Ademola Adeleke has been re-elected as the Governor of Osun State, securing 511,067 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the APC, who polled 444,815 votes. The victory gives Adeleke another four-year term in office.
Osun State voters are heading to the polls today to elect a governor who will lead the state for the next four years, with 15 political parties fielding candidates in the governorship election. The candidates were confirmed in the final list released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, following the addition of the Social Democratic Party to the ballot. The candidates include Accord’s Ademola Adeleke, Action Alliance’s Farinloye Olarenwaju, African Action Congress’ Esan Olajide, African Democratic Congress’ Najeem Salaam, African Democratic Party’s Adeagbo Opawoye, All Progressives Congress’ Bola Oyebamiji, APGA’s Adesina Adeyemi-Doro, Allied Peoples Movement’s Adewale Adebayo, Action Peoples Party’s Clement Adesuyi and Boot Party’s Masilo Adeleke. Others are Taofeek Adeleke of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Saliu Oyelami of the Peoples Redemption Party, Francis Olugbenga of the Social Democratic Party, Ogunsakin Olalekan of the Young Progressives Party and Adefemi Adesuyi of the Zenith Labour Party. The APM and PDP candidates, Adebayo Adewale and Adedamola Adebayo, respectively, withdrew from the contest and endorsed incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke. Although 15 candidates are on the ballot, the election is largely regarded as a three-way contest involving Adeleke of Accord, Oyebamiji of the APC and Salaam of the ADC. The Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party are not participating in the election, despite the PDP winning the 2022 governorship poll with Adeleke as its candidate. Adeleke is now seeking re-election under the Accord platform following political realignments within the PDP. Ahead of the poll, the opposition APC and ADC expressed confidence in their chances, while Adeleke and his campaign team largely avoided commenting on their expectations. The ADC called on voters to remain peaceful and urged security agencies to maintain neutrality. Its campaign council spokesperson, Nurain Adebisi, also appealed to INEC to ensure transparency, proper logistics and strict adherence to electoral regulations. Similarly, the APC expressed confidence in its candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, citing his extensive campaign across the state. The party also called on security agencies to take firm action against political thugs and urged INEC to comply fully with the Electoral Act. Security concerns Security remains one of the major concerns surrounding the election following reports of political violence during the campaign period. Several areas, including Ede, Ilesa, Osogbo, Iwo and Ikirun, have witnessed clashes, attacks on campaign materials and disruptions of political activities. Security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and military, have pledged to deploy personnel across the state’s 30 local government areas, 332 wards and 3,763 polling units. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is also expected to monitor the election and tackle vote-buying. Ede North and Ede South are regarded as key areas because of their significance to Adeleke’s political base. Ilesa East and Ilesa West are also being closely watched because of previous clashes and concerns over possible vote-buying. In Osogbo and Olorunda, where the three leading parties have strong grassroots structures, security agencies are expected to focus on polling centres and collation locations. Iwo and Ikirun are also considered potential flashpoints because of previous disputes involving supporters of rival parties. INEC’s preparedness and technology The election will also serve as a major test for INEC, particularly regarding the deployment of electoral technology. Officials are expected to ensure the timely arrival of election materials and personnel at polling units, while maintaining neutrality throughout the voting and collation processes. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and INEC Result Viewing portal will also come under scrutiny as voters and observers monitor the accreditation and transmission of results. Any significant delays, technical problems or unexplained interruptions could fuel suspicion among political parties and voters. Vote-buying concerns Another major issue is vote-buying, with concerns that economic hardship could make vulnerable voters susceptible to financial inducement. Reports of cash payments and distribution of food and household items by political agents have heightened concerns about the integrity of the process. Authorities will therefore face the challenge of preventing vote-buying while ensuring that enforcement is impartial and does not favour any political party. Neutrality of security agencies The credibility of the election will depend heavily on the neutrality of security personnel and the electoral commission. Security agencies are expected to protect voters, election officials, party agents and observers without favouring any candidate or political party. They are also expected to prevent intimidation, electoral violence and attempts to disrupt voting. INEC, on its part, must ensure transparent procedures, efficient logistics, credible accreditation and prompt transmission of results. Ultimately, the Osun election will test whether electoral institutions can guarantee a peaceful and credible process despite the intense political competition. The outcome will also provide an important indication of