Category: PM News

Bandits on Wednesday invaded Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu, in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing three persons, including a vice principal and a six-year-old child.

The attackers, who reportedly stormed the school on about 40 motorcycles, were said to have targeted students and residents for abduction before they were repelled by security operatives.

The incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. and threw the Iluke Bunu community into panic and mourning.

The Kogi State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement issued by its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat.

According to the command, the bandits invaded the school in large numbers with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents in the area.

The statement said the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response after receiving distress calls from the community.

Personnel from the police division, Police Mobile Force and tactical teams were deployed to the area.

Military personnel and local vigilantes already stationed around the community also joined the operation.

“The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush,” the police said.

The command said preliminary findings had not established any successful mass abduction of students or residents.

“Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents.

“However, investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement added.

The police, however, confirmed that three persons were killed in the attack.

They were identified as Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke; Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, 70; and Sunday Ayele, aged six.

The command said one of the attackers was neutralised during the exchange of gunfire.

A member of the joint security team also sustained gunshot injuries and is receiving treatment.

The Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols in the affected community.

According to the command, joint security operatives are still combing the surrounding forests to apprehend the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.

The police urged residents to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information that could help ongoing operations.

“Further developments will be communicated as investigations and operations progress,” the statement said.

By Adebisi Fatima Sogbade

A 31-year-old housewife, Alimat Jimoh was arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ court, Ibadan on Wednesday for allegedly hitting her former husband with charmed-ring during a fight over child paternity and custody.

Alimot of Alakia, Isebo area, was charged on two count of breach of peace and assault.

She pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, PC Olapeju Durodola, said the defendant allegedly conducted herself in a manner likely to caused breach of peace by fomenting trouble in the house of her former husband, one Wasiu Ebeloku.

Durodola said that the defendant allegedly assaulted Ebeloku by hitting him with a ring purported to be charmed.

She said that the defendant committed the offence on June 5, at about 7.00 p.m., at Alakia Isebo area, Ibadan.

Durodola said the offence contravened sections 249 (d) and 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N2.5 million, with two sureties in like sum.

Ogunkanmi ordered that one of the sureties must be a building owner residing in the house within jurisdiction.

She , thereafter , adjourned the matter until August 11, for hearing. (NAN)

By Hussaina Yakubu

The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed said the party is prepared to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and lead Nigeria in a different direction.

Baba-Ahmed stated this in an interview in Kaduna on Wednesday.

He affirmed that the PRP has emerged stronger, more united and fully prepared for the 2027 general elections after successfully concluding its leadership selection process and party primaries.

He described the party recently completed primaries a rigorous leadership selection exercise in line with constitution of PRP and the laws of the country.

“We are in an excellent state after a very demanding process of conducting leadership selection according to our constitution and the laws of the land.

“We have come out clean. We had a few cases where some candidates felt they were unjustly treated, but we activated our internal dispute resolution mechanism and appeals committee to address those concerns,” he said.

“We are stronger than we were before. We are united, focused and prepared to lead Nigeria.

“We are prepared to defeat the ruling party and lead Nigeria in a different direction,” he said.

On the party’s preparations for the next general elections, Baba-Ahmed disclosed that the PRP had concluded its primaries nationwide and already had candidates for various elective positions.

He said the party’s presidential candidate was former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke.

“We have concluded our primaries. We now have a presidential candidate, Mr Donald Duke.

“We have a total of 420 candidates that we are going to field across the country for various offices.

“We have about 15 governorship candidates, about 40 senatorial candidates, candidates for the House of Representatives and candidates for the Houses of Assembly.

“We have a strong and good national spread, and we are the only party that has come out to tell Nigerians who our candidates are,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also maintained that the party had resolved all internal disputes arising from its nomination processes.

“Yes, we do not have a single internal issue. Those who had grievances were referred to the Appeals Committee, which has done justice to those grievances.

“We do not have anybody who is aggrieved as we speak. This is not to say that someone may not choose to raise issues if dissatisfied, but that is their right,” he said.

The national chairman further claimed that the party had no pending litigation arising from its primaries and no complaints from aspirants over alleged irregularities.

“As we speak, PRP is the only party in this country that has absolutely no factions, no cases in any court, no aspirants complaining of being denied the chance to fly the party’s flag and no allegations of rigged primaries.

“We are in a very good state of health,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed expressed confidence that the party was adequately positioned for the 2027 electioneering process.(NAN)

By Taiye Agbaje

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday adjourned a suit filed against Sen. Iyabo Obasanjo and others over an Abuja property until July 9 for hearing.

