Rev. Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), has said President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima secured victory in the 2023 general elections with support from Nigerians across religious lines, not Muslims alone. Hayab made the remark while reacting to comments by Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, who had defended Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 elections and argued that Muslims should not apologise for supporting candidates of their faith because of their population and popularity. In a viral video, Jingir described Christians as “infidels” and urged Muslims to unite and use their numerical strength to pursue their political interests. Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, Hayab said the comments were unacceptable, arguing that the 2023 presidential election showed that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket received support from Christian-majority states and communities. “Will you tell me that the current Muslim Muslim ticket that you claim to have put was only elected by Muslims? No, sir. I can count states that are mostly Christian. The man won in those states,” he said. He said the Muslim-Muslim ticket had raised concerns among Christians, noting that they had advised that there should be a balance for fairness. “We only wanted understanding and togetherness, as enshrined in our Constitution,” Hayab said. Hayab also criticised Jingir’s description of Christians as “infidels”, saying such language was unacceptable when addressing fellow Nigerians because of their faith. “If you respect me, you do not come out publicly and make such a derogatory statement against me, against my faith, just for politics. “It is no longer politics. It is the reality that has been going on on the ground,” he said. The NCA chairman said Jingir’s comments had also brought into the open what Christians in the North had experienced for years but were often dismissed whenever concerns were raised about persecution, marginalisation and religious dominance. He said it was worrisome that the Islamic cleric made the statement in the presence of political leaders who did not immediately reject or rebuke him but were instead seen cheering him. ‘Nigeria’s pretence over allegations of persecution and discrimination against Christians had finally come to an end.” According to him, “There is always a day when you will no longer pretend. We have been living in pretence in Nigeria, lying to ourselves that we are together, lying to each other that there is unity and lying to each other that we are co-citizens. “But for us as Christians in the North, we know these preachers have always been there for all these decades. So, I think Sheikh Jingir just found an opportunity to open up what has been happening in secret,” Hayab said. “The man did not just say it in his room. The man said it in the presence of three governors, and they were all smiling. “An action that would have been frowned upon, an action that would have been rebuked, an action that would have been rejected instantly,” he said. “Some months ago, we had controversy in this Nigerian debate around whether Christian genocide is happening and whether Christians have been persecuted. Many people said, ‘No, that is not true.’ “Today, Nigerians do not need to ask another question unless you want to pretend. The pretence has ended. We can see it clearly. We can hear it clearly,” he said. He challenged the governors at the gathering, the Federal Government and politicians being promoted by the cleric to publicly state their positions on the matter. “We are waiting to see the reaction of those governors. Whatever stopped them from reacting that day is another different thing. We are going to see what they are going to say. “Then, we will see the reaction of the Federal Government. We will see the reaction of those candidates whom the man is campaigning for, whether they like such,” he said. Hayab maintained that the controversy was not simply about Muslims supporting Muslim candidates but about the language used to address fellow Nigerians because of their faith. He argued that Nigeria had previously witnessed political tickets involving candidates of the same faith without generating the current level of tension, adding that the problem was not necessarily the religious identity of candidates but inflammatory rhetoric and attempts to demean other citizens. Hayab, however, said Christians would not abandon dialogue and engagement with Muslims and other religious groups despite the controversy. “We will not stop the dialogue. We will talk with honest people and clerics. We will talk with people who understand things rightly. “But we should also call out people like Jingir and others. And when we call them out, government can now act responsibly and know that these people are creating bigger problems for us than uniting Nigeria. “Nigeria needs unity. Nigeria needs togetherness,” he said. The NCA chairman also renewed his call for religion to be included in