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APC pledges peaceful campaigns in Ekiti and Osun, UK to deploy election observers
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The All Progressives Congress APC has committed to conducting peaceful and issue-based campaigns for the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States. This pledge was made during a visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, to the APC’s National Secretariat in Abuja. Dr. Montgomery announced that the United Kingdom would deploy observers to monitor both polls, highlighting the importance of credible elections for Nigeria's democratic stability and global standing. APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, emphasized Nigeria's strategic importance to Africa and the international community, stating that instability in Nigeria would have far-reaching consequences. He called on foreign partners to continue supporting democratic institutions in Nigeria and noted the party's recent internal democratic processes, which saw over 6,000 members participate in primaries with minimal petitions. Yilwatda described the APC as a benchmark for other political organizations and reiterated the party's focus on ensuring peace and stability in Ekiti and Osun before, during, and after the elections. He also praised President Bola Tinubu's economic reform agenda. High Commissioner Montgomery stated that the UK's decision to deploy observers reflects the significance of these elections as the final off-cycle governorship polls before the 2027 general elections, underscoring the UK's investment in Nigeria's democratic and economic development due to its sig
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The Accord Party's national leadership has condemned the shooting of its Osogbo Local Government Area chairman in Osun State, Asimiyu Ajibola, describing the attack as politically motivated and calling for an immediate investigation. Ajibola was reportedly shot by two gunmen on Wednesday night in Osogbo and is currently receiving treatment. Accord National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, stated that attackers opened fire on a vehicle carrying Ajibola and his associates. The party links the incident to the political climate ahead of the August 12, 2026, governorship election, condemning politically motivated attacks as "outrageous, barbaric, despicable and wicked." Accord urged the police and the Department of State Services to conduct a high-powered investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. Mgbudem also alleged that Accord members have been victims of repeated political violence in Osun State, with attacks on party properties and individuals, despite prior notifications to security agencies. He declared that the party would not be intimidated and reaffirmed its support for Governor Ademola Adeleke's re-election bid, describing Osun as an Accord stronghold. The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the attack, stating that two armed men on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire on Ajibola in an attempted murder. Police responded to a distress call, evacuated the victim, and have launched a manhunt for the attackers, with investigations ongoing.
Must ReadThe Presidency announced on Thursday that substantial progress has been made towards establishing state police, with constitutional amendments anticipated soon. Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, shared this update after a consultative meeting in Abuja. Discussions on the state police framework began months ago under President Bola Tinubu's directive and have now reached the stage of considering necessary constitutional changes. Gbajabiamila emphasized that the process requires careful consideration of constitutional and legal issues. He stated that the focus is currently on the constitutional amendment, with enabling legislation to follow. The push for state police has gained momentum due to persistent security challenges like banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping. Critics argue that the current centralized Nigeria Police Force is overstretched and disconnected from local realities. Some states have already formed complementary security networks, such as Amotekun, which operate without full constitutional backing. Gbajabiamila noted a growing national consensus on the need for state police, shifting discussions from whether to adopt it to how to develop the appropriate legal and institutional framework. President Tinubu, a proponent of state police for strengthening Nigeria’s security, will receive a comprehensive report on the meeting's outcome. The meeting is part of ongoing federal consultations to create a workable framework for state police, aiming to en
Must ReadA Federal High Court in Abuja has directed Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, to begin his defense in a criminal defamation case. The case centers on allegations that Sowore made false claims against President Bola Tinubu, describing him as “a criminal” on his X and Facebook accounts. Justice Mohammed Umar issued the directive on Thursday, rejecting an application from Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, for an adjournment until after the court’s upcoming vacation. The judge ordered that proceedings continue daily, in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, with Sowore scheduled to start his defense on Friday, June 5. Prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde SAN, informed the court that the Chief Judge had declined Sowore’s request to reassign the case to another judge and directed the trial court to proceed. Kehinde opposed Abubakar’s request for an adjournment, arguing that the Chief Judge’s letter did not advise filing a formal application for recusal and that the criminal proceedings were unrelated to political activities. Justice Umar reviewed the Chief Judge’s response and agreed with the prosecution, stating that the letter did not instruct the defendant to file an application for recusal. The judge reiterated that the matter had reached the defense stage and directed Sowore to proceed. Despite a renewed request for adjournment by Abubakar, the court maintained its order for a day-to-day
Must ReadMohamed Malick Fall, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, has urged the immediate and safe release of students and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states. He described these incidents as threats to education and child protection. Fall's call followed a meeting with a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre in Abuja, led by Commandant, Dr Samuel Umanah. The UN official expressed concern over the worsening security situation affecting schools across the country. On May 15, gunmen attacked three schools in Orire local government in Oyo State, kidnapping over 40 school children, including toddlers, and seven teachers. One teacher was reportedly killed during the attack, and another was later beheaded. In Mussa, Borno State, gunmen attacked three schools on a Friday morning, abducting over 50 children, mostly between two and five years old. Fall emphasized that schools must remain safe havens for learning and that children should never be targets. He noted that the recent attacks highlight the urgent need for stronger measures to protect children, teachers, and educational facilities. While acknowledging government efforts, he urged authorities to intensify actions for the swift and safe return of all abducted victims and to bring those responsible to justice. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator reaffirmed the United Nations system’s commitment in Nigeria to supporting initiatives that pro