Category: News

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Ikeje Asogwa, has been declared the winner of the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election held on June 20, 2026. According to the Returning Officer, Prof. Christian Ezeibe, Asogwa secured a landslide victory with 162,360 votes, far ahead of his closest rival, Chief Nestor Ezeme of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered only 9,299 votes.

The election was necessitated by the passing of Senator Okey Ezea, who died on November 18, 2025, at the age of 62. Prof. Ezeibe, who is the Dean of Students Affairs at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), announced the results on Sunday in Nsukka, stating that Asogwa met all legal requirements and was duly returned as the winner.

The electoral commission reported that out of 727,340 registered voters in the district, 184,094 were accredited for the election. A detailed breakdown of the results showed that other candidates trailed far behind: Chika Idoko Emmanuel of the African Democratic Party (ADC) polled 1,676 votes, Kingsley Aneke of the Boot Party (BP) got 1,607 votes, Ejike Simon Eze of the Labour Party (LP) secured 1,027 votes, OssElias Okwudiri Ossai of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) received 3,129 votes, and Charles Ugochukwu of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) obtained 667 votes.

In his acceptance speech, Asogwa expressed gratitude to the people of the six local government areas within the Enugu North Senatorial Zone for their overwhelming support. He pledged to deliver quality and effective representation, ensuring that the confidence placed in him is justified.

A prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has expressed strong belief that the party’s triumph in the recent Ekiti governorship election will serve as a precursor for success in Osun’s upcoming gubernatorial poll scheduled for August 15, 2026.

Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyintiloye hailed Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election as a well-earned accomplishment, attributing it to the governor’s track record and the unwavering support from Ekiti residents. He emphasized that the election outcome clearly reflects the electorate’s approval of progressive policies centered on development and inclusivity.

According to Oyintiloye, the APC’s victory in Ekiti underscores the party’s strong grassroots appeal and provides significant momentum for the Osun election. He noted, “The Ekiti result demonstrates that a united, focused party committed to grassroots engagement can achieve electoral success with ease. For us in Osun, it’s a valuable lesson that teamwork and collective responsibility are essential.”

The APC chieftain commended the party’s National Working Committee, led by Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and Secretary Sen. Ajibola Basiru, for their strategic leadership that has bolstered the party nationwide. He also acknowledged the efforts of former Osun Governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, whose continuous engagement with party members has helped maintain party strength in the state since the 2022 election.

Oyintiloye stated that the APC’s mobilization strategy in Osun is robust and focused on reconnecting with voters while consolidating support across all wards and local governments. He urged party members to remain united and dedicated to securing victory, stressing that everyone has a role to play in achieving the party’s goals.

Expressing confidence in the APC candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (popularly known as AMBO), Oyintiloye described him as a competent, experienced, and people-oriented leader. He concluded, “The people of Ekiti have reaffirmed their belief in progressive governance. By God’s grace, the people of Osun will do the same on August 15, 2026, by electing Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji as the next governor.”

The former lawmaker pointed to growing unity within the party, its solid grassroots structure, and increasing acceptance of the APC candidate as indicators that the party is poised to return to power in Osun after four years in opposition. “We are ready. We have waited long enough, and by August 15, the victory recorded in Ekiti will be replicated in Osun, bringing progressive leadership back to the state,” Oyintiloye asserted.

In a heartfelt message delivered to journalists in Ado Ekiti, prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart in Ekiti State, Senator Ayo Arise, extended his congratulations to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for securing a second term in the June 20, 2026 governorship election. Arise hailed the outcome as a clear endorsement of the governor’s dedication to the state’s progress.

The former senator praised the electorate for turning out in large numbers to support Oyebanji and his deputy, Mrs. Monisola Afuye, emphasizing that this renewed mandate will accelerate infrastructure projects and boost overall development across Ekiti. He noted that Oyebanji’s continued leadership promises further advancements in key sectors such as road construction, education, healthcare, agriculture, and civil service reforms.

