Category: Business Day

The Edo State Government has vowed to end land racketeering and multiple sales of government-acquired land, warning individuals and community groups against interfering with legitimate developers and investors.

The Managing Director of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS), Innocent Bello, made the disclosure during a press briefing at Oke-Oroma on alleged multiple sales and encroachment on government-acquired land at Obagie-N’Evbuosa.

Bello, who spoke on behalf of the Edo State Government Land Restitution Committee, said the allocation, registration and administration of government-controlled land remained the exclusive responsibility of the state government and its designated institutions.

He said no individual, family, community, traditional group or self-appointed land committee had the authority to allocate or register government land, stressing that historical or traditional claims could not justify the sale or resale of land already acquired by government.

According to him, the government has subjected documents submitted by affected developers to due diligence and, where necessary, forensic examination to establish the authenticity and history of disputed transactions.

Bello said the Restitution Committee was established to resolve genuine grievances arising from land transactions and protect persons who may have acquired interests in land in good faith.

He alleged that some persons who previously sold portions of the disputed land were still attempting to resell the properties or interfere with developers who subsequently acquired legitimate interests.

‘The era of engaging in land racketeering, selling government-acquired land and using land sales as a means of survival is over in Edo State,’ Bello said, warning that the administration’s commitment to due process should not be mistaken for weakness.

He disclosed that Gaius Emokpae, the Okaighele, secretary and other persons linked to the alleged multiple sales had been invited before the committee to account for the transactions, including the dates, sums received and disposition of proceeds.

Bello warned against the harassment or intimidation of legitimate developers, government officials and members of the committee, saying such actions would be referred to security and law-enforcement authorities.

He urged persons with unresolved claims from previous restitution exercises to submit relevant documents to the committee, assuring legitimate investors that the government would protect their interests while safeguarding its land assets against fraudulent sales and encroachment.

Members of the Restitution Committee, developers and other stakeholders attended the briefing.

In this interview with REGIS ANUKWUOJI, Juliet Chiluwe, chief of UNICEF Field Office Enugu and Ngozi Onuora, Nutrition Specialist UNICEF Enugu Field office, spoke on World Breastfeeding Week 2026, with the theme: ‘Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works, the expected role of fathers.’ Excerpts:

Why is World Breastfeeding Week important for Nigeria?

World Breastfeeding Week is opportunity to renew our collective commitment to protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding as one of the most effective investments in child survival, health, nutrition and national development. Although more than 90 percent of Nigerian mothers breastfeed, optimal breastfeeding practices remain below national and global targets. According to the 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), only 29 percent of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed, while early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth has declined to 36 percent. These figures underscore the urgent need to strengthen proven interventions that support mothers to breastfeed successfully.

What informed the 2026 theme?

The theme, ‘Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,’ encourages countries to strengthen existing systems that have already proven effective in increasing breastfeeding rates. This includes early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour after birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, continued breastfeeding alongside complementary feeding until two years and beyond, baby-friendly hospital initiative, skilled breastfeeding counselling during pregnancy and after delivery, community support groups, family-friendly workplace policies, enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.

Rather than reinventing solutions, the focus is on scaling up evidence-based interventions that improve child survival and nutrition.

Why is breastfeeding described as a sustainable investment?

Breastfeeding is environmentally-friendly, naturally renewable and requires no manufacturing, packaging, transportation or waste disposal. It contributes to sustainable development by improving child survival, Preventing malnutrition, Reducing household spending on infant feeding, lowering healthcare costs, supporting children’s cognitive development and future productivity, reducing environmental pollution associated with breastmilk substitutes, healthy children today become healthier, more productive adults tomorrow.

What are UNICEF’s recommendations?

UNICEF and WHO recommend that babies should begin breastfeeding within the first hour after Birth Babies should receive only breastmilk for the first six months, without water or other foods unless medically indicated. From six months, nutritious complementary foods should be introduced while breastfeeding continues until, at least, two years of age and beyond.

Why are exclusive breastfeeding rates still low in Nigeria?

Several factors contribute to low exclusive breastfeeding rates which includes limited access to skilled breastfeeding counselling, harmful myths and misconceptions, pressure from aggressive marketing of breastmilk substitutes, short maternity leave and inadequate workplace support. Lack of family support, poor early initiation after delivery and improving breastfeeding require supportive families, health systems, employers and communities.

UNICEF has been in Nigeria for many years now. Kindly share your areas of focus?

