Category: Nigerian Tribune

Benue State Government has warned parents and guardians against assaulting, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusing teachers, principals and any other school staff across the state.

The State Commissioner of Education and Knowledge Management, Mrs Margaret Adamu, announced this at a press conference held in Makurdi on Monday.

The commissioner, who rolled out the policies of the ministry, called for renewed commitment to quality education and strict compliance with all the policies.

The state government also warned against any individuals, non-governmental organisations or any other external body having unauthorised access to both private and public schools across the state.

Also, the state government has prohibited the use of mobile phones during school hours as well as extra lessons after regular school hours.

Other policies included ‘barbaric ways of celebrating birthdays’, whereby learners manhandle the celebrants in schools, classrooms and hostels.

The state government also warned against parents and guardians assaulting, threatening, intimidating or verbally abusing teachers, principals or other school staff.

She stated that genuine grievances should be addressed through the appropriate channels.

She said, ‘No NGO, individual, organisation or external body shall enter a school to conduct programmes, activities, research, advocacy or interventions without the appropriate authorization from the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management.

‘Learners are prohibited from possessing or using mobile phones during school hours, except where specifically authorized for legitimate educational purposes under the applicable school guidelines.

‘Learners are expected to resume school on time, attend classes regularly and remain within authorized school areas. Late coming, truancy and loitering during school hours must be firmly addressed by school authority.

‘Bullying, intimidation, harassment, hazing and ali forms of violence among learners are strictly prohibited. School authorities must establish and maintain safe, respectful and inclusive learning environments.’

The commissioner explained that the policies were designed to protect learners, reduce unnecessary financial burdens on parents, improve discipline, strengthen school management and raise the standard of education in the state.

‘I therefore warn that non-compliance with approved policies and directives will attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and guidelines.

‘School proprietors, principals and heads of schools are expected to familiarize themselves with all relevant Ministry directives and ensure full implementation. Ignorance of an existing policy will not be accepted as an excuse for noncompliance,’ the commissioner said.

Adamu promised that the ministry would strengthen monitoring, supervision and quality assurance activities across schools in the state to ensure that the policies are implemented at the school level.

Despite the commencement of presidential and National Assembly campaigns for the 2027 election in accordance with the Electoral Act 2026, major political parties are yet to inaugurate their campaign councils, investigations by the Nigerian Tribune have revealed.

Findings by the Nigerian Tribune indicate that in line with the 2026 Electoral Act, presidential and National Assembly campaigns were expected to have been kick-started from August 19.

But two weeks after the deadline, political parties are still delaying the inauguration of their campaign councils.

Though the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) announced its Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) on August 22, the party is yet to inaugurate the body.

But the national secretary of the party, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, said in an interview on Sunday that campaigns can go on with or without the inauguration of the presidential campaign committees, whether the body has been formally inaugurated or not.

National secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune on Sunday, said that the party has commenced its campaigns, notwithstanding the delay in formally inaugurating the PCC.

The case is similar in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), whose national publicity secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said that the campaign committee would soon be inaugurated.

Party leaders spoken to by our correspondents said on Sunday that the failure to inaugurate the PCC should not delay the campaigns, just as the leadership of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) said that it would inaugurate its PCC on Monday (today).

We have commenced campaigns without formal inauguration of PCC- APC National Secretary

The APC said that the anxiety over the formal inauguration of the PCC was needless.

The Presidency had, on August 22, released the list of members of the PCC, with President Bola Tinubu emerging as the Chairman of his campaign team.

Former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari, was announced as Director-General, while Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, was picked as Secretary.

Speaking with Nigerian Tribune in a telephone interview, Senator Bashiru disclosed that the inauguration of PCC was a mere ceremony, as he noted that certain members of the campaign council have since commenced campaigns for the party presidential candidate.

He said: ‘Nothing is really delaying the inauguration. In fact, I can tell you that campaigns have started. When we are ready, we will do a formal inauguration.