Nigeria’s national census, saying accurate demographic data could help address competing claims of religious numerical strength and dominance. Hayab also rejected suggestions that Christians had failed to engage government and other stakeholders on issues affecting their communities. According to him, Christian leaders regularly meet political party leaders, government officials and security agencies to raise concerns, although they sometimes choose quiet engagement in the interest of peace. The cleric also warned against a growing pattern of divisive statements, citing another video in which a speaker declared that Christians would be removed from government and other sectors if he became governor of Katsina State. Hayab said the emergence of such comments within a short period should concern Nigerians and called on authorities to take decisive steps against rhetoric capable of worsening religious tensions. He also faulted efforts to restrict religious preaching, arguing that the Constitution guarantees Nigerians the freedom to practise and propagate their faith. “Nigerians are suffering from hunger. There is insecurity in Nigeria. Our people are not reminding themselves to do what is right to secure Nigeria and to contribute to nation building. “Instead, they are busy coming … Read more
Politics
Makinde: I Won’t Become Political Godfather to My Successor
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday said he would not seek to become a political godfather or dictate the affairs of government after leaving office in 2027, stressing that his successor would be allowed to govern independently. He stated this while playing host to members of the Muslim community at a Hijrah 1448 luncheon, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Agodi, in Ibadan, the state capital. Makinde stressed that having spent eight years in office serving the people of Oyo, he would not seek to remain in control of the government after 2027, as his successor would be allowed to provide leadership without undue interference. The governor said, “I won’t be a political godfather to my successor. After eight years of serving the people of Oyo State, I will ensure that there is a smooth transition and that whoever succeeds me is given the opportunity to develop and implement policies in line with the aspirations and yearnings of the people. “The essence of political leadership should not be the ability to control those who come after a public office holder, but the willingness to serve humanity and leave behind institutions and structures that can continue to benefit the people.” Makinde called on eligible voters to pay close attention to the qualities of candidates seeking political offices ahead of the 2027 general elections, rather than allowing ethnic, religious or other primordial considerations to determine their choices. “Leadership should be about service to humanity, not about control. As we approach another election period, I want to urge our people, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, to hold those seeking political office accountable. “Do not assess political aspirants based on ethnicity, religion or other primordial considerations. Look at their competence, their character and their commitment to public service. Ask yourselves what they have done, what they can do and whether they genuinely have the interest of the people at heart. “Governance is about improving the lives of the people. Those entrusted with public office must always put the interest of the citizens above their personal interests or political interests. That is the essence of leadership and that is what our people deserve,“ he said. The state helmsman, therefore, assured the residents that his administration would remain focused on delivering good governance and consolidating its achievements throughout the remainder of its tenure. “Our remaining period in office will be dedicated to consolidating the achievements we have recorded so far and delivering more impactful projects and programmes for the benefit of our people across the state. “Until the expiration of this administration, we will continue to make decisions and take actions that will promote development, peace and prosperity in Oyo. We will continue to work for the people and ensure that the resources entrusted to us are used for the benefit of the people,“ Makinde said. He thanked the people of the state for the confidence reposed in his administration and for the support extended to his government throughout the past eight years. “I want to appreciate the people of Oyo for the confidence and support you have given this administration over the last eight years. We do not take that support for granted. I also want to sincerely appreciate the Muslim community for your partnership and your contributions to the growth and stability of our state. Your support has been important to the progress we have made.” Makinde said his administration would remain committed to ensuring that every segment of the state felt a sense of belonging in governance.