ABB Electrical Systems Limited and Amb. Yohana Margif, had dragged Sen. Obasanjo and other co-defendants to court over dispute on a landed property.

The property is located at Plot 4254, Cadastral Zone A04, measuring approximately 1.67Ha in Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja.

Other defendants in the suit are the former Senator representing the FCT, Philip Aduda; Ismail Iron; John Mbata; Jamaila Sani Alhassan; Altine Jibrin, and unknown persons as 2nd to 7th defendants respectfully.

The suit, which was before Justice Mohammed Umar as at March 30, had now been reassigned back to Justice Inyang Ekwo, who was earlier handling the case.

The matter, which was on number 8 on the day’s cause list, however, could not proceed and was fixed for July 9 for further mention.

On March 30 when the case came up before Justice Umar, neither the plaintiffs’ lawyer nor the defendants’ counsel was in court and the case was fixed for June 10.

Justice Umar had, on Jan. 6, fixed March 30 for the matter following the absence of the lawyers in court.

When the case came up on Oct. 2, 2025, hearing could not equally proceed.

Counsel for the plaintiffs, Abniyilo Na’allah, had sought an adjournment following inability to serve the defendants in the suit as no lawyer appeared for the defence.

Justice Ekwo had, on Jan. 28, 2025, refused to grant the the ex-parte motion filed by the plaintiffs after it was moved by Na’allah.

The applicants had sought an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants/respondents from entering, trespassing, altering or modifying the property known as Plot 4254, Cadastral Zone A04.

The judge, instead, directed the plaintiffs to put the defendants on notice in order to hear from them why the prayer should not be granted.

The plaintiffs had filed the motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/67/2025 dated Jan. 13, 2025, but filed Jan. 17, 2025 by Na’allah.

In their six-ground argument, the applicants said they were agitated with the fear of the defendants trespassing or altering the property belonging to them.

They said they were the rightful owners of the land by virtue of the statutory Right of Occupancy granted to them.

The plaintiffsapplicants said they have been in quiet and peaceful possession of the land without any challenge from the defendants/respondents or anyone at all.

They said it will occasion serious miscarriage of justice against the plaintiffsapplicants if the defendants/respondents are allowed to tamper with, enter, trespass, alter or modify the property belonging to the plaintiffs.

The applicants said irreparable damage would be caused to them if the defendants were not restrained.

Margif, in the affidavit he deposed to, stated that the company (1st plaintiff) was allocated the parcel of land by the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) covered by a Statutory Right of Occupancy with new issued date of May 23, 2006.

He said the company intended to start developing the said land in compliance with terms contained on the statutory Right of Occupancy and other guiding rules and laws within the FCT.

He alleged that the recent activities of the defendants, including Sen. Obasanjo, who represented Ogun Central Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, had become worrisome.

Margif prayed the court to grant their application in the interest of justice.

The plot is approximately 1.67Ha in Asokoro, Asokoro District Abuja.

(NAN)

By Tolulope Oke

The FIFA World Cup is back, and this year promises to be historic. For first-time watchers, here’s everything you need to know before the tournament kicks off on June 11.

Historic Triple Hosting

For the first time in its nearly 100-year history, the World Cup will be hosted across three countries: Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The opening match is in Mexico City on June 11, with the final set for New Jersey, USA, on July 19.

Tournament Format

The 2026 edition is the largest ever, featuring 48 teams drawn into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group automatically advance to the round of 32. The remaining spots go to the four best third-placed teams.

Match points are simple: three for a win, one for a draw, zero for a loss. Group-stage matches are 90 minutes, split into two halves of 45 minutes, with extra stoppage time added for injuries, delays, or heat breaks. Penalty shootouts come only after the knockout stages if matches are tied.

Host Cities

Mexico: Guadalajara, Monterrey, Mexico CityCanada: Toronto, VancouverUSA: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle

Teams to Watch

France Two-time champions, led by Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.Spain Young stars like 18-year-old Lamine Yamal promise flair and unpredictability.England Seeking redemption after back-to-back European heartbreaks.Brazil Record five-time champions aiming for a sixth, led by Neymar and Vinicius Junior.

Star Players

Expect eyes on:

Lionel Messi (Argentina) Turning 39; likely his last World Cup.Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) 41, bidding farewell to the international stage.Kylian Mbappe (France) Third World Cup, already two finals appearances.Lamine Yamal (Spain) Teen sensation with a chance to shine.Others: Jude Bellingham (England), Christian Pulisic (USA), Alphonso Davies (Canada), Son Heung-min (South Korea), Antoine Semenyo (Ghana), Erling Haaland (Norway).

