Only four political parties will be participating in the bye election at Ondo senatorial district to elect a new senator on June 20.
The former senator, representing the district, Jimoh Ibrahim, has been appointed as the Nigeria’s Representative at the United Nations,(UN) by President Bola Tinubu.
The participating parties are the All Progressives Congress (APC), All Peoples Party, (APP) and Allied People’s Movement, (APM) and Boot Party.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disclosed this on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Okitipupa, the headquarters of the senatorial district.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, said the commission had concluded arrangements for the conduct of the bye-election.
He revealed that no fewer than 673,446 registered voters will vote during the poll.
According to him, the Senate declared the seat vacant on April 28, 2026, and directed INEC to conduct a bye-election in line with constitutional provisions.
Agboke pointed out that the eligible voters would cast their ballots across 1,354 polling units and 66 registration areas spread across the six local government areas in the district.
The local government areas are Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo, Odigbo, Irele, Ilaje, Ese-Odo and Okitipupa.
He noted that the voters’ register had been verified and cleaned, adding that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise would not affect the register to be used for the election.
The REC disclosed that non-sensitive election materials had already been distributed, while sensitive materials would be received and deployed in the presence of political parties and security agencies.
He further revealed that 1,359 BVAS machines had been tested and certified for the exercise, with 264 backup devices set aside for contingencies.
”We want to assure all stakeholders that INEC is fully prepared for the Ondo South Senatorial District bye-election.
“The voters’ register has been verified, election materials are being deployed according to schedule, and only the votes cast by the electorate will determine the winner,” he said.
Agboke urged political actors and voters to maintain peace before, during and after the election, adding that candidates of the APC, APM, APP and Boot Party would contest the senatorial seat.
Abductors of school children and teachers in Oyo state have reportedly demanded for an exchange of some detainees in Agodi and Abolongo prisons in exchange for the victims.
This is just as government denied the social media report that the victims have reunited with their families.
Also, Yoruba Nation activist and self-determination campaigner, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that politicians are sponsoring kidnappers responsible for recent school abductions in Oyo State and has threatened to publicly identify those involved if the attacks continue
It was gathered that the abductors of Oyo school children and teachers among others, demanded for payment of N1billion into an account in Benin Republic, two hilux buses and concession of some Oyo State laws on land acquisition.
Igboho made the claims while receiving newly elected executives of the National Association of Nigerian Students, led by Akinteye Babatunde, at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan.
In a video that has since gained widespread attention online, the activist accused certain political figures of providing financial support and weapons to criminal groups operating in the state.
He warned that he would expose the individuals allegedly behind the kidnappings unless they ceased their activities.
According to him, he had volunteered to participate in efforts to rescue pupils abducted during recent attacks in Oriire Local Government Area, but was prevented from doing so by the Oyo State Government.
He claimed state officials later informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the victims if he attempted any intervention.
Igboho insisted that security operatives under his influence could flush the kidnappers out of forest hideouts if granted approval, arguing that the criminals were not beyond the reach of coordinated security operations.
The activist also said he had established the Iru Ekun security network with federal approval, but was discouraged from deploying the outfit in the ongoing rescue mission.
He expressed frustration over what he described as restrictions placed on local security efforts despite growing concerns over insecurity in the region.
Beyond the kidnappings, Igboho linked the security situation to broader political developments, alleging that some individuals were deliberately working to undermine the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He argued that certain actors were attempting to create instability and weaken public confidence in the government through insecurity and misinformation campaigns.
He further stated that he had no reason to oppose the President, whom he credited with supporting him during his period of exile.
Ogun State Government has defended the quality of some newly constructed roads in the state, attributing recent wash-off of a section in Abeokuta to the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drainage channels by residents.
It warned that such practices pose serious threats to public infrastructure and community safety.
The government explained that preliminary findings revealed that waste materials dumped into drains obstructed the free flow of stormwater during a recent heavy rainfall, leading to a buildup of water pressure that eventually undermined the affected section of the road.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, government dismissed suggestions that the incident resulted from poor construction or the use of substandard materials.
According to the statement, the drainage infrastructure attached to the road was properly designed to accommodate stormwater runoff, but the accumulation of refuse created artificial blockages that prevented water from flowing freely.
The statement noted that all materials used for the construction of the road underwent rigorous quality tests and met, and in some cases exceeded, the required engineering standards.
It added that the contractor handling the project is a reputable construction firm with many years of experience and a proven record of delivering quality infrastructure projects.