Accord Presidential Candidate Explains Why Tinubu Will Win in 2027
Prof. Christopher Imumolen, the presidential candidate and National Chairman of a faction of the Accord Party, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu is on course to win the 2027 presidential election, citing his administration’s reforms, leadership style and increasing support across the country. Imumolen stated this at a news conference in Lagos on Friday, where he formally announced his withdrawal from the 2027 presidential race and endorsed Tinubu for a second term. He said the decision followed extensive consultations with the party’s leadership and members. Imumolen said that national interest should always take precedence over personal ambition and partisan considerations. According to him, Tinubu’s re-election is inevitable because Nigerians are beginning to appreciate the long-term benefits of the administration’s reform agenda despite prevailing economic challenges. “Tinubu will win because of his people-oriented programmes and the massive support he has received from different parts of the country. “There is focus. Let us forget about the challenges of inflation and security. There must be progress. “If another person comes in 2027, he will have to start all over again. “There must be continuity. He has identified the challenges, and we need to move from where we are to the next phase. That is why we are supporting him, and he will win. My support is total,” Imumolen said. He said the President’s reform agenda closely aligned with his own manifesto, especially in economic transformation, education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, industrialisation and national development. Imumolen said the party endorsed him for ten reasons, after reviewing the administration’s performance and Nigeria’s future development needs. He said the first three reasons were Tinubu’s courage in implementing difficult economic reforms, demonstrated leadership capacity and commitment to progressive governance through continuity of development projects. According to him, the fourth, fifth and sixth reasons were deliberate youth empowerment, bridging generational leadership and appointing competent individuals into strategic public offices. He said the seventh, eighth and ninth reasons were placing national interest above personal ambition, ensuring policy continuity, political stability and sustained reforms, and demonstrating transparency through the party’s early endorsement. Imumolen said the tenth reason was the party’s conviction that collaboration in the national interest would strengthen democracy and accelerate national development. “Over the last four years, I was one of those who criticised the President. However, I have also witnessed his leadership style and the progress his administration has made,” he said. He said no opposition presidential candidate, including those of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), possessed a stronger prospect than Tinubu. Imumolen commended the administration for appointing young Nigerians into strategic positions, saying the President had demonstrated confidence in the country’s younger generation. According to him, the appointments have created opportunities for young people to contribute meaningfully to governance and national development. “I believe President Bola Tinubu is uniquely positioned to provide a seamless transition between Nigeria’s founding democratic leadership and the emerging generation of transformational leaders,” he said. Imumolen reiterated that his political aspiration had always been driven by service to Nigeria rather than the pursuit of public office. “My aspiration has always been to serve Nigeria and not merely to occupy political office. “Whenever the national interest is better served through unity and strategic collaboration, I will always choose Nigeria above personal interest,” he said. He said continuity in governance remained essential for attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening institutions and sustaining ongoing reforms across the country. “These are some of the reasons our party has collectively resolved to stand behind President Tinubu in the forthcoming election. “There is no hidden agenda. Our only objective is to support what we believe is good for Nigeria and secure a better future for ourselves and our children,” he said. Imumolen said the party announced its endorsement ahead of the election to demonstrate openness and provide clarity to its members and supporters. He dismissed claims that the endorsement resulted from weak political structures, insisting the decision was based entirely on performance and national interest. “Our party evaluates leaders based on their performance. We have assessed Mr President’s record and believe supporting him is in the national interest,” he said. Imumolen explained that the party deliberately declined to field a presidential candidate because it believed continuity would consolidate the reforms initiated by the Tinubu administration. He assured supporters that the presidential endorsement would not affect Accord Party’s participation in governorship, legislative and other elections across the country. (NAN)
Atiku Raises Concern Over Suspicious Deposit Into His Bank Account
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern after an unexpected credit was made to one of his personal bank accounts, suggesting that the incident may indicate a compromise of his confidential banking information. Atiku, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, disclosed this in a statement on Friday signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu. The statement said the transfer was made by an individual unknown to the former vice president, with the narration, “Contribution Electioneering Campaign.” “Neither His Excellency nor his campaign solicited, authorised or has any knowledge of the individual or entity behind the unauthorised payment,” the statement read. According to the statement, the circumstances surrounding the transaction were “deeply troubling” as the account was strictly private and its details were not publicly available. “The account is a strictly private one whose details are not in the public domain. This raises a fundamental question: How did unknown persons obtain the confidential banking details of a private citizen?” it added. Atiku said the alleged access to his banking information raised broader concerns about the protection of Nigerians’ financial privacy. “If the private banking information of a former Vice President and a leading presidential candidate can be accessed and deployed for reasons yet unknown then no Nigerian’s financial privacy is safe,” the statement quoted him as saying. The former vice president also expressed concern over the possibility that the information was obtained through individuals with privileged access. “Even more disturbing, is the suspicion that such confidential information may have been obtained through persons with privileged access,” the statement said. Atiku warned that a breach of confidential banking information could expose citizens to security threats. “If established, this would amount to a grave abuse of power capable of exposing the account holder to kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, fraudsters and other criminal elements,” the statement added. The ADC presidential candidate said security agencies and Nigerians had been notified of the development, describing it as part of a series of suspicious activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. “We therefore put the Nigerian public — and the security agencies — on notice about this latest incident in a litany of suspicious activities leading up to next year’s general elections,” he said. Atiku urged Nigerians not to be distracted by what he described as attempts to smear his reputation as political activities intensify ahead of the elections. “As political activities gather momentum, Nigerians should not be distracted by these tired tactics that smack of character assassination,” the statement read. “Such desperate antics have failed before and will fail again,” he added. The former vice president maintained that he remained committed to providing what he described as credible leadership and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges. “The Waziri Adamawa remains focused on offering Nigerians credible leadership and practical solutions to the nation’s challenges,” the statement said.
