Author: Nouman Ali

The leadership of the Amirah Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) has commended the peace in the Southeast.

Dr. Sumaye Fadimatu Hamza spoke at a briefing in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, ahead of its 11th national conference taking place at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia.

She said, contrary to reports on social and mainstream media, the Southeast, especially Abia State, the host state of the national conference, was peaceful.

Hamza, who disclosed that members from all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), would be arriving in Abia State for the three-day event, thanked Governor Alex Otti and the people of the state for their support, hospitality and commitment to the successful hosting of the conference.

She said the theme for this year’s conference, ‘Faith, Resilience and Responsibility: Muslim Women Responding to Challenges,’ was carefully chosen because it reflects the realities of the time in the country.

According to her, the theme also reflects the urgent need for individuals, families, communities and institutions to respond positively to the challenges confronting the nation.

The FOMWAN national leader said the conference would provide an opportunity for Muslim women to dialogue, reflect, learn and network, adding that they also aimed to design an action plan that would strengthen families, communities and institutions.

The Muslim women’s leader, who highlighted some of the achievements and interventions the organisation had made in the past, disclosed that its interventions cut across education, politics, the economy and other sectors of the Nigerian state.

She reminded Nigerians that government alone could not address the challenges facing the country, emphasising that nation-building was a collective responsibility.

This is even as they called on the government and wealthy individuals in the country to massively invest in education and skills development, mental health and psychological support for communities, women’s employment and leadership, youth mentorship and responsible citizenship, among others.

They also prayed for peace, security, justice and a prosperous Nigeria where the government and citizens would work collaboratively.

Noor Takaful Insurance Limited and its subsidiary, Noor Health Limited, have distributed N427.96 million in surplus to participants and enrollees who did not make claims during the 2024 financial year.

The companies shared a combined N427,963,044.68 at a ceremony in Lagos, marking what they described as a demonstration of the principles of mutuality, fairness and shared benefits underpinning the Takaful model.

While more than 1,000 participants are expected to receive various amounts from the surplus distribution, 22 Noor Takaful participants and two Noor Health enrollees received their payments at the ceremony.

Among the organisations that received surplus payments were Jaiz Bank, Lotus Bank, Sterling Bank, The Alternative Bank, Payvantage Limited, Integrated Indigo Limited, Smadac Securities and Taxaide Logistics.

Speaking at the 2024 Surplus Distribution and Claims Celebration Ceremony, themed ‘Promise Kept: Celebrating Takaful’s Commitment to Shared Reward, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) described the surplus distribution as a practical demonstration of the principles of cooperation, shared responsibility, fairness, ethical conduct and collective prosperity.

The NAICOM Commissioner for Insurance, Ayo Omosehin, who was represented at the event by Deputy Director, Insurance, Technical, Usman Jankara, said the development showed that Takaful participants were not merely buyers of insurance protection but contributors to a system based on cooperation and mutual benefit.

Jankara said the payment had demonstrated that Takaful could create measurable value while remaining faithful to its ethical foundation.

On the ongoing recapitalisation of the insurance industry, Jankara said Takaful operators were exempted because they had undergone a similar exercise four years ago.

He said there was currently no compelling need for another recapitalisation of the Takaful segment, stressing that all Takaful operators were adequately capitalised.

He added that NAICOM would continue to support the growth of Takaful while maintaining regulatory oversight.

The Board Chairman of Noor Takaful, Ambassador Shuaibu Ahmed, disclosed that the distribution was more than a financial reward but a demonstration of gratitude, accountability and the fulfilment of promises made to participants.

According to him, Noor Takaful’s consistent surplus payments have shown that the concept is not merely theoretical but a model capable of delivering tangible benefits to participants.

He said the growing acceptance of Takaful in Nigeria reflected increasing recognition of the model as a credible alternative to conventional insurance.

‘At Noor, however, we believe it is more than just an alternative. We believe it is a better alternative,’ Ahmed said, citing equity, fairness, mutual responsibility, transparency and shared benefit as core values of Takaful.

