Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, has disclosed that the agency mopped up 7,210 fake, substandard, and other non-compliant regulated products during nationwide surveillance operations conducted between May and July 2026.

Adeyeye, who spoke at a media briefing in Lagos on the outcry over fake and substandard regulated products, also disclosed that NAFDAC inspected 6,233 facilities across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the three-month exercise.

The NAFDAC boss said the disclosure came amid renewed public concerns over suspected adulterated and counterfeit food products, stressing that the fight against unsafe products requires sustained surveillance, laboratory verification, enforcement, and public cooperation.

According to Adeyeye, the Food and Water category recorded the highest number of products removed from circulation, with 3,633 products mopped up from 1,808 facilities.

Drugs and herbals followed with 2,459 products from 2,084 facilities, while cosmetics accounted for 911 products from 821 facilities.

Medical devices recorded 183 products from 1,077 facilities, and chemicals 21 products from 175 facilities, while three products were removed from 268 facilities in the Vaccines and Biologics category.

Adeyeye said about 80 per cent of NAFDAC’s Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) activities were directed at detecting and curbing fake, falsified, substandard, and other non-compliant products.

She explained that PMS involved the inspection of establishments, product sampling, laboratory analysis, investigation of complaints, and removal of non-compliant products from the market.

The disclosure followed widespread concerns over suspected fake yoghurt, palm oil, apples, soy sauce, olive oil, chicken, fish, water, and beverages.

Adeyeye, however, cautioned that allegations made on social media did not, on their own, establish that a product was counterfeit, adulterated, or unsafe.

She said suspected violations must be scientifically evaluated through product sampling and laboratory analysis before regulatory action could be taken.

According to her, where violations are established, NAFDAC could seize, recall, or destroy affected products and sanction the operators involved.

Giving an indication of the scale of the agency’s wider enforcement operations, Adeyeye said more than 13,740 truckloads of counterfeit and substandard products, valued at over N1.5 trillion, were evacuated and destroyed during operations at Idumota in Lagos, Onitsha in Anambra State and Ariaria Market in Aba between February and March 2025.

She also disclosed that NAFDAC had secured 64 convictions for counterfeiting nationwide, with offenders sentenced to between one and seven years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine.

Adeyeye said more than N15 billion worth of fake, expired, counterfeit, and banned medicines were destroyed in Ibadan in February 2026.

In Lagos, she said more than 10 million doses of counterfeit malaria medicines and cosmetics, valued at about N3 billion, were seized from a three-storey building disguised as a spare-parts warehouse. Four suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.

The NAFDAC boss also disclosed that the agency had uncovered the alleged counterfeiting of CWAY dispenser bottles by three companies.

According to her, the companies used empty 19-litre bottles bearing the identity and branding of a registered water company without authorisation, allegedly refilling them with water from unapproved sources before supplying them to hotels and supermarkets.

She said the companies were sanctioned.

On food safety, Adeyeye said NAFDAC was concerned about reports of palm oil adulteration with azo dyes and other hazardous substances, particularly traditionally packaged palm oil sold through open markets.

She also acknowledged reports of chemicals allegedly being used in fufu and other staple foods but said NAFDAC did not have direct or exclusive oversight over all unbranded traditional foods sold in open markets.

She called for stronger involvement by state and local authorities in monitoring such products.

Adeyeye further clarified that imported agricultural commodities such as apples, grapes, and oranges were not under NAFDAC’s exclusive control, noting that the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) had responsibilities relating to agricultural commodities and quarantine.

She said NAFDAC had continued its campaign against the use of calcium carbide for artificial fruit ripening through regulatory measures, sensitisation and training introduced since 2018.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has approved the appointment of six new commissioners as part of efforts to strengthen his administration and enhance effective governance in the state.

The newly appointed commissioners are Lucky Barau for Gurara Local Government Area; Isah Wakili, Bosso; Dr Isah Adamu, Kontagora; Emmanuel Alamu, Magama; Shuaibu Saidu Kaboji, Mashegu; and Mohammed Danladi Garba, representing Borgu Local Government Area.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.

