admin

Turaki-led PDP Throws Weight Behind Adeleke in Osun Governorship Election

by

  The Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its support for the Accord Party candidate and incumbent Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election. The faction announced the decision in a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong. It follows a Court of Appeal judgment upholding the nomination of Adebayo Adedamola as the PDP governorship candidate for the election. Ememobong said the appellate court, sitting in Abuja, also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to include the PDP logo on the ballot for the August 15, 2026, election.   So This Happened (118) reviews Buhari’s allegations… According to him, the court held that the PDP had conducted its governorship primary, which was monitored by INEC, and forwarded the winner’s name to the commission. He said the court further held that the access code for nomination on INEC’s portal was “a mere administrative formality” that could not override the statutory requirement for forwarding candidates’ names to the commission. However, the faction criticised INEC’s handling of the nomination process, alleging that the commission had refused to recognise its candidate and withheld the codes required for the upload of candidates. It said the court victory came too late for its candidate to campaign for the election. “Though justice has finally been done, in this case the grant of justice is akin to a denial as there is no opportunity for our candidate to undertake campaigns in preparation for the elections,” the statement said. It accused INEC of acting in a partisan manner and reiterated its position that the commission was “not a neutral umpire.” “To this end, faced with the unimaginable difficulty that this situation puts on us, the Interim National Working Committee has chosen not to throw its hands up in defeat, which would only align with APC’s wicked playbook. “As a true opposition party and in defence of multi-party democracy, and after exhaustive consultations with key stakeholders, the Committee has decided to support the candidature of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord Party for Saturday’s governorship elections,” the statement read. It added, “Governor Adeleke is a former member of our party who left because of the state-engineered and funded leadership conflict in our party. “We therefore ask all our members to vote for Governor Adeleke. We encourage them to go out on Saturday to vote, defend their votes and ensure that their votes count in the election. “Nigerians must resist the shameful do or die disposition of the APC to win elections in places where they are not popular, against the clear wishes of the people. “Elections must be a true reflection of the peoples’ wish, freely expressed through the ballot. Anything short of that is robbery and must not be allowed to stand.”

Osun APC Calls for Arrest Over Killing of DG’s Nephew as Parties Trade Blame

by

  The All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign council for the Osun governorship election has called for the arrest of the suspected assailants who allegedly killed Oladele Ayegbo, the nephew of the council’s Director-General, Oluwole Oke. Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Thursday, the Head of Media and Publicity of the council, Remi Omowaiye, said the party had lost about 40 members to extrajudicial killings in different parts of the state in recent weeks. Omowaiye, who chronicled a series of killings involving APC members that occurred recently, said some suspected hoodlums working for the Accord Party also attacked members of the party in Alarere village in the early hours of Thursday. “Yesterday, (Wednesday) the nephew of the Director-General of our campaign council, Honourable Oluwole Oke, Ayegbo Oladale and Taiwo Oluwadele were shot around Honourable Oluwole Oke’s family compound in Esa-Oke. So This Happened (EP 258) Reviews NNPC’s… “Unfortunately, we lost Ayegbo Oluwadele while Taiwo is still in a very critical condition. Just this morning again, an associate of Honourable Sanya Omirin and three others were attacked. They were shot. “Those shots were Adebayo Dada’s own was severe. All members of the APC at Atakumasa East were shot at. Others were Idowu Laide, Ebuka Emmanuel, Adebiyi Ebenezer. They were APC members. They were shot at Alarere,” Omowaiye said. He accused the governor, Ademola Adeleke, of playing the victim’s card, adding, “As I speak, we have lost about 40 of our members, and nothing has been done to stop this.” He continued, “A few days ago in Ilesha, it was alleged that one of the prisoners released by the government was responsible for the killing in Ilesha. “We were preparing for a rally. There was supposed to be a final rally in Ijesa South, and five people were shot. Four of them died, while one is in critical condition at the Teaching Hospital. One of them is still in the ICU. “And what was their offence? They were putting on APC caps. Well, one thing we want him to know is that he cannot escape the law, and the wrath of God will come upon Governor Adeleke for killing our people.” Reacting to the allegations in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Thursday, Osun Accord Party spokesperson, Oladele Bamiji, dismissed the APC’s allegations and told the party to look for the perpetrators of the crime within its fold. Bamiji said, “Our party is peaceful. We have been conducting our campaigns peacefully. There is nothing to warrant all these killings. “This happened not long after a chieftain of the APC in the state declared war on Accord Party members. We urge the police to do their job and fish out the perpetrators.” Also, the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, in a statement obtained in Osogbo, condemned the killing in Esa-Oke and the subsequent destruction of properties. He condoled with the families of the victims and other victims of recent political violence across the state, saying he had directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and security operations in Esa-Oke and its environs, while ordering the police to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators were apprehended and brought to justice. Adeleke described the incident as an unfortunate consequence of reckless political incitement, urging political leaders and their supporters across Ijeshaland and Osun State to refrain from actions and utterances capable of triggering violence. “We all have families and friends. We should not preach violence. Senator Fadahunsi issued killing directive; the next day, somebody was killed at Esa-Oke, his own zone,” the governor said. He also commiserated with the families of the more than 15 Accord members reportedly killed so far, as well as those whose homes were raided, vandalised or whose members were allegedly illegally arrested in Ikire. “Aside Esa-Oke, over 20 homes of Accord members were raided last night at Ikire. Some were illegally arrested while houses of others were vandalised. This is not politics again. “I challenge our opponents to let us fight through the ballot. Since we are practising democracy, we must allow our people to vote. My strength and that of my party is God and the people. We are winning on Saturday,” the governor said. He urged the people of Esa-Oke, Ijeshaland and Osun State to resist the temptation of attacks and counter-attacks, stressing that the forthcoming election must be conducted peacefully and that every voter must be allowed to freely cast their ballot.  