The Vice Chairman of Noor Takaful, Aminu Tukur on his part said the 2024 surplus distribution was based on the performance of participants’ risk pool after claims and other obligations had been settled.

Tukur added that the company had grown from about 60 participants at inception to approximately 4,000, adding that it would continue to work with regulators and other stakeholders to deepen Takaful awareness and insurance penetration in Nigeria.

He said the company would mark its 10th anniversary in 2027.

He also disclosed that Noor Takaful had paid about N22 billion in claims to beneficiaries and participants since inception, comprising N7.4 billion from General Takaful and N14.5 billion from Family Takaful.

He said the company’s responsibility extended beyond managing and investing participants’ funds to ensuring that genuine claims were paid promptly and without unnecessary stress.

Noor Takaful was established and licensed by NAICOM in April 2016 as Nigeria’s first full-fledged composite Takaful operator, with 100 per cent indigenous Nigerian ownership.

Noor Health, a National Health Maintenance Organisation licensed by the National Health Insurance Authority, operates on principles inspired by Takaful, including fairness, transparency and shared value.

Mavin Records boss Michael Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, has credited Afrobeats star Ayra Starr with changing his life, describing her as nothing short of a ‘dream Starrgirl’.

The record producer made the remark on X in response to a fan who praised his role in Ayra Starr’s career.

‘She has most definitely changed my own life too. I bless the day I was shown her Instagram freestyle o. And she has been nothing but a dream Starrgirl,’ Don Jazzy wrote.

The Mavin CEO discovered Ayra Starr through her viral freestyles on social media before signing her to the label in 2021.

Since then, she has become one of Afrobeats’ leading voices, with international collaborations and chart success.

Ayra Starr released her third studio album, Starrgirl, on August 14.

The 16-track project features Nigerian stars Wizkid and Rema, as well as international artists ZAYN, Leon Thomas, kwn, Theodora and Danny Ocean.

Wizkid appears on Gimme Dat, while Rema features on Who’s Dat Girl.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday took a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his pledge to reverse the removal of petrol subsidy if he is elected in the January 16 presidential election.

Atiku, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said he would restore subsidy on fuel, adding that the funds freed for use as a result of subsidy withdrawal could not be traced.

The Presidency also knocked Atiku, describing his position as an about-turn on the issue out of desperation for power.

Tinubu described the position as a demonstration of ‘serious ignorance’ about governance and the economy.

The President spoke while receiving the re-elected Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, at the State House, Abuja.

He said the abolition of the subsidy regime had strengthened the finances of states and enabled them to meet their obligations.

‘I saw one of my opponents now say he will go back to subsidy. I read it. That is a demonstration of serious ignorance on governance and economy.

‘Before I came here, 27 states were unable to pay salaries, not to even talk of pensioners, salary of workers. In your state, I know a man that I raised… who’s nicknamed ‘half salary’.

‘They come to the federal, cap in hand, unable to do anything. The salaries you pay feed families. They (workers) are at the local governments; they are in the states. Where is the concentration of population? It is in the states,’ Tinubu said.

The President’s remarks came against the backdrop of Atiku’s declaration that he would reverse the removal of fuel subsidy if elected President, reopening debate over one of the most consequential economic decisions of the Tinubu administration.

At his inauguration on May 29, 2023, Tinubu boldly and courageously declared: ‘Fuel subsidy is gone.’

Tinubu told Adeleke that increased resources available to states should translate into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, particularly through payment of salaries and investment in infrastructure and social services.

According to him, state governments bear substantial responsibility for the welfare of Nigerians because much of the population lives within communities where state and local governments are responsible for providing essential services.

‘Take out the president, regard every other person as common men; they have families to feed.

‘The infrastructure you embark upon, the road network, housing, school rehabilitation, resuscitation of healthcare, training of teachers, training of health workers to protect our vulnerable families – they’re part of your responsibilities,’ he said.

Atiku vows to restore petrol subsidy, questions N15.8tr savings

African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku backtracked on his position on fuel subsidy removal.