Osun Poll: Davido Calls for Peaceful Election, Rejects Violence
Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has called on residents of Osun State to maintain peace and reject all forms of violence and intimidation ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, encouraging them to turn out peacefully and exercise their democratic rights. Speaking during a youth campaign mobilisation event in support of Governor Ademola Adeleke which was shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, the singer described the governor as one of the best leaders the state has had and expressed confidence that he would secure another term in office. “We’re all here for one reason. It’s for the Executive Governor of Osun State, the only Chief Security Officer of Osun State. One of the best, if not the best, governor to ever have ruled this state. We have our projects to show for it. We have our integrity to show for it, and we have our diligence to show for it,” he said. Davido said he was addressing the public not just as an entertainer but as a representative of the youth. “I speak to you today, not just as Davido, but as one of your own, as a voice for our people. I understand the tension and emotion surrounding this election, but I urge everyone to remain calm,” he said. Expressing confidence in the outcome of the election, he added, “We’ve won this thing twice before. No shaking. We’ve won it twice before and we’re going to win it again for the third time, by the grace of God.” The singer urged voters to reject violence and intimidation during the election. “Let us reject violence. I’ll say it again. Let us reject violence, intimidation, provocation and, most importantly, destruction. To every person in Osun, come out and exercise your right to vote. Do not be afraid or intimidated. Your vote is your voice and your choice must be respected,” he said. Davido also appealed to political leaders to ensure the election remains peaceful. “I’ve heard rumours suggesting that there are moves to interfere in the Osun State election or use the state as a political battleground to prove a point. I do not present these claims as facts, but I appeal to you, sir, to use your influence to promote peace and allow the people of Osun choose their candidates freely,” he said. Referencing his personal ties to Imo State through his wife, Chioma, Davido said, “We have mutual connections, and I have a deep connection to Imo State. My wife, Chioma, is from the state, which makes this appeal more sincere. Please, let Osun remain peaceful.” He concluded by urging all stakeholders to respect the will of the electorate. “Let’s allow democracy take its course and let the people decide. Whatever the outcome is, please do not allow political ambition to put the lives and future of Osun people at risk. “If they choose you, let the victory be through their votes. If they choose someone else, let their decision be respected. Politics is temporary, but Osun will be here forever. No political victory is worth violence, destruction or the loss of a single life,” he said.
