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Budget Transparency: US Knocks FG, Auditor General

By
James Orji
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President Bola Tinubu Presents 2026 Budget
President Bola Tinubu Presents 2026 Budget

Nigeria has again failed the United States’ minimum fiscal transparency test, with Washington faulting the country’s budget process and describing the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation as lacking the independence required to effectively scrutinise public finances.

The verdict is contained in the 2026 Fiscal Transparency Report released by the United States Department of State, which assessed 139 governments and the Palestinian Authority.

According to the report, only 73 of the 139 governments assessed met the minimum fiscal transparency requirements, while 67 failed. Of the countries that failed, 14 recorded significant progress, while 53 countries, including Nigeria, made no significant progress during the review period.

The assessment was based on information gathered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, from the US Embassy in Abuja, federal agencies, international organisations and civil society groups.

The latest finding means Nigeria has failed the US fiscal transparency benchmark for the second consecutive year, the report said.

At the centre of Washington’s concerns is Nigeria’s budget process, which the report described as lacking sufficient detail on government revenue and expenditure.

The US State Department said Nigeria’s budget documents did not provide a substantially complete picture of government revenues and spending, including adequate breakdowns of expenditure for executive offices.

A credible budget, according to the report, should clearly identify government income and spending by ministry, disclose revenue according to source and type, including oil and non-oil revenue, and provide information on allocations to state-owned enterprises and special accounts.

The report also raised concerns over discrepancies between approved budgets and actual implementation.

It stated that actual revenues and expenditures did not reasonably correspond with figures contained in the enacted budget.

The finding represents a deterioration from the US assessment released in 2025, when Washington said Nigeria’s budget documents provided a substantially complete picture of planned government expenditure and revenue and were generally reliable.

Another concern was the timing of the federal government’s executive budget proposal. The US said Nigeria did not publish the proposal within a reasonable period to allow citizens and lawmakers to properly scrutinise it before the commencement of the fiscal year.

Audit Office Under Scrutiny

The Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation also came under strong criticism.

The US State Department said Nigeria’s supreme audit institution did not meet international standards for independence and had failed to publish substantive audit reports.

The report noted that the Auditor-General’s office is expected to scrutinise the executed budget, verify annual financial statements and publish its findings within a reasonable period.

However, the US said that despite having access to the executed budget, the audit institution had not published the necessary reports.

Washington stressed that an independent and effective supreme audit institution was essential to ensuring that citizens and lawmakers could hold government accountable for the management of public funds.

Procurement Details Remain Opaque

The report also faulted Nigeria over the accessibility of public procurement information.

According to the US, information on government contracts was not sufficiently accessible to the public, while important details concerning natural-resource concessions were not routinely disclosed after contracts and licences were awarded.

Although the report acknowledged that Nigeria had established legal criteria and procedures for awarding natural-resource contracts and licences, it said basic information such as the geographical area covered, the resource involved, duration of the concession and the company awarded the contract was not made public.

The 2026 assessment also introduced a tougher requirement for governments to disclose the terms and conditions of sovereign loans, including liabilities and collateralised assets.

The US noted that Nigeria had made information on its debt obligations, including debts owed by major state-owned enterprises, publicly available, although it did not assess whether the country had met the new requirement concerning loan terms.

Meanwhile, the Presidency, however, said fiscal transparency, accountability and effective public financial management remained priorities of the Tinubu-led administration, aading that the government would continue implementing reforms aimed at improving the management, reporting and disclosure of public resources.

NIMASA Renews Maritime Security MoU With Nigerian Navy

By
James Orji
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NIMASA

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Navy have renewed their strategic partnership with the endorsement of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to strengthen maritime security, enhance safety and deepen coordinated enforcement across Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The MoU was signed at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters, Abuja, by the Director General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

The renewed agreement marks a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between both institutions and represents the first formal renewal of their partnership since the original MoU was signed in 2007.

The agreement provides a framework for enhanced collaboration in the promotion and maintenance of maritime security and the effective implementation of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and other relevant maritime laws and regulations within NIMASA’s mandate.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the NIMASA Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, commended the commitment of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to strengthening inter-agency collaboration as a key driver of maritime security and the development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.

He said the renewed MoU would provide a stronger institutional framework for both organisations to discharge their respective statutory mandates while consolidating the gains already recorded in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain. This he said will enhance achieving the goals of President Bola Tinubu GCFR for the Blue Economy.

According to him, the agreement is also designed to address emerging maritime security challenges through improved coordination, information sharing and operational cooperation.

“As we renew this partnership today, I urge our respective teams to ensure that the spirit of this agreement translates into practical and measurable outcomes,” Mobereola said.