Although he vowed to dismantle the subsidy regime during his campaigns four years ago, he said he could not sustain his previous stance because the proceeds had allegedly been mismanaged.

The three major presidential candidates in 2023 – Tinubu (All Progressives Congress), Atiku (Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi, then of the Labour Party – promised to remove fuel subsidy because of the corruption associated with it.

Atiku, who promised to restore subsidy during a Hausa-language online interactive session, queried how the funds generated from the subsidy removal had been utilised by the Federal Government.

He said: ‘I did not oppose the removal of the oil subsidy, but where is the money? Where did it go? It was intended to reduce poverty and help children attend school. Where is the money now? It seems they are just stealing it.’

He promised to reinstate the subsidy while pursuing the recovery of funds allegedly misappropriated, if he wins.

Atiku said: ‘If elected, I will bring back the oil subsidy, and whoever stole the money must refund it.’

He said the removal of the subsidy would have been easier for Nigerians to accept if the savings had been channelled into critical areas, including security, education, job creation and expanded opportunities for young people.

Atiku said: ‘The government successfully removed the subsidy, but we do not know where the money went.

‘If they had used the money for development, to solve security problems, for education, and to create opportunities for the youth, it would be different. If elected, I can remove the subsidy and use the money to do all these properly.’

In the last three years, N15.8 trillion has accrued to the country following the subsidy removal.

The Federal Government explained that, due to the surge in revenue, more funds had been channelled towards developmental projects while the money shared among the three tiers of government had increased exponentially.

The minister said N5.4 trillion went to the Federal Government and N10.4 trillion was shared between the state and local governments.

On the part of the Federal Government, Oyedele said N30.64 trillion was spent on additional expenses over the same period, with the largest portions going to public-sector wages, debt servicing and infrastructure.

Oyedele’s scorecard showed that N9.39 trillion was spent on wage adjustments, minimum wage increases and allowances for public servants.

Another N9.37 trillion went into servicing external debt following the impact of exchange-rate depreciation, while N6.5 trillion was spent on strategic infrastructure.

Presidency: desperation for power behind Atiku’s subsidy U-turn

The Presidency attributed Abubakar’s proposal to restore petrol subsidy to desperation for power, accusing him of abandoning his long-held economic position five months to the presidential election in an attempt to win popular support.

It said Atiku, who had campaigned for the elimination of petrol subsidy ahead of the 2023 general election, had now reversed himself by promising to reinstate a system he once acknowledged should be abolished.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the assertion in a statement titled, ‘Restoring petrol subsidies: Atiku’s volte-face and desperation for power’.

According to the Presidency, Atiku’s change of position was driven by political expediency rather than sound economic considerations, arguing that the former Vice President was making a promise he should know was fiscally unsustainable and contrary to Nigeria’s current petroleum-sector realities.

‘It is not difficult to explain why Atiku has latched onto the abandoned subsidy regime, five months to the election. Desperate for power, he needed to make a promise that he knew, if he were candid with our people, does not make fiscal sense, is retrogressive, and is against the genuine interest of the people,’ Onanuga said.

It accused him of opportunistically recanting what had been a major plank of his economic programme, rather than presenting what it called a creative alternative to the policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

Onanuga, however, acknowledged Atiku’s constitutional right to change his position and propose alternative policies, but said Nigerians were entitled to demand explanations about how the proposed subsidy would be funded and implemented.

The Presidency also disputed Atiku’s claim that the Federal Government had accumulated N30 trillion in subsidy savings, saying no such fund existed.

It explained that the previous subsidy arrangement essentially involved the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) selling petrol below its supply cost, thereby accumulating under-recoveries and losses.

According to Onanuga, trillions of naira in subsidy costs incurred under the old arrangement remained in the NNPC’s books.

‘Contrary to Atiku’s claim in his interview, no N30 trillion subsidy windfall or savings exists anywhere except in his imagination,’ he said.

The Presidency further argued that returning to the pre-2023 subsidy system would encounter legal and structural obstacles because the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) had established a market-oriented framework for the downstream petroleum sector.