Osun Moves to Court Over EFCC’s Freeze on Govt Account
Osun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Jimi-Bada, announced on Wednesday that he has been authorised by the governor to institute legal action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the anti-graft agency’s decision to freeze the state’s government accounts. Jimi-Bada said a ‘Post no debit’ letter from the EFCC was forwarded to the management of the First Bank where Osun government accounts were domiciled on Wednesday. The commissioner, who expressed readiness to proceed to court, said the move by the anti-graft agency may hamper government’s business, noted that Governor Ademola Adeleke was not using state funds to run its campaign for reelection. “I have the mandate of the governor to proceed to the Federal High Court to challenge this move. EFCC can investigate the accounts but it can’t freeze the accounts without order of court. “This step will affect government running but we will challenge the move and ensure that the agency acts within the ambit of the law,” Jimi-Bada said. Corroborating the Attorney General, Osun State Commissioner for Finance, Sola Ogungbile, alleged that police operatives had stormed the main branch of First Bank in Osogbo and arrested staff members of the bank. He also said Adeleke was not using state funds for his campaigns and urged the anti graft agency to consider the implications that the move will have on the general well-being of the residents. Earlier, Adeleke raised the alarm that EFCC was planning to freeze all Osun State government accounts. In a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, on Wednesday, the governor said the EFCC was also reportedly planning to freeze accounts of all top government functionaries. The governor who said such a plan, if true, amounts to the height of lawlessness, said “The plot to freeze the state government accounts is meant to paralyze government activities ahead of the August 15th governorship election.” The governor affirmed that there is no legal basis or justification for any push to freeze the state government accounts, declaring that the anti-graft agency has no legal powers to freeze the account of a state government. Details later…
Osun Poll: APC Urges Adeleke to Stop Blaming Tinubu for His Challenges
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to stop blaming President Bola Tinubu and leaders of the ruling party for his political difficulties ahead of the August 15 governorship election, saying he should instead defend his performance in office. APC National Secretary, Ajibola Bashiru, made the call while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, in response to comments by Adeleke at a campaign rally in Osogbo, where the governor accused political opponents of orchestrating violence in the state and appealed to Tinubu to intervene. Adeleke had alleged that extrajudicial killings were taking place in Osun and urged the President not to turn a blind eye to the situation. “President Bola Tinubu, something is happening in Osun that you have not moved to put an end to. They are killing our people. You are the President; you are the father for all of us. Osun has said they won’t allow rigging,” the governor was quoted as saying. He also warned against any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the election, drawing parallels with the political crisis that engulfed the old Western Region in 1983. “There won’t be rigging in Osun. Remember what happened in 1983. It started in Yorubaland when they cheated Bola Ige and Michael Ajasin. Osun will not agree. We want a free and fair election. President Tinubu, I am passing this message to you. We have endorsed you; why are they still killing us?” Adeleke added. Responding, Bashiru dismissed the governor’s allegations as baseless and urged him to run an issue-based campaign if he believed he deserved a second term. “If Governor Adeleke truly has achievements to present to the people of Osun, he should campaign on them instead of casting aspersions on President Tinubu and leaders of the APC over an election that is still days away,” Bashiru said. The APC scribe said it was surprising that a sitting governor was already raising fears of election rigging nearly two weeks before the poll. “How can a sitting governor be crying about rigging in an election that is still about 11 days away, when in politics even 24 hours is enough to change the dynamics?” he asked. According to Bashiru, Adeleke’s comments reflected anxiety over what he described as the growing popularity of the APC and its governorship candidate, Munirudeen Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO. He argued that the governor should instead account for his administration’s performance, alleging that several roads across the state remained in poor condition while the education sector continued to suffer from a shortage of about 30,000 teachers. “If those roads had been fixed, they would have stimulated economic activities across the state. If the shortage of teachers had been addressed, thousands of jobs would have been created while improving the quality of education,” he said. Bashiru also maintained that Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu’s second-term bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election would not translate into electoral support for the governor. “The endorsement of President Tinubu is not a guarantee that Governor Adeleke will secure a second term. He must face the electorate and account for his stewardship,” he added. He further claimed that the large crowds attending the party’s campaign rallies across the state had unsettled the governor, prompting what he described as attempts to gain public sympathy through allegations against the ruling party. Similarly, the Osun State chapter of the APC accused Adeleke of fuelling political tension and attempting to shift responsibility for the state’s security challenges to Tinubu and former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. In a statement signed by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC described Adeleke’s allegations as “misplaced, frivolous and unsubstantiated.” “The unsubstantiated allegations of Governor Adeleke, who covers his inadequacy by resorting to dancing when an injection of intellect is needed, against President Tinubu and former Governor Oyetola are misplaced and frivolous. They amount to nothing more than an attempt to justify his imminent defeat in the forthcoming governorship election,” Olabisi said. It also accused the governor of granting questionable amnesty to convicted political thugs and appointing some of them to public offices. “The discerning public deserves to know why, just days before the governorship election, the governor has allegedly been granting questionable amnesty to dangerous political thugs serving various jail terms in correctional centres across the state,” the statement read in part. The APC further argued that Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu’s 2027 presidential ambition was voluntary and should not be used as a basis for seeking political concessions. “Why the worry if it is true that Governor Adeleke has performed well? The August 15 governorship election will provide the electorate with the opportunity to assess his claims,” Olabisi added. Osun State will hold its governorship election on August 15, with Governor Adeleke of the Accord Party seeking a second term against the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. The campaign has been marked by accusations and counter-accusations between the two major parties over political violence, security concerns and alleged attempts to influence the electoral process.
