Category: Business Day

YouTube is raising the entry requirements for its Partner Programme, doubling the watch hours and Shorts views needed for new creators to begin earning advertising and subscription revenue.

From 1 February 2027, new applicants will need 8,000 qualified watch hours over the previous 365 days, or 20 million qualified Shorts views over the previous 90 days. The subscriber threshold remains unchanged at 1,000. These figures double the current requirements of 4,000 watch hours and 10 million Shorts views.

The company announced the changes in a blog post on Monday, stating that with more than three million creators already in the programme, the adjustments represent the first significant updates since 2018. YouTube said the move aims to ensure the programme continues to lead in the creator economy by meaningfully rewarding active creators. The platform expects to pay even more to creators in 2027 than in 2026.

YouTube linked the higher bar to its own growth, pointing to more than 200 billion daily Shorts views and over a billion hours of daily watch time on television. Creators already enrolled in the YouTube Partner Programme will not be affected by the new entry thresholds.

The change marks a shift for a company that spent the past four years expanding access. In September 2022, YouTube opened the programme to Shorts-focused creators at the lower thresholds of 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views over 90 days, while also introducing an earlier access tier for fan funding tools. Those lower thresholds remain in place at 500 subscribers and three public uploads in the last 90 days, plus either 3,000 valid public watch hours in a year or three million valid public Shorts views in 90 days.

YouTube is also introducing a minimum performance requirement for Shorts earnings. From 1 February 2027, every channel in the Partner Programme will need 10 million qualified Shorts views over the previous 90 days to remain eligible for ads and subscription revenue sharing on Shorts. Channels that fall below this level will stay in the programme and continue earning on long-form content, with Shorts revenue sharing resuming automatically once they again cross the 10 million view mark.

The company said the update will distribute Shorts revenue to reward creators who drive conversation and engagement. Creators who already earn significant revenue from Shorts are unlikely to be affected.

This approach mirrors changes seen elsewhere in digital media. Spotify, for instance, requires tracks to be streamed at least 1,000 times in the previous 12 months to qualify for its recorded music royalty pool.

For Nigerian and broader African creators, the higher thresholds arrive against a backdrop of growing global reach and monetisation opportunities on the platform. Nigerian musicians and filmmakers have increasingly used YouTube to access international audiences and higher advertising rates in markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The top 16 Nigerian artists alone have collectively surpassed 20 billion views, while Nollywood filmmakers have turned to the platform for direct, ungated distribution of full-length films that can generate sustained revenue over many years

Addy Awofisayo, head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa at YouTube, has previously noted that creators in Nigeria can earn from viewers worldwide once they join the Partner Programme, benefiting from stronger digital advertising ecosystems in developed markets. Consistency, audience engagement and educational support through initiatives such as the Music Business Academy, Foundry and creator boot camps have helped local talent maximise these opportunities.

The raised entry bar may make initial access more demanding for emerging Nigerian creators, yet those who qualify and maintain strong Shorts performance will continue to tap into a revenue model that has already proven transformative for African content on the global stage.

Gov Sim Fubara of Rivers State has denied being at loggerheads again with members of the state’s House of Assembly as being the reason for the silence over the state’s stalled 2026 budget.

This is as anxiety and uproar have continued to grow over the stalled N1.85trn budget submitted almost one month ago. The governor has been in bouts of crisis a few months after taking over in 2023.

The governor said there have been newspaper reports of disagreement between him and the Nyesom Wike-backed members of the House.

A statement issued by Onwuka Nzeshi, Chief Press Secretary to Gov Sim Wednesday night said the attention of the Rivers State Government was drawn to a news item published in some national dailies and online platforms insinuating that there was a disagreement between the Executive and Legislative arms of the Rivers State Government over the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

‘We wish to make it abundantly clear that His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is not at loggerheads with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, but rather working closely with them to serve the good people of Rivers State.’

The statement said the 2026 Budget proposal which was presented to the House of Assembly weeks back, was going through the normal legislative process. ‘We strongly believe that once the process is completed, it will be passed by the lawmakers.’

The statement went to emotions, saying: ‘The Rivers State Government has gone through difficult times in the past and is not prepared to be dragged into another round of controversies. We therefore advise all those bent on promoting negative narratives to desist from such actions forthwith as we need peace and harmony to ensure steady development of Rivers State.’