Historic Debuts

The expanded format allows new countries on football’s biggest stage:

Curaaao Smallest nation ever at 156,000 people.Cape Verde Population 500,000; making its first appearance.Jordan Maiden qualification under coach Jamal Sellami.Uzbekistan Guided by Fabio Cannavaro, 2006 World Cup-winning captain.Haiti Returns for the first time since 1974.Scotland Back after 28 years.

Storylines to Watch

Some matches carry extra weight beyond football:

France vs Senegal (June 16) A clash with historical colonial ties and 2002 World Cup memories.Ghana vs England (June 23) Another match intertwined with former colonial history.Iran vs Egypt (Seattle) Tensions rise over LGBT rights objections from both federations, watched closely in a US-hosted match.

Final Word

The 2026 World Cup promises drama, history, and new heroes. Whether you’re cheering Messi in his last tournament, rooting for debut nations, or following established giants like Brazil and France, the next five weeks are set to define football history once again.

The Lagos State Government has warned contractors, consultants, suppliers and other service providers against engaging in practices capable of undermining public trust, delaying project execution or compromising quality standards, insisting that only credible and competent operators will continue to enjoy government support.

The Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Olabode Agoro, gave the warning on Wednesday at the 2026 Procurement Stakeholders’ Forum organised by the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA) at Watercress Hotel, Allen Avenue, Ikeja.

Agoro, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Abdulrafiu Fashola, said stakeholders in the procurement value chain must uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency and professionalism to ensure that public resources are effectively deployed for the benefit of Lagos residents.

“We must continue to discourage practices that undermine public trust, delay project execution, or compromise quality standards. Government will continue to support credible and competent service providers who demonstrate professionalism, timely delivery, and value for money,” he said.

The HoS stressed that public procurement remains one of the most critical instruments for achieving effective governance and ensuring that public funds translate into meaningful development outcomes for citizens.

According to him, the state government places a high premium on transparency, accountability, due process and professionalism in procurement administration as part of efforts to sustain public confidence and strengthen institutional integrity.

Agoro noted that service providers occupy a strategic position in the procurement value chain and should not be viewed merely as vendors to government, but as development partners whose competence and integrity directly impact the quality of public infrastructure and services.

“Contractors, consultants, suppliers and other professionals are not merely vendors to Government; they are partners in development. The quality of roads we drive on, the schools our children attend, the hospitals serving our communities, and the public infrastructure shaping our economy are direct reflections of the competence and integrity of service providers engaged by Government,” he said.

Speaking on the theme of the forum, “Solid Foundations: Service Providers as the Bedrock of a Prosperous Lagos,” Agoro said sustainable development and shared prosperity could only be achieved when governance structures are built on integrity, efficiency, professionalism and strong partnerships.

He observed that Lagos State had continued to maintain its position as a model of innovation, economic growth and public sector transformation in Nigeria, attributing the state’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, housing, technology and social services to prudent management of public resources and effective collaboration with service providers.

Agoro further stressed that the future prosperity of Lagos would depend largely on the strength of the systems and institutions being built today.

“A prosperous Lagos cannot be built on weak systems, poor service delivery, or compromised standards. Rather, it must rest on a foundation of excellence, innovation, compliance, and responsible partnership between Government and the private sector,” he stated.

He urged service providers to continually build capacity, embrace innovation and fully comply with procurement guidelines in order to deliver quality services that would positively impact the lives of Lagosians.

Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Fatai Idowu Onafowote, described service providers as indispensable partners in the state’s development journey, stressing that no government could achieve sustainable growth and development without dependable and competent contractors, consultants, suppliers and other procurement stakeholders.

Onafowote said the theme of the forum underscored the critical role service providers play in the execution of government policies, infrastructure delivery and socio-economic transformation across the state.

According to him, every successful government initiative, from roads and schools to hospitals, housing schemes, ICT infrastructure and environmental projects, depends largely on the professionalism, integrity, competence and dedication of service providers.

“Service providers constitute the foundation upon which public projects and essential services are built. A prosperous Lagos cannot be built on weak foundations. It requires strong institutions, transparent systems, ethical procurement practices, and reliable stakeholders who are committed to excellence and timely delivery,” he said.

He noted that as Africa’s leading megacity and economic hub, Lagos continues to experience rapid growth and increasing demand for infrastructure and public services, making it imperative for the procurement system to evolve in line with global best practices while ensuring fairness, competitiveness and inclusiveness.

Onafowote disclosed that the agency remained committed to strengthening the procurement process through capacity building, stakeholder engagement, digital innovation and strict compliance with procurement regulations.