‘You must have noticed that we have started our campaigns already. The party’s national leadership was in Kano on Saturday, where we received the likes of Senator Kabiru Gaya, Senator Hanga Rufai, and others who joined our party.

‘Also on Saturday, there was an elaborate event in Ikwerre in Rivers State. The Director-General of the Campaign Council, Senator Yari, was also in Gusau to receive those who joined the party in Zamfara State.

‘So, we don’t have to wait until formal inauguration before we start to talk to the electorate. We have started our campaigns. When we are ready, we will do the formal inauguration.’

ADC to announce campaign council, inauguration date soon – Bolaji Abdullahi

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has said it will soon announce its National Campaign Council and the date for its inauguration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, stated this on Sunday in Abuja while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune.

Abdullahi, while responding to questions on the delay in constituting the council, said the party is not under any time pressure.

‘I told you earlier that you can’t be talking of delay when you don’t have a deadline. So, we will announce the campaign council when we are ready and announce the date of inauguration. We will announce it soon,’ he said.

The ADC spokesman did not give a specific date for the announcement, but said consultations within the party are ongoing to ensure that the council reflects the party’s strategy for the 2027 polls.

The party has in recent months been repositioning itself and attracting new members as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the next general elections.

Party leaders say the campaign council, when constituted, will be saddled with the responsibility of driving the ADC’s mobilisation, messaging and election strategy nationwide.

We won’t constitute campaign council yet-Accord

The Accord party, however, presents a different picture, where its national leadership said that they would not constitute a presidential campaign council in the absence of a presidential candidate to fly the party flag.

There has been a tug of war between the leadership of the party and the presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, in recent months.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, national publicity secretary of Accord, Joseph Omorogbe, said it is left for the National Working Committee (NWC) to decide the next line of action as the party reconvenes for an extraordinary meeting to inform Nigerians on who will be flying the party’s flag in next year’s presidential election.

He said: ‘We have not come up with our final decision on that matter. Like I told you the other time as the mouthpiece of the party, I will be communicating to Nigerians who our presidential candidate will be. That was exactly my position before I left for the Osun poll.

‘That’s our position, and we’ve not taken our stand on it, and I believe very soon, we are in a new month now, we are reconvening an extraordinary meeting where we shall be telling Nigerians who our presidential candidate is and how we intend to work in line with the electoral provision in Nigeria.’

We will do things differently – PDP

Almost three weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) opened the window for campaigns, some parties, including the PDP, have not announced their campaign plans.

When asked to explain the reason for the delay, the National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, told the Nigerian Tribune that the PDP would make a decision on how to go about it at its own discretion and not because it must follow another political party’s example.

‘The PDP does not take decisions simply because of what people think or say. We make decisions when it is right for us to do so and, more importantly, when the time is right.

‘It is not about how early we act, but about how well we act and the outcome we achieve,’ he said.

Mohammed added that at the appropriate time, the party would update Nigerians.

‘At the appropriate time, we shall speak to Nigerians,’ he added.

He spoke amid speculation that the PDP might be in a quandary over the way forward due to the decision of the national leader of the party, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT ), Mr Nyesom Wike, who had declared support for President Tinubu’s reelection.

Findings indicated that even the fate of the PDP’s presidential candidate, Senator Sandy Ojang Onor, remained uncertain as the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party chaired by Honourable Abdulrahman Mohammed was said to be awaiting further directives from the national leader.

Another party source the newspaper contacted on Sunday disclosed that not much had happened regarding campaigns because the minister holds the aces.

‘I think the party is waiting for that critical moment for things to be sorted out.

‘It may be that the PDP will downplay its own presidential interest, while fully backing Tinubu, but will contest all other offices; governors, National Assembly and so on, the source revealed.

APM to inaugurate campaign council today

Meanwhile, the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has announced the formal commencement of its 2027 presidential campaign, with its candidate, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, scheduled to inaugurate the party’s presidential campaign office in Abuja on Monday (today).

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Abubakar Yusuf, who disclosed this, said the Makinde/Daura Presidential Campaign Office would serve as the national coordinating hub for the campaign.