According to the statement, the governor also approved the appointment of Nma Kolo as Chief Political Adviser.

The statement further announced the appointment of Yahaya Emilugi, Yusuf Tagwai and Salman Yusuf as Special Advisers on Political Matters for Zones A, B and C respectively.

The SSG said the appointments were part of the present administration’s efforts to strengthen governance, improve service delivery and ensure broader representation across the state.

The senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Monday joined political leaders, chieftains and stakeholders of the party from across the 36 states of Nigeria at the official commissioning of the Makinde/Daura 2027 Presidential Campaign Office in Wuse II, Abuja.

The commissioning of the campaign headquarters, located at No. 43 Agadez Street, Wuse II, marked a major step in the APM’s mobilisation for the 2027 presidential election and the formal commencement of activities around the candidacy of the party’s presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

The campaign is being promoted under the ‘Reset Nigeria’ agenda, which the party says is focused on competence, accountability, security, economic growth and improved welfare for Nigerians.

Ajadi, who arrived in Abuja ahead of the event, was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by 13 State Coordinators of the Ajadi Rescue Movement.

The coordinators, drawn from Katsina, Yobe, Kebbi, Taraba, Adamawa, Niger, Zamfara, Gombe, Sokoto, Kano, Bauchi, the Federal Capital Territory and Kaduna, accompanied him to the commission.

Speaking on the significance of the event, Ajadi described the opening of the campaign office as an important milestone in the APM’s determination to present Nigerians with a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 election.

He said the growing support for Makinde demonstrated that Nigerians were increasingly interested in leadership anchored on competence, accountability and practical solutions rather than empty promises.

According to Ajadi, ‘Governor Seyi Makinde has demonstrated through his administration in Oyo State that good governance is about identifying problems, developing practical solutions and delivering results. His presidential ambition is therefore not merely about occupying the office; it is about bringing his experience, competence and people-oriented approach to the national stage.’

He particularly commended Makinde for rejecting a return to the old fuel subsidy regime while proposing domestic crude pricing as an alternative means of reducing petrol costs for Nigerians.

Makinde said the proposal was not a restoration of the former subsidy system, but a pricing framework that recognises Nigeria’s status as an oil-producing country and ensures that domestically supplied crude benefits Nigerians.

Ajadi said the position reflected the kind of policy thinking Nigerians should expect from an administration committed to making the country’s resources work for its citizens.

‘We need a president who will look beyond political slogans and confront the structural problems affecting ordinary Nigerians. Governor Makinde’s position on domestic crude pricing shows that he is thinking about sustainable solutions that can bring down costs while protecting the interests of Nigerians,’ he said.

He also expressed confidence in the Makinde/Daura ticket, describing the combination of Makinde’s executive experience and Alhaji Lawal Musa Daura’s security and intelligence background as a strong foundation for addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges.

The campaign platform has similarly presented the ticket as one built around governance, security, competence and national renewal.

Ajadi congratulated Governor Makinde and the entire APM leadership on the commissioning of the campaign headquarters, assuring the presidential candidate of his continued support and mobilisation across Oyo Central and beyond.

He called on APM members, supporters and Nigerians who desire a better country to rally behind the ‘Reset Nigeria’ movement.

‘I wish our presidential candidate, Governor Seyi Makinde, great success in his presidential ambition. We are confident that with unity, dedication and effective mobilisation, the APM will make a strong impact in 2027. This is not just about Makinde; it is about the future of Nigeria and building a country where the government truly works for the people,’ Ajadi added.

He urged Nigerians to join the conversation about the future of the country and support policies capable of transforming the nation’s resources into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens, stressing that the APM’s campaign should remain focused on issues, solutions and the collective aspiration for a better Nigeria.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has inspected 23 police barracks across the country to assess the living conditions of officers and their families and identify areas requiring urgent intervention.

The Force spokesperson, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Monday.

According to the statement, the inspection covered residential quarters and other welfare infrastructure, with the IGP interacting with personnel and residents while assessing the condition of facilities.

It said the exercise provided a broad assessment of existing welfare challenges and identified areas requiring urgent attention, rehabilitation and sustained investment.

