Category: PM News

The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has called on journalists and civil society organisations to be conscious of their role as watchdogs in their coverage of the Saturday election and beyond.

It adds that all stakeholders including the citizens to play a more active role in monitoring the electoral process, documenting irregularities and ensuring that the August 15, 2026, Osun State governorship election reflects the genuine will of the people.

Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Osun ahead of the election, Comrade Lanre Fadaunsi, stressed that credible elections are essential to producing competent and accountable leadership.

Fadaunsi warned that when elections are compromised through vote-buying, intimidation, manipulation or other irregularities, the consequences extend beyond the electoral process and can weaken democratic institutions and public confidence in government.

He urged journalists covering the election to remain professional, impartial and committed to facts, stressing that reporters must resist political inducement, propaganda, misinformation and pressure from political actors.

According to him, journalists should report what they personally observe at polling units and avoid making premature declarations about which candidate is leading based on results from only a few polling units.

He also urged media practitioners to document incidents of violence, voter intimidation, suppression and other electoral irregularities, noting that journalists’ reports could become important historical records for future generations.

Fadaunsi further condemned vote-buying, particularly the exploitation of poverty to influence voters, describing the practice as a threat to genuine democratic choice.

He argued that citizens should not be reduced to commodities whose votes can be purchased, stressing that the constitutional right of Nigerians to choose their leaders must be protected.

The MCE representative also emphasised the importance of citizen participation and monitoring, calling for a stronger national platform through which journalists and citizens can collectively observe elections and document developments across the country.

According to him, Nigeria has the human capacity to conduct elections that meet international standards, noting that Nigerians continue to excel in different fields around the world despite the country’s persistent challenges with electoral credibility.

Fadaunsi maintained that the 2026 Osun governorship election could provide an important test of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic development ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He therefore appealed to journalists to remain neutral, verify information before publication, give all political actors fair coverage and report electoral developments without fear or favour.

He said the ultimate responsibility of the media is to inform, educate and empower citizens while protecting the integrity of democracy.

The Nigeria Police Force has warned that it will not tolerate offences such as ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, and clashes between rival supporters during the Osun state governorship election scheduled for Saturday.

The Police gave the warning while announcing security arrangement for the election in a statement issued by CSP Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer on Wednesday.

In the statement, police vowed to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in such offences, whether as a direct perpetrator or sponsor regardless of political affiliation or status.

‘Anyone who attempts to disrupt the process through violence, intimidation, or thuggery will face the full weight of the law’, police said in the statement while warning that political parties, candidates, supporters, and the public must be peaceful during the election.

Also, police, in the statement, ordered the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), vigilante groups, the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security groups, neighbourhood watch outfits, and all other non-state or quasi-security formations to keep off the election.

It warned that such outfits have no role in election security, including escorting materials, guarding polling units, mounting checkpoints, or bearing arms.

‘The NPF urges full compliance in the interest of peace.’

The statement listed authorized agencies empowered to carry out election duties to include Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other statutory bodies working together.

‘This joint security deployment covers all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State, securing polling units, collation centres, electoral materials, officials, observers, journalists, and voters.

‘Political parties, candidates, and the public are warned against engaging, arming, or deploying any non-state security outfit for election-related purposes. Any member or sponsor of such unauthorised outfits will be arrested and dealt with according to the law.

The Force also warned that firearms, dangerous weapons, and offensive materials are strictly prohibited around polling units and collation centres, except those lawfully carried by accredited security personnel on election duty.

It added that anyone found culpable of electoral offences, including thuggery, obstruction of electoral officials, unlawful possession of election materials, hate speech, or incitement to violence, will be arrested and charged to court.

‘The Force has directed all commanders and personnel deployed for the election to act professionally, impartially, and firmly, in line with the rule of law and respect for human rights. The public, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, and accredited observers are urged to report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest security agency or established emergency channels-if you see something, say something.

‘The Nigeria Police Force assures the people of Osun State, INEC, political parties, candidates, and all stakeholders of its commitment to a secure and peaceful environment where every eligible voter can freely exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation. The Police remain neutral, professional, and resolute, and will not allow any actor to undermine the peaceful conduct of the Osun State Governorship Election,’ the statement concluded.

Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, has denied directing his supporters to kill members of the Accord Party and their family members, insisting that a viral video of his campaign speech was edited to distort his remarks.