UNICEF supports the Federal and State Governments to Strengthen Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) services. Train healthcare workers in breastfeeding counselling, support baby-friendly health facilities, improve maternal, newborn and child health services, strengthen community-based nutrition programmes. UNICEF also support behaviour and social change communication, advocates for improved maternity protection and workplace breastfeeding policies. We also promote implementation of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk substitutes.

These interventions are helping mothers receive the information and support they need to breastfeed successfully.

May we know some of the activities of UNICEF in the South-East?

Across the South-East, UNICEF works with State Ministries of Health, Primary Health Care Development Agencies and development partners to build the capacity of health workers on Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition, integrate breastfeeding counselling into routine maternal and child health services, support community mobilisation through traditional, religious and community leaders.

Engage youth, including U-Reporters and Young Content Creators, to amplify positive breastfeeding messages.

Strengthen social and behaviour change communication through mass media, digital platforms and community engagement and Improve nutrition services at primary healthcare facilities.

These efforts contribute to improving child survival and nutrition across the region.

What role should fathers play in child breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding is everyone’s responsibility. Fathers should support mothers by encouraging exclusive breastfeeding, helping with household responsibilities. Ensuring mothers receive adequate nutrition and rest, accompanying mothers to health facilities, protecting mothers from misinformation, among others. Evidence shows that mothers are more likely to breastfeed successfully when supported by their families.

What are the expectations from employers?

UNICEF encourages employers to create breastfeeding-friendly workplaces by providing paid maternity leave, breastfeeding breaks, safe lactation rooms, and flexible working arrangements where possible. There should be workplace policies that protect breastfeeding mothers. Supporting breastfeeding benefits employees, employers and society.

What is UNICEF’s advice regarding infant formula?

Breastfeeding remains the best source of nutrition for almost every baby. Infant formula should only be used when medically indicated and under the guidance of qualified health professionals. Parents should receive unbiased information that enables informed decisions without commercial influence.

What are your expectations from the media?

The media are essential partners in improving child nutrition. We expect that journalists should promote accurate breastfeeding information, challenge myths and misinformation, showcase success stories, hold institutions accountable and give voice to mothers and communities. They are also expected to encourage supportive public policies. Responsible reporting contributes directly to healthier children.

What is UNICEF’s key messages during World Breast feeding Week 2026?

UNICEF is calling on governments, health professionals, employers, communities, development partners and families to strengthen what works by investing in proven breastfeeding interventions today. Nigeria can reduce child deaths, improve nutrition, strengthen human capital and give every child a sustainable start in life. Breastfeeding is not only a mother’s responsibility it is a shared responsibility and one of Nigeria’s smartest investments in the future of its children.

Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally declared the #OsunDecides2026 Situation Room closed following the conclusion of the Osun State governorship election and the declaration of the result in the early hours of Sunday.

Amupitan, while addressing staff at the Situation Room, expressed appreciation for their dedication, sacrifice and professionalism throughout the electoral process.

He commended staff at the Commission’s Headquarters, Osun State and Local Government offices, as well as personnel deployed to the field, particularly those who worked at the polling units and members of the technical teams.

Amupitan acknowledged the long hours put in by staff, noting that many sacrificed time with their families and worked under demanding conditions to support the successful conduct of the election and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

He also attributed the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed during the election to the grace and protection of Almighty God.

The Chairman described the Osun election as a milestone, not a destination, stressing that the lessons and experience gained must inform the Commission’s preparations for the 2027 General Election. He urged staff to sustain a higher level of vigilance, transparency, professionalism and commitment, while maintaining strict neutrality in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He further called on staff to remain committed to the Commission and to recognise the important role INEC plays in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.

‘Let us learn from our experience, refine our strategies and approach the upcoming national task with renewed vigour and absolute neutrality. Let us remain steadfast in our duty, knowing that we are the gatekeepers of our nation’s democracy,’ he said.

Amupitan thereafter formally declared the #OsunDecides2026 Situation Room closed, bringing to an end the Commission’s central monitoring and oversight operations for the Osun State Governorship Election.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the federal government to honour the agreements reached in 2025 and release salaries withheld from its members.

ASUU emphasised that the implementation of outstanding aspects of the December 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement would go a long way towards restoring industrial harmony and enabling university lecturers to focus on teaching, research and community service.

Christopher Piwuna, ASUU president, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists at the union’s secretariat of the University of Jos in Plateau State, as the union renewed its demand for the payment of withheld salaries and the resolution of other outstanding welfare issues affecting university lecturers.