The statement noted that the inspection underscored Disu’s commitment to personnel welfare as a key component of ongoing police reforms.

It added that decent accommodation and functional welfare infrastructure were essential to boosting personnel morale, well-being and effective service delivery.

The IGP assured personnel that identified welfare needs would receive appropriate attention, stressing the importance of evidence-based assessments and practical interventions in addressing infrastructure gaps across police barracks.

According to the statement, the exercise was also aimed at strengthening administrative responsiveness to infrastructure challenges and improving the living environment of officers and their families.

Disu reiterated that personnel dedicated to protecting lives and property deserved decent and conducive living conditions, adding that improved welfare remained integral to building a motivated, professional and effective police force.

The statement reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to improving the welfare, living conditions and well-being of its personnel and their families through sustained investment in accommodation, welfare infrastructure and other support systems.

It added that such measures would also strengthen the capacity of officers to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.

The founder and senior pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has warned members of his church against engaging in internet fraud, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo.’

Speaking during a church service, the pastor said Yahoo boys were present in churches and questioned how people could defraud others and still feel comfortable worshipping God.

Ibiyeomie described Yahoo Yahoo as stealing, regardless of how it is presented or justified, and urged anyone involved in the practice to stop.

He also warned church members against associating with people involved in internet fraud, saying proceeds from the practice have caused serious harm to victims.

He said, ‘Do you know that Yahoo boys are inside church? Inside church! They have no conscience. Yahoo boys are… even in this church, there are Yahoo boys.’

According to him, internet fraud remains theft because the money obtained belongs to another person.

‘It’s stealing, no matter how you put it. Yahoo is stealing. You are just colourising it. Yahoo is what? You are just stealing! Is it your money?’ he said.

Ibiyeomie recounted the experience of a professor and electrical engineer from Rivers State University, whom he said was once a consultant at a site where he worked.

According to the pastor, the professor lost all the money in his bank account to internet fraudsters.

He said the incident had devastating consequences for the man, who he claimed later died after losing his savings.

Ibiyeomie said the incident demonstrated the human cost of internet fraud, particularly when fraudsters target people’s life savings, retirement benefits and other hard-earned money.

He said, ‘Every savings as a professor, all his savings, they duped him. Now, such a man will now come and say, ‘Boy, buy car. Get lost with your car.’ You can’t follow such a person.’

The pastor consequently advised members who associate with internet fraudsters to distance themselves from them.

‘In case you are following such a person, separate from him now,’ he said.

He also issued a strong warning to anyone involved in Yahoo Yahoo within his congregation, saying such individuals should worship elsewhere.

‘And if in this church you are Yahoo, go to another church and give your offering. I don’t care how much you have. Go, go, go, go, go! Because you are killing people,’ Ibiyeomie said.

He further criticised the justification often given by internet fraudsters that Yahoo Yahoo is a means of survival.

According to him, financial hardship should not be used as an excuse to take what belongs to another person.

‘Some people say, ‘Stop this Yahoo,’ and they say, ‘For what? Na so man go take survive? Na so man go take eat?’ Now, we don’t want you to survive like that,’ he said.

For Nigerians living abroad, investing in property back home can feel like a natural extension of building a financial future. Money earned in pounds, dollars, or euros can be channeled into land, apartments, commercial property, or development projects, potentially creating an asset that grows in value while providing an income stream.

That opportunity, however, comes with a less attractive reality. That is, group real estate investments have made it easier for diaspora investors to participate in projects they might struggle to finance individually. Several people contribute capital, a company or promoter manages the project, and investors share the eventual returns. When properly structured, such an arrangement can be legitimate.

But the same structure can also make it easier for fraudsters to collect large sums from people who may never see the property themselves.

Meanwhile, for someone investing from another country, the biggest mistake is assuming that a familiar face, impressive presentation, or even recommendation from a trusted community member is enough. So, vetting diaspora real estate investment syndicates requires a more forensic approach to investigate the people behind the deal, verify the property, understand the legal structure, and follow up before making a commitment.