North Will Give 95% of Votes to Tinubu — Uba Sani
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has expressed confidence that the North will deliver at least 95 per cent of its votes to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, describing the contest as “already concluded.” Sani made the remarks during the flag-off of the 122-kilometre Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road project. The governor said Kaduna residents were satisfied with Tinubu’s performance, particularly the Federal Government’s investment in infrastructure across the state. “We have to be happy with what he has done for us and whether we like it or not, Kaduna is the capital of Northern Nigeria. Everyone is proud of Kaduna. “Kaduna’s development is a development for all the states of Northern Nigeria, so we are happy and grateful to the President for recognising that Kaduna is the heart of Northern Nigeria,” he said. Sani said the North would continue to support Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election. “We will continue to support the President. I have no doubt in my mind that the 2027 election has been concluded, and we are giving President Tinubu at least 95 per cent of the total votes. There is no doubt about that, and I stand to be challenged,” he said. The governor also highlighted ongoing Federal Government road projects in Kaduna State, including the Western Bypass and the planned resumption of work on the Eastern Bypass. “The Western Bypass is ongoing from the Abuja Junction to Kawo Motor Park, and that is also a construction undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Works under the able leadership of Tinubu. “We are resuming the construction of the Eastern Bypass, which is extremely critical for our people. It will resume, according to my conversation with the minister, in the next two weeks, by the grace of God. So all these are things the President is doing for the people of Kaduna State,” he said. Sani maintained that Tinubu had done more for Northern Nigeria than any previous president. “About two weeks ago, I came out boldly and said no president in the history of Nigeria has done what Tinubu did for us here in Northern Nigeria, and I challenge anyone to come up with anything contrary to what I have said. “Tinubu has done a lot. Only now, my brother and friend, Masari, stood here and mentioned most of the projects that Mr President is doing in Northern Nigeria. Again, the minister came up here and confirmed all those projects. “Let me ask a question: Why was it that other leaders were not doing what Tinubu is doing today for Northern Nigeria? Was it that Northern Nigeria was not a priority or that it was not their concern? We thank Tinubu for the love for the North and humanity,” he added.
Osun 2026: Adeleke Calls for Fairness from Police
OSOGBO — Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has appealed to the police authority in the state to be fair and just in the forthcoming August 15th Governorship election in the state. Governor Adeleke who made the remarks at the stakeholders parley with leadership and members of public service held at government secretariat in Osogbo noted that police in the state has taken sides over the forthcoming Governorship election in the state and as such he has lost confidence in the force. The governor who told the workers in the state that he is not under any pressure because of the election but stressed that he is more than prepared. According to him, “I am not under pressure on the coming election because I have God on my side. I also have people. I have told the electorates not to be afraid because this is democracy and Nigeria has chosen to practice it. “As I speak, I don’t trust the police right now. The police has taken sides. My advise to people is that they should not be afraid despite all the intimidation from Osun Police, Osun APC through Oyetola dastardly acts and killings, I only trust on God and the good people of the state. ” I am sure that democracy, the will of God and that of the people shall prevail, just come out and cast your votes. What I’m going to tell them is that they should not be afraid. This is a democracy, and Nigeria has chosen to practise democracy. They should not be afraid, despite all the intimidation that the Osun APC, through Oyetola, has allegedly been carrying out, including the killing of people and other acts. “When they finish voting, they should not be afraid. They should stay with their votes and protect them. While speaking, the State Head of Service, Mr. Tajudeen Aina commended the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke for implementing a N75,500 minimum wage and settled all backlogged salaries and pension arrears totaling over N80billion left over by APC led administration in the state. He also noted that former Governor and now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, Osun APC Guber Candidate, Asiwaju Oyebamiji, Executive Director, Federal Housing Authority, Remi Omowaiye, Adebayo Adeleke otherwise called Banik and other also drawing money of half salaries being paid by the current administration of Ademola Adeleke. He therefore admonished all workers and their relations to compensate Governor Adeleke with their votes during Governorship election in the state.
