Category: News

The 2026 Ekiti State gubernatorial election results are being announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as returns from various polling units are collated. So far, 333 out of 2,445 polling units have reported their tallies, representing a partial but steady stream of data. The figures are aggregated from verified INEC Form EC8A and are updated automatically on this page.

According to the latest returns, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate and incumbent governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, holds a commanding lead with 37,416 votes, accounting for 83.8% of the valid votes counted. His closest rival, Oluyede Olumayokun Oluwole of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has secured 4,935 votes, approximately 11.1%. Other candidates include Bejide Oluwadare Patrick of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with 988 votes (2.2%), Ojo Ayodeji of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) with 643 votes (1.4%), and Anifowose Joseph Olanrewaju of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) with 424 votes (0.9%). The remaining candidates from smaller parties have collectively garnered less than 1% of the vote share.

In addition to the numerical breakdown, several noteworthy events have marked the election day. Governor Oyebanji convincingly won his polling unit in the area of former Governor Ayodele Fayose, securing 448 votes in that unit alone. This early victory has been seen as a strong indicator of his support base. Meanwhile, civil rights activist Aisha Yesufu criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its inability to curb vote buying, calling for the decriminalization of the practice. Reports also emerged that EFCC operatives were chased away from some polling stations as vote buying continued. Yiaga Africa and the International Press Centre (IPC) urged political parties to stop using voter inducement as a tool for poverty weaponization. Despite these challenges, the voting process was largely peaceful, with former Governor Kayode Fayemi commending the smooth conduct.

As results continue to come in, the APC campaign remains confident of victory, while observers note that the opposition faces an uphill battle given the substantial lead already established. The final outcome will be determined once all 2,445 polling unit returns are collated and verified by INEC.

Hajiya Asia El-Rufai, the second spouse of Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has voiced grave concern that she and her co-wife, Aishatou El-Rufai, are under constant surveillance. She disclosed this in a recent post on her Facebook page.

According to her, their private phone lines have been tapped, raising fears about their personal safety. She emphasized that if any misfortune befalls them, the government must bear responsibility.

In her Facebook statement, she wrote: “They are tracking me and Aishatou. Let the world know that if anything happens to us, the Government should explain. Our phones are bugged… our lives are in danger.”

This development comes as public anxiety over the continued detention of Nasir El-Rufai intensifies.

In a recent statement, presidential aide Daniel Bwala urged Nigerians to shift their focus from blaming President Bola Tinubu for the nation’s challenges to holding state governors accountable for the utilization of federal allocations. Bwala emphasized the principles of federalism, noting that the President is not a prefect to the governors and should not be held responsible for issues at the state level.

Bwala explained that the federal government disburses funds to states for implementation, and it is the duty of state Houses of Assembly to exercise oversight over these appropriations. He highlighted that local governments receive substantial monthly allocations—such as ₦600 million—and that additional funds arrive regularly. He argued that if governors misuse these resources, citizens should call their state representatives to account rather than blaming the President.

According to Bwala, between January and March this year, a total of ₦2.26 billion was allocated to a single local government. This money, he said, could have been used to revive primary healthcare, improve primary education, fund construction projects, enhance law and order, create jobs, empower citizens, and mobilize community vigilantes. He lamented that instead of these benefits, the funds are often mismanaged.

Bwala stressed that without holding governors accountable at the federated level, even if the President sends $30 billion to the states, the same complaints will persist. He called on citizens to be vigilant and demand transparency from their state leaders.

An investigative journalist and farmer from Akwa Ibom State, Ibanga Isine, has voiced serious concerns after being forcibly removed from a courtroom prior to the hearing of his case. Isine, who is the complainant in the matter Commissioner of Police v. Abdullahi Yusuf, claims that police officers acting on the orders of Magistrate Godwin Edemekong ejected him from the premises.

The incident unfolded following the reported humiliation of other journalists who were present to cover the proceedings. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state has since condemned the actions, with Council Secretary Nsikak Esenowo describing it as an assault on open justice, transparency, and press freedom—rights enshrined in Sections 22 and 39 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. Esenowo has called on Chief Judge Ekaette Fabian Obot to launch an investigation.