Trust is useful, but it is not due diligence

Diaspora communities are often built around strong professional, cultural, religious, and family networks. That closeness can make investment opportunities spread quickly. For example, someone introduces a property project in a WhatsApp group, another person confirms that the promoter is ‘one of us’, and investors begin discussing how much they intend to contribute.

That sense of familiarity can be dangerous when it replaces independent investigation. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) describes this as affinity fraud: investment fraud that targets identifiable groups and exploits existing relationships and trust. Importantly, the person recommending the opportunity may not be part of the fraud. They may have invested themselves and genuinely believe the scheme is legitimate.

That is why a trusted introduction should be treated as the beginning of due diligence, not the end of it.

Find out who actually controls the investment

A real estate syndicate should have a clearly identifiable legal structure. That means investors should be able to determine the full legal name of the company or special-purpose vehicle involved, its registration status, directors, shareholders or beneficial owners, and the precise role it plays in the transaction.

If several companies are involved, establish why. One entity may own the land while another raises the investment capital and a third manages construction. That structure is not necessarily improper, but investors need to understand where their legal and financial interests sit.

This is important in cross-border transactions. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) identified real estate as a sector that can be exploited for money laundering and other illicit financial activity and highlights the importance of identifying the true beneficial owners involved in transactions.

The property itself must survive independent scrutiny

A beautifully designed brochure does not prove that a property exists, that the promoter owns it, or that investors have a valid claim over it.

Ask for the documents establishing ownership and the legal status of the property. Because, depending on the jurisdiction and type of development, that may include title documents, surveys, planning approvals, development permits, valuation reports and relevant searches showing whether the property is subject to competing claims, charges or restrictions.

Then, an independent property lawyer should verify the title and advise on the legal interest being acquired. That distinction matters because an investor may not actually be purchasing a piece of land. The investment could instead involve shares in a company that owns the property, a loan to the developer, a contractual right to future profits or another financial arrangement.

Therefore, living thousands of miles away, paying for independent verification may feel like an additional expense. And in reality, it is part of the cost of investing remotely.

Follow the money before following the returns

One of the most revealing parts of any investment proposal is the payment structure. With tons of questions: where exactly will my money go after I transfer it? Who controls the account? Is there an independent escrow arrangement? Under what circumstances can the funds be released? What percentage goes towards acquiring the property, construction, professional fees, marketing, commissions and administration?

These questions become especially important when promoters request transfers to personal accounts or provide payment instructions that do not clearly match the legal entity behind the investment.

Investor.gov lists requests to wire investment funds abroad or send money to a personal account among potential warning signs, alongside pressure to invest immediately and promises of guaranteed or unusually attractive returns.

For private investment arrangements, FINRA’s due-diligence framework provides another useful benchmark. It calls for scrutiny of the issuer and its management, the assets being acquired, the claims being made and the intended use of investor proceeds. It also stresses independent verification of material information and investigation of red flags.

A promised return should tell you more than the percentage

Statements like, ‘Guaranteed 25% return, double your money in 18 months, or zero-risk property investment,’ can be powerful selling points when investors are comparing property opportunities with savings accounts or other conventional investments.

Suppose a syndicate predicts a substantial profit from developing apartments. As an investor, you should be able to examine the assumptions behind that projection: acquisition cost, construction expenses, financing costs, taxes, professional fees, marketing expenses, expected selling price, development timetable and the consequences of delays.

Know that a projection is not a promise. And a spreadsheet is not evidence that the underlying assumptions are realistic. Because real estate has risks, too. On which construction can be delayed, costs can rise, buyers can disappear, interest rates can change, planning restrictions can affect development, and property values can fall. A legitimate investment should acknowledge those possibilities rather than presenting a perfect outcome.

Look beyond the promoter for conflicts of interest

A syndicate may appear independent while several parties involved in the transaction are financially connected.

Perhaps the developer owns the construction company. The person arranging the deal receives a commission from every investor recruited. A relative controls the estate agency handling sales. The valuation was prepared by a professional with a commercial relationship with the promoter.

None of these circumstances automatically means the project is fraudulent. The issue is whether the relationships are disclosed and whether they could influence the investment decision.