ADC Raises Alarm Over Alleged Plan to Arrest Aregbesola

by

  The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has expressed concern over an alleged plot to arrest its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State. The party said it had received what it described as “credible reports” of plans to arrest the former Osun State governor in the days leading to the poll. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on X on Wednesday, the ADC said it was concerned that the alleged arrest could be aimed at disrupting the party’s election activities. “Given the pattern of intimidation, harassment and misuse of state institutions that has increasingly characterised the conduct of this government towards the opposition, we cannot afford to dismiss these reports,” Abdullahi said. Aregbesola, who served as governor of Osun State from 2010 to 2018 and later as Minister of the Interior, is currently the National Secretary of the ADC. The party said there were established procedures that should be followed if any security agency had lawful reasons to question its national secretary. “Ogbeni Aregbesola is a former Governor of Osun State, a former Minister of the Federal Republic and the National Secretary of the opposition political party. If any security agency has a lawful reason to invite him, there are established procedures for doing so,” it said. The ADC argued that arresting Aregbesola on the eve of an election in which the party is participating would raise questions about the motive behind such an action. “An arrest on the eve of an election in which his party is participating would invite only one reasonable conclusion: that the purpose is to prevent him from leading and coordinating the party’s election activities,” the statement said. The party consequently put the Federal Government and security agencies on notice, urging them to avoid actions that could undermine the credibility of the election. “The eyes of Nigerians are on Osun,” Abdullahi said. “Whatever happens before, during and after Saturday’s election will be judged not by the explanations offered afterwards, but by the actions taken now.” The ADC also warned the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government against taking any action that could trigger political tension in the state. “The APC Federal Government must be wary of doing anything that could plunge Osun State into needless crisis,” the party said. The party further called on the government to respect democratic principles and ensure that political parties are allowed to participate freely in the election. “Nigeria is still a democracy, and the government would do well to remember that before Saturday,” Abdullahi said

Canada Introduces Special Immigration Measures for Foreign Workers, Students Affected by Disasters