Isine recounted that his legal ordeal stems from repeated invasions of his farmland by herders and their cattle, which caused extensive damage to crops worth millions of naira and destroyed the farm’s irrigation system. He added that farm workers were also harassed, and on one occasion, a herder allegedly brandished a cutlass and chased him away. Despite petitioning Police Commissioner CP Baba Azare and the Commissioner for Internal Security, the herders continued their activities unchecked.

Eventually, a suspect named Abdullahi Yusuf was arrested and arraigned. Isine noted that the Investigating Police Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Alomona, informed him that the suspect allegedly stabbed a police officer with a dagger while trying to escape. “If a suspect could attack an armed police officer inside police headquarters, one can only imagine the dangers unarmed farmers face daily from violent herders,” Isine lamented.

The journalist also expressed frustration with police prosecutor Mr. Blessing Essien, who allegedly withheld information about the case. Isine said the prosecutor insisted he appear in court on June 18, 2026, but only provided case details an hour before the hearing. “What is more disturbing is that while insisting I must be present, the prosecutor had already filed an application to stand down the matter and was himself absent,” Isine revealed.

Isine maintains he did nothing to warrant such treatment and only appeared in compliance with the prosecutor’s directive to pursue justice for his destroyed property. He has called on the Chief Judge to intervene and urged the Nigerian Bar Association to probe the prosecutor’s conduct, including his failure to provide accurate information and notify him of hearing dates. Additionally, Isine appealed to Governor Umo Eno to ensure strict enforcement of the Akwa Ibom State Anti-Open Grazing Law and other laws safeguarding farmers and agricultural investments.

The Abia State chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building has intensified its demand for rigorous enforcement of professional standards and building regulations. This follows the collapse of two structures in Osisioma Local Government Area, which has reignited concerns over construction safety in the region.

The affected properties, both nearing completion, were located at New Jerusalem Road 8 and Eze Iheme Road, near Ama Uchenna Mgboko, Umuette Okpulo Umuobo, in Osisioma Ngwa LGA. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in either incident.

During an inspection of the collapse sites on Saturday, institute officials stressed the need for stronger preventive measures to avert recurring structural failures. Wisdom Okore, Chairman of the Institute’s Practice Committee, highlighted that the frequency of building collapses across Nigeria demands coordinated intervention from government bodies, regulatory agencies, and construction professionals. He emphasized that continuous capacity building through workshops and training initiatives would enhance adherence to established standards and improve overall construction quality.

Okore noted that registered professional builders are statutorily tasked with overseeing building projects from start to finish, in line with recognized standards. He called on the Abia State Government to bolster implementation of the National Building Code and the state’s Physical Planning and Development Regulations, asserting that stricter enforcement could significantly reduce structural failures. While expressing relief that no lives were lost, he extended sympathies to those who suffered property damage.

Echoing his sentiments, Chinedu Nwanosike, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Building in Abia State, urged all professionals in the construction sector to maintain ethical conduct and follow approved procedures to prevent future tragedies.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has formally petitioned the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, to create a dedicated judicial panel focused on prosecuting cultism and kidnapping cases. In a letter dated June 19, 2026, the governor, through Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor, proposed that three or more judges be appointed to this special court.

The correspondence, referenced SGA.710/T/40, was delivered to the Chief Judge’s office at approximately 3:16 pm on the same day. Titled “Request for the Constitution of a Special Court for Offences Relating to Cultism and Kidnapping,” the letter underscores the governor’s firm resolve to combat the rising threats of cultism and abduction, while also enhancing the state’s criminal justice framework.

According to the SSG, the governor’s request stems from a steadfast dedication to curbing these criminal activities and ensuring swift justice. The letter reads in part: “I write at the instance of the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to formally request Your Lordship to constitute a Special Court for the expeditious hearing and determination of cases relating to cultism and kidnapping in Edo State.”

The governor also recommended the nomination of three judges—or any number deemed appropriate by the Chief Judge—to form this specialized panel. The statement concluded with an appeal for urgent and favorable action.