FINRA’s private-placement guidance specifically emphasises identifying conflicts of interest, addressing material red flags and maintaining appropriate disclosures.

Investors should therefore ask a simple but revealing question: who makes money from this transaction apart from the investors?

A transparent promoter should be able to answer it without hesitation.

Do not let WhatsApp excitement become financial evidence

Diaspora investment opportunities often gain momentum through social networks. One investor posts a property video. Someone shares photographs from a site visit. Another person says they have already received a previous return. Before long, the conversation shifts from ‘Is this legitimate?’ to ‘How much are you putting in?’

That change in atmosphere can make careful investors feel unnecessarily cautious.

It is precisely why evidence must remain separate from social proof.

Previous payouts do not necessarily prove that an investment is profitable. In a Ponzi scheme, money from new investors can be used to pay earlier participants, creating the appearance that the underlying business is working. When new money stops arriving, the structure can collapse.

The SEC has also documented affinity-fraud cases involving real estate in which investors were persuaded through community connections and, in some cases, existing investors were paid with money from newer participants.

A screenshot of someone’s successful withdrawal is therefore not a substitute for evidence of ownership, revenue or project progress.

Pressure is a reason to slow down

Fraudsters understand that time is an enemy of deception.

The longer an investor has to inspect documents, consult a lawyer, compare market prices and question assumptions, the more opportunities there are for inconsistencies to surface. That is why pressure tactics can be so effective.

A promoter might claim that the offer expires tonight, that the land price is about to increase or that only a few investment slots remain.

There may be a genuine deadline. But there is no legitimate reason for an investor to abandon reasonable due diligence simply because someone else is creating urgency.

The SEC’s investor guidance recommends researching an opportunity thoroughly, asking questions and resisting pressure to invest before the facts have been checked.

A good investment opportunity should still make sense tomorrow.

The strongest protection is an independent paper trail

Before committing significant foreign earnings to a property syndicate, build your own record of the transfer agreement. Keep the investment agreement, corporate documents, property records, valuation, financial projections, correspondence and payment instructions together. More importantly, record what independent professionals have verified and what remains uncertain.

This creates a simple but powerful distinction between what the promoter says and what you have independently established.

That distinction is at the centre of serious due diligence. FINRA’s guidance stresses independent research, verification of material claims, investigation of red flags and, where appropriate, monitoring whether investment proceeds are ultimately used as represented.

For a diaspora investor, the same discipline can prevent an expensive mistake.

When walking away is the smartest investment decision

Real estate syndicates can provide access to projects that individual investors might struggle to finance alone. But pooling money does not eliminate investment risk, and distance can make that risk harder to see.

The safest approach is neither blind optimism nor automatic suspicion. It is verification.

Check the people behind the investment. Establish who owns and controls the entities involved. Verify the property independently. Understand exactly what legal interest you are acquiring. Test the financial projections, investigate conflicts of interest and follow the money. If material information cannot be verified, treat that uncertainty as a risk rather than filling the gaps with trust.

Most importantly, never let a community connection become a substitute for due diligence. A legitimate syndicate should not fear scrutiny. It should be able to withstand it.

South-South governors have resolved to build a stronger regional economic bloc anchored on infrastructure connectivity, investment mobilisation, maritime development, industrialisation and coordinated engagement with the Federal Government, as they seek to translate the region’s enormous economic potential into tangible prosperity for its people.

The resolution formed the thrust of the communiqué issued at the end of the second meeting of the South-South Governors’ Forum, held in Calabar, Cross River State, on Monday under the chairmanship of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

The governors identified regional rail development, the rehabilitation and modernisation of the Calabar, Port Harcourt and Warri seaports, and the economic opportunities offered by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as strategic priorities. They also resolved to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on critical South-South concerns, particularly infrastructure and environmental development, while reaffirming their commitment to his re-election in 2027 with ‘100 per cent’ support from the region. The Forum further resolved to institutionalise its activities through quarterly meetings, with Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, scheduled to host the next meeting from November 6 to 8, 2026.

