Author: Gabby

In the early returns of the Ekiti State governorship election, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has established a commanding lead. The incumbent triumphed over Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in his own polling unit, securing 140 votes against the latter’s 37.

Across the state, partial results indicate the APC holds a substantial advantage. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) trails in second, while the ADC occupies third place. According to data uploaded on the INEC IReV portal, the current tallies are as follows: APC – 78,979 votes; PDP – 10,736 votes; ADC – 2,964 votes.

A photograph accompanying this report shows Governor Oyebanji casting his ballot, a testament to his active participation in the democratic process.

In a dramatic turn of events during the Ekiti State governorship election, incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured a commanding win at a polling unit located in the hometown of former Governor Ayodele Fayose. The polling unit, designated PU 001 at St. David’s Primary School/Maternity Area in Afao-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, delivered a decisive 448 votes for Oyebanji out of a total of 493 valid ballots cast.

The result deals a significant blow to the opposition, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dare Bejide, managing only 37 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Wole Oluyede, received a mere four votes. The Accreditation figure stood at 538 out of 931 registered voters, according to the official INEC Form EC8A. Seven ballots were rejected during the process.

Observers note the symbolic importance of this outcome, given that Afao-Ekiti is the political base of Fayose, a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape. The victory underscores Oyebanji’s strong grassroots support even in territories traditionally considered opposition strongholds. Collation of results continues across the state as officials and party agents verify and sign off on the tallies.

Ten governorship aspirants from the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State have formally appealed to President Bola Tinubu to address what they claim is the forced selection of Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu as the party’s candidate for the 2027 elections. In a joint letter dated Saturday, the aspirants warned that the party risks losing the state if the current situation persists.

The petitioners highlighted that the primary election process was deeply flawed, alleging that results were announced for a contest that effectively did not take place. They stressed that many party members and stakeholders feel alienated and may seek alternative platforms to pursue their political goals if the imposition is not corrected.

The aspirants recalled the historic Otoge movement that brought the APC to power in Kwara in 2019, noting that the victory was a collective effort. However, they argued that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has failed to maintain the inclusive spirit of that coalition, leading to the marginalization of key contributors to the party’s success.

According to the letter, Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership has weakened the party’s support base and diminished its chances in future elections. The aspirants called on President Tinubu to review the credentials and statewide acceptability of all aspirants, asserting that among them is a leader capable of restoring unity and strengthening the party.

The aggrieved aspirants expressed confidence that the President’s intervention can avert a deeper crisis and ensure the APC’s survival in Kwara State. They urged Tinubu to act in the best interest of the party and the legacy of democratic inclusion it represents.

The Lagos State Government has launched a dedicated task force aimed at removing rubbish from transport parks, bus stops, and garages across the city, while issuing a stern caution against illegal dumping and the proliferation of unauthorized structures in these areas.

This action is part of a broader push to restore environmental order in Africa’s largest city, prompted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive for an intensified 24-hour waste removal campaign statewide.

During an urgent meeting with transport union officials in Alausa, Ikeja, on Saturday, Transportation Commissioner Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi stated that the move was required due to the ongoing abuse of public areas by certain residents and transport operators.

He noted that the government could no longer overlook the escalating issue of trash being carelessly discarded on roads, medians, and other communal zones.

“Our city is being marred by reckless waste disposal and environmental degradation. We cannot sit idle while people litter roadsides, medians, and open spaces. This behavior is completely intolerable,” Osiyemi remarked.

He stressed that while enforcement will be ramped up, working with transport unions is vital since they operate extensively across parks and garages throughout the state.

“We are not shirking our duty, nor are we going it alone. We seek cooperation because this battle belongs to everyone,” he added.

Osiyemi warned that individuals caught dumping waste illegally will face penalties and urged transport unions to take charge of cleanliness in their work areas.

He further instructed union leaders to ensure that bus stops, garages, and parks remain well-maintained, free from street hawking and makeshift shelters, and equipped with proper sanitation staff and monitoring systems.

“Our streets are being soiled daily. Before you can enforce order elsewhere, your own garages must be tidy,” he said.

Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Sam Egube also spoke, describing transport operators as crucial to the state’s security and environmental management network, and urged them to back enforcement initiatives.

“Transport workers are integral to the security fabric of society. If you observe something, speak up,” he stated.

Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), disclosed that the state generates roughly 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, emphasizing the need to curb indiscriminate dumping.

He called for greater collaboration from transport operators, highlighting that waste must be properly gathered and delivered to approved sites rather than abandoned on roadsides.

“We need your help. Lagos is our home, and we must keep it clean. Waste should be collected from residences and taken to designated points, not thrown onto streets,” he said.

Gbadegesin also warned against the return of street vending near bus stops and newly repaired roads, calling it a setback to ongoing urban renewal projects.

