Author: Nouman Ali

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 Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has directed its candidates nationwide to commence campaigns for the 2027 general elections, in line with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party also directed its candidates to use its original logo – the two-finger victory sign – since the modified digital version is still undergoing approval by INEC.

It announced plans to inaugurate its various campaign committees as part of preparations for the elections.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, the NDC directed its presidential, National Assembly, governorship and State Assembly candidates to begin consultations and engagements with stakeholders and constituents in their respective constituencies.

The party urged the candidates to work with state and local chapters to roll out campaign programmes to promote their candidacies and communicate the NDC’s message as a grassroots-oriented party.

‘To all candidates, we are directing that they begin their familiarisation, sensitisation and consultations. Similarly, local campaign events can now continue,’ the statement said.

The party added, ‘The party will soon release the composition of its campaign organs, which will be announced and inaugurated on a date to be announced.

‘We direct all candidates across the country to begin their campaigns. State chapters, local government chapters and down to the wards should organise and draw up itineraries for their own local campaigns.’

The NDC said its campaigns would be guided by its commitment to issue-based politics, stressing that its candidates and supporters must avoid violence, abusive language and inflammatory rhetoric.

‘In keeping with the ideology of NDC, the party reiterates that all campaigns must be issue-based and devoid of violence and foul language. The NDC has no room for violence,’ it said.

The party also clarified the status of its logo, following reports and concerns about the appropriate symbol for its candidates and supporters to use during the campaign.

The NDC said it had, in consultation with INEC, modified its logo and formally notified the electoral commission of the change.

According to the party, administrative processes surrounding the replacement of the existing logo with the modified version are still being resolved.

It therefore directed candidates and members to continue using the existing logo – the two-finger victory sign – for campaign activities until the process is concluded.

‘The NDC, in consultation with INEC, have also modified our logo and notified INEC appropriately, at a meeting INEC themselves attended with us,’ the statement said.

‘For some reasons, however, there have been some administrative details which we’re working round the clock to resolve before the existing logo would be replaced with the modified version.’

‘Until then, however, we enjoin all our candidates and members to continue using the old logo, which is also the two-finger victory sign, for campaign purposes, pending the conclusion of all engagements and arrangements with INEC regarding the replacement.’

The Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards (NIGMA) 2026 once again brought the gospel music community together for a night of worship, excellence, and global recognition.

Organized by the Academy of Gospel Music Nigeria (AGMN), the awards continue to stand as Africa’s premier platform for celebrating ministers, creatives, and institutions using music to inspire faith and transformation.

It was a night of big wins and heartfelt tributes, held August 9 at MUSON Center, where worship leader Moses Bliss was crowned Artist of the Year, while Gaise Baba featuring Lawrence Oyor dominated with their anthem ‘No Turning Back II’, taking home Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, and Afro-Gospel Song of the Year. Veteran worshipper Frank Edwards won Album of the Year for ‘Heart of Worship’, and Sunmisola Agbebi emerged Female Vocalist of the Year.

Tim Godfrey and Fearless Community were honored as Group/Choir of the Year, while gospel legend Chinyere Udoma won Indigenous Gospel Song of the Year for ‘Eze Abata.’ Rising star Tkeyz was also recognized as the Sammie Okposo Next Rated Artiste.

NIGMA 2026 also celebrated gospel excellence beyond Nigeria’s borders. Nigerian minstrel Nkiruka ‘Enkay’ Ogboruche was named Diaspora Female Artiste of the Year, and Limoblaze won Diaspora Male Artiste of the Year.

Beyond competitive categories, the night was dedicated to honoring legacies. The Experience received the Gospel Concert of the Year. The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award went to Evang. Dr. Bola Are and Pastor Kunle Ajayi, while Gospel Icon Awards were presented to global worship leader Sinach and veteran singer Kingsley Ike.

The Kingdom Impact Award recognized Pastors Paul Adefarasin, Jerry Eze, Emmanuel Iren, and Biodun Fatoyinbo for their influence through media and ministry. The Legacy Award celebrated pioneers Buchi, Lara George, Segun Obe, and a posthumous honor for Sammie Okposo.

Special Recognition Awards were awarded to Adeyinka Alaseyori, Pelumi Deborah, Blessing Lopez, G-EFFECT, and Akpororo. The Distinguished Service Award honored Peter Armand Boyo, Victor Igibinigie, and Dr. Timothy Ogboruche for their outstanding contributions to the gospel music industry.