Piwuna said the federal government must urgently address all outstanding issues of academic staff welfare and matters arising from the FG-ASUU Agreement of December 2025 to ensure stability in Nigeria’s public universities.

He noted that the resolution of the issues was critical to restoring confidence among university lecturers and creating the conditions necessary for effective teaching, research and learning in the nation’s public universities.

Besides, the ASUU president raised broader concerns about Nigeria’s socio-economic situation, and advocated for a fundamental shift in government policies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘Political parties and candidates must make the welfare of Nigerians, job creation, poverty reduction, education and economic development central to their programmes, rather than rely on policies that provide temporary relief without addressing the structural causes of hardship,’ he said.

Piwuna particularly criticised what he described as IMF and World Bank-dictated ‘poverty alleviation’ policies, saying such approaches should give way to more participatory and inclusive programmes designed around Nigeria’s peculiar realities.

‘Federal and sub-national governments must prioritise agricultural and industrial production, social protection and other productive sectors capable of creating jobs and reducing dependency.

‘The government should also suspend unnecessary borrowing and explore sustainable alternative sources of financing development projects that have direct relevance to the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians,’ he said.

Moreover, Piwuna called for stronger measures to tackle corruption and financial leakages, including the recovery of stolen public resources and improved accountability in the management of public funds.

Besides, he advocated a tax system that places a greater burden on the wealthy, arguing that the rich should contribute more towards financing development and improving the living conditions of poorer Nigerians.

‘As an underdeveloped country yearning for rapid development, it’s the rich that must be taxed to give the poor a life worth living,’ he said.

On education, the ASUU president called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s education system to make it responsive to the country’s socio-economic, cultural, technological and developmental realities.

‘Nigeria should move away from simply replicating educational models developed for other societies and instead develop a system that addresses its own peculiar challenges and development needs,’ he noted.

He emphasised the need for greater attention to research, technical education, agriculture, innovation and skills development, stressing that these were essential to producing the manpower required to drive Nigeria’s development.

He said properly funded research and technical education would also help reduce unemployment by equipping young Nigerians with relevant skills and creating pathways into productive sectors of the economy.

The union further urged the federal and state governments to address the infrastructure and funding challenges confronting public universities, saying sustainable investment was required to reverse the decline in the quality of higher education.

Piwuna stressed that the welfare of academic staff must remain central to any meaningful reform of the university system, noting that lecturers cannot effectively deliver on their responsibilities in an environment where agreed conditions of service remain unresolved.

He said the implementation of outstanding aspects of the December 2025 FGN-ASUU Agreement would go a long way towards restoring industrial harmony and enabling university lecturers to focus on teaching, research and community service.

The ASUU president maintained that the challenges confronting universities could not be separated from the wider economic difficulties facing the country.

Piwuna further called on governments both at the federal, state and local government levels to redirect their socio-economic policies and projects towards the people, whom they hold public resources in trust for.

‘With the 2027 elections approaching, Nigerians should critically assess the policies and programmes being offered by political parties and candidates, particularly their plans for education, employment, poverty reduction, production and social protection,’ he said.

He maintained that ASUU remained committed to engaging government and other stakeholders towards finding lasting solutions to the challenges confronting Nigeria’s university system and the wider society.

50 rural women from Zaria, Kaduna State, have been admitted into the Nestlé Nigeria ‘Empowering Rural Women’ initiative for building stronger and sustainable businesses at the grassroots.

The programme had supported 432 women entrepreneurs across several communities in Nigeria, while the addition of the 50 women from Zaria brings the total number reached to 482 in five years.

The intervention also marked the beginning of a three-month mentorship period designed to help the women apply their training, manage the additional stock effectively and build stronger, more sustainable businesses.

Launched in 2021, the Empowering Rural Women Initiative supports women retailers who have demonstrated the determination to grow their businesses but have limited access to training, mentorship and the resources required to expand.

‘Women account for approximately 60 percent of the retailers in Nestlé Nigeria’s retail network. Every day, they help us reach consumers, build trust within communities and keep our business moving,’ Boladale Odunlami, commercial manager, Nestlé Nigeria, stated, highlighting the scale of their contribution and the importance of enabling their continued growth.

