A prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Dele Momodu, has declared that the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election is not a contest between the ruling party and the incumbent, but rather a direct political battle between Governor Ademola Adeleke and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Momodu, who is the publisher of Ovation International magazine, openly broke ranks with his party to endorse Adeleke for a second term in office. He insisted that the opposition must immediately close ranks to build a formidable front against external political influences. The declaration has added a fresh layer of intensity to the off-cycle election, where Governor Adeleke—now flying the flag of the Accord Party—faces stiff competition from Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Dr. Najeem Salaam of the ADC. Momodu explained that his decision to support Adeleke, despite the ADC having its own official candidate in Najeem Salaam, is strictly in line with the foundational principles that drew him to the party. According to him, he joined the ADC primarily because of its programmatic vision to foster a unified coalition of opposition forces. "When I joined ADC, I joined a party that promoted a coalition of opposition parties," Momodu stated. "So, what I am demonstrating now is that the opposition must come together today." He noted that he had extensively consulted with several party elders before going public with his endorsement of the incumbent governor. Dismissing the electoral strength of the local APC chapter, the Ovation publisher argued that the political structures under the ruling party cannot withstand Adeleke’s current momentum across the state`s 30 Local Government Areas. He claimed that even the presidency is quietly aware of the governor`s deep grassroots popularity. The battle in Osun is between Adeleke and President Tinubu, Momodu asserted, adding that the APC is simply making "noise and hulabaloo". He further emphasized that Adeleke has evolved into a formidable political phenomenon who could comfortably challenge top federal figures in any popularity test. Beyond political strategies, Momodu revealed that personal sentiments and a sense of justice heavily influenced his endorsement. He described Governor Adeleke as a close friend and a "twin brother," noting that they were both born just three days apart in May 1960. He alleged that the incumbent governor is currently facing immense intimidation and systemic bullying from external political forces as the election day draws near. "He’s being bullied, he’s being intimidated, and all men and women of good conscience should rise up, whether you are in our party or wherever," Momodu urged, adding that only a biased observer would ignore the infrastructure and welfare projects executed in Osun State. Acknowledging the awkwardness of his position as an ADC member backing a rival Accord Party candidate, Momodu maintained that his democratic values compelled him to take a stand. He formally appealed to the national leadership of the ADC to overlook the breach of party lines for this specific election cycle. "I’m a democrat. If my party says they are not ready to back him, that is fine. On this occasion, they should please loan me to Ademola Adeleke. I’m begging them to do that," Momodu pleaded. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that over 2.3 million registered voters are eligible to participate in Saturday`s election. Security agencies have already deployed fresh personnel, including a new Commissioner of Police, to ensure an orderly process amid rising political tensions.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has declared that President Bola Tinubu is prioritizing the long-term survival and future of Nigeria over his personal political popularity. Speaking on Wednesday during TVC’s This Morning show, Sani analyzed the state of the nation ahead of the 2027 general elections. He noted that unlike past leaders who avoided tough choices to maintain public favor, the current president is taking decisive, albeit painful, actions. "Most presidents for years have tried to manage our problems to avoid taking decisive actions," Sani stated. "This is the first time we have a President who is ready to take the bull by the horns by implementing policies that have the possibility of sweeping power under his feet." The former lawmaker acknowledged that the ongoing economic reforms have caused widespread hardship and triggered public backlash. However, he argued that such structural pain is a mandatory phase for national advancement. He compared Nigeria`s current trajectory to the historical transformations of global economic powerhouses. "If you look at the history of nations that have advanced—Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brazil, Thailand, and South Korea—you will see that at a certain point, unpopular decisions had to be taken," Sani explained. "It may come with pains and sacrifice, but it has far-reaching benefits for the future of the nation." Sani concluded that a typical politician focuses on being loved to preserve political peace, but Tinubu’s willingness to implement bitter reforms proves his focus is legacy rather than superficial applause.

