Category: PM News

More than 2.3 million registered voters across Osun State will go to the polls on Saturday, August 15, to elect the governor who will lead the state from 2026 to 2030.

The election will take place across the state’s 30 Local Government Areas, 332 wards and 3,763 polling units, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Voting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. and close at 2:30 p.m.

The election will be the seventh governorship poll conducted in Osun since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, following previous elections in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022.

Unlike most states where governorship elections are held alongside the general election cycle, Osun’s poll is an off-cycle election.

The unusual electoral timetable is rooted in a landmark legal battle that followed the 2007 governorship election, when the judiciary eventually removed a sitting governor and installed his challenger after three years in office.

How Osun Became an Off-Cycle Election

Osun has witnessed intense political contests since its creation in 1991, with virtually every governorship election since the return of democracy becoming the subject of legal challenges.

The 2007 election produced the development that ultimately altered the state’s electoral timetable.

INEC had declared Olagunsoye Oyinlola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the election.

However, after about three years of legal battles, the Court of Appeal nullified Oyinlola’s election and declared Rauf Aregbesola of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) the rightful winner.

Aregbesola immediately assumed office.

Although Oyinlola had spent about three years in office, Aregbesola’s tenure was counted from the day he took office following the court judgment.

The development shifted Osun’s governorship election cycle away from that of most other states.

The winner of Saturday’s election will therefore serve a four-year term from 2026 to 2030.

Adeleke Seeks Second Term

The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, is seeking a second term in office.

Adeleke won the 2022 governorship election on the platform of the PDP, defeating the then incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola.

He has since moved to the Accord Party and is seeking re-election under its platform.

Adeleke is campaigning on his record in office and has repeatedly highlighted what his administration describes as achievements in infrastructure, governance and other sectors of the state economy.

He faces two major challengers in Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Dr Najeem Folasayo Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The three candidates have strong political pedigrees and influential backers.

Oyebamiji, a former Osun Commissioner for Finance, is the APC candidate and enjoys the backing of the party’s national structure as well as former Governor Oyetola, who is now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

Salaam, a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and former governor of the state, is running on the ADC platform and has received the backing of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

While 14 political parties are fielding candidates in the election, the contest is largely expected to be dominated by Adeleke, Oyebamiji and Salaam.

2.3 Million Voters, 5,130 BVAS Machines

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, said 2,339,233 eligible voters are expected to participate in the election.

The voters will cast their ballots across 3,763 polling units and 332 wards in the state’s 30 Local Government Areas.

INEC has also increased the number of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines deployed for the election from 4,427 to 5,130.

The commission also doubled its backup BVAS devices from 664 to 1,328 to facilitate quick replacement in the event of equipment failure.

The move is aimed at reducing delays and ensuring a smooth accreditation process at polling units.

INEC has also activated its Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) mechanism to identify and monitor potential flashpoints across the state.

According to the commission, it has engaged traditional rulers and transport unions as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free election.

New Electoral Act to Shape Poll

Saturday’s election will also test some of the provisions of Nigeria’s new Electoral Act.

The Osun election is expected to be the third major election conducted by INEC since President Bola Tinubu assented to the new electoral legislation.

Among the provisions expected to affect the electoral process are changes to voter registration, electronic transmission of results and the nomination of candidates by political parties.

Under the new framework, the documents required for voter registration have been streamlined to include a birth certificate, Nigerian passport and National Identification Number (NIN).

Registered voters will also be able to download their voter cards from the INEC website.

The law further provides for electronic transmission of election results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

However, where network failure or other technical problems prevent electronic transmission, the physical result sheet, Form EC8A, will serve as the primary document for collation and declaration of results.

The new law also provides for direct primaries and consensus as methods through which political parties can nominate their candidates, replacing indirect primaries.

Another provision requires the government to release funds meant for INEC at least six months before a general election, reducing the previous 12-month requirement.

Political parties are also required to submit their candidates’ names to INEC 120 days before election day, instead of the previous 180-day deadline.

INEC is expected to publish the final list of candidates 60 days before the election, compared with the previous 150-day requirement.

Security Tightened Ahead of Poll

Security has also been stepped up across Osun ahead of the election.

The new Commissioner of Police deployed to oversee security during the election, Samuel Etaifo, has arrived in the state and commenced duties ahead of Saturday’s poll.

The police have promised adequate security measures to protect voters, electoral officials and other stakeholders and to prevent violence before, during and after the election.

Security agencies are expected to maintain a strong presence around polling units, collation centres and other strategic locations across the state.

