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Ekiti State election to validate President Tinubu's influence, says APC chieftain
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Henrich Akomolafe, an All Progressives Congress chieftain and House of Representatives aspirant, stated that the anticipated victory of Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the June 20, 2026, election will serve as a referendum on President Bola Tinubu's leadership. Akomolafe described the Ekiti poll as more than a state contest, suggesting it would reflect public confidence in the APC-led Federal Government. He praised Governor Oyebanji as a performer and bridge-builder, whose administration has brought stability, development, and renewed confidence in governance in Ekiti State. Akomolafe highlighted Oyebanji's leadership style, anchored on service, humility, and visible results, as strengthening public trust and positioning him for electoral success. He added that Oyebanji's policies prioritize the welfare of workers, youths, farmers, and traditional institutions, fostering peace and unity. The APC chieftain also connected the governor's expected win to the growing acceptance of President Tinubu's economic reforms, which he characterized as bold but necessary for long-term national stability. Akomolafe called for party unity and intensified grassroots mobilization to secure victory for the APC, urging youths, women, and community leaders to support leaders committed to service delivery for sustained development and peace in Ekiti State.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
President Bola Tinubu extended his congratulations to Pastor William Kumuyi, founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, on his 85th birthday. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu lauded Kumuyi as a remarkable servant of God whose faith and dedication have shaped one of Nigeria’s most influential Christian ministries for over five decades. Tinubu highlighted Kumuyi’s impact on believers globally, noting that his voice, writings, and ministry, particularly as the convener of Global Crusade with Kumuyi, have reached beyond church walls and national borders, bringing hope and guidance to millions. The President also acknowledged the generational impact of Kumuyi’s ministry on families and leadership, transforming lives, restoring families, inspiring leaders, and strengthening the faith of generations of believers. President Tinubu concluded by praying for Kumuyi’s continued health, vitality, peace, and abundant grace. Born on June 6, 1941, in Erin-Ijesha, Osun State, Kumuyi founded the Deeper Life Bible Church in 1973 as a campus fellowship at the University of Lagos, where he was a mathematics lecturer. The ministry has since expanded into one of Africa's largest Pentecostal denominations, with congregations in over 150 countries. Kumuyi is recognized for his strict doctrinal standards, evangelistic fervor, and personal discipline, making him a respected voice in African Christia
The National Working Committee of the Peoples Redemption Party PRP has confirmed Donald Duke, a former Governor of Cross River, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. This decision follows the review of recent primaries by the Primaries Appeal Committee and subsequent approval by the NWC. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, announced that the NWC also upheld four other election outcomes for governorship, senate, House of Representatives, and state Houses of Assembly. All other candidates have been cleared for the 2027 elections, except for the Tarauni Federal Constituency of Kano, where the primary election was nullified. The PRP plans to field a total of 420 candidates across all elective positions. Ishaq reiterated the PRP's commitment to internal democracy and delivering credible leadership. Earlier in May, the PRP had screened and cleared three presidential aspirants, including Donald Duke, Dr. Nnaoke Ufere, and Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley. The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC previously warned political parties that primary elections conducted after its May 30 deadline would be invalid, unless a higher court overturns a Federal High Court judgment.
Former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has accused the Bola Tinubu-led administration of lacking the political will to address Nigeria's increasing insecurity, stating the government prioritizes 2027 politics over protecting citizens. Speaking on Arise TV, Dalung criticized the government's ability to track critics quickly while failing to track terrorists, who he claims operate a "parallel forest economy." He dismissed the Information Minister's call for unity against terrorism as a sign of government failure and questioned the effectiveness of foreign military involvement. Dalung also expressed concern about Nigeria's return to regional power blocs ahead of the 2027 elections and described President Tinubu's three-year performance as disappointing, citing a lack of tangible benefits from reforms and daily impoverishment of Nigerians. In response, political scientist Obafemi George defended the administration, arguing it needs more time and pointing to a sovereign credit rating upgrade as evidence of progress. George linked rising insecurity to regional instability and stated the current administration has achieved more success in combating insecurity than the previous one, citing rescue operations. He emphasized that national development and structural reforms require time, referencing long-term transformations in other countries and suggesting current economic pain is due to past unaddressed issues.
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has provided modern crime-fighting equipment and protective gadgets to the Lagos State Police Command. This initiative aims to strengthen security operations and enhance effective policing throughout the state. Wale Ajetunmobi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Lagos State Governor, shared this development. Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, Executive Secretary of LSSTF, presented the items, stating that this intervention is a proactive step to boost the morale of security personnel and improve security coverage in Lagos. Ogunsan emphasized that equipping officers with modern tools will enhance operational efficiency and improve overall safety for residents, enabling them to respond effectively to threats and maintain public safety. Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, received the items on behalf of the Lagos State Police Command, expressing gratitude to the LSSTF and the state government. He assured that the gadgets would be immediately deployed to strategic Area Commands, significantly enhancing surveillance capacity and improving the command’s ability to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of lives and property. This intervention is part of ongoing efforts to modernize security operations in Lagos, following a previous collaboration between LSSTF and the Nigeria Police Force Airwing Command for aerial surveillance patrols.