Category: News

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a strong warning to journalists and media outlets about the dangers of spreading false information and announcing results prematurely during the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. The election is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

Speaking at a media stakeholders’ forum in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, emphasized that inaccurate reporting, manipulated videos, misleading headlines, and unverified polling unit figures could seriously disrupt the peace of the election and undermine public trust in the democratic process. He spoke on behalf of the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

Dr. Omoseyindemi highlighted that the commission is particularly worried about the rapid spread of electoral falsehoods on social media and unverified online platforms. He urged media executives to establish and activate fact-checking protocols and called on reporters to verify all information through official INEC channels before publishing or broadcasting.

The REC warned on-air personalities against amplifying unsubstantiated claims in their rush to break news. He stressed that sensational coverage could trigger panic, reduce voter turnout, and threaten peace. “The media is not just an observer in the electoral process; the media is a strategic partner in safeguarding democracy,” he said.

Dr. Omoseyindemi revealed that 64 media organizations have applied for accreditation to deploy about 560 journalists for the election. The accreditation portal will close automatically at midnight on June 7, 2026. He encouraged remaining media houses to submit their applications before the deadline.

He also detailed that the governorship election will cover all 16 local government areas, 117 registration areas or wards, and 2,445 polling units across Ekiti State. A total of 13 political parties are participating.

Furthermore, Dr. Omoseyindemi stated that INEC has substantially completed key preparatory activities, including publishing the final candidate list and handing over the final voter register to political parties. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal will be deployed to ensure transparency in voter accreditation and result management.

Non-sensitive election materials have been largely procured, while sensitive materials are in the final production stage. Recruitment and screening of ad hoc staff are done, and training will start shortly.

The commission also announced that Permanent Voter Card collection will begin at registration areas from June 4 to June 8 and continue at local government offices from June 9 to June 11, 2026.

Victoria Eta-Messi, the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, noted that the forum aims to strengthen collaboration between INEC and the media, providing accurate information on electoral procedures, technology, and the Electoral Act 2026.

In a goodwill message, Mr. Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, described fake news and information manipulation as major threats to peaceful elections. “The greatest threat to a peaceful election today is often not physical violence, but information pollution,” he said. He warned journalists against sacrificing accuracy for speed, insisting that speed must never compromise accuracy.

Oketola disclosed that seven of the nine activities on the commission’s election timetable have been completed, and INEC is working toward the simultaneous opening of all 2,445 polling units by 8:30 a.m. on election day.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, confirmed that the union has introduced measures to combat fake news and improve accountability among online journalists in the state. He assured the commission of the union’s dedication to ethical journalism and responsible election coverage.

Additionally, the forum included technical briefings from INEC’s ICT, Electoral Operations, and Legal Services departments on the deployment of BVAS, IReV, operational logistics, and the Electoral Act 2026.

The Accord Party in Ogun State has officially named Okewole Olaniyi as its standard bearer for the 2027 governorship election. The announcement was made during the party’s primary election for governorship and State House of Assembly contests on Tuesday at the party’s secretariat in Abeokuta.

Oke Rotimi Michael, the state party chairman who also heads the electoral committee, disclosed the outcome. The electoral committee included secretary Mr. Ajetunmobi Lateef, Mrs. Feyisetan Babatunde, Mrs. Rasheedat Shittu, and Mr. Caleb Adetoro.

Michael explained that the party opted for a consensus method in selecting candidates. He declared, “We have voted and presented our candidates. As chairman of the 2026 primary election for the governorship and House of Assembly elections of Accord in Ogun State, I announce the following winners.”

For the State Assembly, Mr. Salami Monsuru won the Ado-Odo/Ota 2 constituency, Mr. Jinadu Oyeniyi secured Sagamu 1, and Mrs. Abulraheem Lateefat emerged winner in Abeokuta North. All results have been signed and authenticated.

Michael urged the elected candidates to remain focused and ensure the party’s impact is felt by residents. “This is just the beginning. We must make the people feel the party’s presence. Accord is committed to bringing the development our state needs. Let’s go out and preach unity and progress, not selfishness,” he said.