Yusuf said the campaign would be issue-based and people-driven, focusing on the policy choices and governance record of Makinde, who is contesting the presidency alongside Alhaji Lawan Daura, the party’s vice-presidential candidate.

He said, ‘The Makinde/Daura campaign will focus on solutions while presenting the candidate’s policy choices and proven record of governance to the electorate.’

According to him, the party was beginning the campaign with ‘confidence, humility and an unwavering commitment’ to offer Nigerians a credible alternative capable of restoring hope, security, prosperity and national pride.

Yusuf said the emergence of Makinde and Daura as the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates had triggered a surge in membership and support for the APM, which he attributed to confidence in their records of integrity and public service.

He described Makinde’s candidacy as a combination of ‘competence, youthful energy, administrative experience and broad public acceptance’ needed to build a safer, more prosperous, united and functional Nigeria.

The APM spokesman said the party’s presidential candidate had, in preparation for the campaign, embarked on extensive consultations with political leaders, stakeholders and communities across the country.

He said the consultations were aimed at understanding the aspirations and concerns of Nigerians and developing a comprehensive national agenda to address the country’s pressing challenges.

Yusuf added that the party would soon unveil a comprehensive policy blueprint containing practical and measurable solutions to the challenges confronting Nigerians and setting out Makinde’s vision for a better-governed Nigeria.

Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast cloudy skies, thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rains across the country from Monday to Wednesday.

NiMet disclosed this in its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, advising residents to take precautions during thunderstorms.

For the northern region, the agency forecast thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Adamawa, Kebbi and Taraba on Monday morning.

It predicted thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over most parts of the region later in the day.

For the North-Central region, NiMet forecast thunderstorms with light rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Plateau and Benue.

Other areas include Kogi, Nasarawa and Kwara states, particularly during Monday morning.

NiMet said thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains were expected over most parts of the North-Central region during the afternoon or evening.

For the southern region, NiMet forecast cloudy skies, with prospects of light rains over parts of Ebonyi, Edo and Delta states.

Other affected states include Abia, Cross River, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa, particularly during the morning hours.

The agency predicted light rains over parts of the South-East, South-South and South-West later on Monday.

For Tuesday, NiMet forecast patches of clouds over the northern region, with chances of thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Adamawa, Sokoto and Kebbi.

Taraba was also expected to experience thunderstorms accompanied by light rains during the morning hours.

The agency predicted thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states later on Tuesday.

It forecast cloudy skies across the North-Central region during the morning, followed by thunderstorms with moderate rains later in the day.

NiMet anticipated cloudy skies across the southern region on Tuesday, with prospects of light morning rains over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

The agency, however, forecast light rains over most parts of the southern region later in the day.

For Wednesday, NiMet envisaged partly cloudy skies across the northern region, with chances of morning thunderstorms over several states.

The affected states include Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara.

The agency predicted thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rains over parts of Borno, Yobe, Jigawa and Adamawa later on Wednesday.

Taraba, Bauchi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina and Gombe were also expected to experience heavy rains.

For the North-Central region, NiMet forecast cloudy skies in the morning, followed by thunderstorms with heavy rains later in the day.

It also forecast cloudy skies across the southern region, with chances of light morning rains over parts of Imo, Abia, Rivers and Cross River.

Akwa Ibom was also expected to experience light morning rains, while most parts of the southern region could record heavy rains later.

NiMet warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms and urged residents to fasten loose objects to prevent accidents.

The agency advised motorists to avoid driving during heavy rainfall and urged residents to disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms.

It also advised residents to stay away from tall trees to avoid injuries from falling branches or broken trees.

‘Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,’ it said.

NiMet urged residents to remain informed through regular weather updates and take appropriate precautions during periods of severe weather.

The Commission Chief Executive (CCE) of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, has said the Commission will launch a new oil licensing round by early October 2026, involving 13 unlicensed blocks returned to the pool from the previous bidding process.