The Organisers expressed appreciation to all nominees, winners, partners, and guests, reaffirming NIGMA’s commitment to ‘celebrating excellence, honoring impact, and advancing the sound of the Gospel across Nigeria and the world.’

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard-bearer in the June 20 Ekiti State governorship election, Dr Wole Oluyede, has declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general election.

He made his position known yesterday when he visited Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the Government House in Ado-Ekiti.

Oluyede informed the governor of his decision to work for Tinubu’s victory in the January 2027 presidential election.

He also discussed with Governor Oyebanji issues relating to the development and progress of Ekiti State, as the governor prepares to begin his second term on October 16.

Receiving Oluyede, Governor Oyebanji praised him for an act of statesmanship and his commitment to the progress of Ekiti State and national development.

Oyebanji expressed appreciation for Oluyede’s decision to support President Tinubu, saying his gesture demonstrated a shared commitment to the development of Ekiti and Nigeria.

Senator Salihu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, has resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Mustapha, one of the 15 aggrieved governorship aspirants following the party’s May 2026 governorship primary in Kwara State, announced his resignation after weeks of consultations with political stakeholders, supporters and constituents across the senatorial district and the state.

Although he has not officially announced his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a photograph purportedly showing a PDP Kwara Central senatorial nomination ticket bearing his name is already in circulation.

In a statement announcing his resignation, Mustapha said recent developments within the APC in Kwara had prompted him to reconsider his political direction.

He said he did not take the decision lightly, adding that politics should be driven by ‘people, principles and purpose’.

Mustapha said it had become necessary to chart a new course when a political platform no longer sufficiently aligned with those convictions and the aspirations of the people.

He thanked the APC leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the relationships and experiences he gained during his years in the party.

The senator, however, assured his constituents, supporters and political associates that while his political platform might change, his principles and commitment to the people would remain unchanged.

‘I remain steadfast in my service to the people of Kwara Central, Kwara State and Nigeria at large,’ he said.

Reacting to the development, the Kwara State chapter of the PDP described Mustapha’s resignation as a ‘devastating confirmation’ that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had failed both his party and the people of the state.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, the PDP said the resignation of a serving senator and founding APC figure had exposed what it described as the deepening crisis within the ruling party in the state.

The opposition party accused AbdulRazaq of relying on ‘propaganda, social media optics and image laundering’ to conceal the alleged leadership crisis in the APC.

It described the party as a ‘runaway car heading to doom, yet being controlled by a blind and deaf driver.’

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has petitioned the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Inspector-General of Police (IGPA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), alleging threats to life, incitement to violence and attempts to destabilise the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

The petition, made available to The Nation and copied to the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, ECOWAS, Amnesty International and the Holy See, accused Governor Francis Nwifuru of a pattern of public threats and anti-democratic conduct. It was signed by state PDP Chairman, Chukwuma Igwe and Secretary, Henry Ngonu.

The party cited remarks attributed to Nwifuru at a political rally in Abakaliki on June 13, in which he reportedly threatened to ‘consume’ those who push him to the wall, describing it as a threat to its governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Odii, his campaign team and other opposition supporters.

It also cited an earlier remark attributed to Nwifuru in May, threatening to demolish the party’s state secretariat on Old Abakaliki-Enugu Road: ‘Any structure being used to plot against the government and the people of Ebonyi will not stand. We will pull it down if it becomes necessary for the peace of this state.’

The PDP said the remarks violated constitutional guarantees on the right to life, freedom of association and freedom of movement, citing Sections 33, 40, 41, 77 and 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, Section 95 of the Electoral Act 2022, and Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The party called on security agencies to assess threats to Odii and his campaign structures, provide sustained protection, issue a formal advisory to Nwifuru on his constitutional obligations, and secure a public retraction and commitment to a peaceful electoral process. It said it was prepared to provide video evidence, affidavits and witness statements to support any investigation.

Contacted, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nwifuru, Monday Uzor, said he was unaware of the petition, while Commissioner for Information Ikenne Omebe could not immediately respond, saying he was at a rally when contacted.

Yoruba Tennis Club has unveiled a four-day Centenary Cultural Week as part of activities marking the 100th anniversary of the club, with events designed to celebrate Yoruba heritage, tradition, culture and the enduring bond of brotherhood among members.