The tradition in the eight years preceding the present administration is that the budget was sometimes passed hours after its presentation to the House of Assembly. This time around, the Rivers State budget travelled round the state looking for those to pass it, till State of Emergency was proclaimed in the state. The National Assembly had to take over lawmaking for the state, thus, the 2025/26 budget was enacted for the state from Abuja.

Now, one month ago, Fubara crafted another budget after he said he had returned to his political family, making the world believe that peace or political harmony has returned to the state. Many expected a quick passage of the budget so spending can begin in the face of near-collapse of governance.

Refuse dump everywhere in the state as well as non-issuance of land papers (certificates of occupancy) seem to ground the state to a standstill as businesses are wailing.

Some claim without proof that the lawyers collected N2bn each for the budget.

One of those leading the uproar is Chetam T Nwala, one of Fubara’s fiercest backers who said he has resigned to fate. The man known in the social media space as the ‘Certified Courtist’ is a popular activist Port Harcourt-based legal practitioner and human rights lawyer.

Nwala is thus asking what is still holding or stopping the lawmakers from passing the budget. In a video he sent out Thursday, August 13, 2026, Nwala accused the lawmakers of holding the state to ransom by sitting on the budget silently without saying what the matter was.

Some other activists accuse the Lawmakers of holding Fubara hostage but some others said it was Gov Fubara that must be holding himself hostage. They say it was wrong for the governor to surrender the fight and return to the Wike Rainbow Coalition.

Some say it is wrong for the governor to blame news reports about the 2026 budget, saying it is the government that is rather blocking development, not innocent news reports and ordinary members of the public.

Embattled Universal Insurance Plc has entered into a binding N7.128 billion private placement agreement with FPNG Co-Nvest Limited, a transaction that could provide the insurer with the capital needed to clear the regulatory hurdle under Nigeria’s recently concluded insurance industry recapitalisation exercise.

Under the agreement, FPNG will inject N7.128 billion in fresh equity capital into Universal Insurance through a private placement in exchange for additional shares, resulting in FPNG becoming the company’s majority shareholder with a 50.1 percent equity stake.

The transaction comes as Universal Insurance remains among the insurers that did not scale the recapitalisation hurdle as published by the National Insurance Commission’s (NAICOM).

In a market update to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), signed by Chinedu Onyilimba, company secretary, Universal Insurance said the transaction, once concluded, would enable the company to exceed its regulatory capital requirement while maintaining a robust solvency margin.

‘The Company entered into a binding investment agreement with FPNG Co-Nvest Limited, under which FPNG would invest a total of N7.128 billion of equity capital via a private placement into Universal Insurance in exchange for additional shares in the Company,’ Onyilimba said.

He added that the transaction would result in FPNG attaining a majority equity holding of 50.1 percent in Universal Insurance.

The company said its board and management are currently engaging with NAICOM and other relevant regulators on the transaction, with regulatory approvals forming the next critical step before completion.

Universal Insurance said it had already secured the relevant board and shareholder approvals for the transaction and remained committed to fulfilling all applicable regulatory requirements.

The says it would continue to keep the NGX, shareholders and the investing public informed of material developments as the transaction progresses.

FPNG Co-Nvest Limited is an active institutional investment vehicle and subsidiary of FigPoint (Fig Partners Africa). It holds substantial equity stakes in major Nigerian publicly listed companies, reflecting a strategic investment focus on the country’s capital market and financial sector

Three senior executives of ipNX Nigeria have been recognised among the 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy at the 15th West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC).

The executives, Ejovi Aror, group managing director; Bimpe Olaleye, group executive director, commercials; and Olusola Teniola, director, strategic business initiatives, were recognised for their contributions to Nigeria’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector and digital economy.

The recognition was presented during the annual WACC, organised by IT Edge New Africa, which brings together policymakers, regulators, technology companies and business leaders to examine developments shaping West Africa’s digital ecosystem.

The recognition highlights ipNX’s role in expanding broadband connectivity, promoting digital inclusion and developing technology solutions aimed at supporting businesses and communities.

Speaking on the award, Aror said the recognition represented the collective efforts of ipNX employees rather than an individual achievement.

‘This recognition is not a personal honour, but a testament to the dedication, innovation, and resilience of the entire ipNX team,’ he said.