It said the PIA had already provided for subsidy removal by the end of June 2023, maintaining that Tinubu’s announcement on May 29, 2023, merely brought forward the implementation by a few weeks to halt further financial losses.

Onanuga said reinstating subsidy could therefore not be achieved merely by announcing a lower petrol price, but would require a clear legal, fiscal and administrative framework, including identification of the source of funding.

The Presidency also said Nigeria’s petroleum industry had changed fundamentally since 2023, particularly with the emergence of substantial domestic refining capacity.

It cited the Dangote Refinery as a major source of locally refined petrol, contending that its production for domestic consumption was facilitated by the market-driven environment created after subsidy removal.

According to Onanuga, restoring the old subsidy arrangement could reverse the progress made in local refining and threaten the viability of smaller domestic refineries.

‘Atiku’s proposal portends a reversal of current local production, and it will spell bankruptcy for smaller local refineries like Aradel’s, causing attendant job losses and a loss of foreign exchange,’ he said.

The Presidency recalled that under the former subsidy system, government absorbed the difference between regulated pump prices and the actual cost of supplying petrol, imposing substantial and often unpredictable costs on public finances.

It said the government had at various times resorted to borrowing and other financing arrangements to sustain the system, including pledging millions of barrels of crude oil against loans.

Onanuga added that the NNPC had reached a breaking point in 2024, owing suppliers billions of dollars.

Wike: Opposition is dead, says Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, berated Atiku for regressing into ‘voodoo economics’, saying that his shifting stance on the critical economic issue demonstrated a lack of genuine commitment to the nation’s welfare.

The minister, who spoke with reporters while inspecting some projects in Abuja, accused Atiku of desperation for power.

He said: ‘Leadership is about integrity and consistency. Atiku is confused, and acts like a voodoo economist. Atiku will say anything just to be president.

‘This was a man in 2023 who said he was going to remove the fuel subsidy because it was a fraud. Now in 2026, he was not going to remove the fuel subsidy.

‘Is he going back to the fraud which he had alleged that fuel subsidy was? We should be able to be consistent in what we sell to our people. That is what leadership is all about.’

The minister urged Nigerians to disregard politicians who play to the gallery, insisting that the policy decisions taken by President Tinubu to eliminate the subsidy regime were bold and necessary to rescue the nation’s economy.

For a team accustomed to winning, failure can be more instructive than victory.

The Super Falcons arrived at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco searching for redemption after years of near misses, administrative turbulence, and questions about their dominance in African women’s football. Justine Madugu, appointed permanently after taking charge on an interim basis in September 2024, delivered the answer Nigerians wanted.

Nigeria captured a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, recovering from two goals down to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in the final. Madugu went from a sceptic’s choice to one of the most celebrated indigenous coaches in Nigerian football history.

A year later, he was gone.

Failure at the 2026 WAFCON, followed by a loss to South Africa in the World Cup qualification playoff, ended Madugu’s tenure. The NFF dismissed the entire technical crew after the Falcons failed to reach the continental semi-finals for the first time, consequently missing out on the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

That turnaround is startling, but it raises a critical question: What exactly does Nigeria want from its next head coach?

Addressing Nigeria’s structural rot

The temptation after a tournament collapse is to place everything on the manager. Nigeria has done this repeatedly: appoint a coach, watch expectations soar, suffer a setback, fire the staff, and reset the cycle.

However, the Super Falcons face systemic issues that extend far beyond the technical area. Past tenures-notably Randy Waldrum’s-were marred by public disputes over contracts, unpaid wages, and poor preparation schedules. Furthermore, an elite manager cannot succeed in a vacuum. The NFF must provide video analysis, modern sports science, dedicated scouting, and adequate preparation windows.

The next coach must be judged on football, but the federation must be judged on the environment it creates.

