Category: Daily Trust

The battle for control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of its November 15-16 national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, has deepened, with a fresh rift emerging in the National Working Committee (NWC).

Daily Trust gathered that the committee has again split between PDP governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who has openly vowed to support the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

While acting National Chairman Umar Damagum is aligned with most governors, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu is leading the Wike camp within the NWC. Sources said Wike’s loyalists have boycotted recent NWC meetings called by Damagum, as tensions over the convention escalate.

A party insider said Wike, having pledged to work for President Bola Tinubu and frustrate the convention, has continued to issue conditions. ‘If they meet those conditions, he will come up with new ones. The governors have decided to move on and are daring him to do his worst,’ the source said.

The crisis worsened on September 30 when PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba announced the dissolution of the Akwa Ibom State executive committee and the appointment of a caretaker committee.

He added that the caretaker committee will run the chapter for three months or until a new executive is elected. Members include Igwat Umoren as chairman, Harrison Ekpo as deputy chairman, and Borono Bassey as secretary, among others.

But in a counter-letter dated October 1, Anyanwu dismissed the move as invalid, insisting no formal NWC meeting approved the dissolution. He described the statement as ‘null and void and of no effect,’ stressing that the Akwa Ibom executive ‘stands undissolved.’

He further directed the state executive to continue in office in line with the PDP constitution. When contacted, Anyanwu confirmed he authored the letter but offered no further details.

As the convention draws nearer, leaders and stakeholders remain divided. Wike has continued to issue conditions for a hitch-free exercise, but many governors are no longer willing to concede.

Earlier in the week, Ologunagba admitted that some members were working with the APC to sabotage the PDP but vowed they would soon face sanctions. He insisted preparations for the convention were already concluded, declaring that ‘enough is enough.’

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Wednesday raised alarm over the country’s poor doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:19,083, describing it as far from global best practice.

The association, in a statement marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, said the situation reflects the dire state of the nation’s healthcare system.

NARD further announced that, effective October 1, 2025, resident doctors nationwide will no longer take continuous calls exceeding 24 hours.

The statement was jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim.

The country continues to grapple with a severe shortage of doctors, a crisis deepened by the steady migration of health professionals in search of better pay and working conditions abroad.

The federal government had said that over 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in the last five to seven years, leaving hospitals and training institutions under immense pressure.

The exodus has placed an overwhelming burden on those who remain, particularly resident doctors.

NARD said, ‘With an estimated population of over 240 million people and only about 11,000 resident doctors, Nigeria records a ratio of 1:9,083. This is far from global best practice.

‘Furthermore, Nigerian resident doctors work an average of 106.5 hours per week, with surgical residents enduring over 122.7 hours weekly. This translates to an average of four to five days of 24-hour call duty per week.’

This workload, it said, has dire consequences not only for patient care but also for the well-being of doctors themselves.

It said, ‘This situation is deeply troubling. It inevitably leads to increased medical errors due to burnout, endangering patients’ safety, with a severe toll on the mental, physical, and psychological well-being of doctors. Too often, resident doctors sacrifice their health, and sometimes their lives, in service to their patients.

‘The consequences are tragically evident with early-career doctors paying the ultimate price. But the painful question remains: Who cares for their families and dependents after their passing? The bigger question is: How many more lives must we lose before decisive action is taken?’

The association called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to implement a one-to-one replacement policy to reduce the crushing workload on doctors and to establish safeguarding regulations to curb excessive call hours, ensuring the safety of both doctors and patients.

NARD also said the few doctors who have remained in Nigeria despite mass emigration are patriots and heroes.

It said, ‘They deserve not only protection but also fair and equitable remuneration commensurate with their inputs. If we do not safeguard ourselves, who will? On this day when Nigeria celebrates its independence and national progress, let us also reflect on the sacrifices resident doctors continue to make and the grave challenges they face. Chief among these are the burden of more than 24-hour uninterrupted calls and poor remuneration, a practice that demands urgent reform.

‘We cannot continue to lose our members to preventable and avoidable deaths – not now, and not in the future.’

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerians to hold fast to optimism and unity in the face of present challenges, assuring that the economic policies of the President Bola Tinubu Administration and citizens’ huge sacrifices would ultimately pay off if the nation stayed the course.