Fadahunsi made the clarification on Wednesday after being questioned by the police at the Osun State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo over the controversial video, which has stirred tensions ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The senator, who arrived at the command at about 2:35 p.m., said he told investigators that his reference to ‘killing’ Accord members was political language, meaning that his supporters should defeat the party with their votes rather than attack anyone physically.

‘Well, we have met, and I have told them what I said, not the one manipulated by mischievous interpreters of our language,’ Fadahunsi told journalists after the closed-door session at the Criminal Investigation Department.

He argued that the full recording of his speech, which he said lasted about 38 minutes, would provide the context missing from the version circulating online.

‘We said, come Saturday, election, we will kill them with our votes,’ he said, insisting that his words had been taken out of context and misinterpreted.

Fadahunsi said he intended to explore legal options over what he described as the manipulation and dissemination of the video.

The controversy has intensified political tensions in Osun, where the August 15 governorship election is being closely watched amid concerns over violence and voter intimidation.

Fadahunsi also alleged that recent killings in his senatorial district were intended to frighten voters and prevent them from turning out to support the All Progressives Congress.

He maintained that his comments were made in the context of what he described as attacks on APC members by suspected thugs in Ilesa and other parts of the state.

The controversy had earlier drawn strong condemnation from Governor Ademola Adeleke, who accused Fadahunsi of inciting violence and ‘genocide’ against members of the Accord Party.

Adeleke called for a thorough investigation and demanded the senator’s immediate arrest, describing the reported comments as a national security threat.

Amnesty International also weighed into the controversy on Wednesday, calling on the authorities to hold Fadahunsi accountable over the remarks attributed to him.

The rights organisation described the comments as capable of inciting violence ahead of the election and urged authorities to act against statements advocating violence.

The police, however, said their investigation remained ongoing.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniedu Okokon, confirmed that Fadahunsi had been interrogated and said the outcome of the investigation would be made public after its conclusion.

He also assured residents that adequate security measures had been deployed across Osun to protect voters and election officials during Saturday’s election.

Crest Africa has officially unveiled Crest Africa’s Top 50 African Entrepreneurs Defining the Continent’s Future in 2026, recognising founders, innovators, and business leaders whose enterprises are contributing to economic growth, job creation, innovation, and development across Africa, with the list officially released on August 11, 2026.

The recognition continues Crest Africa’s commitment to celebrating African excellence and increasing the visibility of individuals whose work is creating measurable impact. It follows the platform’s 2025 recognition initiatives, including Leaders Shaping Africa 2025, Top 50 Voices in African Tech 2025, and Power 100: The UK’s Most Influential African Entrepreneurs. Together, these initiatives have allowed Crest Africa to document individuals contributing to the continent’s progress across leadership, technology, business and entrepreneurship.

This year’s list turns attention to entrepreneurs building enterprises that address challenges, create opportunities and contribute to Africa’s development across sectors. The fifty honourees reflect the breadth of entrepreneurship emerging across the continent, where founders are combining industry knowledge, innovation and leadership to build businesses capable of creating both economic and social value.

Among those recognised is Uzoma Onwudinjo, Founder and Executive Director of the Global Centre for Executive Excellence and Founder of Iconium Consulting Agency. Her work in executive education and institutional development has contributed to the professional development of more than 1,000 executives, including ministers, federal commissioners, legislators, senior public sector leaders and heads of courts. Her executive programmes have also extended across the United Kingdom, France, Morocco, Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates.

Also featured is Margaret Obasi, Founder and CEO of Maziza, a Nigerian food manufacturing company transforming indigenous African crops into functional foods focused on the prevention and management of diabetes and other non communicable diseases. A clinical nutritionist with previous leadership experience at Nestlé, Obasi combines nutrition science, food innovation, sustainable manufacturing and agricultural value addition while creating opportunities for local producers.

Technology and the future of work are represented by Samuel Aleonomoh, Founder and CEO of RolepilotAI. The software engineer is developing an AI powered career platform focused on digital skills development, career readiness and access to employment opportunities for African professionals, with a broader vision of equipping millions of Africans for the changing world of work.

In healthcare, Sampson Agboola, Founder and CEO of imisi HealthCARE LTD, is building AI driven healthcare infrastructure designed to support governments, insurers, healthcare providers and employers in delivering more connected and data driven healthcare. The company has also co created Confam Health, an NHIA compliant micro health insurance product focused on expanding affordable health coverage to underserved Nigerians.

