Author: Gabby

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has thrown her weight behind the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the upcoming Ekiti governorship election, Dr. Oluwole Oluyede. She described him as a capable, experienced, and people-focused leader with the necessary vision to propel the state forward.

Speaking at the PDP campaign finale held on June 13, 2026, in Ado-Ekiti, the senator addressed thousands of supporters, women groups, and the Ebira community. She emphasized that Oluyede’s dedication to good governance, youth empowerment, women’s inclusion, educational progress, and economic development makes him worthy of the people’s mandate.

Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that Oluyede has consistently shown genuine care for ordinary citizens and remains approachable to grassroots communities. She highlighted his commitment to an inclusive administration that ensures fair representation for all ethnic groups, including the Ebira community residing in Ekiti.

She urged voters to turn out massively on June 20 to elect Oluyede, citing his promise to prioritize development, unity, peace, and prosperity. The senator also praised Ekiti’s educational standards and political awareness, expressing confidence that voters would make the right choice.

Over the past days, Akpoti-Uduaghan visited several settlements, including Ikole-Ekiti and Ilasa, to mobilize support for the PDP candidate. The campaign event drew party members, traditional leaders, and youth organizations, all optimistic about PDP’s victory.

Political tensions in Osun State have escalated as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party trade blame over recent unrest in the Owode-Ede community. Both parties have called on law enforcement to conduct investigations and restore order.

The APC has urged the police to designate Owode-Ede in Ede North Local Government Area as a political hotspot, alleging that its members and supporters face attacks and intimidation from thugs linked to the Accord Party. In a statement by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC claimed that violent acts by suspected Accord backers have led to assaults on residents and damage to vehicles belonging to party members. The party warned that without swift police action, the situation could lead to a complete breakdown of law and order.

According to the APC, “Owode-Ede has become a gathering point for political hoodlums who harass opposition supporters traveling through the area. APC-branded caps and vehicles have been forcibly removed or destroyed by suspected thugs operating near the Owode-Ede Market junction. It would be a dereliction of duty for the police to leave innocent citizens at the mercy of these individuals.” The party also linked the crisis to the blockade of its members at the same junction, stressing that freedom of movement is a constitutional right that must be protected.

However, the Accord Party rejected the allegations, accusing the APC of politicizing security matters and making accusations before investigations are complete. In a statement by its Osun State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, Accord described the APC’s claims as “full of conjectures, assumptions, and politically motivated attacks against Governor Ademola Adeleke and the people of Ede.” Accord added that it is alarming that the APC chose propaganda over allowing security agencies to professionally determine the facts.

Accord further alleged that video clips circulating publicly show vehicles in AMBO colors with persons linked to the APC, and that there are credible claims connecting some actors in the disturbances to opposition party elements. The party demanded a thorough, impartial investigation by the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, urging them to identify all perpetrators regardless of political affiliation and ensure justice without fear or favor. Accord also called for an investigation into alleged hideouts of APC-affiliated thugs.

The dispute follows earlier claims by Accord that political thugs in APC-branded vehicles opened fire on residents and their members in Owode-Ede, Aregbe, Olaiya, and other parts of Osun State. The APC denied involvement and called for the arrest of alleged Accord thugs.

With the August 15 governorship election approaching, stakeholders are urging politicians and parties to prioritize peace and security in Owode-Ede. They have also called on political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and allow law enforcement to determine who is responsible for the disturbances.

The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State that is loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has sworn in a new set of state executive members in preparation for the 2027 general elections. This development took place during a congress held in Sokoto, which was overseen by officials from the PDP National Secretariat and representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Abubakar Bawa-Kalgo, who led the delegation, emphasized that the process was open and adhered strictly to the party’s constitutional provisions. He also dissolved the existing state caretaker committee before officially installing the newly elected officials, urging them to carry out their duties with accountability and dedication.

The newly formed executive committee is chaired by Hayatu Tafida, with Ahmad S. Fawa as Secretary, Bello Bashir as Treasurer, Abdulkadir Gidadawa as Youth Leader, Murtala Muhammad as Auditor, Hadiza Abubakar as Women Leader, and Buhari Sidi-Attahiru as Publicity Secretary.

During the event, the PDP governorship candidate for Sokoto State, Abubakar Abdullahi, extended his congratulations to the new officials and encouraged them to prioritize the party’s growth in the region. He also took the opportunity to challenge the rival faction led by Tanimu Turaki, asserting that they should no longer present themselves as the legitimate party leadership, given that the Supreme Court had nullified the convention that brought them into power.

Abdullahi questioned how a group that organized a national convention in a state previously governed by one of its members could still claim leadership after the apex court’s nullification. Similarly, PDP National Organising Secretary Umar Bature appealed for unity among party members to bolster the party’s prospects in Sokoto, while insisting that the opposing faction lacks legal recognition. He specifically called on them to close their office to avoid impersonating the authentic party leadership.

In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated State Chairman, Hayatu Tafida, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and vowed to work tirelessly to promote the party’s interests within the state.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Osa Director, has expressed delight over receiving a national honor from President Bola Tinubu. He made his remarks during an appearance on Arise Television, commending Tinubu for acknowledging pro-democracy activists.

Director noted that Tinubu, himself a former pro-democracy activist, understood the need to address past oversights. He recalled that in 1999, it was pro-democracy activists who prevented Obasanjo from dying in prison, yet Obasanjo failed to appreciate them after becoming president. Director said, “If President Tinubu decides to correct that mistake, he deserves praise.”

He emphasized that he does not engage in vindictive politics and maintains social relationships regardless of political affiliations. “I’m not going to deny my social connection with people just because I belong to the opposition,” he stated.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has cast doubt on the ability of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), to clinch victory in the 2027 elections. In a recent interview on the Mic On Podcast, the lawmaker asserted that Obi lacks the credibility necessary for such a high-stakes contest.

Oshiomhole pointed to what he described as Obi’s inability to manage internal party conflicts and his history of broken promises. He argued that Obi cannot be trusted to keep his word, citing the former Anambra governor’s departure from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) despite earlier assurances.

According to Oshiomhole, Obi initially pledged loyalty to APGA after the party, under the leadership of the late Ojukwu, helped him become governor. However, when an opportunity arose to become vice president, Obi switched parties and subsequently joined the Labour Party after failing to secure the nomination, allegedly to avoid primaries.

The senator further criticized Obi for abandoning the Labour Party after receiving its presidential ticket without any internal contest. He noted that Obi claimed to have secured eight million votes under the Labour Party banner, yet instead of strengthening the platform, he moved on to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and eventually to the NDC—always seeking an easy path without undergoing internal elections.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, have fundamentally different approaches to governance, despite both being members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking on The Mic On Podcast on Sunday, Oshiomhole criticized the previous administration, noting that Tinubu could not openly critique Buhari’s government because he played a key role in helping Buhari secure the presidency.

The lawmaker recalled his statement during Tinubu’s 2022 presidential campaign, where he declared that the former Lagos governor would not base his campaign on Buhari’s achievements. “I said during Tinubu’s campaign that Asiwaju would not run on the record of Buhari,” Oshiomhole stated.

He explained that although Buhari was still in office at the time, Tinubu intended to run on his own merits because he was not part of Buhari’s administration. “Tinubu did not even have the opportunity to nominate anyone into Buhari’s government. President Tinubu has a sophisticated mind. He had to speak as a statesman; he cannot disown his predecessor, but I can do so,” Oshiomhole added.