Category: News

The spiritual leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has issued a caution to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke regarding the upcoming governorship election. Speaking through his media representative, Osho Oluwatosin, Ayodele declared that Adeleke has been divinely chosen to win but the APC is plotting to undermine his victory.

According to the cleric, the governor must remain vigilant as there are schemes to pressure the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) into compromising the election’s integrity. He stated, ‘God has already anointed Ademola Adeleke for a second term. He will emerge victorious, but the APC is preparing for post-election maneuvers. They will attempt to rob him of his win if he is not watchful.’

Ayodele urged Adeleke to stay close to the process and deploy ground-level vigilance, as the opposition has finalized plans to go beyond the ballot box to secure victory through any means. The governor must hold on to his win until the final declaration.

The prophet also addressed INEC chairman Prof Joash Amupitan, warning him against being manipulated by the APC. He cautioned that if Amupitan allows election rigging, he will face severe repercussions from God, the people of Osun, and all Nigerians. ‘If the election is manipulated, the INEC chairman will suffer the consequences, and those who pushed him into it will abandon him. He should ensure a fair process to avoid problems after the election. He must not be a tool for politicians in the state; otherwise, God’s anger will be upon him, and the people of Nigeria will not forgive him.’

A group of legislative lawyers, known as the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP), has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an order that would force the House of Representatives to issue an arrest warrant for Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Suleiman, the Director General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), which operates under the National Assembly.

The lawyers contend that Suleiman should be taken into custody for ignoring a summons from a House committee investigating his alleged involvement in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Kwara State without first resigning from his official position.

In the legal action, the Speaker of the House and Yusuf Galambi, who chairs the House Committee on Legislative Library, Research and Documentation, are named as respondents. ALDRAP, whose membership includes NILDS employees, filed the suit.

Among the requests made by the plaintiffs is a writ of mandamus compelling the respondents to use the authority granted by sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, along with the House of Representatives Standing Orders of 2023, to authorize Suleiman’s arrest. This stems from his failure to appear before lawmakers on June 18, 2026, as required.

The court has also been asked to confirm that the powers held by the House under the cited constitutional sections include the ability to force attendance and ensure compliance with legal summons.

Furthermore, the plaintiffs urge the court to direct the respondents to uphold the provisions of the Constitution and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, particularly regarding individuals who refuse to appear after being formally summoned.

In their argument, the plaintiffs, through their counsel J. J. Lamy, state that Suleiman was summoned to the House Committee on June 18 but deliberately failed to appear. They emphasize that sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution grant the House and its committees the authority to summon and compel attendance, and that Order 19 of the House Standing Orders reinforces this power for cases where summons are ignored.

“The respondents have the constitutional and legal authority to issue such a warrant and enforce compliance with lawful summons. It serves public interest and the rule of law for them to be compelled to fulfill their duties,” the plaintiffs added.

Previously, ALDRAP had filed another suit at the same court seeking Suleiman’s removal from office and a permanent injunction barring him from acting as NILDS DG, following his alleged participation in the APC Kwara primary without resigning, contrary to President Bola Tinubu’s directive and the Electoral Act.

The association is also asking the court to declare that Suleiman should have resigned by March 31, 2026, after announcing his candidacy, and that his failure to do so violates the Electoral Act, 2026. Additionally, they seek a declaration that the Senate President and the House Speaker acted unlawfully by not appointing an acting DG for NILDS after Suleiman’s primary involvement, and they want the court to compel the appointment of an acting director pending a permanent replacement.

Meanwhile, ALDRAP has submitted evidence to the House Committee showing Suleiman’s participation in the Kwara APC primary. This includes a June 19, 2026, letter to the APC National Chairman requesting a Certified True Copy of documents proving Suleiman’s membership and participation in the May 22, 2026, primary; a query from the NILDS Governing Council dated June 2, 2026, signed by the Clerk of the National Assembly; and newspaper reports and eyewitness accounts of the event.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has sounded an alert following the rescue of 353 individuals from road accidents and other emergencies in the first five months of 2026. This revelation was made by Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the General Manager, during a review of the agency’s emergency response efforts. He emphasized the need for heightened caution as the rainy season sets in.

According to Bakare-Oki, the rescued victims included 207 adult males, 137 adult females, and nine male children. All received prompt assistance from LASTMA personnel who quickly responded to accident scenes across Lagos. He noted that the figure highlights both the agency’s dedication to saving lives and the persistent dangers faced by road users during adverse weather.

The rainy season brings numerous hazards such as poor visibility, slippery roads, reduced traction, flooding, and mechanical failures, all of which increase the likelihood of accidents. Bakare-Oki stressed that many crashes could be avoided with responsible driving habits, including obeying speed limits, maintaining safe distances, avoiding reckless overtaking, and regular vehicle maintenance.

