges have become too intense and overwhelming as to demand the application of some extra-ordinary measures.

“You see, each time bandits attack people , including village heads and other leaders will start running , simply because communities don’t have any mechanisms for effective response,and self-defence”, he added.

The Royal father said it is completely unacceptable for communities to continue to lose their people without any form of resistance.

This was as he warned against leveraging his call to promote ethnic violence and extrajudicial killings.

Particularly,bthe Emir cautioned against carrying out reprisal attacks on innocent people or communities, insisting that such unlawful measures have proven to a major harbinger of vicious attacks and killings.

According to him, even though the Lakurawa terrorist group has left the area, they have left behind several brain washed and armed bandits who have continued to terrorize communities.

Okonjo-Iweala Loses Brother, Ogwuashi-Uku Kingdom Mourns

Akinwale Kasali

June 6, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organisation, WTO, has lost her younger brother, Prince Ikechukwu Okonjo .

The Prince’s sudden passing has thrown the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State and the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family into mourning.

Confirming his demise, the Palace Secretary, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, in a statement announced that he passed on May 30, 2026.

His Royal Majesty, Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, described the deceased as a devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother and dedicated uncle whose death has created a deep void in the Royal Family and the kingdom.

The Monarch said Prince Ikechukwu was “a proud and irreplaceable member of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family whose roots run deep in the history, dignity and tradition of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.”

He noted that the late Prince would be remembered for his grace, humility and commitment to family and community.

The Monarch added that the memory of the deceased would endure in the hearts of all who knew him.

The late Prince is survived by his wife, daughter, brothers, sisters and other relatives.

The revered Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom Monarch urged sons and daughters of the kingdom at home and in diaspora to keep the family in their prayers and support them through the period of mourning.

International Friendly: Super Falcons Edge Senegal’s Lionesses 2-1 in Ikenne-Remo Ahead WAFCON

Akinwale Kasali

June 6, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Super Falcons of Nigeria on Friday opened their 14th Women’s African Cup of Nations, WAFCON, Tournament preparations with a 2-1 victory over Senegal’s Teranga Lionesses in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.

The breakthrough arrived on the half-hour mark when Nigeria earned a penalty kick, and veteran forward, Asisat Oshoala, stepped forward, sure-footed, to convert in the 32nd minute. It marked a significant return for the forward, making her first appearance for the Super Falcons since the WAFCON 2024 final. She delivered with the calmness expected at that level.

Nigeria maintained their intensity after taking the lead, circulating possession with purpose and probing the Senegalese backline. Their persistence was rewarded eleven minutes later when Toni Payne doubled the advantage, finishing off a well-worked attacking move. Like Oshoala, Payne was also making a return to the national team set-up after her last appearance at the WAFCON 2024. Her contribution showed the depth and experience within the squad.

The Super Falcons controlled proceedings for much of the encounter, dictating tempo and limiting Senegal’s attacking openings, but the visitors found a response late in the game.

In the 86th minute, Senegal pulled one back to halve the deficit, setting up a brief spell of pressure which Nigeria managed effectively to see out the result. This fixture marked the first-ever meeting between the Super Falcons and the Teranga Lionesses, adding a layer of significance to an encounter that also serves as part of both teams’ build-up to the forthcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Both sides will face each other again in a second friendly at the same venue in Ikenne-Remo on June 8, as preparations continue. Head Coach Justine Madugu and his squad remain focused on fine-tuning their approach ahead of the tournament in Morocco, where the Super Falcons will be aiming to successfully defend their continental title.

With midfielder, Halimat Ayinde out of the two games, Head Coach Madugu has called up Israel-based midfieder, Josephine Matthias to beef up the squad.

Only forward Gift Monday was being expected in the team camp, though, the Falcons’ camp is a superb mix of the highly-experienced and able, and the young and capable, with the likes of Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe sharing the same dining tables as goalkeeper, Comfort Erhabor, defender Shukurat Oladipo and Rofiat Imuran.

Midfielders like Josephine Matthias and Kafayat Shittu, and forwards Joy Omewa, Omorinsola Babajide and Blessing Nkor are also gearing up for the second leg of the International Friendly.

Nigeria, gunning for a record-extending 11th title, will mix things inside out with Egypt, Zambia and debutants Malawi in group C, while Senegal will play hosts Morocco, Algeria and Kenya in group A of the tournament that is scheduled for 25th July – 16th August in Morocco.