Eyesan revealed this while outlining the regulator’s strategy to revive crude oil production and attract fresh investment into Nigeria’s upstream sector. She stated that the Commission’s objective was to sustain at least one licensing round annually as part of efforts to reverse Nigeria’s declining oil production.

According to her, the new licensing round would cover assets across Nigeria’s deepwater and shallow-water areas, with possible inclusion of frontier onshore basins, adding that the Commission was targeting between $30 billion and $50 billion in new investments in 22 deepwater projects by 2030.

The NUPRC chief said the forthcoming round would not be targeted primarily at international oil majors, as she emphasised the emergence of successful indigenous operators such as Renaissance and First EandP following the exit of international oil majors such as Shell, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies and Eni from parts of Nigeria’s onshore oil operations.

Eyesan stated that the Commission was focused on developing a new generation of operators capable of unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s inland oil-producing areas, saying Nigeria could resort to conducting annual or even twice-yearly bid rounds, with a turnaround time of between six and seven months.

While noting that the pace of licensing had increased substantially since the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), with the number of assets offered rising from seven oil blocks in the 2022/23 mini bid round to 19 in 2024 and 50 in 2025, the NUPRC boss said the newly awarded concessions were expected to increase Nigeria’s oil production by about 300,000 barrels per day within their first three years, while subsequent licensing rounds could generate an additional 300,000 to 600,000 barrels per day.

The October licensing round will serve as another major test of the government’s efforts to attract capital, develop new operators and restore Nigeria’s position as a leading crude oil producer in Africa.

Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Monday launched Rapid Response 3 (CRE 2026) in Asaba, Delta, a five-day national crisis response exercise aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s preparedness and inter-agency coordination during complex emergencies.

Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Director of the Presidential Command and Control Centre (DPC4-ONSA), Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, explained that the Rapid Response 3 will operate across the Gold, Silver and Bronze command levels and will run in four phases.

According to him, ‘pre-exercise briefing, enabler training for participating components, the main Exercise Day (D-Day), and an after-action review to capture lessons learned.

‘This is a scheduled multi-agency simulation designed to evaluate and strengthen our capacity to respond effectively to complex emergencies’,

Ayo-Vaughan added that the ‘exercise is a simulation and does not represent an actual emergency’.

For the first time, ONSA is hosting the crisis exercise outside the Federal Capital Territory. The move to Asaba was made possible by the support of the Governor of Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori.

He commended the Governor for prioritising the security of lives and property.

The Director said that venues were selected after reconnaissance to ensure realism, and that the exercise will involve heavy movements of security and emergency response vehicles and personnel within designated areas.

He further added that the public have been notified by SMS and radio, urging them not to panic if they see increased activity.

According to him, only accredited media will be permitted to cover on-site activities to ensure responsible reporting and protect operational security.

He urged journalists to verify information before publication, clearly distinguish exercise activities from real incidents, and contact the exercise coordinator or designated media liaison for enquiries.

He assured that adequate safety measures have been put in place for participants, observers and the public, pointing out that the objectives of the exercise include enhancing inter-agency communication, command and control, rapid deployment, and effective crisis management.

‘Observations from stakeholders and commanders will feed into a final lessons report to inform future exercises’.

The exercise will begin on Friday, 11 September 2026, bringing together Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to test plans, procedures and command structures under the National Crisis Management Doctrine.

The national leader of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Senator Bala Mohammed, has described the party’s presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, as a man with a ‘remarkable résumé’ and the experience required to lead Nigeria in 2027.

Mohammed, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who is now the Bauchi-South senatorial candidate of the APM, is also the Governor of Bauchi State.

He spoke in Abuja on Monday during the inauguration of the presidential campaign office of the APM candidate, Makinde, who is the current Governor of Oyo State.

Both politicians were previously members of the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP.

Mohammed said the APM had made the right choice by selecting Makinde, whom he described as one of the best human resources Nigeria had produced at both the sub-national and national levels.

He noted, ‘I am bringing you one of the best human capital Nigeria has ever produced at the sub-national and national levels. That is Engineer Seyi Makinde.’

