Politics
‘I’m a bulldozer, not afraid of FG, governors’ — Adeleke
Accord Party governorship candidate in the Osun State governorship election, Ademola Adeleke, has said he is not intimidated by the alleged backing of the Federal Government and some state governors for the All Progressives Congress candidate. Adeleke described himself as a “bulldozer” and said he was ready to confront the influence of the Federal Government and governors supporting his opponent. The governor spoke on Tuesday during the Arise Townhall Meeting, where he said he was not afraid of the governors backing the APC candidate. “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. He added that the governors were his friends and would not determine the outcome of the election, noting that only registered voters in Osun State would vote. Adeleke also dismissed allegations that his administration had militarised the state, saying he did not have the authority to deploy the armed forces. “I did not militarise Osun. I have no such capacity. I am not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he said. His comments came amid intensified political activities and campaigns by major political parties ahead of the Osun governorship election.
Delta Suspends Works Commissioner Following Alleged Assault
The Delta State Government has indefinitely suspended its Commissioner for Works, Highway and Urban Roads, Reuben Izeze, over allegations linking him to the assault of the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, Simon Mudi, also known as Temple. The suspension took effect immediately and was announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, on Monday. The government said the decision was made to allow security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation into the alleged assault, which reportedly occurred at the Petroleum Training Institute in Effurun. It said the suspension would help ensure that the investigation was carried out without interference, stressing that public safety, law and order, and the protection of human life remained priorities of the administration. The alleged confrontation between Izeze and Mudi is expected to form part of the investigation. The state government did not disclose how long the investigation would last or whether the commissioner would be reinstated afterwards. Izeze, who represents Ughelli South State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, was appointed Commissioner for Works by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Col. Ma’aji Reveals Why We Planned Coup Against Tinubu
Nigerian Army Colonel Mohammed Ma’aji, accused of involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, has said the plan was driven by patriotism and frustration over the country’s worsening conditions. Ma’aji made the comments in fresh court records, where he apologised for his involvement and appealed to the authorities for leniency. He said the alleged plot was motivated by concerns over poor governance, insecurity, inadequate military welfare and declining living standards. The colonel said the situation had become so troubling that he feared Nigeria was heading towards collapse. He also said the movement was still at the mobilisation and discussion stage when security authorities intervened, adding that no date had been set for any action. Ma’aji denied having personal political ambitions or foreign collaborators. However, he acknowledged that his failure to secure promotion to brigadier-general on two occasions contributed to his frustration and that some colleagues encouraged him to revive the movement. He said his detention had changed his perspective and made him realise that there were lawful ways to express grievances within the military. Ma’aji subsequently called for improved salaries and welfare for military personnel, better healthcare and housing, stronger pension packages and a formal channel for officers to communicate concerns to the Chief of Army Staff. He also criticised corruption, fuel subsidy removal, perceived inequality in military postings and poor living conditions, while urging the authorities to address these issues. The colonel appealed for forgiveness and promised that he and others involved would not consider such a course of action again, insisting that their actions were motivated by a desire for a better Nigeria.
Makinde to Oriyomi Hamzat, Others: “Stop Abusing Me, I’m Not Contesting for Governor”
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged politicians seeking to succeed him in 2027 to stop attacking his administration and instead tell residents how they intend to improve the state. Makinde made the remarks on Monday during a programme in Ibadan, where he stressed that he would not be contesting the 2027 governorship election. The governor said those aspiring to succeed him should focus on presenting their plans to the people rather than criticising his administration over its shortcomings. He also appeared to respond to claims by Accord governorship candidate, Oriyomi Hamzat, who had said he played a role in bringing Makinde into the political race that eventually led to his emergence as governor. Makinde, whose second term ends in 2027, urged voters to hold all governorship candidates accountable by asking how they would build on his administration’s achievements, complete unfinished projects and correct identified shortcomings. He said the next governor should focus on addressing areas where his administration fell short rather than making criticism of his government the centre of their campaigns. Hamzat, the founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, declared his intention to contest the governorship election under the Accord Party in January 2026 and later emerged as the party’s candidate after its May primary.
Former Thai lawmaker kills local official over financial dispute.