Olaniyi, represented by his campaign Director-General Waheed Azeez, accepted the nomination, vowing to work strategically for positive change. “We aim for a total overhaul of the political status quo. The current situation in the state is not ideal, and the Accord Party is determined to bring about meaningful transformation,” Azeez stated.

The Ondo State Police Command has declared that a cleric’s warning about impending terror attacks is unsubstantiated and lacks credible intelligence. In a viral video, Michael Olowookere claimed that bandits would strike Akure, Akoko, and Owo between Wednesday and Friday, targeting churches, security posts, and large religious gatherings.

Command spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh urged residents to stay calm, stating that investigations are ongoing to verify the claims. He emphasized that security forces have been deployed across the state to prevent any potential breaches.

“We have activated intelligence and operational resources to assess the credibility of the threat. The police, along with other agencies, remain on high alert to ensure public safety,” Jimoh said in a statement.

In preparation for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir festivities, the Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has mobilized 1,650 of its personnel to maintain peace and order throughout the celebration. This announcement was made by the State Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, during a strategic security briefing held at the command headquarters in Ido-Osun. The meeting, which included Area Commanders and Divisional Officers, was part of a broader initiative to enhance both visible and covert security measures before, during, and after the holiday period.

Commandant Sotiyo emphasized the need for heightened intelligence gathering, surveillance, and rapid response capabilities across all areas of the state. He urged his officers to collaborate closely with other security agencies to ensure a seamless and secure environment for all residents and visitors. The deployed personnel will be strategically positioned at key locations, including Eid prayer grounds, motor parks, markets, and recreational centers, to deter any potential criminal activities.

Furthermore, Sotiyo highlighted the importance of safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure during the festivities. He warned that the command would not tolerate any attempts to disrupt public peace and assured that necessary actions would be taken against anyone found engaging in unlawful acts. The command also plans to engage with traditional rulers, community leaders, and local government authorities to foster a cooperative security framework, especially in border areas.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to the nearest security post for prompt action. The deployment aims to address the anticipated influx of people into Osun State for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, ensuring that all residents can observe the occasion safely.

Ahead of the Sallah festivities scheduled for Wednesday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) launched a series of targeted airstrikes against terrorist hideouts and logistical hubs in Biramiri, situated within the Gezuwa area of Borno State.

The coordinated air assaults effectively destroyed key insurgent facilities and neutralized numerous fighters, significantly diminishing the terrorists’ operational capability.

Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, disclosed this in a statement released Tuesday evening. He emphasized that the sustained and precise air campaigns have instilled widespread fear and confusion among terrorist groups operating in the Sambisa forest region.

According to the statement, intelligence reports indicate growing panic and disarray within insurgent ranks, as relentless bombardments restrict their movement and deny them safe refuges.

The NAF, in collaboration with troops from Operation HADIN KAI and other security agencies, remains steadfast in maintaining relentless pressure on terrorist networks, reaffirming its dedication to protecting innocent civilians and restoring enduring peace and security across Nigeria’s North-East.

A breakaway group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its weight behind Senator Sandy Onor as the party’s consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Onor, a close associate of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), previously vied for the Cross River State governorship ticket under the PDP in 2023.

This development comes shortly after Onor became the first aspirant to purchase the presidential nomination forms from the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.

Onor served as the senator for Cross River Central Senatorial District from 2019 to 2023, having been elected to the 9th Assembly in 2019.

A call for intensified efforts to combat environmental degradation and improve sanitation has been made by experts during a community clean-up initiative in the Federal Capital Territory. The event, organized under the theme ‘Deploying the Power of IT-Engaged Youths in Effective Plastic Use and Plastic Waste Management 2.0’, was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Small Grants Programme (SGP).

Dr. Ibukun Odusote, former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment and CEO of Digital Peers International (DPI), emphasized the urgent need for stakeholders to unite in fostering environmental sustainability. She advocated for responsible plastic consumption, community-driven cleanliness, and youth-led innovations to tackle plastic waste across the FCT and beyond.

Odusote highlighted the critical role of informal waste collectors, locally known as Baban bola, in recycling plastics and keeping streets clean. While acknowledging controversies surrounding their activities—including links to crime—she stressed their positive environmental contributions and called for support rather than outright bans.

