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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police to investigate and prosecute Mr Abayomi Hunye for parading himself as its governorship candidate for the 2027 Ogun election.

Mr Ayoola Olajolo, APC Director of Administration, signed the petition made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

In the petition, APC urged the police to investigate Hunye and prosecute him for alleged impersonation and other offences arising from his activities.

Olajolo described Hunye as an imposter, saying his actions infringed the law and posed a threat to public peace and electoral integrity.

‘I write to bring to your urgent attention a grave threat to public peace and electoral integrity involving one Mr Abayomi Hunye,’ he said.

According to Olajolo, Hunye had allegedly used print and social media platforms to present himself as the party’s 2027 governorship candidate.

‘The subject has notoriously and unlawfully taken to the public domain, including print and social media, parading himself as the governorship candidate,’ he said.

He described the claim as ‘false, fraudulent, and a deliberate act of impersonation’ capable of misleading the public and destabilising Ogun.

Olajolo said Hunye was suspended from the APC on April 7, 2026, following a written petition from his ward in Ipokia Local Government Area.

He said the suspension was ratified by the party’s Ogun Working Committee and subsequently communicated to the national headquarters.

According to him, the suspension followed allegations of anti-party activities and deliberate actions allegedly aimed at causing disaffection among party members.

‘Our party conducted a valid primary election, and the only recognised governorship candidates for the APC in Ogun are Sen. Adeola Olamilekan and Balogun Kudirat Abiodun,’ he said.

Olajolo identified Olamilekan as the governorship candidate and Kudirat as the deputy governorship candidate recognized by the party.

He urged the I-G to direct the Nigeria Police Force to invite Hunye for questioning over the allegations.

‘He should be prosecuted after investigation for impersonation, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and violation of the Electoral Act, 2026,’ he said.

Olajolo also urged the police to restrain Hunye from further presenting himself as the party’s candidate.

He said such action would help prevent what he described as a potential breakdown of law and order in Ogun.

The APC Director of Administration pledged the cooperation of the party’s national headquarters and Ogun chapter with the police.

He said the party was prepared to provide additional witness statements and other information required to facilitate the investigation.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected reports that it has withdrawn the list of members appointed to its 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, dismissing the claims as mere rumours.

The clarification came from the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, following reports suggesting that the APC had reversed the release of the campaign council’s composition.

Morka, speaking with TheCable on Tuesday, said the party had not made any such decision and would publicly communicate any changes if they became necessary.

He said, ‘It’s rumour. If there is any change to the list, it will be formally announced.’

The APC had recently unveiled its Presidential Campaign Council as part of its preparations for the 2027 presidential election, in which President Bola Tinubu is expected to seek a second term.

The composition of the council has, however, attracted debate within the party, with some members and stakeholders questioning the presence or absence of particular party leaders and other prominent figures.

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has sharply criticised the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company, BAECC, over what he described as the poor handling of the Benin-Asaba highway.

Umahi made the remarks during an on-the-spot assessment of the road in Benin City, accusing the concessionaire of lacking technical competence to execute a major highway project.

The minister was particularly angered by the removal of existing asphalt without the construction of adequate side drains before work commenced, saying the action had worsened the condition of the road.

His assessment followed mounting complaints over the deplorable state of the highway, with motorists reportedly stranded for days at different failed portions.

The Benin-Asaba highway was concessioned to BAECC in 2025 for transformation into a 10-lane expressway. In October 2025, the concessionaire assured the project would be completed within the agreed timeframe.

Umahi who said the manner of handling the project had raised serious concerns, threatened to arrest the contractor for destroying public property.

‘The concessionaire should have been arrested for allegedly destroying public property. The Ministry of Works did not authorise the removal of asphalt from the existing road,’ he said.

‘The Ministry of Works does not allow removal of asphalt. We begged them not to remove it. This road was not like this when it was handed over. I am instructing the ministry to arrest any concessionaire that removes asphalt from existing roads,’ Umahi added.

The minister also took responsibility for the ministry’s oversight.