According to him, the company remains focused on building digital infrastructure capable of supporting businesses, connecting communities and contributing to a more inclusive digital economy.

Teniola also described collaboration among government, industry and other stakeholders as critical to Nigeria’s digital transformation.

‘Nigeria’s digital future depends on strong collaboration between industry, government, and other stakeholders,’ he said.

He added that ipNX would continue to focus on innovation, policy engagement and strategic initiatives aimed at expanding digital access and strengthening connectivity.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected high-profile terrorist operative linked to notorious terrorist leader Dogo Gide, alongside 60 suspected collaborators, in a series of intelligence-led operations conducted across several states.

The operations, carried out between August 12 and 13, 2026, also resulted in the recovery of weapons, military camouflage uniforms, motorcycles, improvised weapons and other items suspected to have been used in support of terrorist activities.

The arrests came as the military intensified operations against terrorist groups and armed criminal elements in the North-West and other parts of the country.

In Kaduna State, troops of the 4 Demonstration Battalion arrested a suspected operative of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) at Kadage Check Point.

The suspect was allegedly transporting seven pairs of sewn foreign camouflage uniforms to a terrorist camp when he was intercepted by the troops.

According to the military, preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspect was a close associate and logistics supplier to Dogo Gide, a notorious terrorist commander operating in the North-West.

Troops recovered 23 yards of foreign camouflage material, two mobile phones, three Automated Teller Machine cards and an identity card from the suspect.

The Army said the discovery was significant because the movement of military-style uniforms and other logistics could facilitate terrorist groups’ ability to disguise their members, move within communities and sustain their operations.

In Adamawa State, troops of 226 Battalion, working with local hunters, raided a motor park in Gombi following intelligence indicating that suspected terrorist collaborators had infiltrated the area while disguising themselves as menial workers and hawkers.

The suspects are currently being held for further investigation as security authorities work to determine their identities, affiliations and possible links to terrorist networks.

Meanwhile, the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, has launched a fresh coordinated offensive, codenamed Operation Clean Sweep IV, against terrorists and other armed criminal groups operating across the region.

The operation combines ground and air assets and is designed to increase pressure on terrorist formations, disrupt their logistics and movements and prevent them from establishing operational footholds in civilian communities.

Aliyu Danja, Media Information Officer of Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel, said the operation was aimed at bringing coordinated ground and air actions to bear on identified threats across the North-Western states.

‘The operation brings coordinated ground and air actions to bear on identified threats across the North Western States,’ Army said.

It added that the offensive was also intended to degrade terrorist capabilities, disrupt their movements and logistics, and deny them opportunities to establish footholds within Nigerian communities.

As part of the operation, troops of Sector 2 conducted a clearance operation on August 12 around suspected terrorist enclaves in Dutsinma Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The military said the operation exerted significant pressure on the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their positions and retreat into surrounding bushes.

‘The operation mounted significant pressure on the terrorists, compelling them to abandon their positions and withdraw into surrounding bushes. Clearance operation is ongoing in the general area,’ it said.

In Zamfara State, the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma carried out precision air strikes against terrorists who had converged on motorcycles in the Anka Local Government Area.

According to the military, the strikes neutralised scores of terrorists and forced survivors to flee into surrounding bushes.

Ground troops also recorded gains in the state, with troops of 1 Brigade recovering an RPG bomb during a patrol around Tunga-Jambako in Maradun Local Government Area.

The recovery followed an earlier terrorist ambush in the area, highlighting the continuing threat posed by improvised and military-grade explosives to troops and communities across the region.

In Benue State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested five suspected terrorists during operations in Chito, Jootar and Ikyior communities in Ukum Local Government Area.

The troops also destroyed suspected terrorist enclaves and recovered two motorcycles and two locally fabricated firearms.

The military said the operations were part of broader efforts to dismantle terrorist and criminal networks operating across the country’s vulnerable communities and movement corridors.

In the North-East, troops also intercepted suspected family members and associates of terrorists amid continuing instability among terrorist factions.

Five women and seven children suspected to be family members of terrorists were intercepted in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Similarly, six male children were intercepted at Ajiri after reportedly escaping from Murofari Village following clashes between rival terrorist groups.

The interception of the women and children underscored the complex humanitarian and security challenges confronting military forces in communities affected by prolonged terrorist activities and clashes between rival factions.