Nigeria no longer needs a motivator whose primary pitch is understanding the local ethos. African women’s football has evolved dramatically, as demonstrated in 2026 when Cameroon won the title under Valentine Nguele after knocking out Nigeria, Malawi made a shock run to the final to secure their first-ever World Cup berth, and Algeria achieved a historic third-place finish.

Physical dominance and historical pedigree are no longer enough. The next manager must possess a defined tactical identity-capable of mid-game system changes, structured set-piece routines, and midfield control. Furthermore, team selection must be ruthless: based strictly on current form, physical condition, and tactical fit rather than reputation or origin.

Evaluating the domestic candidates

If the NFF looks within Nigeria’s borders, five distinct profiles emerge.

*Christopher Danjuma boasts deep institutional knowledge from his time with the Falconets and Nasarawa Amazons, whom he led to the 2026 President Federation Cup. However, his previous senior stint ended after a disappointing 2015 World Cup run.

*Moses Aduku is a proven winner who secured the 2026 NWFL Premiership title with Edo Queens and took them to the CAF Women’s Champions League. His current role with the Falconets makes him ideally positioned to bridge the youth-to-senior transition.

*Edwin Okon offers extensive senior-level experience from his Rivers Angels and previous Super Falcons tenures, but the NFF must weigh modern tactical fitness against nostalgia.

*Whyte Ogbonda is available after leaving Bayelsa Queens in July 2026. While skilled at club level, managing a national team with European-based stars presents a starkly different challenge.

*Wemimo Matthew represents the most intriguing development candidate. Highly qualified within CAF coaching programs, her appointment would align with FIFA’s 2026 mandate requiring female representation on technical benches while creating a genuine pathway for female coaches in Nigeria.

The foreign connection

Looking abroad brings another set of complex decisions. Former managers Randy Waldrum and Thomas Dennerby both bring familiarity and previous success. Yet, rehiring Waldrum risks reigniting past administrative feuds, while Dennerby’s methods must be evaluated against how rapidly the modern game has accelerated since 2019.

On the global stage, figureheads like Pia Sundhage, Bev Priestman, Desiree Ellis, Nora Häuptle, and Jorge Vilda represent the elite standard. However, contract statuses and practicalities make most unrealistic, and Nigeria must avoid chasing high-profile names simply for prestige.

The ideal Super Falcons coach must meet several key criteria to succeed. First, they need a defined tactical identity that establishes a structured possession and defensive framework. Second, they must understand African football nuance to navigate the unique logistical and physical demands of the continent.

Third, they need a clear youth integration strategy to phase out aging legends and bring in new talent, combined with total selection independence to pick squads without administrative interference. Finally, the role demands modern analytical skills, strong man-management to unite overseas stars with domestic talent, and a long-term vision built toward the 2028 Olympics and the 2029 WAFCON cycle.

The NFF must abandon behind-the-scenes appointments. Instead, it should form an independent technical panel to interview candidates against a clear blueprint. Applicants should present concrete plans for set-piece design, domestic player integration, defensive structure, and camp scheduling.

The ultimate takeaway from Justine Madugu’s tenure is that a coach can be capable of winning a trophy, yet remain ill-equipped to drive a long-term project. Winning the 2025 WAFCON was a triumph, but the collapse that followed exposed a lack of continuity.

Nigeria does not just need a new manager to win the next match-it needs a technical architect to build the future of the Super Falcons.

AK Media Concepts Ltd is set to unveil its latest family drama series entitled The Family Man.

The Family Man is a compelling production exploring love, betrayal, family, crime, redemption and second chances.

According to a statement by the production company, the new series expands the company’s portfolio, which includes Family Ties, Face2Face, ‘Nowhere to Be Found,’ ‘City Buster,’ ‘Liberty Villa’ and ‘Oyinmomo,’ a magazine talk show.

The 30-minute drama-crime series centres on Banjo Balogun, a brilliant civil engineer played by Olarotimi Fakunle, who returns home after serving 10 years of a 21-year prison sentence following the governor’s prerogative of mercy. Expecting to reconnect with his wife and three children, Banjo discovers that his family has changed considerably during his years away.