‘I am disappointed with the concessionaire. I take full responsibility for their misdeed and destruction of public assets,’ he said.

Addressing BAECC CEO, Samuel Daramola, Umahi accused the company of manipulating the concession process and questioned its capacity.

‘You have no knowledge of road construction. You don’t know what you are doing. You have no technical staff or competence. The President has directed us to do whatever is possible to fix this road,’ he said.

Umahi blamed the government for failing to properly scrutinise concessionaires, warning that allowing inexperienced contractors to ‘learn on major public roads’ endangered road users.

‘This is dangerous. This is provocation at its highest level. It is a pity when people cannot pass the road,’ he said.

The minister disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed the redesign of roads from Kogi through Edo to Warri, with concrete pavement being considered.

‘We need total reconstruction of this road and not this palliative’ he added.

Responding, Daramola who blamed heavy rainfall and traffic volume for the slow pace, said BAECC had expanded portions to eight lanes and done palliative works, but was forced to reopen sections before materials cured due to pressure from motorists.

‘We are wrestling with the weather. We have to choose between doing side drains and combating heavy traffic. We are compelled to open the road when it is yet to cure,’ Daramola said.

House of Representatives Committee on Works Chairman, Hon. Akin Alabi, called for a review of the concession agreement.

‘We cannot afford concessionaires who can be giving us issues. The people want to see good roads,’ he said.

Project Consultant, Engr. Toyin Akilapa, said BAECC ignored professional advice to construct drainage first.

‘We told them to first do the drains but they ignored us and that affected the road,’ he said.

Senator Allwell Onyeso described the road condition as ‘despicable’.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was present, commended President Tinubu for responding to concerns on the road and urged residents to disregard ‘opposition narratives on social media.’

He also commended the governor for intervening on several federal roads in the state.

A Kaduna-based Christian cleric, Pastor Yohanna Buru has explained why he has been celebrating the Maulud with Muslims for past eleven years.

Buru said this on Wednesday when he led members of his church to celebrate Eid-el-Maulud with Muslims in Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria for the 11th consecutive year.

According to him, the gesture was aimed at promoting religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and stronger relationships between Christians and Muslims.

The cleric, General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, is a recipient of the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week recognition by King Abdullah II of Jordan.

Buru said the Maulud celebration provided an opportunity for people of different faiths to interact, understand one another and strengthen relationships.

He said peaceful coexistence required continuous dialogue, mutual respect and willingness to engage with people from different religious backgrounds.

Delivering a lecture on peace and unity, Buru described Prophet Muhammad (SAW) as a messenger whose teachings on peace, love and compassion remained relevant to humanity.

‘Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is for all mankind, irrespective of tribe, culture, region, colour, race or nationality,’ he said.

Buru urged Nigerians across religious and ethnic divides to forgive past differences and work together to build a peaceful and united country.

He said Christians and Muslims shared a common belief in one Creator and should use the Bible and Qur’an to promote peaceful coexistence.

The cleric said participating in Maulud celebrations did not affect his Christian faith, explaining that the gesture formed part of his efforts to strengthen interfaith understanding.

He disclosed that he participated in more than 30 Maulud celebrations annually across different states in Nigeria and some neighbouring countries.

Also speaking, Rev. Rawland Sanda said Christian leaders continued to honour invitations from Muslims to participate in Maulud celebrations, while Muslims were similarly invited during Christmas.

Islamic scholars, Imam Mohammed Musa and Imam Iliyasu Yusuf of Zaria, commended the initiative and called on the Federal Government to honour Buru nationally for promoting peace and religious tolerance.

Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has felicitated Muslim faithful in the state and across Nigeria on the occasion of Eid ul Mawlid, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

Fubara made the remark in a goodwill message issued to Journalists by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Onwuka Nzeshi in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.

He urged Muslims to use the occasion to reflect on the virtues of peace, compassion, tolerance, selflessness and service to humanity.

The governor said the virtues exemplified by the Prophet could promote harmony, unity and positive change in society.