Former Special Adviser on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, explained that the newly formed task force will collaborate with transport unions to enforce sanitation regulations, remove illegal structures, and enhance safety and cleanliness at transport hubs.

In response, leaders from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) expressed support for the initiative while requesting a structured engagement system to improve coordination along transport routes.

The state government reaffirmed its dedication to tackling waste management challenges, noting that although Lagos produces one of the highest volumes of refuse in Africa, it also possesses the capability to handle it effectively.

Officials reassured residents that current environmental issues are temporary and that ongoing measures will soon restore full cleanliness and order throughout the state.

In a powerful display of unity, the people of Ibadan, under the banner of the Omo Aj’orosun Club, have come together to hold interfaith prayers for the swift return of abducted students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. The event, part of the club’s 46th anniversary celebrations, also aimed to tackle the broader insecurity plaguing the ancient city and the nation.

The gathering featured leaders from Christian, Islamic, and traditional religions, each leading prayers tailored to their faith. Venerable Sammi Adetule from the Anglican Church of Ascension, Imam Saheed Odekunle of Titilope Central Mosque, and Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode for traditional religion all participated, emphasizing the community’s collective plea for divine intervention.

Club President Mogaji Kamaldeen Adeniyi Salaudeen addressed the media, explaining that the initiative was driven by the anguish over the captives. ‘We cannot celebrate while our children and teachers remain in captivity,’ he stated. ‘These prayers are our humble request for God’s mercy, protection, and harmony for Ibadan, Oyo State, and Nigeria.’ He highlighted that the interfaith approach was deliberate, reflecting the city’s diverse yet united spirit.

Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode echoed these sentiments, noting that the prayers would foster stability and peace not only locally but globally. ‘Ibadan indigenes live across Nigeria and the world,’ he said. ‘Our prayers extend beyond borders, asking for peace and normalcy everywhere.’ He expressed confidence that the collective spiritual effort would yield positive results.

The Omo Aj’orosun Club’s initiative underscores a growing trend of communities resorting to spiritual solutions amid persistent security challenges. By bridging religious divides, the event served as a beacon of hope and solidarity, demonstrating that in times of crisis, unity can transcend differences.

In a major move to enhance public safety and environmental preservation, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has officially deployed 2,187 newly trained personnel from the Bauchi State Vigilante and Forest Security Services (BSVFSS). The operatives are tasked with intensifying security coverage and protecting the state’s forest reserves and natural endowments.

The deployment follows a passing-out ceremony held on Saturday at the Police Training School in Yelwa. During the event, the governor, represented by Deputy Governor Mohammed Auwal Jatau, formally authorized the personnel to begin operations in accordance with existing legal frameworks and regulations.

Governor Mohammed emphasized that this initiative reflects his administration’s strong commitment to promoting environmental sustainability, conserving forest resources, and improving security across local communities.

He pointed out that the state’s forests are vital for agriculture, economic growth, biodiversity conservation, and the livelihoods of many citizens. However, they face increasing threats from illegal logging, poaching, and unchecked exploitation.

“This initiative demonstrates our dedication to peacebuilding. It stands for integrity and discipline,” the governor stated. “I urge you to serve as excellent representatives and strictly follow the rules of engagement in all operations to fulfill the objectives of the Forest Guard Corps.”

According to him, forested areas have become hideouts for criminal elements, making stronger security measures essential.

The governor also explained that recruiting 2,187 forest guards serves a dual purpose: protecting natural resources and creating job opportunities for the state’s youth.

He expressed confidence that the training provided has equipped the recruits for their duties and urged them to perform with integrity, professionalism, and dedication. He reminded them that they are expected to serve as environmental protectors and defenders of the state’s natural wealth, warning that misconduct, abuse of power, or collaboration with criminals will result in penalties.

Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police Musa M. Bulus, stated that the newly trained operatives must maintain high standards of conduct in executing their duties. He called on them to remain disciplined, respect citizens’ rights, and contribute meaningfully to safeguarding lives and property.

The 2026 Ekiti State gubernatorial election results are being announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as returns from various polling units are collated. So far, 333 out of 2,445 polling units have reported their tallies, representing a partial but steady stream of data. The figures are aggregated from verified INEC Form EC8A and are updated automatically on this page.

According to the latest returns, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and incumbent governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, holds a commanding lead with 37,416 votes, accounting for 83.8% of the valid votes counted. His closest rival, Oluyede Olumayokun Oluwole of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has secured 4,935 votes, approximately 11.1%. Other candidates include Bejide Oluwadare Patrick of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with 988 votes (2.2%), Ojo Ayodeji of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) with 643 votes (1.4%), and Anifowose Joseph Olanrewaju of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) with 424 votes (0.9%). The remaining candidates from smaller parties have collectively garnered less than 1% of the vote share.