Beyond the immediate arrests and weapons recoveries, the military said a major component of Operation Clean Sweep IV would be the containment and dismantling of the Lakurawa terrorist network across the theatre.

Lakurawa, which has emerged as a security concern in parts of the North-West and border areas, has increasingly attracted the attention of Nigerian security agencies because of the group’s reported exploitation of difficult-to-monitor border corridors for movement and logistics.

The military said Operation Clean Sweep IV was specifically designed to prevent the infiltration and reinforcement of Lakurawa elements into Nigeria.

‘The operation is designed to prevent the infiltration and reinforcement of Lakurawa elements into Nigeria while denying the group the opportunity to exploit border areas as corridors for movement, logistics and the establishment of enclaves,’ it said.

The military’s latest offensive reflects an effort to move beyond reactive responses to terrorist attacks by targeting the networks, logistics routes, hideouts and supply channels that sustain armed groups.

Security forces are also seeking to prevent terrorists from exploiting civilian populations, border communities and informal economic activities as cover for recruitment, movement and logistical support.

Danja said the launch of the operation demonstrated the Theatre Command’s commitment to maintaining sustained pressure on evolving terrorist threats.

‘The launch of Operation CLEAN SWEEP IV underscores the proactive and sustained posture of Operation Fansan Yamma in confronting evolving terrorist threats across the region,’ Army said.

It added that the Theatre Command remained committed to protecting civilian communities, securing Nigeria’s territorial integrity and preventing terrorist groups from regrouping, reinforcing their positions or establishing new operational bases.

Four Nigerian youth techies and scholars have captured half scholarship packages worth N40.4m to subsidize their schooling in the United Kingdom, along with a Nigerian component worth N8m.

The hunt for the subsidy ended Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Bougainvillea Hotel on Sani Abacha Road in the GRA section of Port Harcourt where Aptech’s Career Quest draws were held.

The exercise was witnessed by Favour Ugbaja, Senior Admissions Officer at Middlesex University, West Africa office in Lagos; and Kallol Mukherjee, Aptech International Business Head and Executive Vice President. Others were Sajan Rohan Suvarna (COO Raptors Group) and Sumit Sharma (head of operations, Raptors Group), that manage the Aptech facility.

The lucky techies who bagged the UK half scholarship were Mmesoma Ifeoma Alozie and Eleazar Udo, who would proceed to Middlesex University at half of the 17,200 British Pounds for their degree courses or whatever course level they are eligible for.

The others were Olalusi Olayinka Divine and Akum Maiden Orusha. The four have been scholars and technophiles studying at the Port Harcourt Aptech Centre but with opportunity to finish in Middlesex (or in any of their other two international campuses), a scheme that seems to help subsidize cost of foreign education for young Nigerians.

The winners of the scholarship were chosen by a hand-picked draws carried out by two parents on behalf of all the other parents.

The draws usually elicit huge excitement when names of the winners were called. The scheme seems to attract parents and scholars.

Most parents say the scheme reduces the cost of maintaining children abroad for education. They say it guarantees international-standard education and opportunity to end in any top country abroad. Yet, they say, careers for their wards are guaranteed, both abroad or back home in Nigeria.

Each of the awardees expressed profound gratitude to APTECH for the scholarship opportunity their wards won. They promised to acquire more insightful knowledge and impact same on upcoming generations.

They also appreciated their parents for the love and investment of quality education in them that propelled them to such new heights.

Speaking, the Middlesex representative (Ugbaja), said both Aptech and Middlesex have played strictly by the rules over the past 18 years. She said the gateway was the best route from Aptech to Middlesex.

In his opening remarks at the event, Suvarna thanked the parents for consistency in their quest for their wards’ top education. ‘We are part of the Raptors group and we are the largest franchise, the initial or the first franchise for Aptech in Nigeria. We’ve got 12 centers across Nigeria now, with 24 licenses.’

Aptech is said to have over 70 centres in Nigeria, all doing well, sending about 120 students to the UK every year.

In his key address, Mukherjee (Aptech International Business Head and Executive Vice President), said Aptech worked with Middlesex for 20 years so far, saying they decided to reach out to every single Nigerian. He said japa without top skill was like jumping from fire to frying pan.

‘We will make them aware about this particular association and what it brings for them in terms of taking their career ahead, and we launched the event named Career Quest.