This year’s tournament will also serve as the qualifying competition for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, with the best four teams qualifying directly to Brazil, while the fifth-placed team will be involved in an intercontinental playoff tournament for an opportunity to qualify for the finals.

23 SUPER FALCONS FOR FRIENDLY MATCHES VS SENEGAL:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)

Defenders: Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lionesses, England); Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal);

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Josephine Matthias (Bnot Netanya, Israel); Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Kafayat Shittu (Giressunsanayispor, Turkey)

Forwards: Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia); Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA); Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England); Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy); Blessing Nkor (Dynamo Brest, Belarus).

HURIWA Accuses FG Of Selective Treatment Of Quasi Ethnic Security Outfits

Ayodele Oni

June 6, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused the present administration of applying selective treatment for ethnic security formations.

The human right body observed that it is “compelled to raise urgent alarm over what clearly appears to be a pattern of double standards in the Federal Government’s handling of non-state security actors across the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

This was contained in a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator, HURIWA and released on Saturday.

“We observe with grave concern the emerging contradictions in state responses to armed or quasi-security formations allegedly linked to different ethnic and regional actors.”

HURIWA pointed out that successive administrations, including the current APC-led government, has continued sweeping military operations against alleged IPOB-linked vigilante formations in the South-East.

According to it, this has resulted in arrests, proscription, and prolonged detention of suspects including the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whereas, there are troubling reports suggesting a different treatment for similar groups elsewhere.

“We are particularly alarmed by public claims credited to Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo (Sunday Igboho), that he has been ‘approved’ or licensed to operate a private security network.

“We also recall similar controversies surrounding alleged state tolerance or patronage of other regional armed formations in different parts of the country.

“HURIWA is therefore compelled to ask: is Nigeria now operating a system of selective justice and selective security approval? Are some citizens now more equal before the law than others?

“If IPOB-linked vigilante formations are dismantled and criminalised on grounds of national security, then on what legal or constitutional basis are other privately organised armed or quasi-military groups being tolerated, accommodated, or allegedly endorsed?

“This contradiction, if left unexplained, threatens to deepen ethnic suspicion, erode public trust in federal institutions, and weaken the moral authority of the Nigerian state as an impartial arbiter.

“HURIWA reiterates that Nigeria is a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law.

“There is no provision in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that permits the arbitrary licensing of private armies or ethnic militias under whatever guise, whether in the South-East, South-West, South-South or any other part of the federation.

“We condemn unequivocally any policy inconsistency that suggests that some groups are treated as terrorists while others are romanticised as patriots, despite engaging in similar security-related activities outside formal state control.

“We also recall with concern the continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu despite repeated court pronouncements and growing national and international concern, while other actors accused of similar or even lesser infractions appear to enjoy different treatment in the public space.

“HURIWA demands urgent clarification from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government on the following:

“Whether any private security outfit has been officially licensed or approved outside the statutory framework of Nigerian security agencies;

“The legal basis for any such approval if it exists. The criteria used in determining which groups are acceptable and which are criminalised;

“The status of all non-state armed or quasi-security formations operating across the federation.

“We warn that continued ambiguity on this matter is dangerous to national unity and security cohesion.

“Nigeria cannot afford a situation where the law is applied selectively depending on geography, ethnicity, or political convenience.

“HURIWA maintains that all Nigerians are equal before the law and must be treated as such without fear or favour. Security policy must not be reduced to a tool of political or ethnic differentiation.

“We call on President Tinubu to immediately address these concerns in the interest of transparency, justice, and national stability.”

Reps Minority Caucus Insists On Ugochinyere As Leader, Calls For Signature Verification

Suleiman Anyalewechi

June 6, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Minority Caucus under the aegis of the “G-60 members” has urged the leadership of the House of Representatives to respect the expressed wishes of the overwhelming majority by avoiding the initiation of a fresh selection process for the vacant position of the Minority Leader.

The Source reports that a document in circulation on Wednesday night June 3,2026 had indicated that Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato Federal Constituency of Imo state had been endorsed by 61 members out of the 81 opposition members to replace Hon Kingsley Chinda who resigned from the position following his defection from the Peoples Democratic party PDP to the All Progressive Congress APC.

However, the official ratification of the exercise at plenary on Thursday June 4, ran into troubled waters following objections and claims by the House deputy spokesperson, Hon Philip Agbese, to the effect that his signature was forged by the promoters of the Ugochinyere project.

While raising a matter of privilege, Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State denied endorsing the nomination of Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader.

According to him,he only became aware of the document claiming the endorsement of Ugochinyere when it surfaced online, and on the social media space.

