Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe State has identified effective local government administration as the primary weapon against rising security challenges. He made the declaration on Monday while swearing in newly elected chairpersons for the state’s 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 13 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Speaking at the Government House, Gombe, Yahaya argued that the proximity of local councils to citizens makes them uniquely positioned to combat crime. "Local governments have become even more critical in fostering community engagement, gathering grassroots intelligence, and strengthening local peace-building mechanisms," the Governor said. He charged the new leaders to make grassroots governance the strongest campaign tool for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Yahaya defended the creation of the 13 LCDAs, dismissing claims that they merely expand government bureaucracy. He revealed that the state has completed modern headquarters for the new councils and finalized all administrative processes for their take-off. Reflecting on his administration`s tenure since 2019, the Governor claimed a major financial turnaround for the state`s councils. He noted that the administration met a system where councils struggled to pay salaries and had accumulated massive gratuities. "Through prudent financial management, fiscal discipline, transparency, and responsible leadership, we reversed that unfortunate trend," Yahaya stated, adding that the councils are now financially stable. The Governor praised the Joint Projects Development Agency for fostering seamless collaboration between state and local tiers to deliver critical infrastructure. He warned the new officials against prioritizing personal interest over public service, reminding them that they hold the aspirations of millions. Responding on behalf of the chairpersons, Abdullahi Bappa of Gombe Local Government Area thanked the Governor and pledged that the new leaders would deliver on their mandates.

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has sharply criticized the President Bola Tinubu administration, accusing it of implementing major economic policies blindly without adequate planning. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Baba-Ahmed alleged that the Federal Government failed to conduct proper assessments before executing critical reforms, most notably the sudden removal of the petrol subsidy. According to the PRP chieftain, monumental policy decisions must always be guided by comprehensive analyses of their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT). "You don`t embark on policies without SWOT analysis. The very day President Tinubu was sworn in, by his own admission, the issue about removing subsidy was not even in his speech," Baba-Ahmed stated, arguing that the administration left citizens entirely unprepared for the devastating economic fallout. "No government undertakes a policy measure of this magnitude without putting it through the most basic elements of a SWOT analysis," he added. Expressing deep disappointment with the presidency, Baba-Ahmed noted that despite his strong political credentials and ambitious "Emi lo kan" (It’s my turn) campaign posture, President Tinubu has failed to historic opportunities to fix Nigeria’s foundational crises. He pointed out a stark contradiction in the nation`s current financial reality, where government coffers are swelling while citizens starve. "Now we’re here. Nigeria is making so much money, and yet poverty levels are rising, insecurity is rising, and corruption is rising," Baba-Ahmed alleged, concluding that the current administration has largely failed to meet public expectations. The PRP chairman also firmly dismissed ongoing narratives that opposition figures are plotting to overthrow the government through unconstitutional means. He maintained that democratic patience remains the only path forward. "We intend to remove the government by voting them out of power. That is the case," he insisted. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has repeatedly defended its sweeping economic agenda, insisting that painful reforms like the subsidy removal and foreign exchange floating are bitter but necessary pills to stabilize the economy and guarantee long-term growth.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the re-election of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, describing the landslide victory as a resounding vote of confidence in stability, continuity, and people-centered governance. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the Saturday governorship election, after he polled 319,224 votes across all 16 local government areas to defeat his closest rivals. With this overwhelming mandate, Governor Oyebanji secures his second term, becoming the first governor in Ekiti State`s history to achieve back-to-back re-election. In a congratulatory message released through his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the electorate in Ekiti State for their peaceful and orderly conduct. He also commended law enforcement agencies for maintaining peace, law, and order throughout the electoral process. President Tinubu noted that the governor’s first term was marked by significant and visible strides in infrastructure, agriculture, youth employment, education, healthcare, and rural development. He urged the returning governor to remain magnanimous in victory and to carry all stakeholders along in the task of consolidating his achievements. Looking ahead to upcoming electoral cycles, the President charged INEC to maintain its momentum in delivering peaceful, free, fair, and credible polls as the nation prepares for the Osun governorship election in August and the general elections next year.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared the incumbent governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biodun Oyebanji, as the winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election. The Returning Officer for the election, Professor Adenike Oladiji, announced the final results early Sunday morning at the INEC Collation Centre in Ado-Ekiti. Oyebanji secured a landslide victory by clearing the majority of the votes cast across the state.Biodun Oyebanji (APC): 319,224 votesOluwole Oluyede (PDP): 40,543 votesDare Bejide (ADP): 12,872 votes Professor Oladiji provided a statistical breakdown of the official voter turnout and ballot accounting for the print record:Accredited Voters: 384,940Total Votes Cast: 382,109Valid Votes: 375,777Rejected Ballots: 6,332. With this declaration, Oyebanji extends the APC`s governance in Ekiti State for another four-year term