Echoing the sentiment, Engr. Sherifat Lawal, represented by Eyo Maureen of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), warned that indiscriminate waste disposal and poor hygiene practices are endangering public health, causing flooding, and harming ecosystems. She noted that environmental responsibility extends beyond government agencies to include every citizen, household, and organization.

Lawal urged proper waste disposal, recycling of reusable materials, and consistent cleanliness to prevent diseases, protect drainage systems, and enhance community aesthetics. The experts collectively urged behavioral change, innovation in waste management, and sustainable opportunities for youth, while recognizing the vital role of informal recyclers in the plastic value chain.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced that a total of 43 ships laden with petroleum, food items, and various cargoes are expected to dock at the Apapa, Lekki Deep Sea, and Tincan Island ports in Lagos. The announcement was made via the NPA’s Daily Shipping Position released on Tuesday, indicating the vessels will arrive between May 26 and June 6.

According to the authority, eight of these incoming ships are carrying containers filled with diverse goods, while the remaining 35 vessels are bringing products such as fresh fish, petrol, general cargo, bulk wheat, aviation fuel, diesel, and gasoline. The NPA also confirmed that 11 ships and tankers have already reached the three ports and are waiting for berthing clearance, transporting containers, gasoline, bulk fertiliser, petrol, crude oil, diesel, condensate, and bulk salt.

Furthermore, the NPA revealed that 21 vessels are currently offloading various consignments at the ports, including bulk urea, containers, petrol, trucks, bulk sugar, wheat, millet, and bulk gypsum. This influx of shipping activity underscores the ongoing vitality of Lagos ports as a critical hub for Nigeria’s maritime trade.

The Kano State Government has launched a special committee tasked with tackling the rising incidence of unauthorized construction and planning infringements across the state. The 11-member body was officially inaugurated to identify, examine, and act against structures erected without due approval or those flouting existing development codes, especially within the Kano metropolis.

During the inaugural ceremony, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the Secretary to the State Government, highlighted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s growing concern over the proliferation of unlicensed developments. Ibrahim noted that the administration has channeled substantial resources into urban renewal initiatives aimed at upgrading infrastructure and enhancing the environment. He remarked that these projects, including road construction, drainage systems, and beautification efforts, are designed to transform Kano into a more organized and livable urban center.

Ibrahim warned that illegal structures present a major obstacle to effective urban planning and could jeopardize the progress of ongoing development works. He called on committee members to execute their duties with equity, honesty, and expertise, emphasizing that their selection was based on competence and trustworthiness. The government, he added, is determined to uphold the Kano master plan and ensure sustainable growth for future generations.

The committee is chaired by Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, Director-General of the Kano Geographic Information System. Other members include professionals and officials drawn from relevant fields. Mustapha Ibrahim Fagge serves as Secretary, with Yusuf Yakubu Ismail acting as Co-Secretary.

The task force’s mandate includes locating unauthorized structures in local government areas such as Nassarawa, Fagge, Tarauni, and Kumbotso; reviewing building permits issued over the past two years; and halting any ongoing construction that contravenes planning regulations.

In response, Dr Dalhatu Aliyu Sani expressed gratitude to the government for the confidence placed in the team and pledged that the committee would carry out its assignment with diligence and professionalism.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly criticized the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA) for sealing the Falomo Mosque in Ikoyi, describing the move as unjust and deliberately provocative. The organization issued a statement through its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, on Tuesday evening.

According to reports, LABSCA sealed the mosque just hours before the commencement of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. MURIC noted that the timing of the action appeared calculated to disrupt worship, as the mosque was scheduled to host Eid prayers on Wednesday.

In the statement, Akintola called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene and order the immediate removal of the seal. He revealed that all necessary documents for the construction had been obtained, making the sealing unwarranted. “We demand the immediate removal of the seal from our mosque. Every necessary document has been procured for the construction. We also call on His Excellency, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to intervene,” Akintola said.

MURIC emphasized that the action not only violates the rights of Muslims but also creates unnecessary tension in the state. The group urged the government to ensure that such incidents do not recur, especially during religious festivals.