‘On this joyous occasion, I pray that Allah accepts your prayers, grants you good health, prosperity, and continued peace in our state and nation. In Rivers State, we are proud of our diversity and the spirit of unity that binds Christians, Muslims, and people of all faiths together. Your prayers, peaceful conduct, and contributions to the growth and development of our state remain deeply appreciated,’ he said.

Fubara urged residents to continue to cherish the state’s religious and cultural diversity by promoting harmony, tolerance and mutual understanding.

He said that shared values of compassion, forgiveness and unity should guide the people in their daily lives and interactions.

The governor assured residents that his administration remained committed to ensuring peace, security and equal opportunities for all, irrespective of religious or ethnic background.

He prayed for continued peace and prosperity in Rivers and Nigeria, urging Muslims to celebrate the occasion in the spirit of love, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Muslims on this year’s Eid-el-Maulud celebration, charging them to imbibe the good teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the President said that beyond celebrating the birthday of the Holy Prophet, the faithful should use the occasion for introspection, prayer, and learning from the Prophet’s ‘exceptional virtues’.

‘The Muslim faithful should make deliberate effort to adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. There are great lessons of devotion, perseverance, tolerance, humility and selflessness that we can all learn from the life of the Prophet,’ he said.

The President urged religious leaders to use the period to pray for the country and to admonish their followers to translate the lessons from Prophet Muhammad’s life in their commitment to the country.

President Tinubu also urged those celebrating the Maulud festival to extend a hand of fellowship to the needy and vulnerable in the spirit of the season.

He called for prayers against the insecurity and other afflictions bedevilling some parts of the country.

Oyo State Police Command has reacted to viral video of some police officers who were attempting to arrest a traditional religion practitioner, Tan Olohun in Ibadan, the state capital on Tuesday.

The Command issued the statement in reaction to controversies over a viral video in which some armed men in mufti were seen struggling to take away Tani Olohun in his home in Ibadan on Tuesday morning.

However, Tani Olohun resisted attempt to take him into the vehicle brought by the men with the help of the people in his community who also raised alarm.

Members of the community had also raised alarm, with some describing the men as bandits.

It was gathered that the men eventually abandoned their mission of abducting Tani Olohun to Ilorin following the intervention of Yoruba activist, Sunday Igbo, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Oyo governor and Olubadan of Ibadan.

However, in a statement released by its spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka on Tuesday evening, Oyo Police Command said the armed men in the viral video were indeed from Kwara State Police Command.

Olayinka also confirmed that they were in Ibadan on official duty to effect the arrest of one Mr. Tani Olohun based on an arrest warrant issued by the Upper Ilorin Magistrates’ Court, Ilorin.

He added that the warrant of arrest was issued in connection with allegations bordering on conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

According to the Oyo Police Command spokesperson, the warrant was issued following the failure of the said Tani Olohun to honour the conditions of bail earlier granted to him, thereby prompting the court to order his arrest.

However, Olayinka said upon receipts of the upon receipt of the report, Oyo Police Commissioner directed the officers to return back to their base.

The Commissioner, according to the spokesperson, also advised the complainant to approach the appropriate court in Ibadan, being the alleged place where the offence was committed, in accordance with due process and the principles of territorial jurisdiction.

‘The Oyo State Police Command therefore urges members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding and to refrain from actions capable of disturbing the peace or escalating the situation.

‘The Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that all complaints are handled professionally and in accordance with extant laws.

Veteran Nigerian poet, Chief Alabi Ogundepo, has died at the age of 84

Ogundepo, a native of Saki in Oyo State, died on Monday, according to information from his family.

His death was announced in the early hours of Tuesday, throwing family members, friends, colleagues and admirers into mourning.

The veteran poet was regarded as an important figure in Nigerian literary circles, with his works contributing to the development and appreciation of poetry and literature in the country.

Dupe Ogundepo-Falana, who announced the death on behalf of the family, described the deceased as an icon whose contributions to Nigerian literary works would continue to inspire generations.