Mbah said that while the anniversary may understandably be low-key, it did not obviate Nigeria’s giant strides as an independent nation.

These were contained in his message to Nigerians in the early hours of Wednesday to mark the nation’s 65th independence anniversary. In the message, which he personally signed, the governor congratulated the citizens on ‘the proud milestone.’

‘At 65, our independence is a reminder of what we can achieve as a people when we are united. It is also a reminder that progress demands sacrifice, and that tomorrow is shaped by the choices we make today.

‘The commemoration of our 65th independence anniversary may understandably be low-key, but the significance of the strides we have made as a nation is by no means underwhelming.

‘Those strides are manifest in the remarkable achievements we have recorded across key sectors. They reflect as well in the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that have brought stability to the Nigerian economy. The sacrifices may be huge today, but there is no doubt that the end will vindicate the decisions if we stay the course.

‘As we raise our flags today, let us renew our covenant to Nigeria; let us embrace the spirit of unity, and let us uphold the optimism that has carried us this far,’ he said.

Mbah, while also recommitting to his administration’s inclusive development model that leaves no one behind, maintained that Enugu State, under his watch, was on the path of turnaround and exponential economic growth.

‘In Enugu State, this Independence Day is a fitting occasion to recommit to our pledge to make inclusion the cornerstone of government policy; to create wealth and deploy it for the benefit of everyone in Enugu State. We are staying the course. And no one will be left behind.

‘From moribund assets roaring back to life, to Ndi Enugu enjoying a resounding sense of security of lives and property, our children transitioning to 260 Smart Green Schools, our rural communities accessing modern healthcare courtesy of our completed or ongoing 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Ndi Enugu commuting conveniently and affordably via our modern transport system and infrastructure, Enugu State is no doubt on the pathway to assured turnaround and exponential economic growth,’ he added.

The once active Government Science College, Kagara, Niger State, has become a shadow of itself.

The school that has raised numerous champions came under spotlight following a Boko Haram attack in 2021.

At least 27 students and staff were abducted in the 2021 attack.

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Subsequently, the town recorded more attacks, which discouraged students from returning to school.

Presently, it has been converted to a military camp. Daily Trust’s Abubakar Akote recently visited the school and took the pictures below:

President Bola Tinubu says cancellation of the 65th Independence Day military parade afforded him the opportunity to sleep well and enjoy ‘nice breakfast’ on Wednesday.

Daily Trust reports that the Federal Government had cancelled the parade earlier scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

‘The Federal Government wishes to announce the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade, previously scheduled to mark the 65th Independence on Wednesday, 1st October. The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary,’ the statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, read.

Speaking on Wednesday at the unveiling of the renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Arts Theatre in Lagos, Tinubu said he slept well after the parade’s cancellation.

The president said he had a pleasant evening at the inauguration of the renovated Centre funded and overseen by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Bankers’ Committee.

The event, he said, broke what he called the monotony of the usual military parade on the independence day anniversary.

‘I’m more than grateful for tonight. I enjoyed the evening.

‘Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. This has broken the monotony of military march-past, parade and everything. By cancelling this programme, I was able to have a good sleep, have a nice breakfast and wait for this evening. And the evening is well spent,’ he told the gathering.

Tinubu arrived at the venue at about 6:24 p.m for the reopening ceremony of the monument.

The President had in July 2024 renamed the edifice the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in honour of the Nobel Laureate.

At the unveiling, Tinubu was joined by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, H.E. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Emir of Kano, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the host of the occasion, Professor Wole Soyinka.

Tinubu expressed his satisfaction to have renamed the centre after Soyinka who he described as one of the greatest assets of the world, Africa and Nigeria.

He said the literary icon has contributed greatly to nation building and freedom.

‘So, it couldn’t have been anything else and I know definitely you (referring to Soyinka) will not disobey this president. I said it has to be Wole Soyinka Centre,’ Tinubu said.

Violence erupted at Ilugun High School, Elega, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, following students’ protests over the alleged collection of illegal fees by teachers, resulting in the death of one person and the destruction of school property.

Daily Trust learned that trouble began last Friday when the school’s management invited operatives of the Amotekun Corps to disperse students who were protesting the unauthorized fees.

Witnesses told our correspondent that upon the arrival of the local security operatives, students ran in different directions to avoid being caught.

In the process, some reportedly jumped into a river near the school, leading to the death of one individual, according to the witnesses.