Seven Elections, Ten Administrators

Since Osun State was created in 1991, 10 individuals have served as governor or military administrator.

They are Leo Segun Ajiborisha, Isiaka Adeleke, Anthony Udofia, Anthony Obi, Theophilus Bamigboye, Bisi Akande, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Rauf Aregbesola, Gboyega Oyetola and the incumbent, Ademola Adeleke.

Saturday’s election will add another chapter to the state’s politically charged electoral history.

For Adeleke, the poll represents an opportunity to secure a second term and defend his administration’s record.

For Oyebamiji and the APC, it is a chance to return the party to power in the state after losing the 2022 election.

For Salaam and the ADC, the election offers an opportunity to disrupt the two-party contest and emerge as the alternative choice for Osun voters.

With more than 2.3 million registered voters, 14 political parties on the ballot, heightened security and new electoral rules in operation, all eyes are now on Osun as voters prepare to decide who will govern the state for the next four years.

The Nigerian Navy has rescued 22 passengers following the hijack of a wooden passenger boat along the Calabar-Oron-Ibaka waterway.

This is contained in an operational report by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

According to Folorunsho, the operation was conducted by personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, in collaboration with Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) Sector four and the Marine Police.

He said the operation was conducted following the attack on a passenger boat traveling from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata, Ibaka on Aug. 11.

‘The boat was reportedly intercepted by armed sea robbers shortly after passing Enwang Community, resulting in the hijacking of the vessel and the abduction of its passengers. Upon receipt of information on the incident, personnel of FOB Ibaka, in coordination with the collaborating security agencies, commenced coordinated efforts to locate the victims and recover the hijacked boat. The sustained response resulted in the recovery of the hijacked passenger boat and the rescue of 11 victims who had been abandoned by the suspected criminals at Asak-Ikang Creek,’ he said.

The naval director of information, also disclosed that a further 11 passengers who had earlier escaped during the attack were subsequently located and accounted for at the OPDS Sector four command post, bringing the total number of rescued and accounted-for victims to 22.

He said that all the rescued passengers were subsequently taken to the FOB Ibaka Sickbay for medical assessment and first aid before arrangements were made for their safe return to Calabar alongside the recovered passenger boat.

Folorunsho said that no ransom was paid for the release of the victims.

According to him, the successful rescue further demonstrates the navy’s determination to protect lives, safeguard legitimate maritime activities and maintain a secure maritime environment.

He said the service would continue to sustain operations in collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to counter sea robbery, kidnapping and other forms of maritime criminality.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Adm. Chidozie Okehie, reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining robust maritime security operations.

He said the navy would continue to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and leverage on timely intelligence to deny criminal elements freedom of action along the nation’s waterways.

Nigerian Artisans Endorse Tinubu for Second Term, Hold Three-Day Leadership Summit

Artisans and technicians from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the aegis of the Association of Nigerian Artisans and Technicians (ASNAT), have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.

The group attributed its decision to the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration, which it said had created economic opportunities and improved the welfare of artisans and technicians across the country.

The endorsement was announced in Abuja during the 2nd Nigerian Artisans’ Leadership Summit (NALSUM) 2026, a three-day event focused on leadership development, skills acquisition and economic empowerment.

Speaking at the summit, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, urged ASNAT members to remain united in their support for the Tinubu administration.

Represented by former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Senator Tijani Kaura, Yari described artisans and technicians as critical contributors to national development and economic growth.

He also highlighted several programmes and policies of the Tinubu administration which, he said, had benefited members of the sector.

Yari described ASNAT as a formidable organisation with a large membership capable of significantly influencing electoral outcomes.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations and National Patron of ASNAT, Rt. Hon. Sanusi Rikiji, formally announced the association’s endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term.

Rikiji said several initiatives under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda were designed to expand economic opportunities for artisans, technicians and other professionals.

He said Tinubu remained committed to addressing the challenges confronting workers across various sectors, describing the President as a nationalist and statesman whose commitment to national reforms would be appreciated by future generations.

According to Rikiji, many members of ASNAT’s 12.5 million registered membership have benefited from various Renewed Hope programmes implemented through government agencies and initiatives.

‘It is an understatement to reiterate and re-emphasise that artisans and technicians are the backbone of Nigeria’s industrialisation, economic diversification and sustainable development,’ he said.

On the significance of NALSUM, Rikiji said the summit was designed to provide a platform for members to upgrade their skills, strengthen leadership capacity and reposition themselves for greater economic opportunities.