She said the family was deeply saddened by the loss and was taking time to come to terms with his death.

The family also appealed to friends, colleagues, associates and members of the public to respect its privacy during the mourning period.

According to the statement, funeral arrangements and other details concerning his burial would be announced by the family in due course.

The family also requested prayers for the deceased and his loved ones as they mourn his passing.

Ogundepo’s death marks the loss of another veteran voice in Nigeria’s literary community, particularly in the field of poetry, where he made contributions that earned him recognition among those familiar with his work.

His passing at 84 brings to an end a life devoted to literature, creative expression and the promotion of Nigerian literary culture.

Further details about his life, literary career and funeral arrangements are expected to be made public by the family.

African Democratic Congress chieftain and former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has said fresh efforts are underway to bring major opposition figures together ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Melaye said discussions among opposition leaders were continuing, insisting that the latest consultations could produce a broader political alliance before the election.

Speaking on ARISE News, he said the NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi remained part of the conversations, while former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke had also shown willingness to engage in the talks.

‘I want to let you know that the opposition parties are talking and working,’ Melaye said.

‘Even today, Peter Obi spoke here in Port Harcourt and said the talks are ongoing and he is part of it. I personally had an interaction with Donald Duke, who is also willing to have a discussion on the opposition coming together.’

According to Melaye, the objective is to build a sufficiently broad opposition front, even if every political bloc does not eventually sign on.

‘By the grace of God, we will have a headway shortly. Discussions are ongoing, and the opposition will work together,’ he said.

‘We may not get 100 per cent of everybody on board, but the majority of the opposition will come together.’

Melaye argued that such an alliance could pose a serious challenge to President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress in 2027.

He also dismissed the APC’s early campaign mobilisation and nationwide political structure as guarantees of electoral victory.

According to him, public dissatisfaction over economic hardship and insecurity would play a major role in determining the outcome of the election.

‘The hunger in the land, the insecurity – we don’t even need to campaign. People are just waiting to go out there and vote out the APC,’ he claimed.

Melaye further said the opposition would rely heavily on voter mobilisation rather than the political machinery of governors, ministers and other government officials.

‘While Tinubu is depending on his ministers and government functionaries, we are depending on the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ he said.

The former senator also cited the recent Osun election in arguing that the presence of senior ruling party figures on the campaign trail does not automatically guarantee victory.

Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress Governorship Candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has extended warm greetings and felicitations to Muslims across Lagos State and Nigeria as they commemorate Milad an-Nabi, the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Dr. Hamzat described the occasion as a significant period for Muslims to reflect on the exemplary life, teachings and enduring legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whose life remains a model of faith, compassion, honesty, justice, patience and peaceful coexistence.

The Deputy Governor urged the Muslim faithful to go beyond the celebration and imbibe the virtues that characterised the life of the Holy Prophet, particularly love for humanity, humility, truthfulness, forgiveness, kindness to the less privileged, respect for others and commitment to justice and peaceful coexistence.

According to him, the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) provide timeless guidance for building a society founded on mutual respect, compassion, integrity and responsibility.

He said: ‘The essence of Milad an-Nabi goes beyond celebration. It is an opportunity for us to reflect deeply on the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and to recommit ourselves to the values he exemplified. His life teaches us that faith must be reflected in our character, our conduct and our treatment of one another.’

Dr. Hamzat called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political affiliation, to promote peace, unity and understanding, stressing that the nation’s progress depends on the collective commitment of its citizens to live together in harmony.

He particularly encouraged Muslims to use the occasion to offer prayers for the peace, stability and prosperity of Nigeria and to extend acts of kindness and generosity to those in need.

The Deputy Governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to promoting religious harmony, peaceful coexistence and an inclusive society where every citizen can thrive.

He prayed that the celebration would bring renewed faith, peace and blessings to Muslim faithful and their families, while asking Almighty Allah to continue to guide and protect Nigeria and its people.

Tunde Alao

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Media)

Office of the Lagos State Deputy Governor