The incumbent Governor of Osun State and candidate of the Accord Party (A), Ademola Adeleke, has taken a commanding lead in Saturday’s governorship election, winning 19 out of the 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. His closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured victories in the remaining 11 LGAs. Adeleke is currently awaiting the official declaration from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the final collation wrap up in Osogbo, the state capital. Although 15 political parties fielded candidates for the election, official results show it was a fierce two-horse race between the Accord Party and the APC. The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, finished a distant third, polling a total of 14,989 votes across the state. The state’s Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, is expected to make the final declaration at the INEC State Collation Centre shortly. Official LGA Breakdown and Voting Patterns Boluwaduro LG A: 7,118 APC: 7,050 ADC: 179 Accredited: 14,662 Valid: 14,478 Cast: 14,655 Ede South LG A: 26,188 APC: 6,219 ADC: 390 Accredited: 34,011 Valid: 33,210 Cast: 33,950 Ife North LG A: 13,879 APC: 9,613 ADC: 333 Accredited: 24,772 Valid: 24,216 Cast: 24,704 Ilesa West LG A: 16,196 APC: 12,756 ADC: 673 Accredited: 31,333 Valid: 30,244 Cast: 31,234 Ifedayo LG A: 7,427 APC: 6,836 ADC: 115 Accredited: 14,703 Valid: 1,449 Cast: 14,703 Ilesa East LG A: 12,280 APC: 16,208 ADC: 504 Accredited: 30,371 Valid: 29,460 Cast: 30,209 Ife Central LG A: 21,171 APC: 15,913 ADC: 747 Accredited: 39,990 Valid: 38,380 Cast: 39,330 Boripe LG A: 12,448 APC: 19,963 ADC: 379 Accredited: 33,943 Valid: 33,116 Cast: 33,713 Irepodun LG A: 14,504 APC: 15,713 ADC: 249 Accredited: 31,291 Valid: 30,717 Cast: 31,282 Obokun LG A: 12,023 APC: 16,120 ADC: 205 Accredited: 29,183 Valid: 28,687 Cast: 29,147 Orolu LG A: 12,352 APC: 10,622 ADC: 236 Accredited: 25,424 Valid: 23,438 Cast: 23,890 Osogbo LG A: 36,480 APC: 30,474 ADC: 1,503 Accredited: 70,840 Valid: 69,307 Cast: 70,785 Oriade LG A: 21,343 APC: 14,863 ADC: 423 Accredited: 37,962 Valid: 37,073 Cast: 37,933 Odo Otin LG A: 18,003 APC: 15,435 ADC: 377 Accredited: 34,482 Valid: 34,026 Cast: 34,456 Ife East LG A: 27,201 APC: 18,600 ADC: 935 Accredited: 49,065 Valid: 47,519 Cast: 49,017 Ifelodun LG A: 21,107 APC: 18,396 ADC: 509 Accredited: 41,156 Valid: 40,466 Cast: 41,143 Atakumosa West LG A: 7,479 APC: 10,037 ADC: 213 Accredited: 18,707 Valid: 17,985 Cast: 18,399 Iwo LG A: 27,085 APC: 19,660 ADC: 588 Accredited: 48,985 Valid: 48,027 Cast: 48,953 Ede North LG A: 35,427 APC: 10,283 ADC: 307 Accredited: 47,262 Valid: 46,474 Cast: 47,205 Ila LG A: 16,211 APC: 12,934 ADC: 259 Accredited: 30,028 Valid: 29,605 Cast: 30,021 Irewole LG A: 10,934 APC: 29,972 ADC: 275 Accredited: 42,858 Valid: 41,575 Cast: 42,824 Ayedire LG A: 11,073 APC: 9,910 ADC: 148 Accredited: 21,419 Valid: 21,228 Cast: 21,414 Atakumosa East LG A: 7,872 APC: 9,936 ADC: 333 Accredited: 19,253 Valid: 18,442 Cast: 18,823 Egbedore LG A: 19,278 APC: 11,194 ADC: 363 Accredited: 31,867 Valid: 31,155 Cast: 31,830 Ayedaade LG A: 16,681 APC: 15,719 ADC: 331 Accredited: 34,232 Valid: 33,180 Cast: 33,801 Isokan LG A: 13,765 APC: 14,063 ADC: 384 Accredited: 29,421 Valid: 28,715 Cast: 29,405 Olaoluwa LG A: 10,063 APC: 10,782 ADC: 213 Accredited: 21,599 Valid: 21,228 Cast: 21,595 Ife South LG A: 13,507 APC: 14,678 ADC: 290 Accredited: 29,521 Valid: 28,906 Cast: 29,461 Ejigbo LG A: 18,458 APC: 16,195 ADC: 5,053 Accredited: 41,173 Valid: 40,314 Cast: 41,125 Olorunda LG A: 23,514 APC: 24,671 ADC: 666 Accredited: 51,172 Valid: 49,458 Cast: 50,793