‘So, we have been into this field of education for the past 40 years, with almost close to 1,000-odd centres network, and with an alumni base of 7.5 million students.’

The Imole Campaign Council (TICC), a Campaign Group, belonging to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to provide the public with an update on its investigation into a viral video in which Francis Fadahunsi, a serving Senator, was alleged to have made an open call for the killing of Accord members ahead of the August 15 Governorship election.

The Campaign Council made the demand in a statement signed by Pelumi Olajengbesi, its spokesperson, following reports that Fadahunsi had been invited by the police over the video.

TICC said the alleged threat had created fear among its members in Ijesaland and other parts of Osun State, stressing that the matter had become a grave public concern with the governorship election only days away.

The Council urged the Police to demonstrate that the matter was being handled with the seriousness it deserved, saying the invitation of the senator should not end as a mere measure to calm public anger.

‘Our demand is not for the Police to prejudge the Senator or presume guilt, but to demonstrate that the law applies to all equally, irrespective standings in the society.

‘Upon the review of the threat video and established the intention to harm Accord leaders and members as threatened, we ask the Police not to waste time in charging Senator Fadahunsi to court,’ the statement said

The Council, however, urged Accord leaders and members in Ijesaland not to be provoked into violence by the alleged threat, but to continue their mobilisation for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election peacefully.

‘Political disagreement must never become a justification to threaten the life of fellow citizens or opposing political parties,’ TICC added.

Bonny, the Headquarters of Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State is up for ‘rediscovery’ as the Island Chamber launches ‘Discover Bonny’ tagline to boost its $16 billion economy with ‘Orange Economy’ scheme.

The island is said to contribute 4% to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) which could be estimated at $16 billion, going by the current size of Nigeria’s GDP at about $400 billion.

The project to launch the rediscovery of the island will be unveiled on August 18 -20, 2026, in Bonny, according to Constance Nwokejiobi, the President of the Bonny Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (Bonny Chamber) at a media briefing on Wednesday held at the Penthouse of the NUJ House on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

The Chamber President, who stated that Bonny Island contributes 4% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), named Bonny’s economic pillars to include the NLNG, Renaissance Africa Energy (formerly SPDC), and many others.

She explained that Tourism is Bonny’s other economic front other than oil and gas, saying there is plan to connect Bonny with the Caribbean axis.

She said the ‘Discover Bonny Initiative’ is a three-year strategic programme to transform Bonny Island into a premier tourism destination.

‘Discover Bonny is not a slogan; it is a framework: it is a tourism concierge platform, a partnership framework spanning platinum, gold, silver, bronze, community tourism and international partnership tiers.

‘It is critically, a dedicated tourism centre driven by the private sector. That last point deserves emphasis: sustainable tourism cannot be built by government alone. A private sector anchored Tourism Centre ensures Bonny’s tourism economy is entrepreneurial, investable, and built to outlast any single administration or partnership cycle’, she noted.

She said this matters beyond Bonny.

‘Tourism is Nigeria’s orange economy, a creative, service-driven growth engine capable of diversifying and expanding our national GDP well beyond oil and gas.

‘Bonny Local Government Area alone already contributes an estimated 4% of Nigeria’s national GDP, largely from oil and gas. Our task now is to build a second, sustainable pillar alongside it, one rooted in tourism, heritage and hospitality, capable of outlasting any single resource cycle.’

She said the upcoming summit unveils Bonny’s ecotourism, industrial, cultural and heritage sites for development. ‘We are not only opening our Kingdom to visitors, we are opening a new front for Nigeria’s economic diversification. It is about a King’s vision, a nation’s endorsement.

‘None of this would be possible without the vision of His Majesty, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III (who marks 30 years on the throne on December 21, 2026). It is His Majesty who first saw Bonny not only as an energy and industrial hub, but as a Kingdom of heritage, hospitality and history deserving global recognition. That vision is now backed in practice, with NLNG and Renaissance standing as anchor partners translating royal vision into funded reality.’

The Chamber President showed huge gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Tourism, the Rivers State Ministry of Tourism, and the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority for assessing and recognizing Bonny Island as a Premier Tourism Destination in Nigeria.

She equally thanked Governor Sim Fubara for making tourism development a genuine pillar of his administration, alongside the continued support of the NDDC.