IBADAN — The Oyo State House of Assembly has cancelled all elaborate activities planned for its third anniversary, citing the deteriorating security situation in the state. During Thursday`s plenary, lawmakers voted to forgo festivities to show solidarity with residents facing severe security threats, particularly in the Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso axes. Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin stated that celebrating is inappropriate while citizens grapple with safety concerns. Instead of hosting events, the 10th Assembly—inaugurated on June 14, 2023—will redirect its full attention to legislative governance and urgent security interventions. Focus Shifts to Oversight and Safety Speaker Ogundoyin emphasized that the legislature remains fully operational and committed to its duties despite regional challenges. He highlighted the Assembly`s proactive measures, including a recent legislative security summit and targeted stakeholder dialogues aimed at curbing the violence. The House is also actively reviewing the impact of existing security frameworks. The Post Legislative Scrutiny Unit is currently evaluating the implementation of two critical laws:The Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law (2019)The Oyo State Security Agency Law (2020) These reviews will determine if the current laws need amendments to better combat the evolving security threats. Three Years in Numbers Defending the track record of the current assembly, Ogundoyin listed key legislative milestones achieved over the last three years: 36 bills successfully passed into law.276 resolutions adopted and transmitted to the executive arm.Active committee oversight deployed to ensure compliance with passed resolutions. The Speaker assured the public that committee oversight will intensify to hold government institutions accountable and restore peace to the affected communities.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has officially withdrawn from the upcoming local government elections scheduled for December 2026. In a strongly-worded statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan, the main opposition party labeled the planned grassroots polls as "illegal, ill-conceived, and self-serving," dealing a significant blow to the credibility of the upcoming transit of power at the third tier of government. The declaration, signed by the Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Olawale Sadare, accused the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde of deliberate administrative overreach and political desperation. The APC alleged that the sudden push for the December elections is a calculated political maneuver by Governor Makinde. According to the party, the governor is attempting to rush the electoral process to install handpicked loyalists into the 33 local government councils before his constitutional tenure ends in May 2027. "The same Makinde is now trying to impose another set of lackeys who would be loyal to him even after leaving Agodi Government House," Sadare stated. The opposition argued that the governor is fully aware that his political influence will evaporate after the 2027 general elections. Rushing the local polls, the party claims, is his final strategy to retain a grip on grassroots machinery. Local Government Autonomy Under Fire A central pillar of the APC’s boycott is the ongoing crisis surrounding local government autonomy in Oyo State. The opposition party painted a grim picture of local administration under the current government, accusing Makinde of systematically undermining grassroots democracy. Key grievances raised by the APC include: The party alleged that the governor has heavily compromised the financial independence of the 33 local government councils for over seven years.The boycott statement noted that the current electoral push would only worsen the economic and structural hardships felt by citizens at the local level.The APC stated that the governor has proven he cannot be trusted to deliver a free, fair, and autonomous local government structure. Standoff Ahead of 2027 The APC expressed confidence that the people of Oyo State are eager for May 2027 to arrive so that the third tier of government can finally regain its administrative and financial freedom. By pulling out entirely from the race, the APC has effectively set up a tense political atmosphere in the state, signaling that it will not validate an electoral process it deems fundamentally flawed and unconstitutional. As of the time of going to press, the Oyo State Government and the ruling People`s Democratic Party (PDP) have yet to issue an official response to the APC’s boycott and the heavy allegations leveled against the governor.

Northern youths, under the aegis of the Coalition of Arewa Youth Groups, has warned that 2027 may be Nigeria’s last election. The coalition issued the warning at a press briefing where they demanded the immediate release of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC. The group called on Northern youths to come together and vote out the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 general elections. The Arewa youths lamented El-Rufai’s continued detention, noting that there are several former governors, who are being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, but are moving freely. It added that many of such ex-governors are even contesting elective positions under the APC. “If things continue to happen like this in Nigeria, 2027 might be our last attempt to have an election, because if we don’t fight APC the evil in it, we are going to be worse than the military rules. “So I would like to call on our Northern brothers, especially those from Kaduna that we must rise up. We must resist Governor Uba Sani’s attempt to make Kaduna a one-party system. “The arrest of Nasir El-Rufai will not stop us from our plans and our mission of sending this government back to where they belong. President Bola Tinubu must go back to Lagos, while Governor Uba Sani might follow him as well,” the group said.