by

  The Canadian government has rolled out temporary special immigration measures to support foreign workers, students and visitors whose lives and immigration situations have been affected by natural disasters across the country. The measures, which run from April 1, 2026, to November 30, 2028, allow eligible temporary residents up to six months to apply to restore their status after losing it, compared with the normal 90-day period. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on its X handle on Tuesday said the measures are available to people who were directly affected by a natural disaster in Canada and had valid temporary resident status as a worker, student or visitor on the date they were affected. Natural disasters covered by the measures may include wildfires, storms, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. Eligible workers applying to restore their status are required to submit a signed attestation explaining when and how the disaster affected them. They must also include the code “NaturalDisaster2026” and provide supporting evidence where applicable, including proof that they lived or were temporarily staying in the affected area. Workers may also be required to provide their employer’s name and address and evidence that their workplace was unable to operate because of the disaster. Students applying to restore their status must similarly provide an attestation explaining the impact of the disaster and include the “NaturalDisaster2026” code. They may also need to provide evidence of their residence or temporary stay in the affected area, as well as details of their designated learning institution. Where a school has closed because of a natural disaster, students can provide supporting evidence such as a letter from the institution, an email sent to students or a public notice confirming the closure. IRCC said students whose designated learning institutions are closed because of a disaster may be considered to be on authorised leave. Such students can pause their studies without penalty and may continue working off campus if their study permits allow it. Applicants must still pay the applicable standard fees. The department also said applicants who require urgent processing can submit an IRCC web form after applying. They should select “Request Priority Processing for my existing application” and enter “NaturalDisaster2026” in the section asking them to explain their situation, alongside reasons why their application should be prioritised. The same web form can be used by applicants who need assistance, have questions, or need to update their contact information. IRCC clarified that people who held a Temporary Resident Permit and wish to extend their stay must apply for another temporary resident permit rather than use the restoration measures. The special measures are intended to give disaster-affected temporary residents additional time to regularise their immigration status while dealing with the consequences of major natural disasters.  

La Liga to Examine Celta Vigo Pitch Amid Suspected Fungus Infestation

by

  La Liga officials are expected to inspect Celta Vigo’s Estadio de Balaídos after a suspected fungus outbreak reportedly damaged the pitch ahead of the club’s opening fixture of the 2026-27 season. Celta Vigo are scheduled to host Osasuna on Sunday night, with kick-off set for 20:30 BST. Reports from Spain indicate that the condition of the pitch has raised concerns over whether the fixture can be played as scheduled. Sources close to La Liga have reportedly told BBC Sport on Wednesday that league officials are expected to visit the 24,870-capacity stadium in Vigo within the next 24 hours to assess the surface. Celta Vigo are believed to have requested that the match be postponed because of the condition of the pitch, while Osasuna are reportedly open to playing the fixture as scheduled. The inspection is expected to determine whether the playing surface is safe and suitable for a top-flight match. Balaídos recently hosted Spain’s friendly against Iraq in June, before the national team went on to win the 2026 World Cup during the summer. The stadium has also been undergoing renovation work for more than a decade and is planned to be among the 11 Spanish venues used for the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Once the renovation work is completed, the stadium’s capacity is expected to increase from its current 24,870 to between 40,000 and 44,000. Celta had previously been given the option of postponing the opening fixture because striker Borja Iglesias was involved in Spain’s World Cup final campaign. However, the club chose not to exercise that option. The potential postponement would add to some changes already made to the opening weekend schedule. Three other La Liga fixtures — Valencia against Real Betis, Real Madrid against Real Sociedad, and Barcelona against Athletic Club — have been rescheduled for later in the month because of clubs having players involved in the World Cup. La Liga’s pitch inspection will now determine whether Celta Vigo can begin their new campaign at home as originally planned or whether the Osasuna fixture will have to be moved to another date.

Continuing Football Without You May Be Difficult – Messi Opens Up on Father’s Death