Dr Mobereola also expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Nigerian Navy for their continued support and commitment to the renewal of the partnership.

In his remarks, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, described the signing as a milestone in the enduring relationship between the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA.

He noted that the renewed MoU contained important additions aimed at strengthening the response to the evolving nature of maritime security challenges.

One of the key provisions, he said, is the integration of the Deep Blue Project into the collaborative framework, providing a stronger basis for cooperation between the Nigerian Navy’s Maritime Guard Command and the project.

He also highlighted the introduction of a joint reporting protocol for communication and information sharing during operations, which he said would facilitate timely decision-making and a more coordinated response to maritime incidents.

Vice Admiral Abbas further welcomed provisions for greater institutional engagement, including an annual conference to enhance collaboration, review progress and address emerging challenges.

“Whether we like it or not, the water is where we get whatever we are getting—our revenue, everything and even the trade we engage in, in large percentages, is done through the water. So this institution has to be very strong,” he said.

2027 Presidency: Tinubu Will Not Return To Office If Election Is Transparent

By
James Orji
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Hakeem Baba-Ahmed
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has demanded a free and fair election in next year’s election, saying that if this happens, incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has no chance of returning to office.

The PRP boss said Nigerians have the ultimate power to determine the fate of the President, calling for a transparent election in the 2027 election.

 

Baba-Ahmed, a former presidential aide, made the remarks during an interview on DITV/Alheri Radio in Kaduna regarding the ongoing efforts by opposition parties in the country to stop President Tinubu’s re-election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC the government agency empowers to conduct election in the country has promised a level playing field for all the political parties taking part in the election, but the opposition camp says the commission needs to do more to build more confidence among Nigerians.

President Tinubu has declared his intention to run for a second term in office, despite the verdict of abysmal performance passed on his administration by not a few Nigerians.

The opposition political parties in the country appear to trying to form a united front to ensure that Tinubu does not return to power next year.

But Baba-Ahmed said Nigerians, and not opposition parties, will determine whether Tinubu will return or not. He urged the President to focus more on Nigerians, who have the power to determine his future in the presidency, instead of wasting his time bothering himself about political parties.

He, however, said his party would not join any alliance whose only focus is the removal of Tinubu from office through an election, saying such an arrangement must clearly spell out how it intends to govern the country if it wins, for the PRP to be part of it.

“It is not opposition from other political parties that they should fear, but opposition from the Nigerian electorate, because political parties don’t vote—Nigerians do,” he said.

He added: “We know there are people who are only looking for the removal of Tinubu so that they can do whatever they want, or replicate the same policies Tinubu is currently implementing. Later, they may claim a mistake was made.

“In the PRP, we will not agree to simply support someone because they have the ambition to become president. We will not enter into such an arrangement. We must first see what they intend to do before we agree.”

Why Sheikh Jingir Should Be Arrested, Prosecuted – Sheikh Kalid

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir
Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Hate preachers must be held accountable

A shocked top Islamic Cleric,  Sheikh Musa Khalid, has called for the arrest and prosecution of Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir over his hate speech against Christians.

 

The unguarded public speech of  Sheikh Jingir, during which he  referred to Christians as “infidels”, has has continued to generate reactions across Nigeria.

 

Shocked by the intensity of his hate speech, not a few religious leaders  public figures and associations have called for his immediate arrest and prosecution.

 

Aside from his unfortunate outing, worrisome too was the that at least four State Governors, including those of Kano, Kaduna and Niger States were present.

 

But Sheikh Musa Khalid, former Chief Imam of the Apo Legislative Quarters Central Mosque, Abuja, has called for Jingir’s  prosecution, and urged security agencies to hold him accountable over his inflammatory preaching that could lead to religious bigotry and hatred.

 

The condemnation of Sheikh Jingir by Sheikh Khalid has been applauded as netizens says that his action shows that he is against the fanning of the ember of hatred along religious line.

 

Sheikh Khalid described the alleged remarks as painful and unacceptable, particularly because they were reportedly made in the presence of State Governors who had sworn to uphold peace, fairness and security in their respective states.

 

Speaking on a Radio programme on Raypower FM, the former Chief Imam called for the reprimand and prosecution of Jingir, warning that allowing religious leaders to make inflammatory statements without consequences could further endanger Nigeria’s fragile religious harmony.

 

“It is painful. The more some search for peace and religious harmony in this country, the more some others intentionally scatter it. Should such individuals be left alone to keep spreading hate, raising tensions? That should not be.