Miffed by the development, aggrieved students on Monday returned to school and reportedly went berserk.

They allegedly beat a teacher and vandalized school property.

A viral video surfaced on Monday showing groups of students vandalizing school property in broad daylight.

The clip captured students throwing stones at classroom windows until the glass shattered.

In some instances, they pulled out entire aluminum window slides from their frames, leaving the classrooms badly damaged.

Government confirms incident, suspends principals

The state government on Tuesday confirmed the incident, but said only one person died.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, confirmed that teachers of the school engaged in the collection of illegal fees, which led to the protest.

Addressing the media, Arigbabu announced the indefinite suspension of the school’s principals: Mrs. Olukoga Adeyemi Alaba (Junior) and Mrs. Ladipo Olabisi Temitope (Senior).

He stated that the suspension was necessary following the principals’ roles in the incident.

‘In addition, we also discovered that the Principal of Ilugun High School (Junior) had been involved in the collection of illegal fees. In light of these findings, the government has decided to place both the Junior and Senior Principals of Ilugun High School on suspension while we conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of this unfortunate incident,’ he said.

Regarding the casualty, Arigbabu said the young man who lost his life could not be confirmed as a student of the school.

He explained: ‘However, our preliminary investigations have revealed a very disturbing twist. The young man who lost his life could not be confirmed as a bona fide student of the school.

‘He was identified by three different names – Babalola Ayornide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola. Yet, none of these names appear in our official state education database, the OGSERA platform, which authenticates all school enrollments. This points to the likelihood of an illegal enrollment.’

The Middle East is once again on edge as signs point to a possible second round of military confrontation between the United States and Iran. From intelligence leaks to military mobilisation, the groundwork for escalation appears to be actively unfolding.

According to Mossad Commentary, a verified Israeli intelligence-linked account, ‘in the last 24 hours, dozens of American fighter jets and refuelling tankers have been shifted eastward, many landing at Al-Udeid Airbase,’ the largest US military installation in the region, located in Qatar.

The movement, posted Wednesday, is far from routine. It suggests a strategic pivot, possibly in anticipation of Iranian retaliation or a pre-emptive strike.

Also, flight tracking systems reported on September 28, about 12 tankers headed to the British RAF Mildenhall airbase, and on September 30, dozens of refuelling tankers, along with fighter jets, flew to the Middle East. As the Clash Report notes, some of them landed at the Al Udeid base in Qatar.

Three anonymous sources in the British Defence Ministry told the Daily Mail that such a deployment could have ‘sinister’ overtones. And Behnam Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, reminded the publication that the last time similar moves ended in attacks in the Middle East.

He emphasised that during Operation Midnight Hammer, the Donald Trump administration used disinformation to cover up the deployment of B-2 bombers to Iranian facilities. Taleblu also pointed out that Trump remains the only US president in the past two decades to use military force against Iranian nuclear facilities.

The US Central Command (USCENTCOM), which oversees operations across the Middle East, has long considered Iran its primary adversary. In 2025, USCENTCOM received $143.2 billion, with nearly 40% allocated to Iran-related operations. This includes intelligence gathering, forward base maintenance, and war-gaming scenarios ranging from limited strikes to full-scale regime change.

USCENTCOM’s Iran desk, staffed by Farsi-speaking analysts, has spent years studying Tehran’s military doctrine. These specialists shaped contingency plans that are now being activated. The command’s origins trace back to the 1979 hostage crisis, giving it unmatched institutional knowledge of Iranian warfare.

Behind the military muscle lies a vast intelligence architecture. The CIA maintains assets within Iran’s government, military, and business elite-some dating back to the Shah’s era. These relationships proved pivotal in 2025, when secret negotiations began between Washington and Tehran. US intelligence had advanced knowledge of Iran’s positions, thanks to intercepted communications revealing internal debates among the Iranian leadership.

This intelligence enabled the precision strikes of Operation Midnight Hammer, which followed the collapse of talks. Years of surveillance had mapped Iran’s air defence systems, and electronic warfare tools blinded radars before American bombers arrived.

Diplomacy, alliances, and Qatar shield

It could be that while the Pentagon prepared for escalation in June, the Trump administration pursued a high-stakes diplomatic strategy. Talks began on April 12, 2025, in Muscat, Oman, and later moved to Rome, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iran was given a 60-day deadline: halt uranium enrichment and cooperate with inspectors, or face military consequences.