“The incident was not caused by any defect in the road construction. Investigations point to the blockage of drainage channels by refuse dumped indiscriminately by residents, which prevented the free flow of water and led to the damage recorded after the heavy rainfall.”
The statement further disclosed that the contractor, alongside engineers from the Ogun State Ministry of Works, is currently on-site carrying out a comprehensive assessment of the damage.
It noted that following the evaluation, immediate remedial works would commence to restore the affected section of the road and ensure the safety and convenience of road users.
While reaffirming the government’s commitment to the provision and maintenance of critical infrastructure across the state, the statement stressed that residents also have a responsibility to protect public assets.
It warned that dumping refuse into drainage channels contributes not only to the destruction of roads, but also to flooding, environmental degradation, public health risks, destruction of property and avoidable expenditure of public resources.
Some of the affected roads include Car Wash–Moore Junction in Abeokuta
The statement urged residents to report individuals or groups caught dumping waste into drains to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
According to the government, protecting public infrastructure requires collective responsibility and cooperation from all stakeholders, adding that it would continue to take proactive measures to safeguard lives, property and public investments across the state.
Ogun State Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the prompt rehabilitation of the affected road, while intensifying public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
File Photo: President Bola Tinubu and Seyi Makinde
A former presidential aide, Laolu Akande has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to work together with Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state to rescue the abducted 42 students and teachers kidnapped in Ogbomoso on May 15 by suspected terrorists.
The former media aide to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo spoke amid the ongoing efforts by security agencies to rescue the victims and the outrage that has trailed the incident, after the terrorists killed two teachers and threatened to kill the students if their demands are not met.
Akande said the two leaders appear to be working at cross-purposes, they must stop playing politics with the lives of the abducted victims, he said, warning that this is not the time to ‘play politics” as President Tinubu ‘cannot be going one way while Makinde is going the other way” on the issue.
He spoke on Thursday during an interview on Channels TV programme saying Tinubu and Makinde ought to have met face-to-face on how to tackle the problem, and how to rescue the victims more than three weeks after the incident happened.
He also called on President Tinubu to declare a state of Emergency on security in the country, urging him to go after the terrorists and their sponsors.
Tinubu is the ‘commander-in-chief’ he should not be afraid to go after the non-state actors and their sponsors causing problems in the country, the former presidential aide said, adding that the “president must step up his game significantly” if he really wants to end insecurity.
“Tinubu must summon Makinde. They must be working together to deal with the situation. We have gotten to a stage when the president must declare a state of emergency. He must go ahead to tackle their sponsors. Is he afraid of the sponsors. We need Tinubu to give us his A-game,” Akande said.
In the aftermath of the Ogbomoso abduction, a former governor of Ekiti state had alleged that the incident may have been orchestrated by the state government to blackmail the Tinubu administration.
Fayose is a close ally of President Tinubu.
“In Oyo State, I strongly believe though I might be wrong but this sometimes might be orchestrated. The governor of Oyo State had his nomination and that of his candidates in the face of this abduction,.
“He did not take any action, no steps were taken, it was after those nominations that he went to the families to visit them.
“I sometimes believe that the abduction at Oyo School was orchestrated by the Oyo State Government to blackmail President Tinubu,” Fayose stated.
Governor Makinde, in his reaction to the former Ekiti helmsman said Fayose needed a spiritual help.
R-L: Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro when the latter and his team paid a working visit to the Governor at Government House Owerri, Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Governor Hope Uzodimma has praised the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction for its support to Imo State, describing the ministry as a strategic partner in the State’s efforts to reduce poverty and empower vulnerable citizens.
Speaking while receiving the Minister, Dr. Bernard Doro, and his delegation in Government House Owerri, Wednesday June 3, 2026, Uzodimma said his administration had aligned its humanitarian programmes with federal policies and successfully developed a credible social register recognised by development partners, including the World Bank.
The Governor commended the Ministry’s intervention programmes, particularly the transition from cash disbursements to bank-account payments, which he said would enhance transparency, efficiency and security for beneficiaries.
Uzodimma also showcased Imo’s growing digital economy, revealing that more than 65,000 youths have been trained in various digital skills, with many now working remotely for international companies.
“Our digital ecosystem is creating jobs, reducing unemployment and helping to address insecurity by taking young people off the streets,” he said.
He disclosed that the State’s Digital City operates through a public-private partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, and has attracted collaboration from organisations such as the UNDP and the World Bank.