He advised motorists to check critical vehicle components like brakes, tires, windshield wipers, lights, indicators, and steering before traveling in heavy rain. Drivers were also warned against speeding on wet roads, as braking distances increase and tire grip decreases, raising the risk of skidding and collisions. Additionally, he cautioned against driving through flooded areas without assessing depth and conditions.

Bakare-Oki commended LASTMA’s Rescue and Emergency Response Team, as well as other emergency responders, healthcare workers, security agencies, and rescue partners for their collaborative efforts. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to enhancing emergency response through training, modern equipment, strategic patrol deployment, and inter-agency cooperation.

He urged all road users to prioritize safety, patience, and discipline, noting that road safety is a shared responsibility. ‘Every life saved is invaluable,’ he concluded, urging motorists to make safety their top priority this rainy season. LASTMA remains prepared to respond swiftly to emergencies and ensure smooth traffic flow across Lagos as rainfall intensifies.

In response to the growing threat of terrorism across Nigeria, civil society organizations in Akwa Ibom State have called on citizens to actively support security agencies, particularly through intelligence sharing. The appeal was made during the ‘Akwa Ibom Unite Against Terror’ campaign organized by the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN).

Otuekong Franklyn Isong, the state director of CHRAN, emphasized that terrorism is a universal enemy that disregards religion, ethnicity, or social status. He stressed that it has devastated homes and communities, and urged everyone to adopt a ‘see something, say something’ approach. Isong warned that failing to report suspicious activities could lead to personal harm when such acts unfold.

Clifford Thomas, Esq., convener of the Akwa Ibom Human Rights Community, encouraged residents to explore local solutions for protection, referencing incidents in Bayelsa and Abia where community members successfully subdued attackers. He reminded the public that self-defense is a constitutional right under Section 33(2) of the 1999 Constitution, and called for the introduction of state policing to better address insecurity.

Other CSO leaders, including Dr. Victor David of Vital Partners, reiterated that combating insecurity requires collective effort, not just government action. David urged Nigerians to safeguard their unity and democratic future against terror, demanding a nation where citizens can travel, farm, work, worship, and vote without fear.

Residents and medical staff in Kurmi Local Government Area of Taraba State have raised urgent concerns about the crumbling state of the First Referral Hospital in Baissa. They describe the facility as being in a precarious condition, no longer able to effectively serve the over 100,000 people who depend on it for primary and emergency healthcare.

Recent images circulating on social media have highlighted severe structural decay within the hospital, prompting a collective appeal from community leaders and healthcare workers. The group, speaking through Dauda Hosea Bello, warned that without immediate government action, preventable deaths and worsening health outcomes are inevitable.

The hospital, which is the primary referral center for Kurmi LGA and adjacent border communities, reportedly suffers from leaking roofs, erratic water supply, and inconsistent electricity. Critical medical equipment is either broken or completely absent, creating hazardous conditions for both patients and staff.

Manpower shortages have also reached critical levels, with some departments running on just one or two volunteer workers. This has severely impacted emergency response and overnight care, leaving the hospital unable to fulfill its role as a reliable healthcare destination.

Stakeholders emphasized that the collapse of FRH Baissa would have cascading effects, straining primary health centers that rely on it for referral services. They also noted that the state’s access to vital healthcare funding—such as the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and donor programs—depends on maintaining functional referral systems.

In their appeal, the group called on Governor Agbu Kefas to prioritize emergency rehabilitation. Their demands include fixing damaged infrastructure, supplying modern medical gear, installing solar power, drilling boreholes for reliable water, and equipping the theatre with basic tools. They also urged the government to deploy more doctors, nurses, lab scientists, and community health extension workers to address the staffing crisis.

The Oyo State Police Command has clarified that two individuals abducted in Igbope remain in captivity, contradicting widespread claims of their release. The victims, Mrs Kuburat Omowumi and her son, were kidnapped on June 16, 2026.

Reports had circulated online suggesting that the duo was freed following a two-hour ultimatum issued by Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho. However, the police have categorically dismissed these assertions as false and misleading.

In an official statement, Police Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade emphasized that the command is actively working to secure the victims’ safe return. He cautioned the public against believing unverified information, particularly from a viral video claiming the rescue.

Ayanlade stated, “The Oyo State Police Command has observed a video and related online content alleging that the victims abducted at Igbope on June 16, 2026, namely Mrs Kuburat Omowumi and her son, have been rescued. The command wishes to state unequivocally that the claim contained in the circulated video is false, unfounded, and misleading.”

He further noted that investigations and rescue efforts are ongoing, urging citizens to rely on official updates for accurate information.