This development follows a promise made by Governor Okpebholo on June 18, 2026, during a parade of suspected kidnappers at the Edo State Police Command in Benin City. At that time, he announced plans for a dedicated court to expedite trials and vowed to sign death warrants for convicted offenders, emphasizing that trials would not exceed three weeks.

During a recent operational visit to Imo State, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, who oversees the Southeast Geopolitical Zone and serves as head of Logistics and Supply, emphasized the necessity of a collaborative strategy among security forces in the region to combat crime and improve safety.

The visit was part of a broader assessment tour of the Southeast, conducted under the directive of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu. At the Imo State Police Command, DIG Onwuemelie was welcomed by Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso, along with the command’s management team and senior officers.

Addressing the officers, the DIG highlighted the importance of professionalism, discipline, accountability, and intelligence-driven policing. He encouraged them to stay dedicated to their constitutional duty of safeguarding lives and property.

Onwuemelie praised the command for its hard work and operational successes in protecting citizens, while urging continued vigilance and responsiveness. He also stressed the need for ongoing cooperation between the police, other security bodies, government agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and key stakeholders, noting that tackling modern security threats requires a collective effort.

The Deputy Inspector-General further stated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to adopting advanced crime-fighting technologies, such as artificial intelligence, drones, and other innovative tools, to boost intelligence gathering, surveillance, investigations, and proactive policing against criminal activities.

As part of his engagements, DIG Onwuemelie, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police and command management, paid a courtesy visit to Eze Imo, C.C. Okeke, where he requested the continued support and partnership of traditional institutions in the shared goal of enhancing peace and security. He acknowledged the crucial role traditional rulers play in fostering peace and community safety.

In response, Eze Okeke reaffirmed traditional institutions’ dedication to assisting security agencies in maintaining peace throughout the state. The Commissioner of Police also expressed gratitude for the DIG’s visit and reassured residents of the command’s ongoing commitment, in coordination with other security agencies and stakeholders, to protect lives and property and promote a safe environment.

The Zuru State Constituency by-election in Kebbi State started on Saturday with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm among voters. Reports from Zuru town indicate that many polling stations experienced minimal participation from the electorate.

This election was called to fill the seat left vacant after the passing of former Speaker Mohammed Usman Zuru, who died on April 6. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials were deployed to various polling units, but they faced a sluggish response from the public.

At Alhaji Budo Polling Unit in the Rafin Zuru community, electoral staff were observed waiting idly for voters to show up. Similarly, at Mango Waje Polling Unit in the Manga area, voting began around 9:14 a.m., but only a handful of people were in line at that time.

Across several polling units visited, the low turnout was a common theme. Residents appeared to be going about their regular routines, as shops, fuel stations, and other businesses remained open. Some INEC personnel had not yet arrived at their assigned polling units by 9:31 a.m., while others awaited further directives before proceeding to their posts.

On Saturday, a joint security operation involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the Amotekun Corps was observed at the polling unit where Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji was scheduled to vote. The simultaneous arrival of personnel from these three agencies indicated a well-coordinated security presence at the location.

Operatives were positioned both inside and around the polling area to ensure order, curb vote buying, and prevent any violent incidents that could disrupt the electoral process. The election, organized by the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC), is taking place across all 16 local government areas in the state, with voters selecting chairpersons and councilors for their respective councils.

Multiple political parties are contesting in this election, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party, Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Action Democratic Party (ADP), among others. Political analysts are closely monitoring the exercise, seeing it as a key measure of public opinion and political dynamics within the state.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose performed his civic duty at Polling Unit 1, St. David Primary School in Afao-Ekiti, situated within Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area, during the state’s governorship election.

In a brief chat with reporters after voting, Fayose voiced strong belief that Governor Biodun Oyebanji would emerge victorious, asserting that the incumbent had already secured the election. He pointed to the general atmosphere and public sentiment across Ekiti as evidence of widespread backing for Oyebanji.

“Oyebanji has already won the election,” Fayose stated emphatically. He elaborated, “Observing the current situation in the state and the disposition of the populace, I foresee a landslide victory for him.”

Voting activities proceeded smoothly at various polling stations, with security personnel and electoral officers present to oversee the process.