His return is further complicated by his struggle to secure employment because of his criminal record. Once a respected engineer and provider, Banjo now finds himself struggling to get the attention of his family, especially his wife, Chioma, who has built a successful career and become the principal provider. The situation becomes more explosive when Chioma is revealed to be romantically involved with Iredia, Banjo’s best friend and marriage counsellor.

The series features a strong ensemble cast comprising Joy Nmezi, Nifemi Lawal, Jasmine Olarotimi, Eze Ukwa, Femi Branch, Akin Lewis, Kunle Dada, Modola Osifuwa, Kenny Ayanfe, Babaseun Faseru, Halimah Ganiyu and Chy Nwakama, alongside Fakunle.

The inclusion of established actors such as Branch and Lewis adds further depth and experience to the production.

Directed by Tunde Olaoye and executive-produced by Olajumoke Akindeju-Asekun, ‘The Family Man’ is set in contemporary Lagos.

Speaking on the project, the MD/CEO of AK Media Concepts Ltd, Mrs Olajumoke Akindeju-Asekun, described The Family Man as a multi-million-naira production designed to meet contemporary cinematic standards.

‘I want to assure our media partners, and the general public that our new series, The Family Man,’is a content designed to keep viewers glued to their screens. It is our biggest project in recent times, and we have produced it in line with today’s cinematic standards.

‘What we have come up with this time, is a big difference and a blockbuster to reckon with.’

The President and Founder of HerGame Foundation, Dr Pat Ajuma Ayegba, says she expects the 2026 FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Council Football Tournament to unearth a new generation of talented female footballers capable of progressing to the professional and international stage.

Ayegba, also a Board Member of the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT FA), spoke ahead of the tournament, which kicks off on Friday, August 21, with six Area Councils competing for honours.

The competition, organised by the FCT FA, is designed to strengthen women’s football at the grassroots while giving young female players competitive exposure and a pathway into the professional game. Ayegba said the tournament has already proved its worth as a talent-discovery platform, pointing to promising players who emerged from last year’s edition.

‘We are hoping to see new talents. We are hoping to have new emerging professionals, international stars,’ she said. ‘I am excited because last year, we found some good talents from this particular tournament. We saw some newbies, and I want to see their progress this year. A lot more is expected.’

She commended the FCT FA for its preparation and support for the participating teams. ‘To be honest with you, FCT FA has come up, and they are doing well with the whole preparation,’ she said.

Ayegba also disclosed that HerGame Foundation contributed directly to last year’s competition, revealing she personally supported each participating team with ?120,000. ‘Last year personally, I supported the teams with ?120,000 each, of which I saw the FA taking it up from there. And this is a lot. This is a lot. The FA has supported us a lot to make this happen, so we are grateful,’ she said.

The 2026 tournament will feature all six FCT Area Councils, split into two groups. Bwari, Gwagwalada and AMAC make up Group A, while Abaji, Kuje and Kwali form Group B. The group stage will be played on a home-and-away basis, with the semi-finals set for September 2 and the final on September 5.

Ayegba confirmed that Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, will attend the opening ceremony, describing her as a strong supporter of women’s football and girl-child development whose backing could help create further opportunities for young girls through the sport. Ayegba said her visit to the FCC chairman was aimed at building a stronger partnership around women’s football development, and she was pleased with Omidiran’s response.

‘She has done so much for us. To whom honour is due, honour should be given. I came here today to see her in person, and she is actually a jolly good fellow,’ Ayegba said. ‘She is more than what I have heard of-a true supporter, one who has heart for the game of football, like myself. Like I have heard, I saw it myself today.’

With the opening ceremony set for Friday, Ayegba believes the tournament can be more than a contest for Area Council bragging rights, serving instead as a scouting ground for players who go on to represent the FCT, professional clubs and the national teams.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in last Saturday’s Osun State election, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, on Friday called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to rein in his supporters and halt alleged attacks on members of the opposition party in the state.

Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, made the appeal while speaking with journalists at the State House, Abuja, shortly after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The APC candidate alleged that attacks on members of his party had continued after the election, claiming that four or five people were attacked in his hometown, Ikire, on Friday morning.

He said the incidents had been reported to security agencies and urged Adeleke to prevail on his supporters to embrace peace and allow political actors in the state to coexist without violence.

‘I want to advise the governor that it’s important for him to talk to his people. Violence against our people is not too good, and he needs to talk to them so that each and every one of us can be on the same page’, Oyebamiji said.

Asked to shed more light on concerns he had earlier raised over alleged attacks on APC members following the declaration of the governorship election results, Oyebamiji said the situation had persisted.

‘Well, yes. Even as of this morning, in my own village, Ikire, some were attacked; about four, five people were attacked. We have informed the security operatives accordingly. That’s what I have to say about that’, he said.

Oyebamiji, however, appealed to APC members and his supporters across Osun State to remain calm and peaceful, stressing that electoral contests should not be allowed to undermine the peace of the state.

According to him, elections should be approached peacefully because the ultimate purpose of government is to serve the people.

‘The most important thing is to run every election with a peaceful mind. It is important for us Nigerians to know that government is about people, and because it’s about people, it is important that we be peaceful. I want to appeal to our people in Osun that they need to be peaceful,’ he said.

The APC candidate also said the party was still reviewing the outcome of the August 15 governorship election and had yet to make a final decision on its next course of action.

He said the party would make its position public after completing its examination of the election results and other relevant records.

‘For now, the APC is still examining the books, and by the time we spread our sheets, we’ll be able to get back to the public on what our own opinions are and what decisions we want to take, but the take-home is that they should be calm,’ Oyebamiji said.

Oyebamiji’s visit to the Presidential Villa came less than 24 hours after Adeleke met President Tinubu at the State House on Thursday.

Adeleke, who contested the August 15 election on the platform of the Accord Party, was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after polling 511,067 votes.

Oyebamiji, his closest challenger, scored 444,815 votes, leaving a margin of 66,252 votes between the two leading candidates.

Adeleke won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji carried 11.

Following his meeting with Tinubu on Thursday, Adeleke had thanked the President for allowing what he described as a free and fair election in Osun, saying Tinubu’s conduct reflected his longstanding commitment to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

Oyebamiji’s comments on Friday, however, indicated that the APC was keeping its options open on the election outcome, even as he urged party members to remain peaceful pending the conclusion of its review.

The Hausa Community in Ondo State has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima remain the best leadership option for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

They made the declaration on Friday in Akure during a mobilisation programme organised by the Grassroots Movement for Tinubu (GMT), a political support group backed by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Speaking at the event, the State Leader of the Hausa Community in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Bala Umaru, expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s administration’s ongoing reforms in agriculture, security, infrastructure and other sectors.

Umaru said the Hausa community, from the 18 local government areas of Ondo, has endorsed President Tinubu and his Vice President, Shettima, to reposition the country for sustainable development.

He observed that the administration inherited significant economic and social challenges but had demonstrated commitment to addressing them through reforms and interventions targeted at food security, infrastructure, transport, investment, job creation and economic growth.

‘Today is more than a political gathering. It is an opportunity for us to speak with one voice about the Nigeria we want, and the kind of leadership we believe can take us there.

‘The leader is none other than His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our decision as the Hausa community in Ondo State is to support his administration and endorse him alongside our Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, for a second term in office,’ Umaru said.

He also lauded the Federal government’s road construction projects, saying improved road infrastructure was essential to the economic activities of northern Nigerians who transport agricultural produce to different parts of the country.

‘In the history of Nigeria, there is no President who has embarked on massive road construction like the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

‘Good roads play a significant role in the economy of we northerners. They make it easier for us to transport our goods, especially farm produce, to any part of the country,’ he said.

Umaru also appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the administration, stressing that some of the reforms would require time before their full impact could be felt.

He further cited Tinubu’s contribution to the political emergence of former President Muhammadu Buhari as one reason the Hausa community should reciprocate the support.