The communiqué also embraced a broader regional investment strategy, reflecting the presentation by the Director-General of the BRACED Commission, Ambassador Joe Keshi, on efforts to advance regional infrastructure, particularly rail development.

PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, had advocated a regional investment fund capable of mobilising capital for projects that transcend individual state boundaries, while also urging the governors to place young people at the centre of the region’s economic transformation. The emerging agenda, therefore, seeks to move the South-South from isolated state-level initiatives towards an integrated economic space driven by shared infrastructure, investment and value chains.

Hosting the meeting, Cross River State Governor and Vice Chairman of the Forum, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, said the region’s ability to secure meaningful development depended on the extent to which its states could speak and act collectively. ‘We must come together as a people; we must cooperate, and we must ensure that our voice is heard and respected,’ Otu declared.

He stressed that ‘the South-South has everything it takes’ to become one of Nigeria’s most formidable economic blocs, provided the states could overcome fragmentation and harness their resources within a common regional framework.

Otu called for a unified regional position on fiscal equity, particularly Value Added Tax, oil and gas revenues and the 13 per cent derivation benchmark. He also sought the Forum’s support for Cross River’s campaign to regain its oil-producing status, describing the issue as part of the state’s broader quest for greater economic opportunity.

On infrastructure, he proposed a regional corridor linking the Bakassi Deep Seaport in Calabar with the East-West Road and the ports of Bayelsa and Delta, while advocating greater integration of the region’s agricultural economies. ‘We must begin to look beyond the exploitation of raw resources,’ he said in substance, urging the region to embrace value addition, industrial processing and job creation, particularly through cassava production, processing and ethanol development.

Diri, in his opening remarks, insisted that the Forum must distinguish itself through implementation rather than rhetoric. ‘We cannot afford to remain a region of meetings and communiqués,’ he said, stressing that ‘the meeting must produce movement’ and that the decisions reached must translate into ‘measurable progress.’

He argued that the South-South, despite its enormous contribution to Nigeria’s economy, could no longer afford fragmented approaches to challenges that were inherently regional. ‘We must move beyond resolutions to implementation,’ he said, emphasising coordinated action on infrastructure, transportation, security, environmental remediation and economic integration.

The Bayelsa governor placed particular emphasis on connectivity as the foundation for regional economic transformation. He called for accelerated development of road, rail, air and maritime infrastructure, including the East-West Road, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and regional rail networks. Diri said the South-South must deliberately position itself as ‘Nigeria’s gas-industrial hub, West Africa’s maritime gateway and the country’s leading blue-economy zone.’

He also drew attention to the region’s environmental burden, arguing that a region that serves as a major economic engine of Nigeria should not simultaneously bear the disproportionate consequences of ecological degradation.

‘We cannot continue to produce the wealth while communities remain surrounded by environmental devastation,’ was the thrust of his argument as he called for expanded remediation across the Niger Delta.

The governors consequently linked economic development with security and environmental sustainability, recognising that investment cannot flourish where communities, waterways and critical infrastructure remain vulnerable.

The Forum advocated stronger intelligence-sharing and coordinated security operations to protect communities, oil and gas assets and economic corridors across the six states. The governors also stressed the importance of environmental restoration, reflecting what Diri described as the need to confront the ‘contradiction’ of a region that sustains Nigeria’s economy while suffering severe ecological and developmental consequences.

The Forum also resolved to throw its weight behind President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 and to seek direct engagement with him on the region’s development priorities.

The Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has identified two petitions from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election.

Both petitions, dated September 5, 2026, were displayed on the tribunal secretariat’s notice board in Osogbo on Monday, officially initiating the process to resolve disputes over the August 15 governorship election in the state.

This development was confirmed by Tribunal Secretary Pefe Belemore, who stated that petitions challenging the election results had been filed.

The APC and PDP are contesting the results of the governorship election that re-elected Adeleke for another term.

The petitions are likely to initiate the legal process, involving serving documents to the parties and subsequent hearings before the tribunal.