He added that their contribution is significant, and that the initiative reflects Nestlé Nigeria’s belief that the women who contribute to the company’s growth should have the opportunity to grow with the brand. ‘By investing in their skills and strengthening their businesses, we are helping them increase their earning potential while building a stronger, more capable and more resilient retail network.’

According to him, the programme monitoring shows that more than 80 percent of participants from previous cohorts have sustained and grown their businesses beyond the initial stock boost provided through the programme.

He disclosed that many of the previous beneficiaries operate at a significantly higher level than when they joined, with larger inventories, higher turnover, more customers and stronger financial and business-management practices.

The training for the Zaria participants covered bookkeeping, merchandising, stock management, financial management and customer service. Over the next three months, mentors will provide practical guidance as the women manage their increased stock.

The participants were encouraged to apply their new knowledge and reinvest their profits to support continued growth, and to also learn from one another and build relationships that could provide support beyond the formal mentorship period.

‘The true measure of this initiative is not the support we provide on the day, but what the women go on to build with it. Five years on, we are seeing women sustain their growth, expand their businesses and create greater economic security for themselves and their families,’ Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, Nestlé Nigeria, stated.

According to her, the Zaria edition was delivered with the support of Nestlé Nigeria’s implementation partners and local distributors. During the mentorship period, their continued engagement will support the participants as they put their training into practice and work towards stronger, more profitable businesses.

‘As these women build stronger businesses and better livelihoods, they also strengthen the retail network that connects Nestlé to communities across Nigeria. It is a model in which progress for the women and progress for our business reinforce each other, turning an initial investment into lasting value.’

Eze Madumere, former deputy governor of Imo State and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), senatorial candidate for Imo East District, (Owerri zone), has urged Imo youths to embrace technology entrepreneurship, innovation in order to remain relevant in the macro-economic ecosystem.

Madumere, who made the urge during the 2026 International Youth Day celebration, described young people as the driving force behind every progressive society, saying that the development of Imo State cannot be complete without meaningful investment in the youthful population.

Madumere, an American-trained technocrat, called on the political leaders and other stakeholders to move beyond celebrating young people and begin to create real opportunities for youth participation, empowerment and leadership.

He stated that the International Youth Day provides an opportunity to celebrate the energy, creativity, resilience and ingenuity of young people, while also drawing attention to the responsibility of the government and society to create opportunities for them to thrive.

Madumere reaffirmed that his commitment to the youth is not a recent political strategy or a product of public office, but a conviction borne and carried for many years, aimed at repositioning the youths for greater productivity.

‘I have always been a youth person. My commitment to young people did not begin when I became Deputy Governor, nor is it tied to any political position. Today, long before I served the people of Imo State, I believed strongly in the capacity of young people to lead, create, innovate and transform society.

‘Public office only provided me with a broader platform to demonstrate a conviction I had always held that when young people are given opportunity, responsibility and the right environment, they can achieve extraordinary things,’ Madumere said.

According to him, the future of Imo State must be deliberately built around a generation of young people who are equipped, empowered and given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to governance and economic development.

While celebrating the youth of Imo East, he assured his continued commitment to championing a society where young people are not treated merely as followers and electoral statistics, but as partners, stakeholders and leaders in the development of Imo State and the nation.

‘To every young person in Owerri Zone and across Imo State, I celebrate you today. Your dreams matter, your ideas matter. Your voice resonates loud and clear. Your future is assured. Never underestimate what you can become and keep hope alive.

‘On this International Youth Day, I salute your courage, celebrate your resilience and reaffirm my commitment to a generation of young Imolites who will not only inherit the future but will actively build it,’ he stated.

Atiku Abubakar, former vice president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 poll; Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Rabiu Kwankwaso, his running mate as well as Bukola Saraki, former Senate president, have congratulated Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Osun State, on his re-election, describing the outcome of last Saturday’s governorship poll as a victory for democracy and the will of the people.

Adeleke, who contested on the platform of the Accord, was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) early Sunday after defeating Bola Oyebamiji, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 13 others.

The governor polled 511,067 votes across the state to defeat Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.

Atiku said Adeleke’s victory reflected the choice of Osun residents as expressed through the ballot.

‘I congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election as Governor of Osun State. His victory demonstrates the choice of the people of Osun as expressed at the ballot box,’ Atiku said in a post on his X handle on Sunday.

He commended the people of the state for their peaceful participation in the election and wished Adeleke success in his second term. ‘I commend the people for their passion and peaceful participation. I wish Governor Adeleke continued success as he continues to serve them,’ he added.