According to Middle East Eye, the talks nearly succeeded. But after a phone call between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, the US raised its demands-insisting on a complete shutdown of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, a red line for Tehran. The talks collapsed, triggering Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, followed by US strikes under Operation Midnight Hammer.

The administration framed the escalation as ‘Peace Through Strength’, blaming Iran for refusing a deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any Iranian retaliation would ‘put the regime at risk,’ making regime survival a bargaining chip.

Israel’s influence was unmistakable. Its intelligence and military operations systematically weakened Iran’s defences in the lead-up to US strikes. The Group of Seven (G7) reaffirmed that ‘Iran can never have a nuclear weapon,’ while France and Germany privately urged restraint, even as bombs fell.

Amid rising tensions, on Tuesday, President Trump signed an executive order declaring that any attack on Qatar would be treated as a direct threat to the United States. This move is significant not only because of the strategic importance of Al-Udeid Airbase, but also because it sends a clear message to Iran and its proxies: Qatar is off-limits.

This assurance came shortly after Netanyahu reportedly made an apology call to the Emir of Qatar, following Israeli airstrikes that inadvertently endangered Qatari interests. The call, described by insiders as ‘tense but conciliatory,’ underscores the delicate balance of alliances in the Gulf.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has reimposed sweeping sanctions on Iran. On September 27, 2025, the Council rejected a resolution by Russia and China to delay the sanctions, triggering the snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal. The reinstated sanctions include: a comprehensive arms embargo, a ban on uranium enrichment, a global freeze on assets linked to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs, travel bans on key Iranian officials and restrictions on Iranian crude oil exports and financial institutions.

Western powers accused Iran of serious breaches, notably enriching uranium far beyond civilian levels. Iran responded by recalling ambassadors from the E3 nations and threatening to terminate cooperation with the IAEA.

The US strategy also hinges on managing a complex web of alliances. Israel offers unmatched intelligence and cyber capabilities, while Gulf Arab states provide bases and financial support, but tread carefully to avoid becoming direct targets. During the crisis, Saudi Arabia and the UAE allowed US access to airspace while publicly calling for restraint.

To mitigate risks, the US relied on its Forward Shield, a network of bases and infrastructure built over decades. During crisis periods, the US maintains 40,000 troops in the region. But the real strength lies in pre-positioned equipment, fuel depots, and ammunition bunkers that enable rapid reinforcement.

Manchester United boss Rúben Amorim has urged his players to raise their performance levels if they are to turn the club’s fortunes around.

The Portuguese manager is under heavy scrutiny following United’s poor start to the season, which has seen them collect only two wins, one draw, and three defeats from their opening six Premier League fixtures.

In an interview with TNT, Amorim expressed confidence that Matheus Cunha can play a key role in inspiring the Red Devils to a revival.

‘We have a lot of players that they were here for many years, and we are struggling so that is always in your mind.

‘It’s not just the leaders, we need leaders, but sometimes what I’m thinking is we miss some crazy guys, you know?’

‘The guys, I think Cunha is a little bit like that. He’s a guy that is a good guy, but he doesn’t care who you are.

‘He can play wherever, and he will go with the ball. This kind of feeling, we need that. Harry Maguire was captain, he played national team, but you can feel it sometimes that when things are going wrong, we go down.

‘No matter if it’s Bruno or Harry, and that is in the past, so we need to live in the future.’

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has flagged off the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KADSEMSAS), describing it as a landmark in his administration’s commitment to saving lives and ensuring no citizen is denied access to emergency healthcare.

Speaking at the official launch on Thursday, the governor said the initiative was not just about unveiling ambulances, but about guaranteeing the right to timely medical intervention for every resident of the state.

‘Today marks a transformative moment in the history of Kaduna State,’ Sani declared. ‘Our vision is simple but profound: no citizen of Kaduna State should be denied timely medical intervention because of distance, delay, or lack of access.’

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The new system features a fleet of ambulances fitted with life-saving equipment, a central dispatch center staffed with trained personnel, and emergency medical technicians and paramedics who will stabilize patients en route to hospitals. It will function across all 23 Local Government Areas, covering both urban centers and rural villages.