The APC’s petition with suit number EPT/OS/GOV/01/2026 was filed by its candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, against Governor Adeleke, Accord Party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The PDP’s petition EPT/OS/GOV/02/2026 was filed by one Adebayo Olugbenga Adedamola against Adeleke, INEC and the Accord Party.

Also, officials of the Accord Party and their legal team were seen entering the court before Vanguard correspondent exited the building.

However, real influence does not work that way. When you watch seasoned diplomats handle tense global summits or solve intense disputes, they are rarely the loudest individuals in the room. Instead, they carry a calm, quiet confidence that instantly draws people in and earns deep respect.

These global leaders rely on specific, tested habits of emotional intelligence and body language to put others at ease and get results.

In this article, Tribune Online examines the 5 unspoken rules of charisma used by natural diplomats worldwide and how you can apply them in everyday life.

Give people your undivided presence

Natural diplomats know that the greatest compliment you can pay anyone is total attention. When they talk to you, they do not check their phones or scan the room to see who else has walked in.

Presence is the foundation of executive influence. When you make someone feel heard and valued, their trust in you rises instantly.

To practice this, keep steady eye contact and face the person directly. Do not rush to give your own reply while they are still speaking; let them finish completely before you formulate your answer.

Master the power of intentional pausing

When tension rises, most people rush their speech, raise their pitch, or stumble over words out of nervousness. Diplomats, on the other hand, deliberately slow down and use silence as a strategic tool.

According to communication studies from the Harvard Program on Negotiation, taking a two-second pause before answering prevents emotional outbursts and makes your words carry twice as much weight.

When someone asks a tough question or provokes you, take a slow breath first. Pausing shows that you are in total control of your emotions, which immediately commands respect from everyone present.

Let other people save face

In high-stakes talks, proving that the other person is wrong or embarrassing them publicly is a guaranteed way to make an enemy. A true diplomat knows how to correct someone without making them look foolish.

Social psychologists note that when a person feels cornered, their brain enters a defensive state, making compromise impossible. Diplomats solve this by framing disagreements around shared goals rather than personal failures.

If you must point out an error at work or in personal relationships, praise their good intentions first. Focus on the practical solution instead of assigning blame, allowing them to adjust their position comfortably.

Use warmth to balance out authority

Power without warmth comes across as arrogant, while warmth without competence can make you look weak. The most charismatic individuals keep both qualities in perfect balance.

First impressions, people evaluate your warmth before they care about your strength. They must first feel safe around you before they accept your leadership.

You can project this balance by offering a genuine smile, using open hand gestures, and keeping a steady, relaxed posture. This subtle mix tells people you are friendly, approachable, and firmly in charge.

Master emotional detachment under pressure

The quickest way to lose influence in any disagreement is to lose your temper. Natural diplomats understand that another person’s anger or bad behaviour is rarely personal; it is usually a reaction to stress or fear.

Crisis negotiation reports from international security agencies show that remaining neutral de-escalates high-conflict situations faster than counter-aggression.

When faced with provocation, keep your voice low, steady, and calm.

The family of Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has given the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa, seven days to prove allegations made against him or face litigation before a competent court.

In a statement issued by Bello El-Rufai on behalf of the family, the statement alluded that ‘El-Rufai, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), former Governor of Kaduna State and Opposition Leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has noted with serious concern the allegations made by General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), Minister of Defence, on 3 September 2026 during a live television broadcast of Politics Today on Channels Television.

The statement noted that ‘during the programme, General Musa alleged that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai actively planned killings in Southern Kaduna while serving as Governor of Kaduna State.

‘This grave allegation was made without the presentation of any evidence in support of the claim. While General Musa (Rtd.) is entitled to hold and express his personal opinions, the El-Rufai family is equally entitled to demand that such serious allegations be substantiated with credible evidence.

‘In the absence of such evidence, we call on him to publicly retract the allegation through the same medium on which it was made.

‘Accordingly, General Musa (Rtd.) is hereby given seven (7) days from the date of this statement to either provide evidence in support of his allegation or issue a full public retraction and apology.

‘Failure to do so will leave the family with no option but to pursue all appropriate legal remedies available under the law in response to these unsubstantiated allegations.’