“We believe that procurement is not merely a transactional process but a strategic tool for economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development,” he said.

He further urged contractors and suppliers to execute projects according to specifications, within approved timelines and with the highest level of accountability, warning against actions capable of undermining quality, delaying project execution or eroding public trust.

The Director-General added that the forum would provide stakeholders with an opportunity to address challenges within the procurement value chain, exchange ideas and contribute recommendations that would help improve procurement processes and service delivery across the state.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining an open-door policy that encourages constructive engagement and partnership, while creating a procurement environment that supports innovation, empowers local businesses, promotes healthy competition and contributes to the economic prosperity of Lagos State.

In his speech, the Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Procurement, Samuel Apata, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to supporting policies and legal frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, competitiveness and professionalism within the state’s procurement system.

Apata described public procurement as a critical tool for driving sustainable development and economic prosperity, stressing the need for continued collaboration among government institutions, service providers and other stakeholders.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly remains committed to supporting policies and legislative frameworks that promote efficiency, fairness, competitiveness, and professionalism within the procurement system. We will continue to provide the necessary oversight functions to ensure compliance with procurement laws and the effective utilisation of public funds for the benefit of Lagosians,” he said.

The lawmaker noted that dialogue and collaboration remained essential for identifying challenges, improving operational efficiency and strengthening institutional capacity across the procurement value chain.

Addressing contractors, consultants, suppliers and other service providers, Apata reminded them that their responsibilities extend beyond securing contracts, describing them as strategic partners in the development agenda of Lagos State.

“To our service providers here present, permit me to emphasise that your responsibilities go beyond securing contracts. You are strategic partners in the development agenda of Lagos State. The success of government projects and programmes largely depends on your integrity, competence, commitment to quality, and timely execution of projects,” he stated.

He urged stakeholders to work collectively to eliminate practices that compromise standards, delay project delivery or undermine public confidence in government projects and programmes.

“Government and stakeholders must continue to work together to eliminate practices that compromise standards, delay projects, or undermine public confidence. We must collectively build a procurement environment founded on trust, professionalism, and accountability,” Apata added.

According to him, the vision of a prosperous Lagos can only be realised through strong foundations rooted in ethical conduct, transparency, innovation, regulatory compliance and a shared commitment to sustainable development.

He further encouraged stakeholders to invest in capacity building, embrace modern procurement practices and remain committed to delivering quality services that positively impact the lives of Lagos residents.

Apata urged participants at the forum to contribute meaningfully to discussions and work collectively towards building a procurement system that aligns with global standards and supports the vision of a greater Lagos.

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has demanded N5 billion in damages and a public apology from actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo over alleged defamatory statements.

Obi’s lawyers, led by Alex Ejesieme (SAN), said Okonkwo made false and malicious claims during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 8. The statements, they alleged, were subsequently published and circulated by several media organisations.

According to the letter, Okonkwo claimed that Obi and NDC leaders in the South-East demanded N10 million bribes from aspirants seeking to contest House of Representatives seats. He allegedly compiled the party’s list of candidates from a hotel room, warned aspirants he would “scam” them, and collected money from people abroad.

The legal team said the remarks portrayed Obi as “a person engaged in bribery, extortion, fraud, financial dishonesty and criminal conduct,” adding that the statements were “false, baseless, malicious, reckless, defamatory and wholly unsupported by any fact.”

Obi’s lawyers demanded that Okonkwo withdraw the statements, issue an unequivocal and unreserved apology, and pay N5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages. They warned that failure to comply would leave Obi with no choice but to pursue legal action, including court claims, injunctions, and public retraction.

Responding on his X account, Okonkwo dismissed the demand.

“It has been brought to my notice that I should pay him N5bn. Hahaha! If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me not through extortion,” he said.

He added that he would respond formally after reading the letter and warned that any legal action could result in the disclosure of information he obtained while serving as Obi’s former spokesperson.

“Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” Okonkwo added.

Lionel Messi marked his return from an injury scare with a goal as Argentina defeated Iceland 3-0 in their final warm-up match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score on his injury return as Argentina eased past Iceland 3-0 in an international friendly played in Auburn, Alabama, on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old had been a fitness concern after he was forced off during Inter Miami’s 6-4 win over Philadelphia on May 24 due to muscle fatigue.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni started Messi on the bench, alongside Julian Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister, as he tested an experimental line-up before the World Cup.

But Messi, who is set to feature in his sixth World Cup, needed only a short cameo to calm concerns over his fitness.