The Governor further commended President Bola Tinubu for economic reforms that have boosted State revenues and enabled sub-national governments to undertake impactful development projects.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro commended the Imo State Government for its infrastructural and social development achievements while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to poverty reduction and empowerment initiatives in the state.
He praised Governor Uzodimma for what he described as “giant development strides,” noting that he had reviewed a compendium of the administration’s achievements since his last visit during the State’s 50th anniversary celebration.
The Minister said Imo State had benefited from about N6.6 billion under the Household Prosperity and Empowerment Cash Transfer Programme, a flagship intervention that provides N75,000 in three tranches to vulnerable Nigerians.
“The funds go directly to verified beneficiaries drawn from the National Social Register and linked to their National Identification Numbers,” he said.
He also announced plans for the Renewed Hope Skills Acquisition Programme and expressed interest in partnering with the State, particularly through the Imo Digital City Hub, to expand skills development opportunities and create greater impact for residents.
R-L: Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State with the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, after the Federal and State governments had signed the pact on Federal Medical Centre Okigwe at the Government House Owerri, Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
It is now official that Imo State has a new Federal Medical Centre in Okigwe following the conversation of the former Federal Medical Centre, Owerri as a Teaching Hospital for the Federal University of Technology, Owerri not long ago.
The pact to have the former General Hospital, Okigwe, become Imo State’s new Federal Medical Centre was sealed Wednesday, June 3, 2026 between the federal government delegation led by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako and those of the Imo State led by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
During the signing of agreement for the conversation of the General Hospital, Okigwe to a Federal Medical Centre, Okigwe, Governor Uzodimma commended President Bola Tinubu for the speedy approval to establish a new Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Imo State, describing the move as a demonstration of responsive and compassionate leadership.
Speaking at the Government House, Owerri during the courtesy visit by the Minister and his entourage, the Governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for addressing what he described as a “longstanding gap in the State’s healthcare infrastructure.”
Uzodimma recalled that following the upgrade of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to a Federal University of Education, and the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, converted to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Imo became the only State in the country without a Federal Medical Centre (FMC).
He said the State government therefore appealed to the Federal Government which saw merit in the appeal and approved the siting of a new FMC in Okigwe.
“To facilitate the project, the State handed over the General Hospital, Okigwe, as the take-off facility. We are happy that this agreement is being executed today. The ultimate beneficiaries are the people of Imo State,” the Governor said.
He, therefore, thanked Mr. President, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate and the Federal Government for absorbing the hospital staff and pledged the State’s continued support to ensure quality healthcare delivery across Imo.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Salako, commended the Imo State Government for its achievements in the health sector, describing the State as one of the Federal Ministry of Health’s “flagship States” in healthcare delivery.
Salako praised Governor Uzodimma’s investments in primary healthcare, health insurance expansion and specialist medical services.
“We see what Imo is doing in healthcare and consider the State one of our most cherished partners in achieving universal health coverage,” he said.
The Minister noted that the establishment of the FMC aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of bringing specialist healthcare closer to Nigerians and reducing medical tourism abroad.
He assured the State government of continued federal support, including funding, infrastructure and staff recruitment, adding that existing hospital workers willing to serve under the Federal Government would be retained after an audit.
The Deputy Governor of Imo State Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Imo State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Paul Obinatu, and other top government officials joined the Governor at the meeting.
Amid the deteriorating insecurity in the country, the Peoples Redemption Party, PRP has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign as the commander-in- chief, saying he has no answer to the security challenges facing the country.
The PRP made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday by the National Chairman of the party, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed who said the security situation in the country has reached an alarming level, as non-state actors, such as bandits, kidnappers have taken over the country.
According to him, the problem which was initially limited to a part of the country has now spread from “Bama to Badagry”saying Nigerians are no longer safe under the leadership of President Tinubu, who he accused of amassing so much power to himself but has failed to use same to protect Nigerians.
Baba-Ahmed said “School children have joined the long stretch of soft targets” for the criminals who he said are capitalizing on the ‘weakness’ of the current leadership in the country to carry out their heinous act, wondering why President Tinubu still insist in contesting again despite his failures in tackling the insecurity in the country.
The PRP chairman was referencing the abduction of over 40 students and teachers from three schools in Orire Local government, Ogbomoso, Oyo state on May 15 by suspected terrorists who invaded three schools in broad day light. Two of the teachers have already been killed. The students are still in captivity more than three weeks after.