by

  Lionel Messi has broken his silence following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, saying he is unsure whether he will continue playing football for much longer without him. The Argentina captain shared an emotional tribute to his late father on Wednesday via his Instagram page, alongside a photograph of them together. “Dad, I still can’t believe you’re gone. It hasn’t sunk in—or rather, I don’t want it to sink in. It’s so hard to imagine that I won’t see you anymore, that we won’t talk anymore. I know you were suffering and that it’s for the best, but you left too soon. We still had so much left to enjoy together,” Messi wrote. The Inter Miami forward recalled how much his father wanted him to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, revealing that Jorge’s condition deteriorated shortly before the tournament began. “You wanted me to play in the last World Cup so much, and a few days before it started was when you took a turn for the worse. It was the first time you weren’t going to be at a tournament, but Mom kept telling me you’d get better and that you’d be fine enough to travel. I kept telling you we were going to make it to the final so you could make the trip,” he wrote. Messi said he was reminded of his father’s deteriorating condition whenever he expected a message from him after Argentina’s matches. “Every time a match ended, I waited for and missed your message. That was when I realized how truly bad the situation was. Even so, I couldn’t stop thinking about going as far as possible, just to give you time so you could watch a match,” he said. He recalled Argentina’s run to the final and said he had hoped to win the trophy so he could show it to his father. “We made it to the final and you couldn’t be there. I wanted to win it so I could bring it to you and show you a new trophy. I couldn’t do it—my legs just couldn’t give any more. This time I tried to push past my body, but I couldn’t. I was never able to feel right physically,” Messi wrote. The footballer also revealed that his father initially believed Argentina had lost the final on penalties. “When I arrived home, you thought we had lost the final on penalties. We couldn’t talk about anything that had happened. You didn’t get to enjoy any of it. We didn’t end up as champions, but you have no idea how much we enjoyed every match. Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play it,” he said. Messi said the loss of his father had left him uncertain about his future in football. “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I don’t know how to move forward. Football was all I did, and now I have serious doubts about whether I’ll keep playing for much longer. “You were by my side from the very beginning, and there was so little left until the end. Why couldn’t you hang on just a little longer so we could finish together?” he wrote. The 38-year-old said his father was not only his parent but also his friend and agent, adding that he would carry his influence into the way he raises his own children. “You were a dad, a friend, and an agent. You were always the person you needed to be at every moment, and you were never wrong about anything. Beyond the occasional disagreements or fights, you were always right. In the end, things always turned out just as you said they would,” Messi wrote. “I’m going to miss you so much, but you will always be present—especially in how I raise my children, because I teach and raise them just like you two did with me.” Messi concluded the tribute by thanking his father for his support throughout his career. “Rest in peace and watch over us from above, just as you did here. Thank you for everything. “I love you, Dad.” Jorge Messi, the footballer’s father and long-time representative, died at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness. Jorge played a major role in his son’s development, including helping him secure medical treatment for growth hormone deficiency before facilitating his move from Argentina to Barcelona at the age of 13. Messi had previously spoken about his father’s declining health after scoring in Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria. The forward became emotional after scoring and later explained that his tears were “completely unrelated to sport” and that he had gone through “some difficult, complicated days.” He subsequently said the situation was “more than anything, because of the family.” Jorge’s death came after he had been under medical supervision for an illness, with the Messi family previously saying he was recovering and progressing favourably within his condition. The elder Messi remained a key figure in his son’s career, managing his affairs and supporting him throughout his rise from a young player at Newell’s Old Boys to one of football’s most decorated players.

Adeleke Declares Friday a Work-Free Day for Osun Workers

by

  Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared Friday, August 14, 2026, a work-free day for public servants across the state to enable them prepare for Saturday’s governorship election. The declaration was contained in a circular issued by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina and posted by the Spokesperson to the state governor, the Olawale Rasheed on X on Wednesday. According to the circular, the decision was taken to enable workers who need to travel to do so and prepare to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the election. The government said all categories of workers are covered by the declaration, except those engaged in emergency and essential duties. Meanwhile, Adeleke has urged Osun workers, their relatives and friends to turn out massively for the election and defend their votes to ensure continuity in the state. In a pre-election message to workers, the governor commended the leadership of organised labour and workers for their support for his administration. He also described the relationship between his administration and Osun workers as mutually beneficial. “The time for action has come. As formal workers at state establishments, I task you to mobilise informal workers, artisans and professional bodies,” Adeleke said. He urged workers and other residents to remain firm in defending their constitutional rights, adding that the election provided an opportunity to sustain the achievements of his administration. “We must remain strong in defence of our constitutional rights to vote and be voted for,” he said. The governor further appealed to the electorate to protect what he described as the gains recorded by his administration over the past three and a half years. “We must defend the gains of the last three and half years plus. Ours is a workers-friendly government which has delivered across board to labour and Osun people. We cannot and must not allow a return to dark days,” Adeleke said.  

Osun Senator Fadahunsi Arrives at Police Headquarters

by

  Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Fadahunsi, has arrived at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo to answer questions over alleged inciting remarks. Fadahunsi arrived at about 2:35 p.m. on Wednesday, accompanied by the Commissioner of Police in charge of election and security, Samuel Erale, Channels TV reports. The senator was invited by the police authorities following alleged comments made against members of the Accord Party in Ilesa. The police had earlier warned political actors against inflammatory statements capable of heightening tensions ahead of Saturday’s governorship election. Details later…