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Arise—who is eyeing the Ekiti North Senatorial District seat—called for unity, justice, and equity within the APC in the state. He stressed that these principles are essential for the party’s future success.

President Bola Tinubu has praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election in Ekiti State, calling it a strong endorsement of continuity, stability, and governance focused on the people.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner on Sunday morning, following Saturday’s poll.

The President commended Ekiti residents for their peaceful and orderly participation, as well as security agencies for ensuring law and order during the process.

He urged INEC to maintain the standard of peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections as the nation heads toward the Osun governorship contest in August and the general elections next year.

“Oyebanji’s landslide victory makes him the first governor in Ekiti State history to secure a second term in consecutive elections,” Tinubu stated.

“His first term recorded notable achievements in infrastructure, agriculture, youth employment, education, healthcare, and rural development under his agenda. This renewed mandate is obviously a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and people-oriented governance,” the President added.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has officially declared Halilu Danladi Envu-Alanza, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, as the victor in the Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election. The announcement was made on Sunday by the returning officer, Professor Aminu Ali, in Akwanga Local Government Area.

According to the results, Envu-Alanza amassed a total of 45,362 votes, significantly outpacing his closest rival, Labaran Maku of the Labour Party, who secured only 12,931 votes. Maku previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Information.

In third place was Emmanuel David Ombugadu of the Peoples Democratic Party, who garnered 11,570 votes. Professor Ali confirmed that Envu-Alanza met all legal requirements and was duly elected. The by-election was necessary to fill the seat left vacant by the late Senator Godiya Akwashiki.

Notably, Maku had earlier raised concerns about alleged malfunctions of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and other irregularities in certain polling units, though these complaints did not affect the final outcome.

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), affiliated with Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has urged Chief Bode George to return to the party’s mainstream leadership. This appeal comes as the faction seeks to strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Hakeem Olalemi, the faction’s State Organising Secretary, made the call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday. He emphasized that George, despite recent disagreements, remains a respected figure within the PDP and is crucial for the party’s progress.

Olalemi stated that George, a former PDP deputy national chairman, is currently aligned with the Dr. Kabiru Turaki-led National Working Committee, which is supported by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. George has been a vocal critic of Wike since the party’s leadership crisis began.

“Chief Bode George is always welcome in the PDP. We hold him in high esteem and there is space for him within the party,” Olalemi said. “He loves the PDP and cannot leave. He will return to the mainstream to work for the party’s advancement. He is our father and a founding member—no one will question his return. We will embrace him back into the fold.”

Olalemi stressed that despite internal differences, the PDP remains a united family. He noted that George’s experience and contributions make him an invaluable asset to the party, and it is essential for him to stay within the mainstream leadership for the party’s growth.

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has expressed confidence that the party’s resounding victory in the Ekiti governorship election will be repeated in Osun come August 15.

Oyintiloye, speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday, hailed Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s triumph as thoroughly earned. He noted that the election outcome represented a powerful endorsement of the governor’s achievements and the people’s will, marking a historic win with an unprecedented margin in the state’s electoral history.

According to Oyintiloye, the results underscore citizens’ trust in progressive governance. He highlighted that the Oyebanji administration has consistently prioritized development, inclusivity, and the well-being of its people.

The chieftain asserted that the APC’s achievement in Ekiti clearly demonstrates the party’s broad appeal. He predicted an even more decisive victory for the party in the upcoming Osun gubernatorial race.

He praised the leadership of the party’s National Working Committee, chaired by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and ably assisted by National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru, for their strategic direction that has bolstered the party across Nigeria.

“The Ekiti result proves that unity, focus, and grassroots engagement naturally lead to electoral success. It serves as a powerful lesson for us in Osun: teamwork, dedication, and collective effort are essential for winning elections,” he stated.

Oyintiloye called on APC members and supporters in Osun to stay united and dedicated, emphasizing that everyone must contribute to ensuring victory at the polls.