Iceland had an early chance to take the lead when Mikael Egill Ellertsson fired over from close range, but Argentina soon punished them.

Valentin Barco opened the scoring after Iceland failed to properly clear a scramble inside their box, allowing the Strasbourg defender to fire low into the bottom corner.

Nico Paz missed a chance to double Argentina’s lead before half-time when his powerful effort was stopped by Iceland goalkeeper Elias Olafsson.

Scaloni made five changes at the break, introducing Fernandez, Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez.

Martinez twice hit the post as Argentina continued to dominate, but the crowd had to wait until the final quarter of the game to see Messi.

The Argentina captain made an instant impact, playing a brilliant pass to Martinez, who was brought down by Olafsson after attempting to chip the ball wide.

Messi then made no mistake from the spot, scoring his 117th international goal on his 199th appearance for Argentina.

He was also involved in Argentina’s third goal, releasing Rodrigo De Paul, who squared the ball for Thiago Almada to tap in.

Argentina will begin their World Cup title defence against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Four notorious bandit kingpins, including one identified as Laggu have been killed during the confrontation between the rival criminal groups around Rijana Dam in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The clash between the criminal gangs which began on June 8 also led to many of their members sustaining varying degrees of injuries.

This is contained in an operational report of troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA made available on Wednesday in Abuja.

The army further revealed that about seven bandits were neutralised during the encounter with troops on June 6.

It added efforts to recover the bodies of the neutralised bandits were unsuccessful as members of the criminal group had evacuated them before troops arrived.

“In a related development, intelligence sources reported a violent clash between rival bandit groups around Rijana Dam in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State on June 8.

“Four bandit kingpins, including one identified as Laggu, were killed during the confrontation, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“The deceased were evacuated from the area and buried after funeral prayers at a mosque in Rijana,” it said.

The report said security agencies were closely monitoring the situation amid concerns that the clash could trigger reprisals among the rival groups.

The troops also recovered four motorcycles stolen from farmers in Kaduna State.he report said the motorcycles were recovered following information received by troops of 4 Demonstration Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kadage in Giwa Local Government Area.

It said the motorcycles had earlier been carted away by bandits during an attack on farmers in Angwan Garke village on June 6.

According to the report, the recovered motorcycles were handed over to the police at Galadimawa before being received by the troops for onward return to their rightful owners.

“Meanwhile, troops conducting Operation Savannah Shield and other routine security activities within their areas of responsibility recorded no significant incident during the period under review,” it added. (NAN)

By Adeyemi Adeleye

South-West State Chairmen of Accord Party have reaffirmed Dr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim (GOH) as the party’s presidential candidate for 2027, faulting the national leadership’s nomination of another candidate.

The Accord party on Thursday announced Prof. Christopher Imumolen as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, days after announcing a former PDP Chieftain, Olawepo-Hashim as its consensus presidential candidate.

The party’s National Chairman, Mr Maxwell Mgbuden, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, had called on the public to disregard the report naming Olawepo-Hashim as Accord’s presidential candidate.

Reacting through a joint statement on Wednesday, some South-West State Chairmen of the party, Mr Aderopo Phillip (Ekiti), Mr Rotimi Oke (Ogun), Mr Ayodele Adeniji (Ondo) and Mr Dele Oladeji (Lagos) dismissed Mgbudem’s position that Olawepo-Hashim was not validly nominated.

On the purported denial of Olawepo-Hashim’s candidacy by the Accord national chairman, Oladeji said: “We posit that such a claim is the joke of the century, as it embarrasses members and leaders of the party across the nation.

“The claim that GOH paid his nomination fee outside the nomination window is baseless, as the party did not set any deadline for the payment of nomination fees.

“The party’s bank records will confirm that nomination fee payments were made until May 30, 2026.

“The suggestion that a refund, even if made, can invalidate the presidential mandate already given by hundreds of thousands of Accord members nationwide through affirmative votes is untenable.,”he said.

According to him, Olawepo-Hashim was the sole aspirant until the day of the primary election and emerged as the Accord Party’s presidential candidate unopposed.

“How then can we deny the faces and identities of Accord members who were captured during the party’s presidential primary election?”

“We, however, acknowledge that Accord’s cherished principles of transparency, accountability, and due process were compromised in the conduct of the governorship primary in Oyo State, where some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) organised a parallel primary, as well as in the presidential primary, which is now being blatantly denied.

“A few party leaders abandoned party rules and guidelines and acted with impunity, parochial self-interest, moral decadence, exploitation, and double-dealing.

“These issues are presently being corrected and redressed by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC),” he said.