Author: Gabby

Members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Osun State, alongside leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have publicly accused the state government of intentionally fomenting tensions over the administration of local government areas. Addressing a press conference in Osogbo on Friday, Barrister Adegoke Ogunsola, speaking on behalf of the party, claimed that the government had misrepresented a recent Federal High Court ruling in a way that could provoke public unrest.

Ogunsola explained that the lawsuit, initiated by reinstated APC chairmen and councillors on September 12, 2025, aimed to clarify the start date of their tenure under Osun State laws. He noted that the court dismissed the case on June 15, 2026. According to him, the dismissal does not equate to an endorsement of the local government elections allegedly held on February 22, 2025, as the state government and its allies have been asserting. He stated, “The dismissal of the suit does not validate the so-called election results. Yet, the state government and its supporters immediately took to the streets, instigating unnecessary crises by claiming that the court ruling legitimizes the sham election.”

The APC leaders also criticized Governor Ademola Adeleke’s call for police protection for individuals he considers elected council officials, describing the move as embarrassing and a threat to public order. Ogunsola revealed that the Federal High Court judgment is under appeal, with a stay of execution application filed on June 16, 2026, and served on all relevant parties, including the police. He emphasized that those seeking to take over the councils were not parties to the suit and that no relief was granted in their favor. He urged the police not to enforce the judgment given the pending appeal.

Ogunsola quoted a portion of the court ruling that stated, “No matter the interruptions or interjections in the tenure of the elected public officer after subscription to the oath of office and oath of allegiance, the expiration date of the said tenure remains the same as per the Constitution or the statute.” He argued that this implies the February 2025 local government elections and subsequent swearing-in were null and void, a matter now before the Court of Appeal. The APC leaders called on residents to remain peaceful while warning that any breakdown of law and order resulting from the government’s actions would be its responsibility.

The Social Democratic Party has refuted rumors that its candidate for the Ekiti State governorship election, Isaac Adebayo Alade, has dropped out of the race. The party clarified that Alade remains firmly on the ballot for the June 20, 2026 poll.

In a statement issued on Friday, SDP National Publicity Secretary Araba Rufus Aiyenigba dismissed the withdrawal claims as fabricated and aimed at misleading voters. He attributed the false report to a faction loyal to the party’s expelled former chairman, Shehu Gabam.

“The National Chairman, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, and the National Working Committee assure the public that the SDP is listed on the ballot. Ambassador Isaac Adebayo Alade is the validly nominated candidate recognized by INEC and remains a strong contender,” the party said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has confirmed that all preparations are complete for Saturday’s election. INEC recently listed Gombe as the rightful national chairman of the SDP on its portal.

Yinka Oyebode, the Special Adviser on Media to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed confidence that the upcoming governorship election will witness a significant number of voters at the polls. He also anticipates that the electoral process will be remarkably peaceful, setting a new standard for the state.

Speaking to media executives in Ado Ekiti, Oyebode credited the expected peaceful atmosphere to the governor’s inclusive approach, which allowed all political parties to campaign freely across the state. He contrasted this with past elections marred by violence, often stemming from restrictive measures imposed by previous administrations.

“The governor treated every citizen of Ekiti as part of a single family, ensuring equal rights and opportunities regardless of political leanings, religion, or culture,” Oyebode stated. He argued that election-related violence typically arises from opposition frustration in a hostile environment, which this administration has consciously avoided.

Oyebode highlighted the impressive 91% collection rate of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as evidence of growing civic engagement. He noted that no political party has reported being hindered from campaigning, a stark contrast to previous elections. “All signs point to a smooth, violence-free exercise tomorrow,” he concluded.

Chief Dele Momodu, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress, has made a bold prediction regarding Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. He asserts that the contest will prove exceptionally challenging for President Bola Tinubu, ultimately foreseeing victory for the ADC’s candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

In a recent interview on Nevon Media, Momodu outlined his vision for the election outcome. He emphasized that if Atiku performs strongly in the northern region while maintaining a competitive presence in the south, he would overcome both President Tinubu and Peter Obi. According to Momodu, the key is to secure at least 25 percent of votes in 26 states, coupled with dominance in the north, which holds the highest voter density.

Momodu’s confidence stems from Atiku’s potential to lock down northern states, where the bulk of votes lie. He believes this strategy would fulfill the constitutional requirement for winning the presidency—securing the highest total votes while meeting the 25 percent threshold in two-thirds of Nigeria’s states.

The prediction arrives as key political figures gear up for a rematch. In the 2023 election, Tinubu triumphed with about 37 percent of the vote, leveraging a stronghold in the South-West and sufficient spread across other regions. However, Momodu believes the dynamics have shifted, and Atiku is poised to capitalize.

Dr. Oyelami Saliu, the governorship candidate for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Osun State’s upcoming election, has urged the public to refrain from hoping for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s demise. Speaking at the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) media parley, Saliu, a medical doctor, assured that Governor Adeleke would remain alive to hand over power to him following the August 15, 2026, election, referencing a recent stage collapse incident involving the governor.

Saliu emphasized that political contests should not involve wishing harm on opponents. He stated that Adeleke would not only survive but also complete his term before the transition. While acknowledging the governor’s efforts, he argued that Adeleke’s achievements fall short of the people’s expectations and called for fresh leadership under the PRP.

According to Saliu, his decision to run stems from the belief that Osun needs a different governance approach. He claimed that if Adeleke’s performance were satisfactory, he would not be contesting. Saliu promised to outperform the current administration across all sectors and pledged to continue beneficial projects initiated by the incumbent.

On the subject of the state’s airport projects, Saliu said he would evaluate both under-construction airports for viability, prioritizing those with the best economic and development potential. He expressed confidence in the PRP’s ability to provide the necessary leadership for the state’s progress.