A Nigerian civil society organization, the Center for Reform and Public Advocacy (CFRPA), has reignited the debate over President Bola Tinubu’s academic credentials, specifically the Chicago State University certificate he submitted to run in the 2023 election. The group, which advocates for good governance, formally petitioned the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, demanding immediate clarification on the authenticity of the document.

In a letter dated June 19, 2026, and received at INEC headquarters in Abuja the same day, the CFRPA urged the electoral body to act swiftly to ensure integrity in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The group emphasized that allowing candidates with questionable backgrounds to participate would undermine democratic standards. The letter, signed by the group’s Head of Legal Unit, Barrister Kalu Agu, warned that failure to address the matter could lead to legal action to compel INEC to disqualify ineligible candidates.

The petition cited discrepancies in Tinubu’s educational history, alleging that he claimed to have attended Government College Lagos from 1960 to 1970, despite the school being established in 1974. Based on this, the group argued that his primary and secondary certificates may be forged, which could affect the validity of his Chicago State University admission. They referenced Section 137(1)(j) and Section 285(14) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which disqualify candidates who present forged certificates.

The CFRPA recalled that during the 2023 election cycle, a U.S. court order (Case No. 23 CV 05099) compelled Chicago State University to release Tinubu’s academic records to opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar. The group claimed these records revealed false entries, including the alleged forgery of a Cambridge General Certificate of Education from 1970. They also asserted that Tinubu’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate is forged, noting that they have separately written to the NYSC Director General and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation requesting a disclaimer.

The group called on Amupitan, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to leverage his expertise to resolve the lingering controversy. They warned that if INEC does not publicly clarify Tinubu’s eligibility, they will initiate legal proceedings to prevent the commission from accepting his candidacy for the 2027 election. The letter concluded that presenting forged certificates renders a candidate ineligible under the constitution, and INEC has a constitutional duty to regulate political parties and disqualify such individuals.

The Ekiti State governorship election has commenced, with early results now emerging from various polling units across the state. Voting officially ended at 2pm, but individuals still in line at that time were permitted to cast their ballots. DAILY POST is providing real-time updates as votes are tallied.

This election saw 1.06 million registered voters, with an impressive 97.1% collection rate of Permanent Voter Cards. The process covered 2,445 polling units spread across 177 wards and 16 local government areas. A total of 14 candidates competed for the governorship seat.

Here are the initial results from some polling units:

In Ugele/Akoku ward 3, PU003, Ikere LGA: APC secured 104 votes, PDP garnered 80, and ADC received 2. There were 9 invalid ballots, bringing the total votes cast to 195 out of 522 registered voters.

At PU005, ward 06, Olope/Emila, Ijero LGA: APC led with 143 votes, followed by ADC at 14, and PDP at 10.

For PU011, ward 06, Oko-Agba, Ijero LGA: APC obtained 117 votes, ADC had 9, and PDP managed 8. The same unit reported identical figures in a subsequent tally.

These results will continue to update as more polling units complete their counts.

In a commanding performance during Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured a landslide victory at the polling unit of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele.

According to the Presiding Officer, Mrs. Elizabeth Oregbemeh, Oyebanji garnered 164 votes, leaving his closest competitor, Dr. Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with only eight votes. The Action Democratic Party (ADP) candidate, Mr. Ayodeji Ojo, managed a single vote.

Earlier, Senator Bamidele praised the electoral process, noting that voter turnout across the state was commendable. He also lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the prompt dispatch of electoral staff and voting materials to all 16 local government areas in Ekiti.

INEC reported that the state has 1,059,360 registered voters, with 1,028,929 having collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the election.

Civil society organizations operating under the European Union Support for Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) umbrella have issued a strong appeal to political parties and candidates participating in the Ekiti State governorship election. The groups, through the Election Observation Hub, emphasized the need to refrain from voter inducement and to uphold democratic principles throughout the electoral process.

In a preliminary election assessment released in Ado-Ekiti, the coalition warned against the weaponization of poverty through vote buying. They stressed that voters must be allowed to exercise their franchise freely, without coercion or financial enticements. The statement was presented by representatives including Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa, Asabe Ndahi from the Kukah Centre, Akin Akingbulu of CEMESO, Lanre Arogundade of the International Press Centre (IPC), Brenda Anugwom of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, and Jake Epelle of TAF Africa.

Among the key recommendations, the groups urged political actors to desist from turning poverty into a tool for electoral manipulation. They also called on parties to restrain their agents from engaging in unruly behavior at polling units and collation centers, urge supporters to remain law-abiding and avoid thuggery or violence, and respect the eventual choice of the Ekiti people.

The assessment noted that these are preliminary observations based on information available as of 2 p.m. on the election day. The EU-SDGN Election Observation Hub pledged to continue monitoring the voting process, collation, and announcement of results, with a further statement expected at the conclusion of the election.