In a major bid to tackle unemployment and foster self-reliance, Dr. Kunle Samson Adegbite Twindad is set to launch a comprehensive youth empowerment initiative across Oyo State. The strategic intervention targets young residents within the Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, and Oriire Federal Constituency. The extensive programme focuses on equipping participants with practical, income-generating skills designed to shield them from economic vulnerabilities. According to the organizers, the drive aims to stimulate the local economy by transforming idle youths into self-sufficient entrepreneurs and wealth creators. Recognising the diverse interests of modern youths, the scheme features training across high-demand technical, creative, and artisanal fields. Participants will gain specialized knowledge in contemporary sectors like Graphic Design, Photography, and Phone Repair. Additionally, the curriculum covers vital vocational crafts including Cake Making and Decoration, Bead Making, and Cream and Soap Production. Aspiring beauty specialists will also benefit from dedicated sessions in professional Makeup application, Auto Gele styling, and Pedicure. To ensure maximum reach and accessibility, the training will hold simultaneously across three designated centres within the federal constituency. The decentralized approach allows constituents to access top-tier vocational training closer to their respective communities. The selected venues include Anglican Grammar School (Starlight Junction) for Ogbomoso North, and Ahayaya Grammar School for Ogbomoso South. Residents within the Oriire local government area will gather at Ikoyi Primary School in Ikoyi Ile. The Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Director-General, Mr. M.B. Oyeleye, described the upcoming event as a critical investment in human capital. He urged the local youth to turn out in large numbers to secure a brighter future. The secretariat, through Nexovate, the Director of Media and Publicity, confirmed that all logistics are in place for the event on Wednesday, 19th August, 2026. For immediate registration details and enquiries, the public can reach the coordinators on 08035257187 or 07042565934.

Former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd), has revealed that no successful military coup in Nigeria`s history occurred without the active financial backing and involvement of wealthy civilians. Babangida, popularly known as IBB, made the assertion during an interview on Badeggi 90.1 FM in Minna, Niger State, as part of activities marking his 85th birthday. Reflecting on the country`s political history, the former leader stated authoritatively that military officers relied heavily on civilian collaborators to successfully executing regime changes. “No successful coup in Nigeria’s history has ever happened without the involvement of civilians,” IBB said, pointing out that wealthy individuals frequently provided the logistics and political backing necessary to validate such takeovers. The former military president also opened up about the infamous 1985 abortive coup against his administration, which led to the execution of his childhood friend and then-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Major General Mamman Vatsa. IBB confessed that he initially doubted the intelligence linking Vatsa to the treasonable plot due to their deep personal history as schoolmates and lifelong friends. To confront the rumors, IBB recalled summoning both Vatsa and General Mohammed Gado Nasko to his office after a top military commander implicated them. “When they arrived, I asked them about the reports that they had been mentioned in a plot to topple my government. Both of them denied any involvement," he said. While Gado Nasko was subsequently cleared of all charges by the military tribunal, the investigation uncovered undeniable evidence implicating Vatsa. IBB described feeling "shocked, devastated, and deeply disappointed" when his close ally`s involvement was confirmed. Despite their personal bond, he stated that the rigid nature of military justice left him with no choice but to approve the execution. “There was nothing I could do to exonerate him from the consequences prescribed by military law. My hands were tied. That was how I lost my brother, General Mamman Vatsa,” IBB lamented.

The Imole Campaign Council has raised a fresh alarm over alleged anti-democratic activities during the ongoing Osun State governorship election, accusing Senator Francis Fadahunsi of openly intimidating voters In a strongly worded press statement released on Saturday, August 15, 2026, by the campaign’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq, the council called on national security agencies to step in immediately and halt what it described as a "sacrilege committed against democracy." According to the statement, Senator Fadahunsi, who represents the Osun East Senatorial District, was caught on camera and overheard issuing controversial directives to supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The incident reportedly took place at Polling Unit 1, NUD Primary School Collation Centre in Ilase-Ijesa. The council alleged that the lawmaker instructed APC loyalists to strictly monitor the ballot choices of voters and actively target individuals who failed to cast their votes for the ruling party. "This is scandalous, unacceptable, and undemocratic," Olajengbesi stated. "The security agencies must immediately stop the voter intimidation by Fadahunsi and his foot soldiers. One would have thought that he had learnt his lessons with his last despicable outing, but alas! A leopard never changes its spot." The opposition campaign council noted that the global community is watching the ongoing electoral process in Osun, warning that unchecked voter coercion could completely undermine the integrity of the governorship election. They urged the police and other military personnel deployed across the state to guarantee absolute safety for citizens trying to exercise their constitutional franchise.