‘NALSUM is not just a meeting. It is the most important platform we have to upgrade, upskill and reposition our members for leadership, dignity and prosperity for our dear country,’ he said.

The National Coordinator of ASNAT, Comrade Adeshina Akinyemi, commended the Tinubu administration for its policies and programmes and pledged the association’s continued support for the President.

Akinyemi said ASNAT would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to improve the welfare and economic well-being of its members.

He described the summit as an opportunity to celebrate the resilience of artisans and technicians while equipping them with knowledge and skills to formalise their businesses, expand their operations and access emerging economic opportunities.

He also acknowledged Senator Yari’s efforts to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election, saying artisans and technicians across Nigeria remained committed to working with him towards the President’s success.

‘As we begin this three-day transformative leadership training, I encourage every participant to pay close attention to the resource persons, training modules and strategic sessions,’ Akinyemi said.

‘The knowledge you gain here is meant to help you formalise your businesses, expand your operations and access modern economic opportunities. Let us maximise this platform.’

Some artisans and technicians at the summit also commended the Tinubu administration for what they described as its empowerment initiatives, expressing their readiness to mobilise support for the President’s re-election in the 2027 polls.

The Nigerian Artisans’ Leadership Summit attracted senior government officials, leaders of 29 affiliated associations representing artisans and technicians across the 36 states and the FCT, members of the Diplomatic Corps, as well as partners from the private sector and development agencies.

The All Progressives Congress has declared Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke ‘utterly defeatable’ in the August 15 governorship election, citing what it described as his poor performance in office.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, made the declaration on Wednesday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time.

Morka expressed confidence that the APC candidate would defeat the incumbent, arguing that the party had received significant support from the people of Osun State.

‘Governor Adeleke is utterly defeatable. His record has been very lacklustre. He has been very dismal in his performance as governor.

‘The health and education sectors are in shambles. He is very detestable because he hasn’t done well,’ he said.

The APC spokesman maintained that the outcome of the election would be determined by the people and reflected in a credible result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

‘INEC is determined to do its job as appointed by the law, and the people of Osun State, I believe, irrespective of the reports of violence, will go out there and make their choice because that is their state,’ Morka added.

The Osun State governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026.

Omoyele Sowore has accused officers of the Nigeria Police Force of firing tear gas at him and his supporters while they were travelling to Osogbo ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

Sowore made the allegation on Wednesday in a post shared on his verified X account.

He claimed that the officers fired tear gas at the group despite holding what he described as a respectful and peaceful conversation with them.

‘Despite our having a respectful and peaceful conversation with them, they secretly fired tear gas at us as we continued on our journey,’ Sowore wrote.

According to him, the alleged police action failed to prevent the group from reaching the Osun State capital.

‘But their intimidation failed. We pushed through, arrived in Oshogbo and triumphed,’ he stated.

Sowore condemned the alleged conduct of the officers, insisting that personnel deployed for the election should protect citizens and safeguard the electoral process.

‘The police should be protecting citizens and safeguarding the democratic process, not attacking peaceful political actors,’ he added.

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has described Saturday’s Osun State governorship election as a battle between Governor Ademola Adeleke and President Bola Tinubu.

Momodu said the All Progressives Congress lacked the political strength to defeat Adeleke on its own, arguing that the real contest was against the influence of the Tinubu-led presidency.

He spoke on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s *Politics Today*.

‘The battle in Osun is not a contest between Adeleke and the APC; it is between Adeleke and President Bola Tinubu. APC is no match for Adeleke in Osun.

‘Everybody agrees on that. They can make all the noise and hullabaloo, but I can tell you today that even the presidency knows. I have a lot of friends in APC; they know they cannot match Ademola Adeleke,’ he said.

Momodu’s remarks came as political parties intensified their campaigns ahead of the August 15, 2026 election.

Adeleke is seeking a second term, while the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, is among his major challengers.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on Thursday reacted to commentaries questioning the accuracy, reliability and credibility of the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results released on Aug. 5.

WAEC, in a statement by its Public Affairs Department signed by Mrs Moyosola Adesina, Head of the unit dismissed doubts over the results while affirming their credibility.

Adesina noted that comments by content creators and social media commentators had raised concerns among candidates, parents, schools and the wider public.

She said the council welcomed constructive scrutiny, describing accountability as essential, but cautioned against spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary anxiety among candidates.

‘WAEC remains committed to ensuring that every result released reflects rigorous assessment, careful moderation and established standards designed to protect candidates and sustain public confidence nationwide,’ she said.