The creative economy is represented by Rhoda Ogbeide, Founder of Lhaude Africa, whose work supports creative entrepreneurs through education, community and global trade. Her work has also included intercultural trade projects connecting Nigeria with markets including China, the United States and India.

Across the full list are entrepreneurs working in artificial intelligence, agriculture, education, healthcare, climate innovation, real estate, cybersecurity, logistics, media, fashion, professional services and other areas of enterprise. Their businesses demonstrate the different ways entrepreneurship is influencing Africa’s development, from strengthening local industries and creating employment to expanding access to services and developing solutions for communities.

Crest Africa’s Top 50 African Entrepreneurs Defining the Continent’s Future in 2026 goes beyond commercial success to recognise entrepreneurs creating employment, solving real world challenges, strengthening industries, attracting opportunities and building businesses with the potential to leave a lasting mark on Africa.

Through the recognition, Crest Africa also seeks to bring greater attention to the stories behind these enterprises and provide a platform where entrepreneurial achievement can inspire collaboration, visibility and the next generation of African founders.

The complete list and profiles of all fifty honourees are now available on Crest Africa, documenting the entrepreneurs building businesses, transforming industries and contributing to the continent’s future.

The governorship debate in Osun State turned combative on Tuesday as APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji challenged Governor Ademola Adeleke to account for about N650 billion in federal allocations allegedly received by his administration, while the governor declared that he was a ‘bulldozer’ who could not be intimidated by federal might.

The confrontation unfolded at the ARISE News Governorship Town Hall in Osogbo ahead of Saturday’s election, where Adeleke of Accord, Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and African Democratic Congress, ADC, candidate Najeem Salaam defended their records and presented their plans for the state.

Oyebamiji questioned what he described as the huge increase in resources available to Adeleke since assuming office.

According to the APC candidate, the administrations of former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola received about N450 billion in federal allocations during 12 years, while Adeleke’s government had received about N650 billion in roughly three and a half years.

‘How does N650 billion match what we see in Osun today?’ Oyebamiji asked.

He further alleged that 97 per cent of the resources of the current administration were concentrated in just two local government areas, describing the situation as an ‘aberration’.

Oyebamiji also disputed claims that Adeleke inherited an empty treasury from Oyetola.

He maintained that the former governor left about N15 billion for the incoming administration and accused the Adeleke government of presenting a misleading account of the state’s finances.

The APC candidate said Osun residents were ready for a change of government, declaring himself confident of victory on August 15.

‘I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that our people in Osun are ready for a change. I’m coming here as the incoming governor of Osun, come August 15, 2026,’ he said.

Oyebamiji also dismissed allegations that the Federal Government was preparing to deploy ‘federal might’ to secure victory for the APC.

He said he had travelled across all 30 local government areas of Osun three times during his campaign without encountering evidence supporting the allegation.

His comments followed Adeleke’s declaration that he was not afraid of the influence of the Federal Government or APC governors backing Oyebamiji.

‘I am a bulldozer. I am talk and do. I am not afraid of federal might and governors backing the APC candidate. If they like, they should bring all the governors,’ Adeleke said.

The governor insisted that visiting APC governors would have no power to determine the outcome of the election because they would not be voting.

‘Those governors are my friends. I am a civilised administrator. They won’t vote; they can only come and dance, and after the election, we will meet,’ he said.

Adeleke also rejected allegations that his administration had militarised Osun ahead of the poll, stressing that only President Bola Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, could deploy the Armed Forces.

He defended his record in office, citing investments in roads, healthcare, agriculture and security.

According to Adeleke, his administration had constructed about 350 kilometres of roads, with another 160 kilometres under construction, while about 200 primary healthcare centres had been rehabilitated.

He also defended his penchant for dancing, saying it had not affected his ability to govern.

‘I am a very prudent person and a very serious person. Nobody will stop me from dancing. As I am dancing, I am working. Dancing is a hobby that doesn’t disturb or affect my work,’ Adeleke said.

Asked whether he would congratulate another candidate if he lost Saturday’s election, the governor dismissed the possibility.

‘Forget about it. I’m not going to lose this election because I’m so confident,’ he said.

ADC candidate Najeem Salaam, meanwhile, warned that political violence and the proliferation of weapons posed serious threats to the state.

Salaam positioned himself as the candidate capable of restoring peace, saying Osun residents were tired of political thuggery.