A horrifying case of severe child abuse has sparked widespread outrage following revelations that a 12-year-old girl has been left permanently deformed after her guardians allegedly burned her hand over a missing ₦500 note, which she did not steal. The tragic incident came to light after Dr Tortiv Msen, a medical practitioner at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), shared the harrowing details of the victim`s ordeal on Facebook. Dr Msen, who was the doctor on call when the minor was rushed to the emergency paediatric unit, expressed deep trauma over the severity of the child`s injuries. According to THENEWSCREDIT,the medical practitioner, the young girl had been sent by her village-dwelling parents to live with the family in Makurdi, the state capital, with the hope of a better life. Instead, she was subjected to what the doctor described as "hellfire punishment" when a family member accused her of stealing ₦500. "They subjected her to a hellfire punishment, burning her finger until it was deformed," Dr Msen revealed. Compounding the cruelty, the guardians reportedly withheld medical treatment and forced the heavily bandaged, burning finger to endure the strain of daily household chores for 10 days. "They forced her to continue house chores without wound care even as her finger worsened. No pain compares to that of a burn," the doctor added. The child`s agonizing ordeal only ended when vigilant neighbours noticed her deteriorating condition, intervened to rescue her, and alerted the law enforcement authorities. A middle-aged female police officer subsequently brought the heavily traumatised girl to BSUTH for emergency medical care. In a heartbreaking twist, subsequent police investigations cleared the 12-year-old of any wrongdoing. Another member of the household reportedly confessed to the police that they had taken the missing ₦500 note, completely exonerating the victim. Reflecting on the psychological and physical scars the young survivor will carry, Dr Msen lamented the failure of adults entrusted with vulnerable children. "The little girl will grow up with a deformed finger constantly reminding her of how below the bare minimum adults around her fell," he wrote. The doctor further urged parents to prioritize the personal care of their biological offspring over material struggles that force them to send their young children away into abusive environments. Local child rights advocates are currently calling on the Benue State Police Command to ensure the immediate prosecution of the culprits to serve as a deterrent against child labor and domestic abuse.

The Association of Yoruba Obas and Leaders in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has declared its total support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration while urgently appealing for intensified measures to cushion the impact of economic hardships at the grassroots level. Rising from its quarterly meeting in Abuja on Saturday, the association acknowledged the necessity of ongoing economic reforms but stressed that immediate, practical relief must reach ordinary Nigerians. Addressing journalists after the session, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Murtala Adeleke, urged the Federal Government to bridge the gap between macroeconomic reforms and the daily realities of citizens. "We understand that economic reforms require endurance, but we plead that the government do more to bring the dividends of democracy closer to people at the grassroots," Adeleke stated. "We wish to encourage the government to do more, particularly in the area of poverty alleviation." The group also expressed concerns over the performance of local government councils. Adeleke noted that despite the recent implementation of financial autonomy, local administrations across the country are yet to fully step up and deliver on their statutory mandates to the people. Despite highlighting the pervasive poverty, the northern-based Yoruba leaders passed a vote of confidence on the President, citing tangible improvements in key sectors including security, education, energy, and the capital market over the past three years. Describing insecurity as a major challenge in the North, the group praised the administration`s quiet successes. Adeleke cited recent successful rescue operations of banditry victims in Kwara, Niger, and Borno states. He also commended the welfare boost for security personnel and the creation of new military formations. The association lauded the government’s student loan and financing initiatives, noting they have opened university doors for low-income families. They also credited the administration with maintaining stable academic calendars by curbing prolonged strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The traditional and community leaders highlighted the elimination of fuel scarcity in the North. Adeleke recalled that residents previously bought black-market fuel for as high as N2,500 per litre. "Since the coming of this government, we in the North have been enjoying steady fuel supply in all our stations. You just drive in, buy, and go," he said. The group highlighted massive growth in the nation`s capital market, pointing out that market capitalization had leaped from roughly N33 trillion in 2023 to a robust N160 trillion–N170 trillion range currently. The association concluded by reaffirming that its backing is firmly rooted in a realistic assessment of the administration`s performance, while remaining an active voice for the welfare of citizens in the North.

The Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, has declared that the 2027 general elections must transcend mere political contestation and serve as a national referendum on consolidating President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. In a statement released on Wednesday, Dare argued that Nigeria cannot afford to disrupt its current economic trajectory, stressing that the administration`s sweeping tax overhauls are critical masterstrokes designed to secure long-term national growth. THENEWSCREDIT reports that Dare emphasized that true leadership requires choosing long-term national survival over short-term public applause. Since assuming office, President Tinubu has initiated aggressive policy shifts aimed at fixing public finances, broadening the revenue base, and stabilizing the macroeconomic environment. Dare emphasized that true leadership requires choosing long-term national survival over short-term public applause. Since assuming office, President Tinubu has initiated aggressive policy shifts aimed at fixing public finances, broadening the revenue base, and stabilizing the macroeconomic environment. According to Dare, these measures are not meant to burden citizens but to correct structural defects that have hindered Nigeria`s growth for decades. The ongoing tax sector overhaul is a strategic blueprint designed to generate sustainable internal revenue for critical infrastructure, including durable road networks and expanded transport systems. This approach aims to secure funding for energy stabilization and vital social services. Furthermore, the initiative focuses on strengthening national security and driving economic growth through enhanced education and job creation. By improving the fiscal framework, the government intends to foster a stable environment for investment and development Dare stated that the reforms aim to build a simpler, fairer, and more efficient tax system that encourages private investment while giving the government the financial capacity to drive development. Addressing the upcoming 2027 political cycle, Dare warned against the dangers of policy summersaults, stating that Nigeria loses valuable progress by constantly starting over. He called on citizens to prioritize stability, consistency, and patience to allow the current foundations to yield full results. "The work has started," Dare stated, linking the tax reforms directly to the administration`s Renewed Hope Agenda. He concluded that the next phase of governance must focus entirely on the consolidation and expansion of these economic policies to deliver maximum value to all Nigerians.