Baba-Ahmed said Nigerians must not accept the current situation as “normal.” This is not how Nigerians should live,” the statement said.
“From Generals to toddlers; from Bama to Badagry, no Nigerian is safe under this leadership. It is no longer the case that only parts of the country have been virtually surrendered to criminals. Now, no Nigerian in any part of the country is protected from rampant violent criminals who exploit our major weakness,” Baba-Ahmed said.
“School children have joined the long stretch of soft targets, and the nation appears to be at the point of accepting this situation as normal. We must not submit to the weakness of leaders and the exploits of criminals. This is not how Nigerians should live.
“Our President has failed the nation, and there is no evidence that he can improve on his pathetic record. He has amassed all the power in the country around him, yet he has failed to use it to protect and defend Nigerians.
“In most other democracies, President Tinubu’s failure to respect the values of accountability and responsibility would not have been tolerated. Nigerians must rise to demand an end to this ineptitude and indifference. President Tinubu should resign, now!
“While he may have the luxury of ignoring our current deteriorating circumstances and awaiting the verdict of rejection by voters in 2027, Nigerians who will continue to fall victim to violent criminals do not have the luxury of waiting to vote him out in 2027.
“There is nothing democratic in insisting that incompetent and uncaring leadership must complete terms. Nigerians should demand, with one voice, that President Tinubu’s failure to secure Nigerians cannot be tolerated any further,” Baba-Ahmed said in the statement.
Four serving members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, were among six persons burnt to death in a ghastly road mishap in Adamawa State on Wednesday.
The sad incident which occurred at about 1.50 pm along the Narehi area.of Girei/Song Local Council of the State, also, claimed the life of a military officer.
A statement from the spokesperson for the Adamawa police authorities, Suleiman Nguroje, informed that the incident involved a military gun trunk and a commuter bus.
According to him, the commuter bus conveying five passengers from Yola to Mubi, had a head-on collision with the military truck heading in the opposite direction from Kombi to Yola.
“Preliminary findings revealed that both vehicles were involved in a head-on collision, resulting in the commercial bus flipping over, and bursting into flames.
” Tragically, all five passengers aboard the Hummer bus were burnt to death after the vehicle caught fire following the collision”, the police stated
According to the police, one of the occupants of the military vehicle ,a serving soldier also lost his life in the crash.
Similarly, the police disclosed that preliminary findings have identified three of the Corps members involved as Suleiman Juliet , Usman Shuaibu, (both from Kaduna state) ,and Hafsat Hassan.
However, the remaining victims, according to the Police are yet to be identified.
According to the police statement, while the corpses of the victims have been evacuated to the Specialist Hospital in Yola, the Adamawa state capital, further efforts are underway to identify the other victims ,as well as locate their families.
The three malls in Onitsha, Awka, and Nnewi were initiated by Mr. Peter Obi. They formed part of the requirements for implementing the urban renewal plan for the three major towns in Anambra State.
Onitsha Mall: This project was entirely executed by a private company. The state’s obligations were to acquire the land, dualize the access road, and provide the necessary due diligence and facilitation for its commencement. Mr. Peter Obi fulfilled these obligations. Thereafter, the state government did not contribute a kobo to the project till completion.
Awka Shopping Mall: It is commendable that the project has now been completed. It was initiated by Mr. Peter Obi, who also set aside funds for its completion before leaving office. At the time he left office, work was actively ongoing on the project under Akiota Construction Company.
Nnewi Mall: The same applies here. Mr. Peter Obi initiated the project and made provision for its completion before leaving office.
I was shocked when a minion of Prof. Charles Soludo claimed that the Nnewi Mall had been abandoned almost 17 years ago. The obvious intention was to mislead the public into believing that Obi abandoned the project. Seventeen years ago was 2009 – a year in which the project had not even been conceived, let alone commenced. It was a deliberate attempt to create a false impression.
Because the author is a known, compulsive, and irredeemable liar, one who will undoubtedly turn against Soludo himself once a new patron emerges or engages him in the future, we initially ignored him. Mentioning his name will diminish this write-up.
Why, after all, should one respond to one of those little demons who have no respect for holy water?
Surprisingly, this morning, I encountered the same mischief on Prof. Charles Soludo’s own social media platform (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18cp429pzK/?mibextid=wwXIfr). Perhaps I should send him an invoice for this unsolicited advertisement.