ADC Demands El-Rufai’s Release, Declares him ‘Prisoner of Conscience’
The National Executive Committee of the African Democratic Congress has demanded the immediate release of Nasir El-Rufai, describing the former Kaduna State governor as a “prisoner of conscience.” The demand formed part of the resolutions reached at the party’s 101st National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja on Saturday, where party leaders also ratified the outcome of its recent primary elections and approved major organisational changes ahead of the 2027 general elections. In the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the NEC unanimously recognised El-Rufai as a victim of political persecution and called for his freedom. “The NEC recognises Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai as prisoner of conscience and calls for his immediate release,” the communiqué stated. The resolution is likely to heighten political debate over El-Rufai’s situation, particularly given his prominence in national politics and his recent association with opposition political forces seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections. A prisoner of conscience is someone detained or punished for their beliefs, identity, or peaceful expression, without having used or promoted violence. Beyond the demand for El-Rufai’s release, the party’s highest decision-making organ outside its national convention also moved to strengthen its internal structures as preparations for the next electoral cycle gather momentum. According to the communiqué, the NEC approved the results of the party’s recently conducted primaries for State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, governorship and presidential elections across the country. However, the approval excluded contests where appeals were still pending as of May 29, 2026, as well as primaries yet to be concluded. “NEC approved the results of all recently conducted primaries for State Houses of Assembly, the National Assembly, State Governors, and the Presidential elections; except those with pending appeals as at May 29, 2026, and those yet to be concluded,” the party said. The decision comes amid complaints and petitions from some aspirants over the conduct of primaries in parts of the country. During the NEC meeting, party leaders stressed the need to preserve internal democracy while ensuring that disputes arising from the nomination process are resolved through established party mechanisms. The committee also approved a one-year extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee, effectively retaining the current leadership to oversee the party’s affairs through a critical period leading up to the 2027 polls. “NEC approved the extension of the tenure of the National Working Committee (NWC) for a period of 12 months from the expiry of their current tenure,” the communiqué stated. The extension is expected to provide continuity in the party’s leadership as it seeks to consolidate its structures, expand its membership base and position itself as a major opposition platform. In a related decision, the NEC approved the constitution of caretaker committees at the zonal, state, local government and ward levels for a period of 12 months. “NEC approved the constitution of the Caretaker Committees at the Zonal, State, Local Government and Wards for a period of 12 months,” the communiqué added. The move is seen as part of efforts by the party leadership to reorganise and strengthen grassroots structures across the federation ahead of future electoral contests. The NEC meeting came barely hours after the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark, urged members to remain united and focused on presenting the ADC as a credible alternative for Nigerians dissatisfied with the current state of affairs in the country. Mark had told party leaders that Nigerians were increasingly searching for a political platform capable of addressing the nation’s security and economic challenges, stressing that the ADC must not fail to meet those expectations. With the ratification of most of its primary election results and the extension of its leadership structures, the ADC appears to be consolidating its internal organisation as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gather momentum. However, the party’s demand for the release of El-Rufai is likely to attract significant attention, potentially adding another dimension to the evolving political landscape as opposition parties seek to build alliances and expand their influence ahead of the next general election.