Apostle Joshua Aghasedo of Powerline Church has stated that the use of sex toys by married couples is not a sin, describing the devices as technological tools that can enhance marital intimacy. Speaking to his congregation in a video published on the church’s YouTube channel on Tuesday, the clergyman likened sex toys to everyday utilities like cars and phones. He argued that when used within the framework of marriage, they serve as helpful equipment. “Is using a sex toy a sin? Is driving a car a sin? A car to drive you from here to Dallas, is it a sin? Using the phone, is it a sin? So, the phone is an equipment right, and a car is an equipment," Aghasedo said. While clarifying that he has never personally used one, the cleric noted that modern technology offers tools that can assist couples. "It’s an equipment. It can help you do the job to 90%, and you finish the remaining 10%. I’m just being real. It can help you," he added. Aghasedo emphasized that his endorsement applies strictly to married couples. He revealed that he had previously recommended a sex toy to a couple to protect their union from external infidelity. "I have suggested a sex toy to a couple before when I look at all the surrounding circumstances, so that somebody won’t go out and other things would follow," he explained. "It’s an equipment to help the process... We are talking within the framework of marriage, right? Not outside". The pastor drew a sharp line between shared marital use and individual use. He warned that using such devices alone constitutes masturbation, which he classified as a sin equivalent to fornication. "Now, if you engage it on your own, it’s called masturbation and another word for masturbation is fornication," the clergyman stated. "It’s within the marital context. Alright?" The use of intimacy-enhancing tools remains a highly debated topic across cultural and religious landscapes in Nigeria. While some faith leaders condemn the practice entirely, others are shifting focus toward the context of legal marriage rather than the tools themselves.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has strongly admonished Nigerian Christians and Muslims to halt mutual insults and religious rivalry, emphasizing that peace is impossible without mutual respect. Speaking at a public function in Abuja on Tuesday, the revered traditional and Islamic leader cautioned Nigerians against religious superiority complexes, stating that only God can determine who is better. "We must be honest with ourselves that Christians can stop insulting Muslims. Muslims can stop insulting Christians. And that’s how we will live in peace," the Sultan stated. "We are not here to say we are better than anybody. We are not better than anybody. He [God] is the creator of us all. He will determine who is better." The Sultan`s remarks follow a controversial statement by Islamic cleric Yahaya Jingir, who claimed Christians would have claimed superiority over Muslims if not for the country`s current Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket. Although the Sultan did not name the cleric, his address directly tackled the underlying friction, reinforcing that no religious group should consider itself superior to another. He challenged citizens to revive the culture of neighborly love, regardless of faith or tribal background. "Allah created your neighbour for you. Whoever is your neighbour, you know what is required of you to do for your neighbour," he added. Shifting his focus to civic responsibility, the apex Islamic leader condemned the rampant spread of misinformation and targeted vitriol on digital platforms. He warned that individuals who deliberately manufacture falsehoods against presidents, governors, lawmakers, and other public officers will ultimately account for their actions before God. Instead of advocating for the disintegration of Nigeria, the Sultan charged citizens to channel their energy into fixing the nation`s foundational challenges. To illustrate his message of interfaith harmony, he cited the heroic legacy of the late Imam Abubakar Abdullahi, who famously saved over 200 Christians by shielding them inside his mosque during a violent crisis in Plateau State. He described the late Imam`s actions as the ultimate standard of humanity that all Nigerians must emulate to preserve national peace.

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu over his administration`s silence regarding inflammatory comments made by Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir. In a viral social media video, Sheikh Jingir declared that Nigeria belongs exclusively to Muslims, stating that anyone opposed to a Muslim-Muslim political ticket should leave the country. He further caused public outrage by referring to Nigerian Christians as "infidels." Reacting to the broadcast, Primate Ayodele warned that the safety and future of Christianity in Nigeria are under severe threat if the federal government refuses to clamp down on such divisive rhetoric. He accused the government of practicing selective justice and double standards. "If a Christian religious leader had made a fraction of these statements, security agencies would have arrested him immediately," Ayodele stated. "This inflammatory utterance must not go unpunished. The government needs to act now; this cleric should be in jail to preserve whatever is left of our fragile peace." The prominent Christian leader cautioned that failing to hold religious extremists accountable will severely undermine national unity, disrupt peaceful coexistence, and plunge the country into avoidable sectarian crisis. He urged the Presidency to move beyond silence and issue a stern, decisive warning against hate speech to safeguard the nation.