In addition to the numerical breakdown, several noteworthy events have marked the election day. Governor Oyebanji convincingly won his polling unit in the area of former Governor Ayodele Fayose, securing 448 votes in that unit alone. This early victory has been seen as a strong indicator of his support base. Meanwhile, civil rights activist Aisha Yesufu criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its inability to curb vote buying, calling for the decriminalization of the practice. Reports also emerged that EFCC operatives were chased away from some polling stations as vote buying continued. Yiaga Africa and the International Press Centre (IPC) urged political parties to stop using voter inducement as a tool for poverty weaponization. Despite these challenges, the voting process was largely peaceful, with former Governor Kayode Fayemi commending the smooth conduct.

As results continue to come in, the APC campaign remains confident of victory, while observers note that the opposition faces an uphill battle given the substantial lead already established. The final outcome will be determined once all 2,445 polling unit returns are collated and verified by INEC.

Hajiya Asia El-Rufai, the second spouse of Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has voiced grave concern that she and her co-wife, Aishatou El-Rufai, are under constant surveillance. She disclosed this in a recent post on her Facebook page.

According to her, their private phone lines have been tapped, raising fears about their personal safety. She emphasized that if any misfortune befalls them, the government must bear responsibility.

In her Facebook statement, she wrote: “They are tracking me and Aishatou. Let the world know that if anything happens to us, the Government should explain. Our phones are bugged… our lives are in danger.”

This development comes as public anxiety over the continued detention of Nasir El-Rufai intensifies.

In a recent statement, presidential aide Daniel Bwala urged Nigerians to shift their focus from blaming President Bola Tinubu for the nation’s challenges to holding state governors accountable for the utilization of federal allocations. Bwala emphasized the principles of federalism, noting that the President is not a prefect to the governors and should not be held responsible for issues at the state level.

Bwala explained that the federal government disburses funds to states for implementation, and it is the duty of state Houses of Assembly to exercise oversight over these appropriations. He highlighted that local governments receive substantial monthly allocations—such as ₦600 million—and that additional funds arrive regularly. He argued that if governors misuse these resources, citizens should call their state representatives to account rather than blaming the President.

According to Bwala, between January and March this year, a total of ₦2.26 billion was allocated to a single local government. This money, he said, could have been used to revive primary healthcare, improve primary education, fund construction projects, enhance law and order, create jobs, empower citizens, and mobilize community vigilantes. He lamented that instead of these benefits, the funds are often mismanaged.

Bwala stressed that without holding governors accountable at the federated level, even if the President sends $30 billion to the states, the same complaints will persist. He called on citizens to be vigilant and demand transparency from their state leaders.

An investigative journalist and farmer from Akwa Ibom State, Ibanga Isine, has voiced serious concerns after being forcibly removed from a courtroom prior to the hearing of his case. Isine, who is the complainant in the matter Commissioner of Police v. Abdullahi Yusuf, claims that police officers acting on the orders of Magistrate Godwin Edemekong ejected him from the premises.

The incident unfolded following the reported humiliation of other journalists who were present to cover the proceedings. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state has since condemned the actions, with Council Secretary Nsikak Esenowo describing it as an assault on open justice, transparency, and press freedom—rights enshrined in Sections 22 and 39 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. Esenowo has called on Chief Judge Ekaette Fabian Obot to launch an investigation.

Isine recounted that his legal ordeal stems from repeated invasions of his farmland by herders and their cattle, which caused extensive damage to crops worth millions of naira and destroyed the farm’s irrigation system. He added that farm workers were also harassed, and on one occasion, a herder allegedly brandished a cutlass and chased him away. Despite petitioning Police Commissioner CP Baba Azare and the Commissioner for Internal Security, the herders continued their activities unchecked.

Eventually, a suspect named Abdullahi Yusuf was arrested and arraigned. Isine noted that the Investigating Police Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Alomona, informed him that the suspect allegedly stabbed a police officer with a dagger while trying to escape. “If a suspect could attack an armed police officer inside police headquarters, one can only imagine the dangers unarmed farmers face daily from violent herders,” Isine lamented.

The journalist also expressed frustration with police prosecutor Mr. Blessing Essien, who allegedly withheld information about the case. Isine said the prosecutor insisted he appear in court on June 18, 2026, but only provided case details an hour before the hearing. “What is more disturbing is that while insisting I must be present, the prosecutor had already filed an application to stand down the matter and was himself absent,” Isine revealed.

Isine maintains he did nothing to warrant such treatment and only appeared in compliance with the prosecutor’s directive to pursue justice for his destroyed property. He has called on the Chief Judge to intervene and urged the Nigerian Bar Association to probe the prosecutor’s conduct, including his failure to provide accurate information and notify him of hearing dates. Additionally, Isine appealed to Governor Umo Eno to ensure strict enforcement of the Akwa Ibom State Anti-Open Grazing Law and other laws safeguarding farmers and agricultural investments.