public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nineteen-year-old Mafolayomi Otujiya, a first-class Public Administration graduate of Babcock University, has shared how she turned the disappointment of scoring 238 in the UTME into motivation to excel at university. Otujiya, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.52 as the best graduating student in her department, said she had expected to score above 300 in the UTME and was devastated when she received her result. According to her, the disappointment strengthened her determination to perform better at university. She said, “I was expecting a 300+ score in UTME, and I really worked towards it. So, seeing 238 was far below my expectations. I even cried when the UTME result came out. “I told myself I would do better in the university. I turned the disappointment into a higher level of focus and intentionality in the university.” Otujiya gained admission to Babcock University in 2022 at the age of 15. Although she initially wanted to study Law, she was offered Public Administration and eventually developed an interest in the course after researching its relevance. She recalled that her first semester result gave her confidence that graduating with a first class was possible, after she recorded a 4.55 GPA in her 100 Level. “I always imagined myself as a first-class student, but the point when I realised I could graduate with one was when my first result came out,” she said. She maintained a first-class CGPA throughout her university education, with her highest GPA reaching 4.74. Despite her academic success, Otujiya said her journey was not without difficulties. French was particularly challenging, as she recorded Cs in the three-unit course for three consecutive semesters. She also had to balance academics with leadership responsibilities. She served as assistant social director in 200 Level and vice president of her department in 300 Level. These roles, she said, sparked her interest in project management and helped her develop skills in teamwork, organisation and leadership. Otujiya also revealed that she sacrificed sleep, leisure and afternoon naps to keep up with her academic responsibilities. At some points, she remained in the library until 8 p.m. while also managing classes and research projects. She credited her family, lecturers and project supervisor, Dr Sunday Audu, for supporting her throughout her university journey. She also acknowledged the contribution of a senior colleague, Olafare Oluwanifemi, who helped her understand difficult course materials. Reflecting on being a 19-year-old graduate, Otujiya said she never allowed her age to limit her expectations. “I didn’t let my age dictate my potential. I knew that if I saw myself as younger than everyone else, it would hold me back, so I just focused on my capabilities rather than my age,” she said. Beyond academics, she participated in extracurricular activities, interviewed her university’s vice chancellor as a member of her chapel’s media team and received an award for meritorious service. She said studying Public Administration also changed her perspective on governance, particularly by exposing her to policy implementation gaps, bureaucracy and public-sector structures. After graduation, Otujiya said she is currently training in agile project management and product management while preparing to resume content creation as a faith-based fashion creator. She hopes to build a career in project management and corporate administration, saying her strengths lie in building structures, organising teams and achieving organisational goals. For students aspiring to graduate with first-class honours, she stressed the importance of discipline, consistency, prayer and intentionality. “If you’re naturally intelligent but not disciplined, you really can’t achieve anything,” she said, adding that students should surround themselves with environments that support their goals. Otujiya also advised students to believe in their abilities and visualise their goals before pursuing them, noting that her own academic achievement began with believing that it was possible.
The Osun State Police Command has arrested a serving member of the state House of Assembly, Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji, alongside 143 suspected electoral mercenaries allegedly camped at his residence in Ikire. Inaolaji, who represents the Irewole/Isokan State Constituency, was arrested on Friday night during a police operation. More than 200 Permanent Voter Cards were reportedly recovered from the location. A video released after the operation showed the lawmaker making a preliminary statement in which he identified himself and allegedly admitted to facilitating the movement of the suspects into Osun State from neighbouring states ahead of the election. The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were brought into the state from Ondo State to participate in alleged unlawful electoral activities. According to the command, some of the suspects told investigators that they were recruited by an unidentified politician who allegedly helped obtain voters’ cards for them and instructed them to vote in exchange for financial rewards. The arrest is part of intensified security operations aimed at preventing activities capable of undermining the credibility of the Osun election. The police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the arrest and said investigations were underway to identify other suspected accomplices who remained at large. He added that the investigation would also determine the extent of the alleged network involved in the recruitment of electoral mercenaries, voter inducement and other related offences.