‘Osun people do not want thuggery again because they see us as the most peaceful party. They also know the only candidate that can bring peace is Najeem Salaam and the only party that can bring peace is the ADC,’ he said.

The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly warned that electing either of his major rivals could worsen political confrontation.

‘Osun people know that if they give it to A or B, they will fight. I can tell you that Osun is filled with thuggery and ammunition. So, we will bring peace,’ Salaam said.

He promised to build on the achievements of previous administrations while correcting what he described as existing failures.

Salaam also touted his experience in governance and academic background, stressing that his doctorate in political science was earned rather than honorary.

The ADC candidate said his proposed administration would be people-centred and driven by a 10-point agenda designed to improve human development and governance.

With campaigning entering its final stretch, the exchanges at the town hall underscored the increasingly bitter contest between Adeleke, Oyebamiji and Salaam ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The Osun State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with a case of conspiracy, attempted murder, assault occasioning harm, and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms in Modakeke, Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State.

The arrests followed a petition written and addressed to the Commissioner of Police concerning the alleged offences.

The police in a press statement on Monday said the four suspects were apprehended on 9 August 2026, at about 0200 hours, by police operatives in Modakeke.

The arrested suspects were Olufemi Olatunji, 39 years; Ajayi Idowu, 31 years; Akingbala Oluwakemi, 40 years, and Adekunle Basirat, 40 years.

‘During searches conducted at the suspects’ residences and premises, two firearms were recovered. One cut-to-size locally made firearm was recovered from the shop of Adekunle Basirat, identified as the wife of Solomon Akinlabi, alias ‘Indomine.’

‘Also, one pump-action firearm was recovered from the residence of Akingbala Oluwakemi, identified as the wife of Akingbala Akindele, alias ‘Ostand.’

‘The suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting the police with the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who are currently at large and bring them to justice.’

In the same vein, the statement said, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Command also arrested six suspected members of unlawful society and conduct likely to cause the break of the peace, having received information that, some armed hoodlums invaded the Iree campus with dangerous weapons and injured two students in the school premises.

‘The Police Operatives swung into action and arrested the following suspects: (1) Ajoba Akorede ‘m’ 27yrs, (2) Adam Oseni ‘m’ 27yrs, (3) Ogunrinde Ayomide ‘m’ 21yrs, (4) Ogunlana Muheez ‘m’ 26yrs, (5) Ajose Noah ‘m’ 25yrs and (6) Adeniyi Damola ‘m’ 25yrs.

‘During the cause of interrogation, Ajoba Akorede and Adam Oseni confessed to be the members of Aye confraternity. Investigation is still on; all suspects will be charged to court after the completion of investigation.

‘The Osun State Police Command reiterates its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security across the State.

‘Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing the police with credible and timely information that can assist in preventing and combating crime,’ the statement said.

From Ughelli in Delta State to the expanding world of digital music distribution, Nigerian artist Latman DA BlackLemonade is pursuing his ambition of building a recognizable name in the entertainment industry.

Born Yakubu Lateef Lucky on August 23, 1992, the recording artist has embraced an independent approach to his career, releasing music and using digital platforms to connect his work with listeners.

Among the songs associated with his growing catalogue are ‘Call You Later’ and ‘Hossana.’

His journey reflects a wider transformation taking place across Nigerian music.

Streaming services and social media have reduced some of the traditional barriers between emerging musicians and their potential audiences, allowing independent artists to distribute songs and develop their brands without immediately signing to established record companies.

Latman DA BlackLemonade is seeking to take advantage of that changing environment.

Beyond releasing music, developing a distinctive identity has become part of his strategy. His unusual stage name gives the artist a recognizable brand as he works to increase his visibility in an industry filled with new talent.

Nigeria’s global musical influence has created opportunities, but competition remains significant. For independent performers, releasing quality material consistently and developing genuine listener communities can be as important as achieving an initial viral moment.

Latman DA BlackLemonade’s journey remains in development, with future releases expected to provide a clearer picture of the musical direction he intends to pursue.

For now, the Delta-born entertainer continues building his catalogue and strengthening his digital presence as he works toward establishing his place in Nigeria’s evolving music industry.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate closure of the secretariat of the dissolved Ad-hoc Committee on the Sale of Federal Government Houses in the FCT.

The directive marks the formal end of the secretariat, which had remained operational after the committee completed its assignments to deal with matters arising from its activities.