The objectives of the summit were explained as four things: to formally launch the Discover Bonny brand and strategy to the world; to sign Tourism Partnership MOUs across every level, to present the three year roadmap for infrastructure and tourism development; and to bring investors, tourism experts, government officials, etc aligned for the future.

The Summit will be highlighted by royal tradition, investment dialogue, and the living culture of our Kingdom including courtesy visits, plenary sessions, launch of the ‘Discover Bonny Initiative’, golf tournament, Okoloama Fungumini Festival (a living showcase of Bonny’s masquerade tradition and communal celebration), and tours.

PSKorner, a security knowledge platform, launched in Nigeria to get businesses to treat security as part of risk management and business continuity rather than a physical protection function.

Buduka Addey, its founder and national general secretary of the Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), said the platform will bring security professionals, business executives, policymakers, researchers and facility managers into discussions around emerging risks, technology, governance and professional practice.

Addey said organisations often approach security through measures such as guards, access control and surveillance, without sufficiently connecting those investments to wider business risks.

‘If people have the right information, they will take rational, informed decisions, transforming how individuals, organisations, and industries think about security,’ she said.

According to her, the platform will use interviews, case studies and practice to help organisations identify security risks and make better decisions about their security investments. ‘Better security begins with better thinking,’ Addey said.

PSKorner is also using international industry events to build its network and broaden its coverage. It took its platform to the 2026 ASIS Sub-Saharan Africa Security Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, where it interviewed security professionals on leadership, risk management, professional development and the changing security environment.

Among those featured was Eddie Sorrells, president of ASIS International, who spoke about his career progression from working as a security officer on the midnight shift while attending college to eventually moving into senior leadership.

‘People need to hear our story, not so we can build ourselves up, but so we can build up other people through our story,’ Sorrells said.

PSKorner also recorded interviews with Evan Steinberg, Eva Nolle, Tobias See, Sienna Dutkowski and Capt. Joe Awuni during the Cape Town conference. The interviews are expected to be released as individual episodes.

Addey said the international engagement was intended to connect African security professionals with wider global discussions and create a platform for sharing experience across the profession.

PSKorner plans to cover security intelligence, technology, risk governance, leadership, resilience, professional standards and the evolving relationship between public and private security.

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that about 40 of its members have been killed in election-related violence ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, while condemning fresh attacks in Esa-Oke and Atakumasa East.

The party also condemned the alleged killing of Ayegbo Oladale, nephew of Oluwole Oke, Director-General of the APC Governorship Campaign Council, who was reportedly shot alongside Taiwo Oluwadele around Oke’s family compound in Esa-Oke.

Remi Omowaiye, Head, Media and Publicity of the APC Campaign Council, who disclosed this on Thursday, said Oladale died from the attack, while Oluwadele remained in critical condition.

Omowaiye also alleged that an associate of Sanya Omiri and three other APC members were shot in Atakumasa East on Thursday morning. He identified those allegedly attacked as Adebayo Dada, Idowu Laide, Ebuke Emmanuel and Adebiyi Ebenezer, adding that Dada sustained severe injuries.

Omowaiye said the latest incidents were among a series of attacks allegedly targeting APC members in the state, adding that five people were shot during preparations for the party’s planned final campaign rally in Ilesa, with four reportedly killed and another receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of a teaching hospital.

‘It is sad that we are being killed while the governor is playing the victim’s card. As I speak, we have lost about 40 of our members, and nothing has been done to stop this,’ Omowaiye said.

He also alleged that a few days earlier in Ilesa, one of the prisoners released by the government was responsible for a killing in the area, although he did not provide further details.

Omowaiye said the alleged attacks had continued despite the proximity of the election, adding that the party expected authorities to take steps to protect its members and supporters.

He said, ‘Yesterday, the nephew of the Director-General of our campaign council, Honourable Oluwole Oke, Ayegbo Oladale and Taiwo Oluwadele were shot around Honourable Oluwole Oke’s family compound in Esa-Oke.

‘Unfortunately, we lost Ayegbo Oladale while Taiwo is still in a very critical condition.

‘Just this morning again, an associate of Honourable Sanya Omiri and three others were attacked. They were shot. Adebayo Dada’s own was severe. All members of the APC at Atakumosa East were shot at.’

When contacted, Abiodun Ojelabi, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) confirmed the attack.