Author: Gabby

The chairman of the Accord party in Osun State, Pastor Victor Akande, has issued a strong call for the immediate release of a party supporter who is allegedly being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department. He directed his appeal to the Osun State Commissioner of Police, urging action without further delay.

According to a statement released on Friday, the detained individual is identified as Owoeye Muyiwa. Akande claims that Muyiwa has been in custody for three days under the instruction of Senator Francis Fadahunsi, reportedly issued through the senator’s police orderly.

The situation, as described by the party, stems from Muyiwa’s act of putting up a billboard in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke within his own family property. This action, the chairman suggested, led to the arrest. The party further alleges that the detention may be linked to Muyiwa’s refusal to switch allegiance to the All Progressives Congress, despite ongoing pressure and invitations from Senator Fadahunsi.

Akande also said that there were attempts to falsely implicate Muyiwa in the destruction of APC billboards in the area. However, individuals who were called to identify him reportedly told investigators they had not witnessed him committing any vandalism, thus clearing him of that accusation.

The Accord chairman emphasized that even in the absence of any evidence tying Muyiwa to a crime, he remains locked up at the State CID. He noted that officials at the CID have indicated that only the Commissioner of Police can authorize Muyiwa’s release.

Akande condemned the ongoing detention as a form of intimidation and harassment directed at Accord members and supporters across Ijesaland. He stated, “We respectfully call on the Commissioner of Police to ensure the immediate release of Mr. Owoeye Muyiwa without further delay. No citizen should be subjected to unlawful detention or political intimidation for expressing support for a political leader or exercising his lawful rights.”

The Accord chairman also drew the attention of the Inspector General of Police, the Owa Obokun Palace, and democratic institutions both in Nigeria and abroad to what he described as increasing violations of people’s rights in Ijesaland. He added, “Our people should not be pushed to the wall through acts of intimidation and harassment. Democracy must be protected, and the rights of citizens must be respected at all times.”

Salihu Girei, a governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, has raised objections after discovering his name was missing from the primary election list. Despite fully complying with the party’s screening procedures, Girei found himself excluded from the finalized list without any official communication regarding disqualification or adverse findings.

In a formal complaint released to the press on Friday evening, Girei emphasized that he participated in the screening exercise as required by party guidelines. He stated, “To my great astonishment, the list published by the committee in charge of the primary election entirely omitted my name, offering no explanation or justification.” He further noted that he was neither notified of any disqualification nor summoned before the Post-Screening Appeal Committee.

Girei stressed that this unexplained omission undermines the principles of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity within the party’s internal democracy. He added, “At no point was I made aware of any decision affecting my eligibility. As a result, I have been unjustly denied the chance to contest.”

In his appeal, he requested the National Chairman, via the Adamawa State APC Appeal Committee, to investigate the circumstances of his exclusion, restore his name on a revised list, and order a fresh primary election to allow him a fair shot. This complaint surfaced shortly after the APC announced Ahmed Tijani Galadima as the winner of the governorship primary.

Former Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Araraume has officially secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Imo North, putting to rest rumors that he had stepped down from the race. In a press statement from his media office, Araraume dismissed the claims as the work of political saboteurs and opponents seeking to cause confusion following the primary election.

His decisive victory in the party’s primary is being hailed as more than just a routine internal contest; it marks a reaffirmation of his enduring political influence and grassroots support in the region. The win is viewed as a restoration of political order rather than an upset, given his extensive legislative experience and deep-rooted connections within the constituency.

Araraume’s camp emphasized that he neither attended nor was invited to any meeting where aspirants allegedly withdrew, calling the rumors baseless. The narrative of his withdrawal, they argued, reflects the anxieties of his detractors rather than any reality on the ground. In Imo North’s political landscape, the logic of hierarchy would have dictated that others step aside for Araraume, not the opposite.

Beyond local implications, his return to the national stage carries significant weight. His legislative expertise positions him as a stabilizing force and a strategic ally in the National Assembly, capable of complementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. The political calculus is clear: experience still commands respect and adds depth to legislative deliberations.

For the people of Imo North, the outcome is rooted in familiarity and expectation. Supporters are optimistic that Araraume will leverage his networks and understanding of federal processes to attract development projects and strengthen representation in a region with pressing infrastructural and economic needs.

Ultimately, Araraume’s victory serves as a reminder that political relevance is earned and maintained through consistent engagement with the people. Whether viewed as a stabilizing figure or a dominant force, his re-emergence signals a renewed chapter in Imo North’s political trajectory—one shaped by experience, structure, and the enduring power of grassroots politics.

Omoyele Sowore, the well-known human rights advocate and leader of the African Action Congress (AAC), has officially announced his intention to seek the presidency in the 2027 general elections. He made this revelation during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, aired on Friday.

When questioned about whether he would be the party’s only candidate, Sowore emphasized that the decision rests with the party. He stated, “I plan to contest the 2027 presidency. We have not yet submitted the final list of online registered members, as per the court ruling. The court allowed us to reopen the registration portal and start afresh, but we never stopped anyway.”

Sowore highlighted the AAC’s pioneering use of online registration, which began in 2018, long before other parties adopted the practice. He noted that in 2022, when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) requested party registers, the AAC was the only party to submit a complete register. This track record, he argued, demonstrates the party’s commitment to transparency and innovation.

The activist’s declaration adds a new dimension to the evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections, as numerous contenders from various parties gear up for what promises to be a highly competitive race.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has expressed concerns over reports of electoral material diversion during the recent All Progressives Congress primaries in Benue State, warning that such incidents could undermine the party’s internal electoral credibility.

