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

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Adedamola Adebayo

By Akinwale Kasali

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Sir Joseph Ezeokafor

By Adesina Soyooye

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The family’s statement reads reads in part:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

By
Ayodele Oni
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Cyril Ramaphosa - South African President
Cyril Ramaphosa, South African President

By Ayodele Oni 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Osun Guber: Police Ban Amotekun, Others From Election Operation 

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

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

By
The Source
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Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi
Senator Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi

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

 

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

 

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

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

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

By Ayodele Oni 

 

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

 

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

 

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

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola
Olagunsoye Oyinlola

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Muslim/Muslim Ticket: Islamic Cleric Says He Has No Regret For Calling Christians Infidels 

By
James Orji
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0
Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir
Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir
Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, the Islamic cleric who described Nigeria Christians as infidels and declared support for  a Muslim -Muslim ticket for next year’s presidential election says he has no regret.
 
Jingir made the remark on Monday at a political event organized by the Kano state government and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
 
The cleric had, however, received knocks for making the controversial remark, as both Christians and Muslims have condemned him, saying his comment is capable of sparking religious crisis in the country.
Some Nigerians, human rights bodies, including  the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC have called for his arrest.
While condemning Jingir over the remark, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN said he should be called to order to save the country from clashes between the two major religious groups in the country.
 
Reacting to the backlash, the cleric said the criticism  will not make him change his stance on the issue.
 
The Islamic cleric, who spoke in an interview with BBC Hausa monitored on Wednesday, said his declaration was not driven by partisan politics or an attempt to campaign for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Rather, Jingir said his position was informed by what he described as his responsibility and convictions as a Muslim.
“I will continue to support and encourage the Muslim-Muslim ticket. What they say would not stop me. They started it; at a point, we suffered in their hands,” he said.
Jingir had sparked controversy during a mass wedding organised by the Kano State Government for 1,500 couples, where he openly declared his support for the continuation of the Muslim-Muslim political arrangement.
He also urged Muslims to use their numerical strength at the polls to influence the outcome of elections.
According to the cleric, his decision to support the arrangement followed President Tinubu’s emergence on a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
He argued that his position was within his rights as an Islamic preacher, saying he could advocate a political arrangement that was consistent with his religious convictions.
Jingir also challenged claims that Christians or other religious groups constitute a larger proportion of Nigeria’s population than Muslims.
 

Afrobeat Star, Davido, Urges Trump, Int. Community To Pay Attention To Osun Gov. Election

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
David Adeleke popular as Davido
David Adeleke popular as Davido

By Ayodele Oni

 

Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has asked the United States, (US), President Donald Trump, and international agencies to pay attention to the Saturday’s Osun State governorship election, where his uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is seeking re-election.

 

Ademola Adeleke, the incumbent governor of Osun State and Davido’s uncle, is contesting the August 15, 2026 governorship election for another term.

 

In a post addressed to Trump, Davido stated that the US President and the international community was as a result of the possibility of violence, intimidation and disruption of the electoral process.

 

He urged them to pay close attention to the election and encourage relevant authorities to protect voters and ensure that every vote is respected.

 

“President Donald Trump, I am calling your attention to the situation in Osun State, Nigeria, as we approach the election.

 

“There are growing concerns about tension and the possibility of violence, intimidation, or disruption of the democratic process.

 

“Osun people deserve to exercise their constitutional right to vote freely, peacefully, and without fear,” Davido wrote.

 

He appealed for international attention to the election, stressing the need for peace, transparency and a credible electoral process.

 

“We do not want bloodshed. We do not want intimidation. We want peace, transparency, and a free and fair election,” he added.

 

Davido had earlier said he would directly contact Trump if he became dissatisfied with the conduct of the Osun election.

 

The singer stated that he would tag the US President on social media and, if necessary, take his concerns to the White House.

 

“I’ll tag Trump, I’ll call Trump, everybody. If they still don’t see anything, I’ll go in front of the White House and say, ‘Help us,’” he.added.

 

Davido insisted that his comments should not be dismissed as a joke, expressing confidence that his concerns would reach the US President.

 

The singer also called on political actors and other stakeholders to allow the people of Osun State to freely determine who governs them.

 

“Leave Osun alone, oo, leave it,” he exclaimed.

We Redeemed Our Pensioners, Workers In Osun, Pays N80 Billion Inherited Pension

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Ademola Adeleke
Governor Ademola Adeleke

By Ayodele Oni

 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has revealed that his administration has paid over N80 billion in inherited pension debt and more than two-thirds of the half-salary arrears owed to workers in the state, just as he said all the 34 governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot stop his victory.

 

The Governor made the disclosure on Tuesday during a town hall meeting organised by Arise TV for candidates in the August 15 Osun governorship election.

 

Adeleke recalled that in 2022, the state’s finances could not clear the accumulated debts, but said his government prioritised workers’ welfare.

 

“I’m proud of all I have achieved in the last four years. But specifically, I am happy about workers’ welfare. We did a lot to redeem our pensioners and workers in Osun State.

 

“I’m truly happy about how we addressed the problems and challenges facing Osun public workers. The pensioners, senior citizens, are happy with me. The workers love me. The first job of a government is the welfare of the people. I fulfilled that responsibility.

 

“It was not possible to pay the accumulated half-salary and pension debts, but I’ve shown the world that if there is political will, difficult issues can be resolved.

 

“Our government has paid over two-thirds of the half-salary debt. We have paid over N80 billion of inherited pension debt. We have reformed the public service. Osun workers appreciate it. They’ve endorsed me for re-election,” Adeleke affirmed.

 

The governor, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, listed some of his administration’s achievements.

 

“Before talking about the next tenure, let me list what I have achieved so far: 350 kilometres of roads, three flyover bridges, six dualised roads, rehabilitation of over 200 primary healthcare centres, rehabilitation of 150 schools, the establishment of the University of Ilesa, the purchase of 31 new tractors, disbursement of almost N2 billion in cooperative funds, among many others.”

 

Adeleke, who won the 2022 governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said he left the party due to crisis.

 

“I left the PDP to join Accord because of the crisis in the PDP then. I love PDP so much, and it was difficult to leave. I would have run as an independent candidate in this election if it were allowed in Nigeria,” he said.

 

The governor accused the Nigeria Police Force of partisanship ahead of Saturday’s poll.

 

“I’m not comfortable with the partisan posture of the police in particular. I have raised the alarm on several occasions. The police authorities seem to have turned a deaf ear.

 

“On a daily basis, the police are arresting my members. Yesterday alone, four Accord leaders were again arrested. I’ve lost seven members of my party, with over 20 suffering various gun injuries. Over 60 Accord members are in various illegal police detention.

 

“I now have new reports even suggesting police direct involvement in rigging the election on Saturday. I have alerted Mr President and the Inspector-General of Police. The job of the police is to provide security, not to interfere in the electoral process. I am asking for a free and fair election. Nothing more,” he said.

 

Adeleke called on Osun residents to shun violence and ensure a peaceful election.

 

Reacting to the recent account freeze by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Adeleke said he appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s intervention and was assured of a free and fair election.

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