The Bauchi governor said Makinde had distinguished himself as a ‘mobiliser’, ‘manager of resources’ and engineer, particularly through his achievements in Oyo State since 2019, despite the limited resources at his disposal.

‘This is the mobiliser, the manager of resources, and an engineer par excellence, somebody who used little resources and achieved so much. Where there was active negligence, he brought urban renewal to a level that nobody had ever achieved’, he added.

Mohammed said Makinde’s experience in the oil and gas industry and the private sector, coupled with his knowledge of governance, humility and respect for others, made him suitable to lead the country.

The governor spoke further, ‘He has been in the oil and gas sector, he has been in the private sector, and he has seen it all, with a remarkable résumé that is required to lead this country.

‘He has a fair knowledge of the country, coupled with humility and respect, as well as a deep knowledge of governance.’

The APM leader also said the party remained one of the least-troubled political parties in the country, attributing its relative stability to loyalty, party supremacy, constituted authority and harmony among its leaders.

According to him, the party is offering Nigerians ‘a new lease of life to leadership,’ anchored on tact, intellect, planning, effective deployment of resources and accountability, adding that the APM will campaign across the country under the motto, ‘Nigeria First.’

Mohammed further stated that the APM’s objective was to reset Nigeria and build a country where every citizen, regardless of age or gender, would have the opportunity to realise their aspirations.

‘I think Nigerians would be pleasantly surprised by what my brother, whom I know very well and whom I can vouch for, will do for Nigeria within a very short time to reset Nigeria’, Mohammed remarked.

Pan-Atlantic University announces with profound sadness the passing of Professor Albert Alos, pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the varsity and Founding Dean of Lagos Business School, who passed away on September 5, 2026.

Professor Alos was a visionary educator, distinguished scholar, and institution builder whose commitment to excellence played a foundational role in shaping both Pan-Atlantic University and Lagos Business School. Through his leadership, wisdom and unwavering dedication to education, he made an enduring contribution to higher education and to the development of generations of leaders who continue to serve Nigeria, Africa and the wider world.

As the University’s pioneer Vice-Chancellor and the Founding Dean of Lagos Business School, Professor Alos helped establish a culture of academic excellence, ethical leadership and service that remains central to the institution’s mission and values today. His influence extended far beyond the classroom, inspiring students, faculty, staff, alumni, and colleagues through his example of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the common good.

Reflecting on his remarkable legacy, Pan-Atlantic University acknowledges the profound impact of Professor Alos’s work in laying the foundations for an institution dedicated to developing competent and responsible leaders. His vision and dedication helped shape an educational philosophy that continues to guide the University and Lagos Business School in their pursuit of excellence.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Enase Okonedo, mentioned that ‘Professor Albert Alos leaves behind a legacy deeply woven into the history and ethos of Pan-Atlantic University. As a teacher, mentor and leader, he inspired countless individuals through his wisdom, integrity and service. His contributions will continue to influence generations to come.’

The University extends its heartfelt condolences to Professor Alos’s family, friends, colleagues, former students, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. The entire Pan-Atlantic University community mourns the loss of a remarkable educator and leader whose life’s work continues to transform countless lives.

The University invites members of the community and the public to remember Professor Alos in their prayers and to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.

THE Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised the alarm over the steep decline in overall industrial growth in Q2 2026, describing the sector as suffocating under severe structural headwinds.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Q2 2026 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report revealed an overall year-on-year real GDP growth rate of 4.43 percent, up from 3.89 percent in Q1 2026 and 4.23 percent in Q2 2025.

However, the growth trajectory remains disproportionately service-driven, 56.62 percent of GDP, while the broader industrial sector could only muster 17.23 percent of GDP.

The association noted that, while the overall year-on-year real GDP growth rate of 4.43 percent suggests economic resilience, the performance shows a widening disconnect between macroeconomic figures and real-sector vitality.

According to MAN, the Q22026 GDP performance serves as a reminder that sustainable national prosperity must be anchored on active domestic manufacturing, not just service consumption and extraction.