Some Nollywood Stars Declined Support for Temitope Osoba’s Burial – Actress

by

  Nollywood actress Toyosi Adesanya has alleged that some of her colleagues refused to support the burial of late actress Temitope Osoba, citing her non-membership of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) as their reason. Adesanya made the allegation on Tuesday at the candlelight procession and artistes’ night held in honour of Osoba in Ikeja, Lagos State. The actress, who is the National Director of Social and Welfare of TAMPAN, represented the association’s President, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, at the event. She appealed to practitioners in the entertainment industry to support one another in life and death, while condemning what she described as deception and “eye service” among colleagues. According to her, efforts to raise funds for Osoba’s burial after her death were resisted by some practitioners who questioned her membership of TAMPAN. “Do you know that when Tope died, I was talking to the president about soliciting some funds for her burial but some of our colleagues declined, saying that she wasn’t a member of TAMPAN and that she didn’t practise. “Someone who is dead and I can confirm was a member in Eti-Osa chapter, yet you are still beefing her. You people are going about saying that they shouldn’t contribute a dime for her because she’s not a member. That is bad. The same thing happened when Murphy Afolabi died,” she said. Osoba’s death came barely a year after she publicly shared her experience battling breast cancer and appealed for financial support for her treatment. In August 2025, she announced her return to acting after undergoing surgery and other treatment, saying she had been declared cancer-free. Her death subsequently generated reactions and controversy among colleagues and fans, particularly over the level of support she received from members of the entertainment industry before and after her death. Adesanya urged actors and other practitioners to stop waiting until their colleagues die before celebrating or supporting them, stressing that people should be appreciated while they are still alive. “I have a message for you all, let’s celebrate ourselves while we are alive. Don’t judge anybody, let’s focus on our lives. Temitope came, saw but lost the battle to death,” she said. The actress also criticised what she described as hypocrisy within the industry, noting that the number of people who attended Osoba’s candlelight procession appeared to contrast with the support she said was offered to the late actress when she needed it. Adesanya urged practitioners to replace rivalry and division with love, unity and genuine support, stressing that death should not be the point at which colleagues begin to demonstrate concern for one another.  

OYOSUBEB Denies Role in Common Entrance Exam Result Leak, Warns Against Defamatory Broadcasts

by

  IBADAN — The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, has categorically denied any involvement in the alleged leakage of the results of the just concluded Common Entrance Examination, as reported during a programme on a popular radio station in Ibadan. The Board described the allegation as false, misleading and capable of causing unnecessary damage to the reputation of the Board and its leadership. For the avoidance of doubt, OYOSUBEB is not involved at any stage in the conduct, setting, production or handling of questions for the Common Entrance Examination. Therefore, any attempt to link the Board, its Executive Chairman or its officials to the alleged leakage is completely unfounded. The Board wishes to state unequivocally that the administration of Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran has consistently upheld transparency, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of its responsibilities. It will not allow unsubstantiated allegations or speculative reports to tarnish the integrity of the Board or its leadership. The Board further wishes to clarify that any complaint, inquiry or concern relating to the conduct, administration or outcome of the just concluded Common Entrance Examination should be directed to the Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, which is the appropriate authority responsible for the examination. Such matters should not be directed to OYOSUBEB, which has no involvement in the conduct or administration of the examination. While OYOSUBEB respects the role of the media in holding public institutions accountable, such responsibility must be exercised with due regard for accuracy, fairness and the fundamental principles of responsible journalism. The Board therefore calls on the management and presenters of the said radio station, as well as other media organisations, to exercise caution and verify facts before making or airing allegations concerning OYOSUBEB and its officials. OYOSUBEB further warns that any defamatory statement, false allegation or continued smear campaign against the person and reputation of the Executive Chairman, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, by any broadcaster or media platform will be met with strong legal action. The Board will not hesitate to pursue all lawful remedies available to protect the integrity and reputation of its leadership. The Board remains focused on its mandate of strengthening basic education in Oyo State and will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to promote quality, transparency and accountability in basic education across the State. Members of the public are therefore urged to disregard the allegation and rely on verified information from the appropriate authorities regarding the Common Entrance Examination.

Stay Informed. Stay Ahead

Get breaking news and top stories delivered to your inbox every morning.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Get the Morning Briefing

Tops stories from Nigeria delivered free to your inbox every day.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.

Your No 1 Trusted News Source 

Email info@citybuzz.com 

Web Citybuzznews.com

LEGAL

SECTIONS

©Copyright Citybuzz News. All rights reserved.