The legal and political battle for the 2027 presidency intensified on Friday as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, dragged President Bola Tinubu before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking his disqualification over an alleged forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate. In a rare move, Atiku personally appeared at the court registry to depose to an affidavit supporting the suit filed against President Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The lawsuit relies on Sections 137(1)(j), 139(1)(a)(i), and 285(14)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alongside provisions of the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026. Section 137(1)(j) dictates that any candidate who presents a forged certificate to INEC stands disqualified from running for the office of the President. According to Atiku’s sworn affidavit, the NYSC discharge certificate submitted to INEC bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle,” which contrasts with the President’s official name, “Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” The plaintiffs allege that the document was not legitimately obtained by the President and is being used in connection with the upcoming 2027 polls. The former Vice President is asking the court to compel INEC to produce Tinubu’s Form CF001 from both the 2023 and 2027 electoral cycles. Atiku noted that his legal team had previously requested certified true copies of these documents from the electoral umpire but received no response before approaching the court. Speaking on his decision to sign the court papers personally, Atiku stated that the matter was too critical for proxy handling. “I came here personally because the issues before the court go to the heart of our Constitution and the integrity of the Office of President,” Atiku said. “I have put my name, my signature, and my oath behind the facts. Now it is President Tinubu’s turn to answer them.” Atiku emphasized that the case should be decided by judicial evidence rather than political rhetoric or social media debates. He also challenged the defense to prove that "Tinubu Bola Adekunle" and "Bola Ahmed Tinubu" are legally the same individual. Beyond the certificate verification, the lawsuit takes aim at specific provisions within the Electoral Act 2026. The ADC and Atiku argue that the new act contains clauses that unlawfully restrict candidates and political parties from challenging a rival`s qualifications at the pre-election stage. The plaintiffs maintain that ordinary legislation cannot override express constitutional standards. “Can an Act of the National Assembly be used as a shield against an express provision of the Constitution? Our position is that the Constitution remains supreme,” Atiku argued, adding that "the presidency is not an immunity certificate against constitutional scrutiny." The plaintiffs’ legal team, led by Edwin Inegedu, SAN, and Joseph Onu Silas, expressed strong confidence in their case. Silas noted that the team is fully prepared to argue the matter and respond to the defendants once they are formally served. "This case presents an important opportunity to further develop Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence," Silas stated. The court has yet to establish the authenticity or legal implications of the disputed document. However, this high-stakes lawsuit shifts the immediate focus of the 2027 race to the judiciary, putting INEC’s record-keeping and the supremacy of constitutional qualifications under strict public scrutiny.

All arrangements are now fully finalized for the historic 49th Annual Ogbomoso Baptist Conference in Session. Worshippers, delegates, and cleric leaders from various parts of the nation have already begun arriving at the host city. There is a palpable atmosphere of prayerful anticipation as the religious community prepares for what has been described as a landmark spiritual gathering. The five-day event is scheduled to take place from Saturday, August 22, to Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The designated venue for all plenary sessions, prayer hours, and worship services is the Beulah Baptist Centre, located behind Baptist High School in Ogbomoso. Logistics teams have successfully deployed standard infrastructure at the center to accommodate the massive influx of participants. This year`s sessions are anchored on a highly timely and strategic theme: "Kingdom Purpose: Entering into Newness through Building a Righteous and Prosperous Nation." Church leaders emphasize that the theme serves as both a divine mandate and a civic roadmap. The spiritual teachings will look deeply into structural national rebirth rooted in biblical truths. To provide firm scriptural guidance, the conference has adopted Proverbs 14:34 and Proverbs 29:2 as its foundational texts. These scriptures emphasize how righteousness elevates a society while wicked leadership brings grief to the citizenry. Program coordinators state that these messages will challenge believers to actively participate in nation-building through integrity. The event is being hosted under the spiritual supervision of the Zion Baptist Association. The Local Organizing Committee, led by the Host Association Moderator, Rev. Dr. Isaiah Durosawo, has expressed absolute readiness. The host body has worked tirelessly over the past months to guarantee a secure, hospitable, and spiritually conducive environment for all attendees. Providing top-tier oversight for the entire exercise are the apex leaders of the conference. The President of the Ogbomoso Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Thomas and Rev. Dr. Mary Niyi-Ojo, alongside the Conference Chairman, Rev. Dr. Yinka and Mrs. Nike Ojo, will be steering the spiritual direction of the five-day convocation. They have jointly called on the faithful to expect a profound manifestation of God’s presence. Behind the seamless logistical rollout is a highly dedicated Central Planning Committee. The administrative and operational machinery has been expertly managed by the Committee Chairman, Rev. Dr. John Idowu Fatunbi. Working alongside him to ensure flawless execution across all sub-committees is the Committee Secretary, Rev. Dr. Olusegun Adeyanju. As the countdown to Saturday’s opening ceremony ends, the Ogbomoso Christian community stands united in faith. Congregants are looking forward to an unparalleled time of fellowship, mutual encouragement, and divine blessings. The authorities have assured full security presence, medical emergency covers, and structured traffic management to ensure a hitch-free event.