It attributed the rapid industrial erosion to electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply, which, it stated, recorded the sharpest contraction of -10.63 percent in Q2 2026.

MAN also noted that the drastic drop in manufacturing’s share of real GDP from 9.57 percent in Q1 2026, to 7.72 percent in Q2 2026, alongside a marginal decline in real manufacturing growth from 3.29 percent to3.24 percent, further compounded the decline.

It warned that headline GDP growth, driven by non-tradable service activities, would not strengthen foreign exchange reserves, reduce structural inflation, or create sustainable mass industrial jobs.

‘Therefore, Nigeria cannot sustain its growth momentum on services and extraction alone. A nation that trades and consumes what it does not produce builds prosperity on quicksand,’ it added.

The association added thatthe drop in manufacturing’scontribution to GDP from9.57 percent to 7.72 percentin a single quarter highlightssevere cost pressure, a highexchange rate, outrageousinterest rates and exorbitantelectricity tariffs facing domestic manufacturers.

On the implications for themanufacturing sector andthe economy, the associationwarned of employment fragility; since contraction inlabour-intensive sectors liketextiles and vehicle assembly,directly threatens wage employment and risks triggeringjob losses across lower- andmiddle-income demographics.

It expressed the belief that slow growth in basic consumer goods manufacturing, such as: Food and Beverages, signals supply-sideconstraints, which could perpetuate food inflation, undermine household real incomes and worsen the level of poverty.

The legal team that handled the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship election case in Osun has distanced itself from a petition purportedly filed by the party and its candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, against Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The development has thrown fresh uncertainty into the legal battle arising from the August 15 governorship election, coming shortly after notices of two separate petitions were displayed at the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Osogbo.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and member of the APC legal team, Kunle Adegoke, said in an interview on Monday that the lawyers handling the party’s election matters were not involved in the preparation or filing of the petition listed as having been instituted by APC and Oyebamiji.

According to him, the legal team had, after reviewing the conduct and outcome of the election, advised the party’s candidate against pursuing the matter at the tribunal.

Adegoke explained that the recommendation followed consultations among members of the legal team, Oyebamiji, and other party leaders after the Independent National Electoral Commission announced Adeleke as the winner.

He said the lawyers identified issues that could potentially have formed the basis of an election petition but deliberately opted for restraint, arguing that further litigation could aggravate political tension in the state.

The legal team, he said, considered the broader interest of Osun and concluded that conceding the election would provide an opportunity for political tensions to ease.

Adegoke said the decision was also consistent with Oyebamiji’s subsequent congratulatory message to Adeleke, arguing that it would be inconsistent for the APC candidate to personally accept the result and later authorise another petition against the same outcome.

He therefore described the petition attributed to the APC candidate and the party as unauthorised, stressing that the lawyers who participated in the party’s post-election review did not endorse it.

The SAN said the legal team had been involved in the party’s electoral matters for several years and was capable of identifying grounds upon which an election result could be challenged.

However, he maintained that the existence of possible electoral irregularities did not automatically translate into a decision to approach the tribunal, adding that the lawyers considered political stability and the interests of the people before reaching their recommendation.

He further disclosed that the team included other senior lawyers, among them Dr Biodun Layoonu, Dr Yomi Aliyu and Dr Muritala Abdulrasheed, as well as law professors and other legal practitioners.

Adegoke maintained that the lawyers were not motivated by personal hostility towards Adeleke or members of opposing political parties, insisting that their position was based on what they considered to be principled and strategic judgment.

The controversy followed the public display of two petitions at the tribunal’s secretariat within the premises of the Osun State High Court in Osogbo.

The notices, signed by the tribunal secretary, Belemo Diete-Spiff, identified the first petition as EPT/Os/Gov/01/2026.

In that case, Oyebamiji and the APC were listed as petitioners, while Adeleke, the Accord Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission were named as respondents.

A second petition, numbered EPT/Os/Gov/02/2026, listed the Peoples Democratic Party as petitioner, with INEC, the Accord Party and Adeleke as respondents.