Given his high office, and assuming him to be above such petty falsehoods, I am inclined to believe, rightly or wrongly, that it was a mistake. If it was not, then it can only be seen as a childish web of alliances and intrigues between the Governor and his little demon, stretched to the bursting point.
Is a state Governor not expected to rise above certain categories of mischief, especially those that collapse under the slightest scrutiny? Is the office of Governor now to be enlisted in the service of claims that defy chronology, logic, and readily verifiable facts? Should the occupant of such a high office lend credibility to assertions that a project was abandoned years before it was even conceived? Is it now the duty of government platforms to amplify distortions that any careful examination of the record would immediately expose? Is the force driving some people against Obi so powerful that it drives them into wantonness? Is it so overwhelming that it compels actions which, upon sober reflection, even the perpetrators themselves would scratch their head in perplexity? At times, one wonders whether they are acting out of conviction or merely under the influence of an irresistible, Obi’s impulse.
Honestly, is this affliction not spiritual? How else does one explain a situation in which otherwise rational individuals abandon facts, chronology, and common sense in pursuit of a narrative? One is tempted to ask, half in jest and half in earnest: could this be the handiwork of village people?
Valentine Obienyem
One is left to wonder: was this an oversight, or has political rivalry become so consuming that even elementary facts must be sacrificed at its altar? Whatever the answer, the people deserve better. Public discourse ought to be anchored on facts, not on lies dressed up as history.
The facts remain straightforward. These malls were initiated under Mr. Peter Obi. In the case of the Nnewi Mall, the “casus belli” of this write-up, the project was started in 2013 and pursued vigorously. Work was ongoing, amidst court cases, when Obi handed over office. Indeed, he had also set aside the funds required for its completion.
Any attempt to rewrite this history simply does not stand up to scrutiny.
Thus, the Governor’s corroboration of his little demon should be regarded as distasteful and unfortunate. It calls for the taming of the spirit of lies, falsehood, mischief, distortion, and historical revisionism that too often finds its way into our public discourse. Public office is best served by fidelity to facts, respect for truth, and the discipline to resist the temptation of partisan fiction, no matter how politically convenient it may appear.
Beyond these lies the question of questions: why this at this time? Because he also promised to start housing estate in Nnewi, the question by Engr. Chibuike Pat. Ezeabasili is germane: “You didn’t start housing which is most critical in your first term, immediately seahorse is about clinching NDC ticket, boom 💥 you remembered that Nnewi deserves housing estate.”
Obienyem is a Barrister-at-Law, and Obi’ s long serving very senior Aide
The Nigerian Senate has rejected the call to probe the finances of the nation’s Armed Forces.
The call was made on Wednesday by Senator Adams Oshiomhole who moved a motion to that effect on the floor of the Nigeria’s Upper Legislative House yesterday, saying the military must be made accountable for the funds they receive annually from the government.
The lawmaker spoke on the heels of the call by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, to the federal government to sack Service Chiefs in the country if they failed to end insecurity in the country in 90 days.
Senator Oshiomhole said his motion became necessary in the face of the upsurge of insecurity in the country in recent years, wondering what the military has done with the huge budgetary allocation to them.
The nation’s Armed Forces consist of the Army, navy and Airforce.
Checks y the magazine indicate that the Army alone was allocated over N1.5 trillion in this year’s budget.
The lawmaker’s motion was however rejected by the senators, who many say may not have seen the urgent need to probe the yearly Military Budget, despite the fact that many Nigerians also consider investigating the funds allocated to the Armed Forces to be a necessity if indeed insecurity in the country is to be tackled.
Not a few Nigerians insist that the rejection may further intensify calls for the military finances to be investigated, due to the belief that the current insecurity in the country cannot be justified in the face of the huge annual budgetary allocations to the military.
The senator, a former governor of Edo state cited the recent abduction of school children in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, and the heightened insecurity across the country which he said has become worrisome considering the huge budgetary allocation to the Armed Forces in the country.
The Armed Forces take a huge chunk of the nation’s yearly budget the senator said, wondering why it has become difficult for them to tackle the menace of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism in the country.
Oshiomhole lamented that past calls for the military to be probed has been largely ignored by the Nigerians Senate, saying the military should be made ‘accountable” to Nigerians, particularly concerning the funds they receive form the government.
“If the armed forces are not accountable, we can’t make progress. We need to carry out a security audit; money was released; who used it?’ he said.