‘In times of crisis-whether a maternal complication, a road traffic accident, or a cardiac emergency-minutes can mean the difference between life and death,’ the governor explained. ‘This deliberate step underscores our resolve to leave no one behind-urban or rural, rich or poor-in our quest to save lives.’

Under the arrangement, citizens will be able to call a dedicated emergency line, after which the nearest ambulance will be dispatched. The state hopes the initiative will significantly reduce response times, particularly in maternal and neonatal emergencies where delays often prove fatal.

Governor Sani stressed that the program reflects his administration’s ‘people-first philosophy,’ noting that healthcare reforms since he assumed office have been anchored on the principle of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

‘We have consistently declared that access to healthcare is a right, not a privilege,’ he said. ‘We have strengthened the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), revitalized our primary health centres, prioritized maternal and child health, and recently approved the 2024 CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures to motivate our healthcare workers.’

He highlighted that the system was designed to be equitable and inclusive. ‘This initiative is not for the privileged few. It is for the farmer in Ikara, the trader in Kachia, the student in Giwa, and the child in Kagarko. No one will be left behind,’ he assured.

Kaduna’s Commissioner for Health, Umma K. Ahmed, described the flag-off as ‘a giant leap forward’ for the state’s healthcare delivery, emphasizing that the integration of the Rural Emergency Medical and Maternal Transport Services (RESMAT) into KADSEMSAS would extend access to hard-to-reach areas.

‘Emergencies often come without warning, but what makes the difference between life and death is the speed and quality of response,’ Ahmed said. ‘With KADSEMSAS, Kaduna State is taking a decisive step toward ensuring that no citizen is left helpless in their hour of greatest need.’

She added that the program will provide free emergency treatment for the first 48 hours, particularly for pregnant women, children, and accident victims.

Governor Sani also emphasized sustainability, stating that the government was investing in upgrading health facilities, training health workers, and involving communities to keep the system effective beyond the launch.

‘To our citizens: this system belongs to you,’ he said. ‘We urge you to use it responsibly, report misuse, and provide feedback. Excellence is a continuous journey, not a destination.’

The flag-off follows Kaduna’s onboarding into the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), approved in 2024 by the Federal Ministry of Health. Officials believe Kaduna’s example could set a benchmark for other Nigerian states.

‘This is a bold step toward equity in healthcare access,’ Governor Sani concluded. ‘Kaduna is committed to leading the way in emergency medical innovation, and we will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our people.’

An estimated N63 billion of the six months’ withheld allocations from the Federation Account may have been disbursed to the ‘sacked’ All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmen of the 30 local government areas of Osun State, records from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) have shown.

The records which were obtained by Daily Trust from the website of the OAGF, revealed that a total sum of N46.98 billion was disbursed to the councils covering March to June 2025. The funds were released together with July and August allocations whose details have not been published on the website.

The councils might have received at least N16 billion for July and August, going by previous allocations they got during the same period in the post-subsidy era. For July and August 2023, the local governments received N7.5 billion respectively. They got N9.8 billion for July 2024 and N9.7 billion for August 2024.

Based on the records from the OAGF, cumulative funds received by each council between March and June 2025 were: Atakumosa East LG, N1.42 billion; Atakumosa West, N1.38 billion; Ayedade, N1.7 billion; Aiyedire, N1.47 billion; Boluwaduro, N1.48 billion; Boripe, N1.64 billion; Ede North, N1.41bn; Ede South, N1.42bn; Egbedore, N1.41bn; Ejigbo, N1.61 billion; Ife Central, N1.28 billion; Ife East, N1.88 billion; Ife North, N1.76 billion; Ife South, N1.61 billion; Ifedayo, N1.26 billion; Ifelodun, N1.54 billion and Ila, N1.34 billion.

Others were Ilesha East, N1.50 billion; Ilesha West, N154 billion; Irepodun, N1.56 billion; Irewole, N1.67 billion; Isokan, N152 billion; Iwo, N1.85 billion; Obokun, N1.56 billion; Odo-Otin, N1.82 billion; Ola-Oluwa, N1.41 billion; Olorunda, N1.65 billion; Oriade, N1.69 billion; Orolu, N1.51 billion and Osogbo, N1.67 billion.

The state chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees had, on Sunday, accused the federal government of disbursing the withheld six months’ allocation from March 2025 to August 2025 into accounts opened by the APC-led chairmen and councilors amidst pending court cases on the issue.