He also acknowledged the pivotal role played by the party’s leader in Osun, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola—the current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and a former state governor—in maintaining party cohesion since the 2022 election. Oyetola’s ongoing engagement with members, stakeholders, and interest groups has fortified the party’s structure and bolstered confidence ahead of the August 15 election.

Oyintiloye noted that the party’s mobilisation strategy remains robust and effective, focusing on reconnecting with voters and strengthening support across all wards and local government areas.

He expressed strong optimism that the people of Osun will rally behind the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, whom he described as highly competent, experienced, and people-centered.

“The people of Ekiti have reaffirmed their faith in progressive governance. By God’s grace, the people of Osun will do the same on August 15 by electing Oyebamiji as their next governor,” he said.

“The victory secured by the APC in Ekiti will be replicated in Osun. Our party enjoys widespread acceptance, which sends a clear message to the ruling party to prepare for defeat. Our candidate is ready, our party is ready, and the electorate are ready to mirror that success in Osun,” he added.

He further mentioned that the Ekiti win has energized APC members in Osun and urged opposition parties to rally behind the APC.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Oyebanji the winner of Saturday’s election. He secured 319,224 votes, defeating his closest rivals—Olumayokun Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—across all 16 local government areas in the state.

A 37-year-old father of three, Isaac Dung, has recounted his harrowing escape from a bandit attack in Plateau State by pretending to be lifeless. The incident occurred on Thursday night in the Rantiya community of Jos South Local Government Area, when a large group of armed men, believed to be Fulani militias, stormed the area.

According to Dung, he was returning from work when he spotted the attackers riding into the village on numerous motorcycles. Estimating the number of assailants to be over a hundred, he realized the danger was imminent as they were heavily armed.

“Suddenly, they started firing indiscriminately, shouting ‘Allah Akbar.’ It felt like a scene from a war movie. People were fleeing in all directions, trying to find cover in bushes and rocks. However, due to a leg injury, I knew I couldn’t outrun them,” Dung explained.

Thinking quickly, he decided to drop to the ground and play dead. As the bandits approached, he heard one of them say in Hausa, “arnen ya mutu” (the infidel is dead). After they left, Dung remained still for safety and later crawled into the bush, hiding there for over five hours before making his way home.

The attack resulted in the deaths of two vigilantes and injuries to about 15 others. Dung credits his survival to a combination of quick thinking and divine intervention.

Public analyst Mahdi Shehu has sparked controversy by labeling Northern Nigeria a ‘land of the living dead,’ citing severe security failures and societal paralysis. In a Saturday post on X, he argued that the region’s population exists in a state of fear and hopelessness, unable to confront escalating challenges.

Shehu criticized the populace for being traumatized and passive, lacking the will to demand change. He pointed to compromised elites, weak traditional institutions, and a docile citizenry as key factors enabling the region’s decline. ‘They are spineless, visionless, planless, and have become a laughing stock,’ he wrote, blaming greed, envy, and hatred for worsening conditions.

The commentator concluded with a stark metaphor: ‘RIP Northern Nigeria. Imams and priests are unavailable for burial because most of them are standing on a mandate.’ This remark suggests religious leaders are complicit in the status quo, prioritizing political allegiance over pastoral duties.

Young residents of Takum Local Government Area in Taraba State have raised concerns over unauthorized money collection allegedly linked to a government registration initiative. In a formal complaint submitted to Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, the youths reported that unknown persons have been demanding N1,000 from both elderly individuals and young people across various communities.

The collectors claim the payment is mandatory for enrollment in a federal program referred to as “Renewed Hope.” The youths emphasized that this is not an isolated incident, as similar occurrences have been reported repeatedly in the region.

A protest letter signed by Christopher Tanimu on behalf of the group described the situation as causing widespread anxiety, financial hardship, and emotional distress, particularly among vulnerable residents. They called on the state government to conduct an immediate probe and implement measures to safeguard affected citizens from further exploitation.

The statement read in part: “We are bringing this matter to your attention because we believe you are a listening governor and we trust your administration.” The group also expressed support for the state leadership, praying for peace and progress in Takum, Taraba State, and the nation at large.