Adesina explained that the 2026 WASSCE for School Candidates was conducted strictly in line with established operational procedures and relevant educational policies.

She said the examination was administered in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and remained guided by longstanding quality-assurance mechanisms.

The head of public affairs department noted that every candidate’s script passed through a multi-tiered system of marking, moderation and auditing before final results were approved.

She added that standardized marking schemes and carefully vetted subject experts were deployed throughout the assessment process.

She said: ‘The Council understands candidates’ concerns, but urges parents, schools and the public to verify information through official channels rather than rely on unsubstantiated social media claims.’

Adesina advised candidates and stakeholders with genuine concerns about their results to utilise established query-resolution channels available nationwide.

She said such concerns could be addressed through its offices across the country and verified online platforms.

‘Candidates and stakeholders with genuine concerns should use WAEC’s established review channels, where queries are handled transparently and appropriate explanations provided,’ she said.

Adesina reiterated the council’s commitment to preserving examination integrity and safeguarding the interests of candidates across the country.

She also urged members of the public to obtain information relating to examinations and results through official WAEC communication channels.

WAEC released the 2026 WASSCE results for school candidates on Aug. 5 after weeks of anticipation among candidates, parents and schools.

A total of 1,950,726 candidates sat for the examination, while 1,200,514 candidates secured credits in at least five subjects, including English and Mathematics.

The figure represents 61.54 per cent of all candidates who participated in the examination nationwide.

A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Yiaga Africa, has expressed concern that prevailing tension ahead of Saturday’s Osun governorship election could discourage voters from exercising their franchise.

The Chairperson of the Osun Election Observation Mission of Yiaga Africa, Dr Asmau Maikudi, and the organisation’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, raised the concern at a pre-election press conference on Thursday in Osogbo.

She stressed the need for all stakeholders to create a peaceful and conducive environment for voters to cast their ballots without fear or intimidation.

According to her, while preparations for the election were broadly on track, the credibility of the process would ultimately depend on the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on election day.

‘The electoral umpire had undertaken key preparatory activities across the 30 Local Government Areas, including Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) distribution, recruitment and training of election officials, mock accreditation, BVAS configuration, stakeholder engagement and election security coordination.

‘Election-day credibility will depend on timely deployment, reliable technology, consistent application of the law and effective contingency planning,’ she said.

She noted that PVC collection was disrupted in Odo-Otin and Ife Central Local Government Areas, limiting some voters’ ability to obtain their cards.

The chairperson noted that although INEC had announced plans to enable affected voters to download electronic PVCs, limited access to digital services could prevent some eligible voters from benefiting from the measure.

‘This increases the risk of voter disenfranchisement,’ she said.

Speaking on security concerns, Maikudi said incidents documented in the weeks preceding the election indicated a troubling shift towards direct disruption of electoral activities and contestation over strategic public spaces.

She cited the attack on a PVC collection centre in Odo-Otin Local Government Area, politically linked violence in Osogbo Local Government and disputes over the control of motor parks as developments that had heightened security risks surrounding the election.

‘Yiaga Africa expressed concern over the escalation of incendiary rhetoric and hate speech attributed to political actors. Such rhetoric could legitimise violence, deepen partisan hostility and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

‘We called for intelligence-led, coordinated and strictly impartial security deployment, with enhanced protection for electoral personnel, facilities, materials and voters,’ Maikudi said.

She further said security and law enforcement agencies must investigate and prosecute electoral violence, threats, hate speech and related offences without regard to political status, party affiliation or influence.

Maikudi warned that unresolved technical problems could disenfranchise eligible voters, generate tension at polling units and undermine confidence in the credibility and legitimacy of the election.

She called for more inclusive and targeted voter education ahead of the election, stressing that political awareness and civic engagement should remain high, particularly among women, youths and persons with disabilities.

‘Yiaga Africa identified voter inducement as a significant integrity risk and had documented the distribution of money and gift items by political actors.

‘Some of the distributions were presented as social interventions or charitable support, but their timing and proximity to campaign activities raised concerns about voter inducement and undue influence.

‘On voter education, the organisation said activities had expanded since July 1, led largely by INEC, civil society organisations and the National Orientation Agency.’

Maikudi, however, warned that pre-election violence, inflammatory rhetoric and persistent distrust in the process could suppress voter participation on election day.

Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police, CSP Anietie Okokon Iniedu, on Thursday held an engagement meeting with stakeholders ahead of the August 15 Governorship Election in Osun State.

The meeting had in attendance, representatives of the various segments of the citizenry such as the media, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), representatives of the Muslim community, representatives of the transporters, civil society groups, representatives of political parties, market men and women representatives, among others.