Speaking on Friday shortly after his arrival at Makurdi Airport, ahead of the APC presidential primary scheduled for Saturday, the former Benue State governor appealed for unity among party members, urging them to prioritize the collective interest of the party over personal ambitions.

Akume stated, “The presidential primaries are taking place tomorrow. We are here to mobilize support for our dear president. He is doing very well. I have assured him repeatedly that he has no issues in Benue State.” He added, “In this country, his performance, commitment to patriotism, and inclusive governance speak in his favor. In a democracy, there will always be dissenting voices, but the truth is his work is remarkable and has been approved by most Nigerians. We are confident that tomorrow our people will vote massively for Mr. President.”

Addressing complaints that followed the earlier APC primaries in Benue, the SGF revealed he had received numerous allegations of election material diversion and other irregularities. However, he noted, “I was not here during the last election. I received many reports about diversion of materials and other issues, but since I was not present, I prefer not to comment extensively.”

Akume urged aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to embrace reconciliation, insisting that disagreements from the primaries should not cause divisions within the APC in the state. “I want the APC to be a united family, as we originally intended. Those of us who are founding fathers of the party do not want factions. We are certain that come 2027, Mr. President will return to the Villa,” he said.

He further called on relevant authorities and security agencies to investigate the allegations surrounding the primaries and ensure that anyone found guilty faces appropriate sanctions. The SGF also appealed to APC members and supporters in Benue to remain peaceful and participate actively in the presidential primary election.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has formally accepted his victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary for the 2027 election, viewing the outcome as a testament to his administration’s achievements. Seeking a second term from 2027 to 2031, Alia emphasized that the strong backing from party members signified their trust in his leadership and developmental vision.

The primary, conducted on May 20, 2026, was announced at the party’s secretariat in Makurdi by the committee chairman, Prof. Mohammed Kabiru Isa. Alia secured 367,786 votes, far ahead of his nearest rival, Dr. Terwase Orbunde, who garnered 3,247 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Alia called for unity, extending an olive branch to other aspirants and urging them to collaborate for the party’s success in the 2027 general elections. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a fair process, and praised the APC leadership for conducting a peaceful primary.

Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Alia noted progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, industrialization, and digital innovation. He cited the revival of industries like the Zeva Premium Beer brewery and Oyi Bitters, and the construction of over 500 kilometers of roads, including underpasses in Makurdi and Gboko. In healthcare, the Benue State University Teaching Hospital was upgraded, and more than 100 primary healthcare centers were rehabilitated.

On education, Alia mentioned the construction or remodeling of over 400 classroom blocks and the recruitment of more than 10,000 teachers. The newly established Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology aims to equip students with practical skills. In digital transformation, partnerships with Microsoft and Google are training over 10,000 youths in ICT, along with e-governance training for civil servants.

Alia called for peace across political, ethnic, and religious lines, pledging to govern transparently and accountably. He described his nomination as a call to greater service rather than personal triumph.

Omoyele Sowore, the former presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC), has asserted that his proposals for Nigeria are more effective than those of President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, the activist criticized the current leadership, stating that their strategies have led the country into a cycle of hardship, crime, and despair. He questioned whether Nigerians should continue supporting the same figures while ignoring candidates with transformative solutions. Sowore, who ran for president in 2019 and 2023 without success, reiterated his commitment to offering fresh ideas to address the nation’s challenges.

Engineer Salihu Yakubu Danladi, the newly elected governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Kwara State, has promised to expand on the achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq if he emerges victorious in the general election. Speaking after his primary victory on Friday, Danladi emphasized that his win was a collective success for all aspirants and party members.

The State House of Assembly Speaker expressed gratitude to God and highlighted the unity within the APC, stating that there were no losers in the primary. He also thanked the people of Kwara for their support, particularly those from Kwara North. Danladi acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for backing his candidacy, noting that this marks the first time since 1999 that a candidate from the Borgu Kingdom has secured the governorship ticket of a ruling party.

He praised Governor AbdulRazaq as a man of his word and a transformer, lauding his performance across various sectors. Danladi, who has served as Speaker for nearly seven years, said he has been integral to the administration’s policies and vowed to ensure the continuity of the governor’s legacy for a better Kwara State.

A Delta State High Court in Ogwashi-Uku has set July 29, 2026, as the date for delivering its verdict in the case of three individuals charged with the kidnapping and murder of Elozino Joshualia Ogege, a university student. The trial, originating from a 2019 charge, faced numerous adjournments before concluding.

The court reserved its decision after all legal teams presented their final written arguments. S. C. Okehielem Esq., representing the first defendant, called for an acquittal, asserting that the prosecution did not prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Similarly, Cosmas Ogugua Esq., representing the second defendant, and Ben Okoh Esq., counsel for the third defendant, both requested the court to dismiss the charges against their clients.

During the proceedings, it was noted that a fourth accused, Robinson Obajero Ojokojo, who was identified as a native doctor, passed away while the case was ongoing. On the prosecution side, the Delta State Solicitor-General, Omamuzo Erebe, SAN, along with Funkekeme Junior Solomon, argued that the evidence clearly demonstrated the defendants’ guilt and urged the court to convict them on all charges.

The accused—Macaulay Desmond Oghenemaro, Nwosisi Benedict Uche, and Enaike Onoriode—face allegations related to the abduction and killing of Elozino Ogege in November 2018. The victim, a 300-level Mass Communication student at Delta State University, Abraka, was reportedly taken and murdered in a case the prosecution linked to ritual practices. Her death sparked widespread outrage and drew national attention to violence against women and safety in academic institutions.

The upcoming judgment on July 29 is expected to conclude one of the most prominent criminal cases in Delta State in recent years, offering a measure of closure to the community and the victim’s family.