But the Osun APC, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, said the funds were disbursed into the accounts of the local government councils, not private accounts.

Speaking to Daily Trust on Tuesday about the insinuations that the tenure of APC council chairmen would have ended this month even if they had not been sacked, the spokesperson for the APC in Osun State, Kola Olabisi, said: ‘It is not a problem because when we get to the river, we will devise a means of crossing the bridge. It is not about extension; it is about determination. Do the reinstated chairmen and councilors have a constitutional right to spend their three years? It is for the court to determine if they have that right under the prevailing law of the country to spend three years.

‘And if Governor Adeleke (of PDP) agrees that the tenure will elapse in October, it means he has shot himself in the leg. It means he has agreed that there was indeed an election (in October 2022), that the February 10 Appeal Court judgement actually reinstated our chairmen and that the election his party held was an effort in futility because no election can be held when another set of people are still occupying the office,’ he said.

Early in September, ‘the reinstated’ council executives filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Osogbo, against the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, the Osun State Governor, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, and the State House of Assembly, seeking an extension of their tenure beyond its scheduled expiration in October 2025 to February 19, 2028.

They argued that under the Constitution and the Osun State laws, their tenure should commence only from the date they were inaugurated as elected council members in February 2025; not from October 2022 when they were first elected but denied office.

The APC spokesman told our correspondent on Tuesday that the allocations were released to the councils, but said he did not know the exact amounts, contradicting the Monday’s denials by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

‘I don’t know the actual amount that has been released, but my understanding is that a substantial part of the money has been released to the local governments’ accounts, and not the council chairmen’s accounts,’ Olabisi said.

An Oyo State High Court had, on Friday, restrained the UBA from paying out any money from accounts opened in the names of the 30 local governments in Osun State by the APC council chairmen and councillors. The State Assembly also cautioned commercial banks in the state on Monday against granting unauthorised access to allocations belonging to local government areas.

In a statement yesterday, the state chairman of the PDP, Sunday Bisi, asked the Inspector-General of Police to probe an alleged attempt by the ex-APC council chairmen in the state to pay out almost N12.75 billion, out of the six months allocations paid into the local governments’ UBA accounts, to a senior lawyer.

Bisi alleged that the chairmen had directed the bank to pay the lawyer the amount as the legal fees incurred on the local government litigations.

‘The APC has descended to the lowest level with outright impunity and deliberate trampling on the law and the constitution. Despite court order and subsisting case before the Supreme Court, the APC is violating all known laws and public finance rules and regulations.

‘I call on the state government to open criminal investigations against the illegal APC chairmen. All perpetrators of this illegality must be brought to book,’ Bisi stated.

APC denies alleged attempt to pay out N12.75bn

Reacting, the spokesman for the APC in the state, Olabisi, told Daily Trust on the telephone yesterday that the allegation was unfounded

‘It remains in the realm of conjecture. So, it is nothing to be relied upon. It is baseless and unfounded and it should be discountenanced.

‘There is no element of truth in it. It is just a way of weaving lies together to portray our party in a bad light,’ he said.

Background to the LG leadership crisis

The Federal High Court in Osogbo had, on November 25, 2022, nullified the October 15, 2022 local government election conducted after the then Governor Adegboyega Oyetola had lost his re-election bid. The election produced APC chairmen and councillors. The Court of Appeal in Akure later overturned the Federal High Court’s ruling which sacked the executives.

The state government had argued that the Appeal Court’s judgment did not amount to the APC council chairmen’s reinstatement. The government conducted a fresh local election on February 22, 2025 in which only PDP candidates contested and were declared winners.

These PDP officials were subsequently sworn in but instructed by the governor not to assume physical control of the council secretariats to avoid conflict.

Relying on the appellate court’s verdict, the APC chairmen and councillors returned to their council secretariats in February 24. The situation led to a clash that claimed the life of an APC chieftain and former chairman of Irewole Local Government Area of the state, Remi Abbas, and four others. Governor Ademola Adeleke shut down all local government council secretariats in the state to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

The APC later asked the federal government to withhold the council allocations, arguing that the elections were unlawful. In May, the state government took the Attorney-General of the Federation to the Supreme Court over the seizure of the LG allocations. The matter has not been determined by the apex court.