ABUJA — The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has issued a stern warning to perpetrators of insecurity across the nation, declaring that his administration will offer dialogue to peaceful groups but will ruthlessly crush unyielding criminal elements. Speaking on Tuesday during an interview on the Nevon HQ podcast hosted by media personality Rufai Oseni, Obi outlined a dual-track strategy to restore law and order if elected president. Carrot and Stick Approach Obi emphasized his readiness to engage in dialogue to unite the country, but drew a firm line against unrepentant insurgents and bandits. "I’m going to talk with everybody," Obi stated. "In uniting the country, anybody who wants peace, I will talk and negotiate with them. But anybody who wants war, we will go to war." No Room for Lawlessness The NDC candidate made it clear that while his vision for a `New Nigeria` centers on inclusivity and national cohesion, there will be swift consequences for those who reject peace. "If you want to be part of this New Nigeria we are trying to build, that is possible, we can be together," Obi explained. "But if not, you will face the consequence of your action." A Call for Inclusivity Despite the tough stance on national security, Obi reiterated his commitment to equitable governance, promising that no region or group would be marginalized under his watch. "We have got to a point where we have to tell ourselves the truth. Nobody will be left behind. There will be inclusiveness. We will show love and care for everybody," he concluded.

ABUJA — The Court of Appeal in Abuja has halted the execution of a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister five political parties. The decision saves the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) from immediate dissolution. They will remain legally registered pending the final outcome of their appeals. Judicial Misconduct Alleged A three-member appellate panel, led by Justice A. B. Mohammed, issued a scathing rebuke of Justice Peter Lifu. The panel condemned the high court judge for delivering the judgment despite a May 22 order directing him to suspend all proceedings. The appellate court described the trial judge`s actions as the "gravest form of judicial misconduct," a "brazen violation" of the constitutional hierarchy, and "judicial impertinence". Citing Supreme Court precedent, the panel noted that judges who ignore superior court orders act in a manner that "amounts to judicial rascality" and renders them "unfit for the bench". INEC and Parties React During the hearing, INEC’s lead counsel, Mr. Haliru Mohammed, revealed that the commission was "stunned" by the lower court`s ruling. He stated that INEC was never officially notified and only learned of the judgment through media breaking news. Consequently, INEC did not oppose the stay of execution. Counsel for the ADC, Mr. Shuaibu Aruwa (SAN), further surprised the bench by revealing that Justice Lifu communicated the judgment via WhatsApp. Aruwa labeled the conduct an "invitation to anarchy" and urged the court to press the "reset button" on judicial discipline. Electoral Crisis Averted Lawyers representing the affected parties warned that enforcing the deregistration would trigger nationwide constitutional chaos, particularly with crucial by-elections scheduled across six states. The Federal High Court had originally ordered the deregistration on the grounds that the five parties failed to meet the constitutional requirements needed to maintain their registration and participate in future elections. With the appellate court`s intervention, the enforcement of that judgment is officially frozen.

ABUJA — The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately deregister five political parties for failing to meet the minimum constitutional requirements to remain on the national ballot. The affected political platforms are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord Party (AP), Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). The landmark judgment, delivered by Justice Peter Lifu, effectively bars the five political parties from participating in future elections or engaging in any recognized political activities across the country. The Constitutional Breach The judicial directive followed a lawsuit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2637/2026, instituted by the National Forum of Former Legislators. The plaintiffs approached the court to determine if INEC is under a constitutional obligation to prune the nation`s political space by removing inactive parties. Under Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022, a political party must achieve at least one of the following to retain its registration:Secure at least 25 per cent of the total votes cast in at least one state during a presidential election.Win at least one elective seat at the local government, state assembly, or national assembly level. The former lawmakers successfully argued that the five defendants persistently failed to hit these benchmarks during the 2023 general elections and subsequent by-elections, making their continued operation unlawful. Sweeping Restraining Orders Granting the reliefs sought by the plaintiffs, Justice Lifu ordered strict restrictions against the political groups to preserve the integrity of the electoral ecosystem. The court granted an injunction restraining the five parties from organizing campaigns, rallies, or conducting primary elections. Furthermore, the court restrained INEC from recognizing, corresponding with, or accommodating the affected parties in any official capacity moving forward. The plaintiffs had urged the court to compel INEC to act swiftly before preparations for the upcoming 2027 general elections advance any further. High-Stakes Political Fallout The court`s decision has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as it directly threatens the immediate future of several top-tier politicians. The judgment heavily impacts the 2027 political calculations, particularly affecting prominent candidates associated with the platforms. Notably, the ruling throws a wrench into the political machinery of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his political allies, whose 2027 ambitions are closely tied to alliances involving the affected parties. Legal experts predict the affected parties will file an immediate appeal to stay the execution of the judgment. As of press time, INEC has not issued an official statement regarding the timeline for enforcing the court`s deregistration order.