The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, in an attempt to douse tension, called for a closed-door meeting with all minority members for the purpose of resolving any gray areas.

But in a statement on Saturday jointly issued by Hon Mukhtar Umar and Hon Seyi Sowunmi, the G-60 Minority Caucus, while insisting on the validity of the earlier nomination of Ugochinyere, expressed its opposition to any attempt to initiate a fresh selection process.

The Caucus emphasized its commitment to a transparent verification exercise to establish the authenticity or otherwise of the earlier nomination process.

According to the group, what should pre-occupy the attention of the House leadership is not a fresh selection process ,but a verification exercise to address concerns raised over the signatures already collected.

The opposition Lawmakers reaffirmed that 61 members out of the 81 opposition members of the House had earlier endorsed Ugochinyere as their choice for the vacant position of the Minority Leader, and insisted that the decision must be respected.

The Caucus further noted that the nomination and endorsement of Ugochinyere were carried out by an overwhelming majority of the minority members of the House.

The Lawmakers, therefore, urged the leadership of the House to respect and uphold what they described as the democratic decision of the majority of the minority members.

“We are not calling for a new election or fresh nomination process. Rather, we are requesting a transparent verification of the signatures, and nomination already submitted by members of the Minority Caucus.

“The nomination of Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere was duly endorsed by an overwhelming majority of Minority members, and any concerns regarding individual endorsements can be resolved through a straightforward verification exercise”,the Minority Caucus stated.

Air Force Says It Is Committed To Rescuing Abducted Oyo School Children, Teachers

Akinwale Kasali

June 6, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Air Force is committed to the safe rescue of the School victims.

Aneke gave this assurance on Saturday in Abuja during the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, second quarter 2026 route march exercise.

The Chief of Staff represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Abdullahi, said that the NAF remained committed to supporting ongoing security operations across the country.

He said the service would continue to work in synergy with other security agencies to protect lives and property, as well as advance national security objectives.

Aneke added that the route march underscored the NAF’s commitment to the health, wellness and fitness of its personnel as critical components of operational effectiveness and mission success.

He added that healthy and physically fit workforce is better positioned to meet the demands of modern military operations and contribute meaningfully to national security efforts.

He said the exercise also promoted teamwork, camaraderie, esprit de corps and overall wellness among personnel, while strengthening the bond necessary for effective service delivery.

Aneke, however, urged personnel to embrace healthy lifestyles and regular physical activities as part of their daily routines to sustain their physical and mental well-being.

He said all personnel had been directed to participate actively in weekly Wednesday sporting activities across NAF bases to encourage fitness and social cohesion.

According to him, the initiative will also provide opportunities for talent discovery for the Armed Forces of Nigeria games and discourage activities that distract personnel from their responsibilities.

He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support towards the development and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force.

He also commended senior officers, officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff for their dedication and participation in the exercise.

The CAS further praised the commander, 053 Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force Camp, and his team for successfully hosting the exercise.

Lagos 2027: Obanikoro Leads Hamzat’s Campaign As DG

Akinwale Kasali

June 6, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Obafemi Kadri Hamzat, All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship Candidate for the 2027 Election in Lagos State has appointed former Senator and former Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Musiliu Obanikoro, as the Director-General of his campaign ahead of the election in the State.

Obanikoro’s appointment was announced at an expanded meeting of the campaign Council.

The appointment is being viewed as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the APC’s preparations for what is expected to be a fiercely contested race to succeed incumbent Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu when his tenure ends in 2027.

It was gathered that the decision to place Obanikoro at the helm of the campaign structure received broad support from key stakeholders within the Lagos APC.

It was disclosed by the Party Stakeholders that the appointment was endorsed during consultations involving influential figures in the party, reflecting confidence in Obanikoro’s political experience and organisational capacity.

Obanikoro is expected to bring his wealth of experience into play, having served in several strategic positions, including Chairman of Lagos Island Local Government, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture in Lagos State, Senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Minister of State for Defence, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

No doubt, Obanikoro’s experience in the political space cannot be overemphasized, particularly in Lagos.

He remains a notable force in the state’s political landscape despite his movement across different political platforms over the years.

His appointment is expected to bolster grassroots mobilisation efforts and enhance the campaign’s outreach strategy across the state’s 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.

Though political observers believe Hamzat’s choice of Obanikoro reflects a determination to leverage the former Minister’s extensive political network and electoral experience as the APC begins to consolidate support ahead of the election cycle.

1...456...2,933 Page 5 of 2,933