Obi also congratulated Adeleke, saying the election demonstrated the power of citizens to determine who leads them. Obi said the people of Osun had ‘spoken with courage and clarity,’ stressing that the power to choose leaders belonged to the electorate.

He commended Osun youths for what he described as peacefully defending their democratic mandate, saying the outcome provided important lessons ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘The lesson from Osun is clear. Democracy is strongest when citizens are alert, conscious of their civic responsibility, and determined to ensure that their votes count.

Every genuine vote must be respected, and every lawful mandate must be protected,’ Obi said.

Similarly, Bukola Saraki, former Senate President, congratulated Adeleke on what he described as his victory in the governorship election.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor and vice-presidential candidate of the NDC for the 2027 election, also hailed Adeleke, describing him as his friend. In a statement posted on his verified X account on Sunday, Kwankwaso commended Osun voters for exercising their democratic rights.

‘As a leader of the opposition and a committed democrat, I commend the people of Osun State for exercising their democratic rights and reaffirming the power of the people’s mandate,’ he said.

INEC’s State Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, declared Adeleke winner in the early hours of Sunday.

Adeleke won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while Oyebamiji won 11. Najeem Salaam, candidate of the ADC, finished third with 17,180 votes.

The victory was particularly significant for Adeleke, who contested the election on the Accord platform after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), amid a prolonged crisis that led to the party conducting its governorship primary without him.

He subsequently secured the Accord ticket and successfully defended his mandate outside the party on which he was elected governor in 2022.

The defeat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in last Saturday’s Osun State governorship election has exposed deep-seated internal disagreements within the party, growing voter dissatisfaction with the economic situation in the country and the formidable grassroots structure of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Findings by our correspondent showed that some aggrieved APC members and stakeholders, despite the party’s assurances that internal differences had been resolved, allegedly worked against the interest of the party during the election.

The development has raised fresh concerns within the APC over its ability to manage internal interests and retain its dominance in the South-West ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Adeleke, the Accord candidate, defeated Bola Oyebamiji of the APC to secure a second term in office, delivering a major political setback to the ruling party in one of President Bola Tinubu’s strongest political regions.

Before the election, several prominent APC members and aspirants had expressed grievances over the party’s governorship primary, following the disqualification of some aspirants, which paved the way for Oyebamiji’s emergence as the party’s candidate.

Although the APC leadership subsequently announced that it had reconciled the aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders, sources within the party told BusinessDay on Sunday that some unresolved interests persisted until election day.

According to the sources, some of the aggrieved party members were either reluctant to mobilise support for the APC candidate or worked indirectly against his chances at the polls.

Beyond the internal crisis, however, BusinessDay gathered that Adeleke’s incumbency, grassroots network and performance during his first four-year tenure played a major role in the outcome.

Some APC insiders also acknowledged that Adeleke’s decision to endorse President Tinubu for a second term before the election helped to soften opposition to him among some voters sympathetic to the President.

The endorsement was seen by some stakeholders as a strategic move that enabled Adeleke to separate his state-level contest from the broader political rivalry between the APC and its opponents ahead of 2027.

Bernard Mikko, former member of the House of Representatives and ex- governorship aspirant, told BusinessDay in a telephone interview that the outcome reflected growing dissatisfaction among Nigerians over the country’s economic and security challenges.

Mikko, a political scientist, said the APC’s defeat was largely a reaction to the hardship confronting citizens.

‘I think the APC’s defeat is largely due to the determination of Nigerians, particularly the people of Osun State. The hunger, the insecurity and the collapse of systems in Nigeria are part of the reaction from Nigerians,’ he said.

According to him, the Osun result could have wider implications for the 2027 general elections, as voters were becoming more determined to use their ballots to demand better governance.

‘I think it is an indication that the people are more determined not only to cast their votes but to create a better Nigeria that will serve the interests of all,’ Mikko said.

Jackson Lekan Ojo, a political analyst, also told BusinessDay that Adeleke benefited substantially from the support of the electorate, particularly because of his performance in office and his extensive political network across the state.

Ojo said the Adeleke political family had built a formidable grassroots structure over the years, giving the governor an advantage that the APC struggled to neutralise.

‘The APC’s campaign faced the challenge of selling Oyebamiji against a sitting governor who had spent four years building his political profile across the state,’ he said.

He added that the federal government’s inability to sufficiently address economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and the rising cost of living also affected the APC’s chances.