The parley was held at the Police Headquarters, Ringroad, Osogbo on Tuesday.

Iniedu assured residents of the state of adequate security before, during and after the election, saying four unarmed police personnel would be posted to each of the polling units across the state. He urged residents to go out on election day without fear, vote and return to their various homes peacefully.

He reiterated that 15,000 personnel have been deployed in the state to ensure peaceful conduct of the election. He warned that troublemakers would be dealt with if caught in accordance with the law.

Iniedu admonished residents to refrain from carrying out acts or making inflammatory or misleading comments that could threaten the peace of the state, warning that violators would face the full wrath of the law.

He appealed to the citizens to warn their children, wards and other family members to steer clear of electoral malpractices and criminality.

He asked residents to report, through emergency numbers rolled out by the police, any individuals or acts capable of threatening peaceful, free and fair conduct of the elections. Such suspects, he said, would be picked up immediately and handed to the taskforce team.

He also used the opportunity to inform the public that Osun State would be locked down by 12:00 AM on Saturday, saying there shall be no vehicular movements except for those having the constitutional duties to perform.

Iniedu said quasi units such as Amotekun and others would not be recognised for the period of election, adding that only the police and other statutory forces would have roles to play on Election Day.

The toll lines released include 0813 406 2773 and 0812 852 6154

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country’s refineries will be revived and repositioned to deliver sustainable value, stressing that the government is pursuing a comprehensive restructuring of the facilities rather than temporary fixes.

Tinubu gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja when he received the national executive of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), led by its National President, Comrade Salimon Akanni Oladiti, at the State House.

Responding to NUPENG’s call for the revival of the nation’s refineries, the President said the facilities, which represent significant investments made over the years, would not be allowed to deteriorate or become economic liabilities.

He said the government would undertake detailed research, technical assessments and structural reviews to identify the operational, financial and managerial challenges confronting the refineries and develop sustainable solutions.

‘The refineries that you mentioned are going to come back to work; we’re just building a very firm, resetting, and structural reworking of the economy of it,’ Tinubu said.

The President stressed that merely producing smoke and flames from a refinery would not constitute success unless the facility operates efficiently, generates profit and delivers the value for which it was established.

He said his administration had accepted responsibility for addressing the challenges inherited from previous governments, regardless of how long the problems had persisted.

‘No matter what has happened in the years past, it’s now my responsibility as president to fix it and make it work for the greatest common good of our population. I take responsibility for that, and we will do it,’ he said.

Tinubu also called for patience and sustained cooperation among stakeholders as his administration implements its economic reforms, expressing optimism that the measures would ultimately create a better Nigeria.

On local government autonomy, the President said constitutional issues surrounding its implementation were being reviewed with a view to possible adjustments, and appealed to stakeholders for understanding.

He also paid tribute to the late former NUPENG President, Frank Kokori, recalling their shared struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.

‘You brought good memories of my relationship with Frank Kokori; may his soul rest in peace. We struggled for this democratic dispensation together, and it was very tough for us to have this democracy,’ Tinubu said.

The President further promised greater inclusion of NUPENG in the implementation of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), while challenging the union to ensure that the benefits of the programme reach ordinary commuters.

Earlier, NUPENG President Oladiti commended Tinubu for what he described as bold economic decisions, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy.

He said the policy had helped conserve national resources and created opportunities for government to channel funds into infrastructure and other critical areas.

Oladiti particularly praised the administration’s investment in road infrastructure, citing the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway as examples of major projects with direct benefits for the petroleum sector and road users.

‘For our members, a good road is the difference between arriving home safely and never arriving at all,’ he said, noting that improved highways would reduce accidents, petroleum spillages and the risks faced by tanker drivers.

He, however, urged the Federal Government to sustain its efforts to revive the nation’s refineries, arguing that functional domestic refining capacity would strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and create more employment opportunities.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended NUPENG for recognising what he described as the positive outcomes of the administration’s reform agenda.

Idris said the union’s acknowledgement of the reforms demonstrated improved understanding between the government and organised labour and had helped reduce friction between both sides.

He recalled previous engagements between the Federal Government and labour unions, including the approval of a new wage regime, describing NUPENG’s latest position as a significant demonstration of confidence in the administration’s direction.

The minister said the union’s recognition of major reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and ongoing infrastructure development, was particularly significant given NUPENG’s strategic role in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

The NUPENG delegation later decorated President Tinubu as the Grand Patron of the union.