Beauty entrepreneur and former Real Housewives of Lagos star Adeola “Diiadem” Adeyemi and fellow entrepreneur Dabota Lawson have traded allegations online following the breakdown of their friendship. The dispute intensified after Diiadem revealed that Lawson had transferred N5m to her as a birthday gift in January 2026, but later requested that the money be returned. Diiadem shared transaction receipts showing the N5m transfer and subsequent refund, saying she initially acknowledged the gift publicly before being informed that the money was expected to be returned. She also accused Lawson of sharing information about her with bloggers and alleged that she had previously done something similar to fellow RHOLagos cast member Sophia Momodu. According to Diiadem, she had once asked Lawson to stay away from her but later reconciled with her after the intervention of her mentor, Eryca Freemantle. She subsequently urged Lawson to stop mentioning her and insisted that her business and reputation would not be destroyed by the alleged smear campaign. The disagreement also revived questions about the pair’s relationship after fans noticed that Diiadem did not publicly celebrate Lawson’s birthday in June, despite Lawson’s support during Diiadem’s 35th birthday earlier in the year. Lawson, however, responded with allegations of her own, accusing Diiadem of being jealous of her success and opportunities. She claimed that Diiadem had once asked her to invite wealthy men to her events and display money to create an impression of financial success. Lawson also disputed Diiadem’s account of the N5m gift, saying she spent more than that amount during Diiadem’s birthday celebration and brought other guests who sprayed money. The dispute later became more personal, with Lawson making claims about Diiadem’s alleged relationship with businessman Olakunle Churchill, the former husband of actress Tonto Dikeh. Lawson alleged that Diiadem travelled to Abuja and publicly displayed affection towards Churchill shortly after arriving. She also claimed that she processed visas for the pair for a trip to Bali and had warned Diiadem against attending Churchill’s son’s birthday. Diiadem acknowledged knowing Churchill but disputed Lawson’s account. She alleged that Lawson had previously tried to facilitate a relationship between Churchill and her friend, Ehi Ogbebor, while also attempting to introduce Diiadem to him. She further accused Lawson of making negative comments about Tonto Dikeh and attempting to influence her interactions with the actress. Lawson maintained that she had supported Diiadem at different stages of her life, including during her pregnancy, and repeated her claims about the Bali trip and other financial assistance she allegedly provided. Another former friend, Christian Kayode, popularly known as Berbiedoll, was subsequently drawn into the dispute. Berbiedoll described Diiadem as a “terrible friend” and alleged that she had supported and promoted her during their friendship. She further claimed that Diiadem had fired a team member for working with her and placed photographers and videographers in situations where they felt pressured to choose between the two women. Ehi Ogbebor also became involved after Diiadem referenced claims concerning Churchill. In a voice note circulating online, Ogbebor denied having a romantic relationship with Churchill and accused Diiadem of dragging her into the dispute. Ogbebor also made allegations about an alleged trip to Uyo more than a decade ago and past accommodation arrangements involving Diiadem and Churchill, while warning Diiadem against further involving her in the controversy. Diiadem later shared portions of Ogbebor’s voice note online as the dispute continued to unfold.
The Chairman of Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chibueze Ofobuike, has offered educational and financial support to Richard Emmanuel Ekene Ike, a former debate star who reportedly dropped out of school after losing his parents. Richard’s situation gained public attention after his former teacher, Joy Oñuchukwu Anopuechi, described him as a brilliant student and outstanding speaker who represented Aguata Zone at the 2021 Governor’s Debate. Ofobuike said the council had offered to sponsor Richard’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination, provide accommodation and assist with his other financial needs. He also disclosed that the founder of Okwumereze Foundation, Evans Emesim, popularly known as MC Okwumereze, had pledged to sponsor Richard’s JAMB examination and provide him with a full scholarship throughout his university education. Following a meeting with Richard and Anopuechi, it was agreed that he would first return to secondary school, complete his senior secondary education and sit for the relevant examinations before proceeding to university. The council chairman said arrangements had been made for Richard to resume at a secondary school in September 2026, subject to passing the school’s entrance examination. He added that the council would provide educational materials, including a smartphone, computer, books and other items required for his studies. Ofobuike also appealed for further assistance towards Richard’s daily upkeep, stating that any financial support would be paid directly into his account and monitored to ensure proper use. The chairman expressed hope that the intervention would help Richard realise his potential and encourage similar efforts to identify and support other talented young people facing difficult circumstances. The intervention comes after Richard’s story of dropping out of school and surviving through odd jobs, including bricklaying, attracted widespread attention on social media.
Seven miners have died after a mining pit collapsed in Kassa community, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The incident reportedly occurred around 7pm on Wednesday while the victims were inside the pit extracting minerals. The Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the incident on Thursday. According to Tengwong, a heap of sand suddenly collapsed on the miners while they were working inside the mining site, trapping them beneath the debris. Rescue efforts were launched immediately, with rescuers digging through the collapsed sand in an attempt to locate the victims. However, all seven miners were eventually found dead. Tengwong said the victims were among several miners operating at the site but were inside the pit when it caved in. The incident has renewed concerns about safety standards at mining sites across Plateau State, particularly the risks faced by miners working in unstable and poorly secured pits.
Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has defended the use of public funds to support marriage programmes in states operating under Shariah law, describing the intervention as a legitimate aspect of responsible governance. Gumi made the statement in a Facebook post on Thursday, arguing that governments in Shariah-governed societies have a responsibility to assist people who need financial support to get married. He said that where prostitution, fornication, adultery and promiscuity are prohibited by both religious and state laws, public resources could legitimately be used to facilitate marriages for vulnerable individuals. Gumi’s comments followed the Kano State Government’s recent mass wedding involving 1,500 couples under its “Auren Gata” initiative. The ceremony, organised by the Kano State Hisbah Board, was part of the government’s social intervention programme aimed at supporting vulnerable couples and reducing the financial burden associated with marriage. The initiative also seeks to provide economic and household support to help beneficiaries establish their homes and begin married life. The mass wedding, which was held last Friday, has sparked public debate over the use of government funds to finance marriage-related programmes. Gumi, however, maintained that such spending was justified in states where Shariah principles guide governance, particularly where government intervention could help young people and others facing financial difficulties to marry.
The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has rejected campaign signage and promotional-material fees recently introduced by the state government ahead of the October 2026 local government elections and the 2027 general elections. The party described the charges as excessive, disproportionate and undemocratic, arguing that they could create a financial barrier to political participation. In a statement issued on Thursday by the state PDP chairman, Mohammed Gambo, the party acknowledged the government’s responsibility to regulate outdoor advertising and maintain order in public spaces. However, it said such regulations should remain reasonable, affordable and consistent with the constitutional rights of political parties, candidates and citizens. The state government reportedly approved a N150m fee for presidential candidates, N50m for senatorial candidates, N30m for House of Representatives candidates, N5m for State Assembly candidates, N2m for chairmanship candidates and N300,000 for councillorship candidates. The PDP argued that the fees were excessive, particularly when compared with the spending limits established under the Electoral Act 2026. The party pointed to Section 92(4) of the Act, which places a N500m limit on the total election expenses of a senatorial candidate. It argued that the N50m signage fee alone would amount to 10 per cent of the candidate’s statutory spending limit, before expenses on rallies, media, transportation, campaign offices and other activities. According to the PDP, legitimate regulatory charges should be fair and proportionate and should not undermine electoral spending limits or make it difficult for opposition parties and candidates to participate meaningfully in elections. The party also urged the government to distinguish between commercial outdoor advertising and political expression by citizens and political parties. It called on the Kogi State Government to immediately review the fees and organise an inclusive meeting involving registered political parties, civil society organisations, the Kogi State Signage and Advertisement Agency and other relevant stakeholders. The PDP said such a meeting would help establish a transparent, reasonable and equitable framework for regulating campaign signage ahead of the upcoming elections.
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country’s refineries will soon resume operations, saying his administration is working to restructure the economics and operations of the facilities. The President also expressed concern that the benefits of the Federal Government’s Compressed Natural Gas initiative were not reaching commuters as quickly as expected, saying much of the benefit appeared to be going to truck owners. Tinubu spoke on Thursday when he received the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The President described NUPENG as an important partner in the government’s efforts to reform the economy and recalled his commitment to removing the petrol subsidy despite threats of industrial action by oil and gas workers. He said the savings from subsidy removal were being used to fund salaries and major infrastructure projects across the country, including the Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna and Abuja-Kano highways, as well as the planned Sokoto-Badagry road. On CNG, Tinubu urged stakeholders to ensure that the savings from the cheaper fuel option were passed on to commuters. He said, “Whatever benefit is coming from CNG is going into the pockets of truck owners. It’s not spreading as fast as I would like, but it should spread.” Addressing concerns over the country’s refineries, the President said the facilities would return to operation but stressed that simply producing smoke and flames would not mean a refinery was functioning effectively. According to him, the focus was on ensuring that the facilities became commercially viable and delivered the value for which they were established. Tinubu said he had accepted responsibility for fixing the challenges inherited from previous administrations and would continue working towards improving the country’s economy. Earlier, NUPENG President, Salimon Akanni Oladiti, appealed to the President to tackle the growing practice of casualisation of workers in the oil and gas industry, particularly in the upstream sector. Oladiti said the union had raised the issue with several affected companies without achieving meaningful results and urged the President to intervene. He also commended the administration for rehabilitating and expanding federal highways, noting that improved roads would make transportation safer for petroleum tanker drivers. The NUPENG president further called for the revival of Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company depots across the country to complement efforts to restore the nation’s refineries. He recommended that the depots be handed over to private investors for management through an equity arrangement, arguing that this would help restore their operations and improve petroleum distribution nationwide.