The election, Ojo noted, demonstrated that control of the federal government does not automatically translate into victory in a state governorship election.

‘Despite the APC controlling the federal government and its traditional strength in the South-West, Adeleke secured re-election on the platform of Accord. This will have serious implications on the 2027 poll,’ he said.

Chief Chekwas Okorie, elder statesman and former presidential candidate, described the Osun election as a rehearsal for the 2027 general elections and commended President Tinubu for allowing the electoral process to proceed without undue interference.

Okorie, however, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve the functionality of its biometric voter accreditation system to minimise technical challenges and strengthen confidence in future elections.

Analysts say the result has also elevated Adeleke’s political profile beyond Osun, potentially making him a more influential figure in the South-West’s political calculations ahead of 2027.

For the APC, therefore, the Osun defeat goes beyond losing a governorship election. Observers say it is a warning that the party must urgently address internal grievances, strengthen its grassroots structures and reconnect with voters on issues of economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and the rising cost of living if it hopes to consolidate its hold on the South-West and remain electorally competitive in 2027.

The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as winner of the Osun State Governorship Election, while describing its own fourth-place finish as evidence of the party’s growing grassroots influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yabagi Yusuf Sani the party National Chairman, in a statement he personally signed in Abuja, the ADP said the election outcome should be respected, stressing that any candidate or political party dissatisfied with the result should pursue its grievances through the constitutional and legal channels provided by law.

The party also commended the people of Osun State for what it described as their peaceful participation in the democratic process.

However, beyond Adeleke’s victory, the ADP said the election had delivered an important political signal for the party, particularly through the performance of its governorship candidate, Her Excellency Adeagbo O. Yemisi.

The party described Adeagbo’s showing as ‘impressive,’ saying her campaign demonstrated that Nigerian women have the capacity, political strength and public appeal to compete successfully for the highest elective offices in the country.

According to the ADP, its fourth-place position is significant because it was achieved against political parties with substantially greater financial resources and deeply entrenched political structures.

The party said the result validates what it called its ‘silent but effective campaign strategy’, while also pointing to increasing acceptance of its message of responsible, people-centred governance.

For the ADP, the result is therefore more than a numerical position on the election table.

It represents, the party argued, evidence that its political structures are beginning to take root at the grassroots and that its campaign for a credible alternative to Nigeria’s established political order is gaining traction.

The party particularly praised Adeagbo for running what it described as a courageous, resilient and disciplined issue-based campaign, saying her performance had brought honour to the ADP and strengthened the case for greater participation by women in Nigerian politics.

The party also extended its appreciation to the Osun State ADP leadership, campaign organisation, party members, polling agents, volunteers and supporters who contributed to the campaign.

Most importantly, it thanked voters across Osun State who cast their ballots for the ADP candidate, describing their support as a demonstration of growing confidence in the party.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The ADP said it would not rest on its Osun performance, announcing plans to study the lessons of the election, strengthen its organisational structures and consolidate the gains made in the state.

The party said the exercise would form part of its broader preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the Osun result serving as both a benchmark and a springboard for further expansion.

‘Our performance in Osun should therefore not be viewed merely in terms of our position on the result table,’ the party said, arguing that the result represents ‘a political movement steadily gaining ground’ and highlights the possibilities ahead for the ADP.

The party concluded by congratulating Governor Adeleke on his renewed mandate and wishing him success as he assumes the responsibility of meeting the expectations of the people of Osun State.

With the 2027 political contest already beginning to shape Nigeria’s political landscape, the ADP’s message is clear: Osun was not the destination, but a launchpad for a bigger political push.

Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir of Bauchi State, has declared Monday, August 17, 2026, a work-free day across the state to enable eligible citizens participate fully in the forthcoming Local Government Council election.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the governor’s adviser on media and publicity, Mukhtar Gidado and made available to newsmen in Bauchi.

He said that the directive covers civil and other public servants at the local government, state and federal levels working in Bauchi State, as well as employees in the banking sector.

Governor Bala explained that the decision was taken to give eligible voters sufficient opportunity to exercise their constitutional right without restrictions arising from official duties.

He called on citizens and residents to turn out peacefully and exercise their franchise in accordance with the law, while conducting themselves responsibly before, during and after the poll.

He assured residents that relevant authorities would work towards ensuring a peaceful and orderly electoral environment throughout the exercise.

The governor urged members of the public to cooperate fully with security agencies and electoral officials in the discharge of their responsibilities.