‘These are not things that can be achieved overnight. They require patience, consistency and cooperation from all Nigerians.’

‘President Tinubu also played a significant role in installing the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. It is just natural for any northerner to support President Tinubu’s second-term bid,’ he said.

Umaru said the community’s decision was also motivated by its desire for a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria.

He applauded the Minister of Interior, Dr Tunji-Ojo, for his leadership, commitment and development initiatives.

The Director-General of GMT, Hon. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, said the Hausa endorsement was part of the group’s wider mobilisation of ethnic communities and non-indigenes across Ondo State for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.

Yusuf-Ogunleye said the group had previously secured endorsements from the Ebira and Igbo communities, adding that the Hausa community had now joined the campaign.

‘Different ethnic groups in Ondo State have been endorsing President Tinubu. We started with the Ebira community. Last week, the Igbo community did their own. Today, the Hausa people from all 18 local government areas are here to endorse the President’s second-term bid,’ he said.

He said the Hausa community had acknowledged what he described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration and decided to support the President despite the possibility of other aspirants from the northern region contesting the presidency.

‘That is the spirit of sportsmanship. That is the spirit of oneness,’ he said.

Yusuf-Ogunleye added that the Hausa community, which he described as committed and loyal, supported Tinubu in the 2023 election and had resolved to back him again in 2027.

He also commended Tunji-Ojo for providing resources to mobilise residents and non-indigenes across the state in support of the President.

Similarly, a member of the GMT Board of Trustees, Hon. Adekola Olawoye, SAN, described the gathering as a significant mobilisation event and expressed satisfaction with the turnout of Hausa residents from the 18 local government areas.

Olawoye said the group had been engaging different ethnic communities in the state as part of its mobilisation strategy.

‘We have been mobilising non-indigenes in the state, different ethnic groups, to support the President. Our target is one million votes for the President,’ he said.

A former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, has prayed the Federal High Court in Abuja for an order accepting him as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Imo West Senatorial District.

Okorocha, who represented Imo West in the Senate between 2019 and 2023, is challenging the nomination of Governor Hope Uzodimma as the party’s candidate.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1854/2026, was filed on August 13 for Okocha by a lawyer, O.J. Aboje, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Uzodimma and the APC as defendants.

The former governor faulted INEC’s publication of Uzodimma’s name as the winner of the APC senatorial primary conducted in May.

Uzodimma was declared winner of the primary by Williams Kayode, chairman and returning officer of the 2026 Imo APC National Assembly Primary Election Committee, with 230,464 votes.

However, Okorocha asked the court to determine whether INEC is bound by reports submitted by its officials who monitored the primary held on May 18.

He is also challenging Uzodimma’s eligibility to contest the election while serving as governor, citing Section 183 of the 1999 Constitution, which bars a sitting governor from holding another executive office or paid employment.

Uzodimma began his second term as governor in January 2024 and will remain in office until January 2028. The 11th National Assembly is scheduled to be inaugurated in June 2027, when Uzodimma will still be in office.

But Uzodimma, according to officials of his government, will vacate office for the deputy governor to complete his second term.

The election into the 11th Senate will hold along with those of the House of Representatives and the President on January 16, 2027.

Okorocha is asking the court to declare INEC’s publication of Uzodimma’s name unconstitutional and void, arguing that the governor did not emerge as the valid winner of the APC primary.

He is further seeking an order directing INEC to recognise and publish his name as the APC’s duly nominated candidate for Imo West.

The former governor also wants the court to restrain the APC and anyone acting on their behalf from presenting the governor as the party’s candidate.

In an affidavit filed in support of the suit, Amen Rochas, Okorocha’s son, alleged that the APC conducted a direct primary on May 18 in which his father polled 150,780 votes against Uzodimma’s 102,158 votes.

The suit is therefore seeking a judicial determination of who was validly nominated by the APC to contest the senatorial election in 2027.

Uzodimma is the chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum and chairman of the Renewed Hope campaign group for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.

The case as not been assigned.