The appearance of the APC petition on the tribunal notice board had earlier suggested that the party and its candidate had joined the legal contest over the election outcome.

But Adegoke’s denial introduces a fresh dimension to the unfolding tribunal proceedings, with questions now likely to arise over the authority behind the petition and the legal standing of those who purportedly filed it on behalf of the APC and its candidate.

Adeleke was declared winner of the August 15 election after polling 511,067 votes, defeating Oyebamiji, who scored 444,815 votes.

The governor won in 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas, while the APC candidate secured victory in 11.

Second-hand smoke has been linked to a major global burden of heart disease, with ischaemic heart disease emerging as the leading cause of deaths attributable to tobacco smoke exposure, a new study published in The Lancet Public Health has found.

The study estimates that 2.71 billion people worldwide were exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) in 2023, with the exposure associated with 1.66 million deaths and 44.8 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).

Of the deaths attributed to SHS, ischaemic heart disease accounted for the largest share, with an estimated 537,000 deaths globally in 2023. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease followed with 354,000 deaths, stroke with 278, lower respiratory diseases with 185,000, and tracheal, bronchus and lung cancer with 161,000 deaths.

The findings are contained in a new Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study published in The Lancet Public Health, providing a dedicated assessment of second-hand smoke as a global risk factor across 204 countries and territories over 33 years.

The study also raises particular concern for sub-Saharan Africa, where the number of people exposed to second-hand smoke has nearly doubled since 1990.

Although the global proportion of people exposed to SHS has declined, the absolute number remains stubbornly high – and has risen sharply in some parts of Africa.

According to the study, age-standardised exposure fell globally from 43.6 per cent in 1990 to 33.9 per cent in 2023. However, population growth has offset much of that progress, leaving the absolute number of people exposed broadly unchanged.

In sub-Saharan Africa, however, the number exposed has nearly doubled, highlighting the growing challenge facing governments as the region’s population continues to expand.

The figures are particularly troubling for children, with the study estimating that 767 million children aged 0-14 were exposed to second-hand smoke worldwide in 2023.

Children accounted for more than 12 per cent of the total SHS-attributable health burden, with lower respiratory infections responsible for the greatest burden.

The researchers found that young children are most often exposed in private settings, particularly homes and vehicles, where legislation is limited. Children’s exposure is also closely linked to parental and peer smoking.

The implications are significant for a region with a rapidly growing population. As more people are added to the population, even declining exposure rates can translate into more people breathing tobacco smoke and potentially suffering its consequences.

Women are another major casualty of the problem. Of the 2.71 billion people exposed globally in 2023, 1.49 billion were women.

The researchers said women can face disproportionate exposure in settings where smoking is concentrated among men, particularly through household smoking.

The study said this gender disparity reflects, among other factors, high rates of male household smoking and the limited ability of some women to enforce smoke-free rules in private spaces.

Beyond the number of deaths, the study found that ischaemic heart disease generated the largest health loss associated with second-hand smoke, accounting for an estimated 12 million DALYs in 2023.

The finding reinforces growing evidence that exposure to second-hand smoke is not merely a nuisance or an issue of indoor air quality but a significant cardiovascular health risk.

The researchers said stronger implementation and enforcement of comprehensive smoke-free legislation must be accompanied by measures such as tobacco taxation, marketing restrictions, plain packaging and smoking-cessation programmes.

The study cautioned that its estimates are subject to uncertainty, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where data on SHS exposure are more limited.

Much of the available exposure information is self-reported, while the analysis does not include exposure to electronic nicotine-delivery systems, heated tobacco products or third-hand smoke.

With the number of people exposed to second-hand smoke in sub-Saharan Africa having nearly doubled since 1990, the study makes a compelling case for governments to intensify tobacco-control measures and strengthen protection for non-smokers.

The researchers declared that sustained enforcement of comprehensive smoke-free laws, coupled with broader efforts to reduce active smoking, will be essential to translating declining exposure rates into real reductions in disease and premature deaths.