The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has strongly rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were voted into office solely by Muslims during the 2023 general elections. NCA Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, stated that election data clearly shows the joint ticket received critical winning votes from Christian-majority states and communities across Nigeria. The Christian leader made the declaration while reacting to a viral video featuring Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir. In the video, Jingir defended the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that Muslims should not apologize for political dominance due to their population. The cleric went further to describe Christians as "infidels" and urged Muslims to use their numerical strength to drive political interests. Speaking on Channels Television, Hayab condemned the cleric`s remarks as unacceptable and highly inflammatory. He noted that while the initial same-faith ticket raised deep concerns among Christians who desired constitutional balance, millions of Christian voters still supported the administration. He challenged the narrative of a single-faith victory, noting that he could list multiple Christian-majority states where Tinubu triumphed. Hayab expressed deep worry over the context of the speech, noting that the derogatory comments were made publicly in the presence of three state governors. He criticized the political leaders for smiling and cheering rather than instantly rebuking or rejecting the divisive rhetoric. According to the NCA leader, this collective silence from authorities validates long-held fears of religious marginalization. The NCA chairman declared that the incident has effectively ended "Nigeria`s pretence" regarding the persecution and discrimination faced by northern Christians. He noted that observations of bias are often dismissed by critics as false alarms or exaggeration. He stated that the public broadcast proved what has been happening in secret for decades, ending any deniability regarding religious tensions. Directly addressing the political class, Hayab challenged the federal government and the governors present at the gathering to publicly state their positions on the cleric`s speech. He warned that the silence of the candidates being campaigned for would be interpreted as an endorsement of the insulting rhetoric. He emphasized that the core issue was no longer about political strategies, but the demeaning language used against citizens. Despite the escalating tension, the NCA affirmed that Christian leaders will not abandon peace talks or structural engagement with the Muslim community. Hayab clarified that the church would continue to collaborate with honest Islamic clerics who understand nation-building. However, he insisted that divisive figures must be called out publicly so the government can act responsibly to prevent a breakdown of law and order. To resolve ongoing disputes over demographic dominance, the NCA chairman renewed his advocacy for the inclusion of religious data in Nigeria’s national census. He argued that accurate, verified population statistics would eliminate manipulative claims of numerical strength used by politicians to cause division. He lamented that leaders are focusing on polarizing rhetoric while citizens grapple with severe hunger and national insecurity. Hayab concluded by warning against a rising pattern of religious extremism, citing another recent video where a speaker threatened to purge Christians from the civil service in Katsina State. He called on security agencies to clamp down on hate speech, urging Nigerians to reject divisive politics and focus heavily on unity, security, and economic progress.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised a fresh alarm over Nigeria’s growing culture of post-election litigation. He warned that the increasing role of courts in determining political outcomes is actively weakening the country’s democratic foundations. Speaking on Tuesday at the 2026 Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Jonathan stated that the nation`s judicial dependency has created a highly unpredictable political environment. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the former president described Nigeria’s electoral dispute system as a global anomaly. He noted that unlike other African democracies where elections are decisively resolved at the ballot box, Nigeria has institutionalised prolonged legal battles. "The Nigerian situation is extremely different from most other African countries," Jonathan remarked, adding that this trend heavily undermines the power of the ordinary voter. To illustrate his point, Jonathan recalled a historical conversation with a former Deputy President of South Africa during his tenure as vice president. The foreign leader expressed deep shock that Nigerian politicians routinely head to court immediately after losing an election. Jonathan noted that while international peers view court battles as a last resort, Nigeria has normalized it as an official phase of the electoral cycle. While advocating for judicial independence and impartiality, Jonathan lamented the sharp decline in public confidence regarding political judgments. He argued that while criminal offences committed during elections must be prosecuted, civil electoral disputes have become overly politicised. He suggested that for highly controversial cases, the judiciary should order a rerun rather than handpicking winners in a courtroom. Jonathan also targeted the judiciary`s deep interference in the internal affairs of political parties, particularly disputes from party primaries. He expressed worry that judges now frequently determine valid party candidates and legal party leadership. This overreach, he argued, strips political parties of their primary constitutional responsibilities and creates systemic chaos. THENEWSCREDIT further gathered that the dialogue concluded with Jonathan reminding stakeholders that democracy functions as an interconnected ecosystem. This delicate balance requires synchronised transparency from political parties, electoral bodies, security agencies, civil society, the media, and voters. He maintained that true democratic consolidation will only occur when Nigerians restore total confidence in the ballot box rather than legal technicalities.