The FCT Administration, in a statement issued on Wednesday by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said the minister had also approved the creation of a dedicated division within the Department of Land Administration to handle the sale of Federal Government Houses in the territory.

The new division will take over responsibilities previously handled by the defunct committee.

‘With the formal closure of the Secretariat, the general public is enjoined to henceforth, approach the Department of Land Administration on all issues relating to sale of Federal Government Houses in the FCT,’ the statement said.

The administration explained that the secretariat had been retained temporarily after the committee completed its work to address issues arising from the committee’s activities.

Its closure now means that members of the public seeking information or assistance concerning the sale of Federal Government Houses in the FCT are expected to deal directly with the Department of Land Administration.

The FCT Administration also issued a warning over possible fraudulent activities linked to the dissolved committee.

It urged members of the public to be cautious of individuals who continue to present themselves as staff, officers or members of the former Ad-hoc Committee or its secretariat.

‘Members of the public are also urged to be mindful of the antics and activities of fraudsters who parade themselves as staff, officers and members of the defunct Ad-hoc Committee/Secretariat on SFGH as the Committee and Secretariat no longer exist,’ the statement warned.

The administration said the warning was necessary to prevent members of the public from falling victim to individuals attempting to exploit the former committee’s name and structure.

The development effectively centralises future administrative matters concerning the sale of federal government houses in the FCT under the Department of Land Administration.

Olayinka said the directive was approved by Wike and took effect immediately.

A General Overseer of a church in Lagos has been arrested for allegedly defiling two daughters of a church member in the Isolo area of the state.

The suspect, who is the founder of the church was arrested following a petition dated July 28, by the father of the victims.

Following the petition, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Fatai Tijani, directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, to conduct a thorough investigation into the case.

According to a police source on Wednesday, the case was reported through a petition dated July 28, by the victims’ father, an adherent of the church, against the suspect.

The source said the suspect allegedly began having sexual intercourse with the petitioner’s eldest daughter when she was 13 years old.

‘ The pastor allegedly began having sexual intercourse with her at the church when she was 13 years old and continued until she turned 16 and gained admission into the university,’ the source said.

The source added that the sexual escapades of the suspect were exposed after he allegedly sexually assaulted the petitioner’s younger daughter, aged 14, on two occasions.

‘This he allegedly did through indoctrinating the naive minor with manipulative biblical injunctions, a gimmick he used on the elder sister.

‘ After the assaults, the younger daughter reported the suspect to her parents.

‘ It was after the suspect was exposed that the eldest daughter also opened up to her parents, alleging that the pastor had been having sexual intercourse with her since she was 13 years old.

‘The investigation is being handled by the Gender Section of the SCID, Yaba, under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the department, Mr Dayo Akinbisehin,’ he said.

The source said the suspect was subsequently apprehended and had allegedly confessed to the offences.

‘ The investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation,’ the source added.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has deployed Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Ishyaku Mohammed to coordinate security operations for the Osun governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, 15th August 2026.

CSP Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer announced this in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the deployment the DIG Mohammed to Osun is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s operational measures to ensure a peaceful, secure, and credible electoral process across the State.

Iniedu added that DIG Mohammed will coordinate the Police component of the election-security arrangement and work closely with other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) for the Osun election.

He added that the DIG will be supported by Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police strategically deployed across the State’s three senatorial districts to supervise operations, strengthen intelligence-led policing, and ensure prompt response to emerging threats.

The spokesperson assured that the police has put in place adequate security arrangements for the protection of voters, INEC personnel, election materials, polling units, collation centres, accredited observers, and media practitioners before, during, and after the election.

He also said the IGP has warned political actors, their supporters, and all intending troublemakers that ballot snatching, voter intimidation, political thuggery, and every other electoral offence will attract prompt arrest and prosecution.

‘The IGP further reiterates the ban on armed escorts, security aides, and other unauthorised persons accompanying political figures or VIPs to polling units or collation centres on election day. State-established security outfits, quasi-security groups, and private security organisations are equally barred from election-security duties, consistent with established NPF election-security directives’

‘The Nigeria Police Force reassures residents, voters, and visitors in Osun State of adequate security and urges all eligible citizens to exercise their franchise peacefully and without fear. The Force remains committed to professionalism, neutrality, respect for human rights, and the protection of the electoral process,’ Iniedu said.