President Bola Tinubu has issued a strict directive to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to guarantee a peaceful, transparent, and credible governorship election in Osun State tomorrow, Saturday, August 15, 2026. A total of 15 candidates are vying for the state`s highest office. The frontline contenders include the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In a statement released today by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu explicitly challenged INEC to use tomorrow`s vote to prove its readiness for the upcoming 2027 general elections. "INEC must use this last off-cycle election as a test case to demonstrate to Nigerians their full preparedness for the 2027 polls," Tinubu stated. "The election must be transparent, free, and fair. I urge INEC to ensure the integrity of the process." To prevent violence, the President ordered the Inspector-General of Police and heads of other security agencies to flood polling units with maximum security. He warned that zero tolerance would be shown to political thugs and troublemakers trying to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the vote. The President assured Osun residents of their safety, urging voters to come out in large numbers without fear of intimidation. He emphasized that the ultimate credibility of the election rests entirely on whether the final results truly reflect the choices made by the people of Osun State.

Former Kogi State Senator, Dino Melaye, has fired back at critics targeting his lavish lifestyle, declaring that human opinions hold zero significance over his life or financial standing. Speaking in a recent interview with KAA Truths, the flamboyant ex-lawmaker stated that his focus remains entirely on his standing with God rather than the feedback of social media users, whom he claims are detached from his reality. "I don’t actually care what people say about me," Melaye stated, brushing off accusations of being insensitive to the current economic hardships faced by Nigerians. "I am only worried about what God thinks about me. Once I’ve sorted that out, what man thinks is not important." Melaye revealed that he completely insulates himself from online backlash by refusing to read social media comments. He openly questioned why the views of critics operating on minimal data plans should dictate his actions. "When somebody sitting in a low environment, possibly operating on N500 of data, decides to write anything on social media, why should that be of concern to me? It won’t affect my next meal, my next trip, or my bank balance. That won’t stop me from posting the next picture," he declared. Defending his online posts, Melaye categorized his actions as a "declaration of assets" and an expression of gratitude for his transition from a humble background to immense success. He maintained that poverty is not a divine design, asserting that his wealth is an unmerited favor from God. While critics label his displays as boastful, Melaye noted that he runs extensive, long-term philanthropic programs—including a 100-bed orphanage, widow support, and student scholarships—which he purposely keeps private as a religious obligation.

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), has declared corruption as Nigeria`s greatest obstacle to economic progress and investment. Speaking at a lecture organized by Economic Confidential in Abuja, Aliyu revealed that deep-seated graft within public institutions is systematically draining the nation`s wealth and blocking critical foreign investments. The anti-graft boss highlighted alarming cases of systemic failure, including a 2024 discovery where N24 billion meant for ghost workers` pensions was intercepted. In one extreme instance of fraud, a single civil servant successfully enrolled 14 family members into the government payroll, illegally drawing 13 separate salaries. To date, no individual has stepped forward to claim the seized N24 billion. Aliyu also pointed to a legacy of abandoned initiatives, such as a 2012 incident where a $65 million public housing fund was entirely pocketed by officials. To counter these economic crimes, Aliyu announced a strategic shift for the ICPC. The agency will move away from reactive measures to focus heavily on strengthening weak institutional systems. Immediate priorities include eliminating "ghost workers," targeting fake government agencies, and forcing fraudulent contractors to execute uncompleted constituency projects. Aliyu concluded with a call for cultural renewal, urging citizens to take anti-corruption campaigns directly to primary schools to instill integrity in the next generation.

The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Adebayo Simon Adewale, has pulled out of the Osun State governorship race to back the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke. The dramatic twist comes just 48 hours before residents hit the polls on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Adewale announced his withdrawal during a Thursday press conference, which was captured in a video shared online by Oni Gbenga Lawrence, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Media. The APM standard-bearer stated that his decision followed deep reflection and extensive consultations with party leadership, stakeholders, and his core support base. "This decision is not born out of pressure or personal interest," Adewale emphasized. "Rather, it is a conscious choice to place the interest of Osun above personal ambition." He urged all APM members and his loyal voters across the state to cast their ballots for the incumbent governor. According to Adewale, his assessment of the current political landscape convinced him that Governor Adeleke deserves a second term to solidify his administration`s developmental strides. "I believe Governor Adeleke Ademola deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration as recorded," Adewale added, noting that the move is aimed at protecting the state`s peace, stability, and future. This unexpected alliance narrows the playing field on the eve of the election. While Adeleke picks up momentum from the APM endorsement, he still faces stiff competition in Saturday`s showdown against other heavyweights, including Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).