 

“We should behave as a people with governing laws, that there were Governors in that gathering makes it more shocking and disappointing. Why did they allow that? They even nodded and clapped like others. How can we have social cohesion, peace and harmony?

 

“Those who use religious teachings to threaten others must be made to account for their careless words.

 

“That Sheikh does not represent Islam. What he said is despicable and unacceptable. He has no right to call Christians infidels. The security agencies should not only caution him; they should do more,” he said.

 

He further stated that

the presence of political leaders at the gathering where the controversial remarks were allegedly made made the incident even more disturbing, stressing that Governors have a responsibility to protect all citizens irrespective of their religious affiliations.

 

Khalid called on President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and the All Progressives Congress, APC, to publicly distance themselves from Jingir and condemn the alleged remarks.

 

“The unity and peace of Nigeria should not be compromised at all. We have had enough of violent deaths in the country already. Someone has to say, enough is enough.

 

“As faith leaders, we must not promote Islamisation or Christianisation. Just be a good person. Preach peace, righteousness and togetherness. Do not incite anyone.

 

“Let us ensure that those who preach hate are severely dealt with according to our laws. Governors must not aid them at all,” Khalid said.

 

The Islamic Cleric specifically commended Niger State Governor, Umar Bago for warning against inflammatory preaching in the state and urged other Governors to take similar steps to prevent religious rhetoric capable of aggravating tensions.

 

“The Governor of Niger State has warned against such preachers in his state. All of them should take a cue and not clap or laugh when embers of hate and division are fanned,” he said.

 

The condemnation from Khalid has further added to the list of religious leaders who have call for the arrest of Sheikh Jingir.

 

Recall that Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church at a Press Briefing on Monday called for the arrest of Jingir for fanning the ember of hatred.

 

He also called for restraint and accountability, stressing that it was necessary for him to be called to order, arrested and prosecuted, that of it was a Christian leader that made such statement, there would have been ‘religious war’, and criticism coming from different direction, and immediate arrest of such Clergyman by the Department of State Security, DSS.

 

Rabiu Kwankwaso, Former Kano State Governor has also condemned the remarks,warning that religious and political leaders had a responsibility to promote truth, peace, unity and reconciliation, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

 

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Vice Presidential Candidate also stressed the need to dissociate the people of Kano from the controversial remarks, saying, “Such crudity does not represent the views of Kano residents.”

 

Following this development, the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, has denied endorsing the controversial remarks, describing a viral statement purportedly issued by the organisation in defence of Jingir as fake.

 

It further stated that the purported statement did not emanate from it and called on security agencies to investigate its source and prosecute those responsible for fabricating and circulating it.

With Or Without FAAC, I Can Pay Salaries – Idris, Kebbi State Gov

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

At a time when many States largely counts on the monthly Federal allocation to meet its financial obligations, the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, on Wednesday August 12, 2026, said  he can pay workers salaries and pension emoluments for five months without waiting for accruals from the Federation Account.

 

At the official opening ceremony of a Health Workers Summit put together by the Kebbi State Assembly of Health Workers, Governor Idris attributed it to  financial management and discipline.

 

According to him, since mounting the saddle in 2023, he has been intentional in enforcing a regime of fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability across Ministries and MDAs in the state.

 

He emphasized that presently, the Government has ramped up sufficient funds to meet workers and pensioners obligations for up to five consecutive months without looking up to the Federation Allocation Accounts.

 

This is as he pledged his administration’s unflinching commitment towards the welfare and professional development of the state’s workforce.

 

Governor Idris noted that as a one time National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, as well as a former Deputy National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, he  shares in the aspirations and concerns of workers

 

He affirmed his total resolve to always identify with, protect ,and promote the interests of workers not just in Kebbi State ,but across the country.

 

The Kebbi State Governor who stated that he has so far added over five thousand workers to the State’s workforce after lifting the embargo on employment in 2023, assured that his administration will be among the first in the country to pay the new minimum wage once negotiations between Organized Labour and Federal Government are finalized.

 

He also informed that his  administration has commenced the implementation of the new consolidated salary structure for doctors and health workers in the state .

 

“I will neither let you people down nor disappoint you. For me, I am still part of the Labour family. In fact, immediately I assumed office in 2023, I lifted the embargo on employment and employed 5,166 new workers into the state civil service, including  doctors, various categories of health workers and nurses.

 

“My administration has significantly improved the health sector as well as implemented the new consolidated salary structure for  doctors and other health workers..

 

“With or without funds from the FAAC, I will be able to pay salaries and pensions for five straight months , because my administration has maintained prudent financial management and discipline .