The programme, announced by the Brand, Media and Communication Sub-Committee of the club, is expected to provide a platform for members to reconnect with the cultural values and traditions that have shaped the institution over the past century.

The event will begin on Sunday with Abalabi Dance, while the second day of the programme, scheduled for August 25, will feature a Cultural Colloquium, with Professor Peter Fatomilola of the Department of Dramatic Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as the guest speaker.

Traditional Day Celebration will follow on August 28. The Royal Father of the Day is the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo 3

The cultural week will climax on August 30, with Ikase Ceremony and Inter-Faith Service.

The club management urged members to take note of the programme schedule and participate in the activities lined up for the historic celebration.

Chairman of the club, Chief Olawumi Gasper, called on members to embrace the celebration, noting that the centenary anniversary offered a unique opportunity to honour the club’s rich legacy while reinforcing its commitment to culture, tradition and brotherhood.

He said the week would further promote the preservation of Yoruba heritage and strengthen the values that had sustained the institution across generations.

According to the club, the centenary celebration is anchored on the theme: ‘100 Years of Brotherhood, Culture and Continuity’, which reflects its rich history, cultural identity and enduring relevance.

The celebration is expected to bring together members and distinguished guests in a fitting commemoration of the club’s remarkable 100-year journey and its continuing contribution to the preservation and promotion of Yoruba cultural values.

Brazil will stage the opening game and final of the 2027 Women’s World Cup at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana?Stadium, according to the match schedule unveiled for the 32-team tournament.

The hosts kick off the event on June 24 in a fitting opening to the first Women’s World Cup held in South America, ?with the Maracana – one of the game’s most famous venues ?and the site of Brazil’s heartbreak defeat by Uruguay ?in the 1950 men’s World Cup decider – also hosting the July ?25 final.

FIFA confirmed that all eight host cities will stage at least ?seven matches and a minimum of one knockout game.

Brasilia, Porto Alegre, Recife and Salvador will stage matches through to the last 16, while Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, ?Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo will hold the quarter-finals.

Sao Paulo ?and Rio will host the semi-finals.

‘I already have goose bumps thinking about the incredible , ?colour and energy that Brazilian fans will bring to the tournament as they welcome the world to eight vibrant host cities,’ FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

The Maracana will become only the ?third stadium to ?host both a ?men’s and women’s World Cup final, following Stockholm’s Rasunda Stadium and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

‘Each host ?city will add its own unique flavour, making this ?a ?colourful, joyful and unforgettable celebration,’ former Brazil captain Aline Pellegrino said.

‘The world’s best players will feel that energy from the stands and they will ?give ?it back on the pitch through moments ?and performances that will inspire girls and boys around the world.’

The final schedule will ?be published later this year.

The Kebbi State Government is to establish a forest reserve in Kalgo Local Government Area for traditional medicine practitioners, as part of efforts to preserve indigenous knowledge and prevent the extinction of medicinal herbs.

Governor Nasir Idris gave the directive when he received leaders of the Coalition of the National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), Kebbi State chapter, at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, yesterday.

‘We do not want our traditional medicine to vanish. I have directed the Ministry of Environment to find a forest reserve for the association in Kalgo Local Government Area,’ he said.

Idris pledged to fulfil earlier commitments to the association, including appointing one Senior Special Assistant from each of the state’s four emirates, and said the government would organise a capacity-building workshop for members. The government had also donated two vehicles to support the association’s activities.

The Governor listed ongoing federal projects in the state, including the Malando-Warra-Ngaski, Koko-Dabai and Koko-Besse-Zaria Kala-Kala-Bagudo road projects, and said more than 2,000 primary and secondary schools had been renovated statewide. He added that 26 of the state’s 30 general hospitals had been renovated, along with 176 of 225 primary healthcare centres, with the remainder to follow.

Idris said his administration’s achievements justified continued support for President Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging the association to sustain its cooperation.

NANTMP Kebbi Chairman, Alhaji Rilwanu Wasagu, reaffirmed the association’s loyalty to Idris and pledged to mobilise its more than 40,000 members for the APC in 2027, commending the governor’s record in infrastructure, healthcare, education and agriculture.

He also praised the free fertiliser and farm input distribution, and appealed for land allocation for medicinal plant cultivation as well as a permanent secretariat for the association.

The Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu’s investment in Seplat Energy Plc has crossed the $1 billion mark in market value, less than eight months after his investment vehicle, Heirs Holdings, acquired a 20.07 percent stake in the Nigerian energy company for approximately $500 million.

The sharp appreciation in the value of the holding follows a strong rally in Seplat’s shares on both the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE), which has lifted the company’s market capitalisation to about $5.24 billion.

Heirs Holdings acquired 120.4 million Seplat shares from French energy company Maurel and Prom in December 2025, becoming the company’s largest shareholder.

Based on Seplat’s referenced share prices of N11,200.60 on the NGX and £6.47 on the LSE, the 120.4 million-share holding is now valued at approximately $1 billion, more than twice the original investment.

The gain underscores the scale of Seplat’s market rerating since the transaction and represents one of the more notable appreciation stories among major Nigerian-listed companies in 2026.

Seplat entered 2026 at N5,809 per share but quickly began a sustained rally after the Heirs Holdings transaction.

Within the first trading week of the year, the stock gained 6.2 per cent and reached a new 52-week high.

By March, the share price had moved above N9,000, before crossing the N10,000 threshold in April.

Seplat became the first stock listed on the Nigerian Exchange to trade above N10,000 per share, closing at N10,450 on April 14 and recording a year-to-date gain of almost 80 percent at the time.

The stock has since moved above N11,000, putting its 2026 gain at more than 90 percent from its year-end 2025 level.

For Heirs Holdings, the sustained appreciation has effectively transformed the $500 million acquisition into a holding worth about $1 billion at the referenced market prices.

The rise in Seplat’s share price has coincided with a significant expansion in the company’s underlying business following its acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU).

The transaction transformed Seplat’s production scale and significantly expanded its offshore portfolio.

The impact was evident in the company’s 2025 financial performance, its first full year reflecting the enlarged asset base.

Revenue increased 144 percent to $2.73 billion, while adjusted EBITDA rose 137 percent to $1.28 billion.

Operating cash flow increased 276 percent to $1.17 billion, while net debt declined 25 percent to $673.3 million.

Seplat also increased its total dividend for 2025 by 52 percent to 25 cents per share.

The company’s 2026 performance has further strengthened the case for the market’s rerating.

In the first half of 2026, Seplat generated N2.50 trillion in revenue, while profit before tax rose 74 percent to N790.4 billion.

Profit after tax increased sharply from N42.5 billion in the corresponding period of 2025 to N225.5 billion.

The company also continued to strengthen its balance sheet.

Interest-bearing borrowings declined from about N1.44 trillion at the end of 2025 to N1.11 trillion by June, while cash increased to N598.3 billion.

The combination of higher earnings, stronger cash generation and lower leverage has provided additional support for the market’s more bullish assessment of the company.

Seplat’s enlarged asset portfolio has also translated into higher production.

Average working-interest production reached 139,509 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) in the first half of 2026, compared with 134,492 boepd a year earlier.

Offshore assets accounted for more than half of total production, while natural gas liquids production more than doubled to 8,459 barrels per day.

The change represents a significant shift in the company’s production profile.

In 2025, average production had already risen to 131,506 boepd from 52,947 boepd in 2024 following the first full year of offshore consolidation after the MPNU acquisition.

The enlarged production base has therefore given Seplat greater diversification across assets and revenue streams than it had before the transaction.

Elumelu’s increasing involvement in Seplat adds another dimension to the investment.

After joining the company’s board in January 2026, he is expected to become chairman from January 1, 2027.

That would place Seplat’s largest shareholder in a more direct leadership position as the company seeks to consolidate the gains from the MPNU acquisition and pursue further growth.

The development also deepens Elumelu’s involvement in the Nigerian energy industry, alongside his interests across banking, power and other sectors through his investment holdings.

However, the sustained value of the Heirs Holdings investment will ultimately depend on Seplat’s ability to maintain production growth, manage costs, generate cash and translate its enlarged asset base into sustainable shareholder returns.

For now, the movement from an approximately $500 million investment to a stake worth around $1 billion highlights the scale of the market’s reassessment of Seplat since the MPNU acquisition.

More importantly, the company’s stronger earnings, higher production and improving balance sheet suggest that the share-price rerating is increasingly being supported by improvements in the underlying business rather than market sentiment alone.