 

“After negotiations on the new minimum wage between the Labour and the Federal Government are concluded, Kebbi state, I assure you, will be among frontline states to effect payment”, Idris assured.

15 Political Parties Now Set For Osun Gov. Election As INEC Includes SDP

By
Ayodele Oni
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Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Ayodele Oni

 

In compliance with a Federal High Court order, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the reproduction of ballot papers for Saturday’s Osun State Governorship Election.

 

This followed the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo.

 

The decision followed a Federal High Court judgment directing INEC to recognise Ajala and officially include him as the SDP’s governorship candidate for the August 15, 2026 election.

 

The commission disclosed the development in a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

 

INEC explained that the judgment was delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 22, 2026, in a suit involving the SDP, Ajala and the electoral body.

 

The court reportedly ordered the commission to immediately recognise, process, upload and publish Ajala’s name and particulars as the duly recognised SDP candidate.

 

Following the ruling, INEC said it had begun reproducing ballot papers and result sheets to accommodate the SDP candidate and his running mate.

 

Ajala’s inclusion has now increased the number of political parties participating in the Osun governorship election to 15.

 

The electoral commission said the newly printed ballot papers are expected to arrive in Osun State on Thursday, August 13, after which they will be distributed to INEC offices across the state’s local government areas in preparation for the election.

 

INEC assured political parties, candidates and voters that the late adjustment would not disrupt preparations for Saturday’s poll, adding that necessary logistical arrangements were being made to ensure the sensitive materials reached their designated locations before voting commenced.

 

The commission reiterated its commitment to conducting a credible election as Osun residents prepare to head to the polls on August 15 to elect the next governor of the state.

Celestial Church Begins Probe Into Actress, Tope Osoba’s Death, Following  Relationship With Prophet Onadeko

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Temitope Osoba

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Church says justice must be done

 

The Celestial Church of Christ, CCC, Worldwide, has commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Nollywood Actress, Tope Osoba. Until her death, she was a member of the religious fold and  her fiancé, Prophet Itunu Onadeko, owns and controls a Parish under the CCC Worldwide.

 

The investigation is aimed at establishing if Prophet Onadeko is connected in anyway, no matter how remote, to the death of the actress.

 

Onadeko had, on her  the death disclosed that he was informed that the actress died at a Police Station in Ikorodu, but didn’t disclose the name of the Station.

 

Following this development that  triggered widespread reactions, particularly over the circumstances surrounding her passing concerning  Onadeko, a shepherd of the Celestial Church of Christ, the Church stated that it was deeply concerned that the allegations had dragged its name into the matter, stressing that it would not stand by while its image was allegedly tarnished.

 

In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, AVSE Kayode Ajala,  the Church said it was “discreetly investigating” the circumstances surrounding Osoba’s death.

 

The Church said its investigation was aimed at uncovering the truth and ensuring that anybody found culpable was brought to justice.

 

The statement reads;

“We wish to assure the general public that the Celestial Church of Christ would leave no stone unturned to unearth the truth, and to ensure that anyone found culpable in the death of Temitope Osoba is brought to justice.

 

The CCC also used the medium to call on the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the actress’s death.

 

It pledged to cooperate with the authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the death were properly established.

 

According to the Church, its Spiritual Head, His Eminence, Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa, was concerned about the controversy and had directed that the matter be handled to ensure that the truth prevailed.

 

The Church, however, distanced itself from allegations of idolatry, black magic, cultism and the use of charms, as it stated that such practices were contrary to its religious doctrines and constitution.

 

It described the allegations surrounding Onadeko as embarrassing to the Church, particularly because he is identified as one of its Shepherds in the CCC fold.

 

The statement added that the Church’s internal investigation would not shield anyone found to have violated the law.

 

“If the allegations against Prophet Itunu Onadeko of the Celestial Church of Christ are found to be true at the end of ongoing investigations, he would not only be made to face the internal sanctions of the Church, but he would also be made to face the full length of the law,” it said.

 

The Church expressed sympathy with Osoba’s family, friends, colleagues and other loved ones, describing her death as the loss of a promising life in its prime.

 

It, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions before the ongoing investigations by the Church and law enforcement agencies are concluded.

 

The Church stressed that the allegations against Prophet  Onadeko remain allegations, as no finding of criminal responsibility has been established against him, as the issue is  subject to investigation and due process.

 

Recall that Yomi Fabiyi, Osoba’s colleague, had urged the Police to carry out a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Osoba.

 

The 40 Year Old actress died on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, shortly after publicly celebrating her survival from breast cancer.

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

By
Adesina Soyooye
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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

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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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

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
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.

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