A former Thai lawmaker, Chalong Riewrang, has been arrested after allegedly shooting and killing a local government official during a financial dispute in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok. The incident occurred outside a government building on Monday, with Chalong later admitting to journalists at a police station that he was the shooter. According to the former lawmaker, he followed the official, Thongchai Yenprasert, to his vehicle to discuss money owed to him. He said he pulled out his gun after Thongchai refused to speak with him. Thongchai, chairman of the Nonthaburi local government administration, was shot in the neck and later died from his injuries after losing a significant amount of blood. His driver was also shot in the right arm but survived after undergoing surgery. Police said the dispute involved several million baht, reportedly money that Thongchai had borrowed from Chalong over several years. Authorities said CCTV footage showed Chalong firing his weapon at close range. A firearm was also found inside Thongchai’s vehicle, although police said it was not used during the shooting. Thailand’s Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, said authorities would take full legal action against Chalong, stressing that civilians are not legally permitted to carry guns in public. The shooting occurred just days after another gun attack in Nonthaburi in which a 14-year-old boy killed eight people before taking his own life, prompting renewed calls for stricter gun control in Thailand.
EFCC-Osun account dispute raises fresh questions over agency’s independence
President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to withdraw the court order freezing the Osun State Government’s bank account has sparked renewed debate over the independence of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria. The controversy followed the President’s instruction on Thursday that the EFCC return to court and vacate the freezing order. Tinubu said that although the commission acted within its legal powers, the timing of the action, coming days before the August 15 governorship election, was inappropriate. The President said he was “deeply embarrassed” by the development, noting that actions taken by federal agencies are often attributed to his administration. The EFCC had earlier defended the account freeze as a routine action and denied any political motive. Its Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, said the commission had the legal authority to restrict an account for up to 72 hours without a court order, citing a similar action involving Edo State ahead of its 2024 governorship election. The President’s intervention has, however, triggered questions about whether the EFCC is truly independent of the executive. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oba Maduabuchi, argued that the President does not have the legal authority to direct the EFCC or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in their operations. However, he said the President’s intervention could be considered understandable given concerns that the account freeze might be perceived as an attempt to influence the Osun election. Maduabuchi criticised the manner in which the directive was issued, arguing that it should have been handled through the Attorney-General rather than through a public presidential directive. He also questioned the decision to freeze the entire state account, saying the EFCC should instead focus on funds allegedly diverted to private companies. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also questioned the President’s reference to a court order authorising the account freeze. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the EFCC had not previously mentioned obtaining such an order when defending its action. Abdullahi questioned whether the President had been misinformed about the existence of the order or whether the facts had been misrepresented, describing either possibility as troubling. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also criticised the account freeze, describing it as a threat to democracy. He argued that freezing a state government’s main operating account shortly before an election could disrupt salaries, essential services and governance. Atiku further warned that the selective use of anti-corruption agencies could undermine public confidence and create the perception that state institutions were being used to influence political outcomes. He also challenged Tinubu to apply the same authority to the ICPC over the detention of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. According to Atiku, the President’s intervention in the Osun matter raises questions about the extent of executive influence over anti-corruption agencies and whether their independence is genuine. The controversy has therefore renewed broader concerns about the relationship between the presidency, anti-corruption agencies and the rule of law, particularly when their actions have potential political implications.
Anything can happen in politics, says Fubara loyalist on joining Wike’s camp
A former staunch supporter of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Chijioke Ihunwo, has explained his decision to join the Rainbow Coalition aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Ihunwo said his decision was not a betrayal of Fubara but a response to the governor’s call for peace and political reconciliation in the state. Speaking on TVC’s Beyond the Headlines, Ihunwo said he remained loyal to Fubara and was simply following the governor’s directive to embrace peace and move forward. He said, “If we truly support him, we should join him in the Rainbow Coalition,” adding that his loyalty to the governor remained unchanged. Ihunwo, a former caretaker chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, had previously criticised Wike’s political camp and accused it of attempting to destabilise Rivers State. However, he said political alliances could change, noting that “in politics anything can happen.” He maintained that his current position was based on his principal’s instruction to sheathe their swords and work for peace. Addressing claims that he and other allies gave Fubara poor political advice during the Rivers crisis, Ihunwo rejected the allegation, saying he had a personal relationship with the governor and acted according to his convictions at the time. He also dismissed calls for him to apologise to Wike and other political figures over his actions during the crisis, and declined to revisit specific incidents, saying the focus should now be on peace and moving forward. Ihunwo said he would work with Wike’s supporters in Obio/Akpor ahead of the 2027 elections, following Fubara’s instructions to ensure the Rainbow Coalition succeeds in Rivers State. He further maintained that he had no regrets about his actions during the political crisis, insisting that his loyalty remained with Fubara and that he would continue to follow the governor’s directives.
Abuja court orders ex-DSS officer remanded in Kuje
The Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded a retired Department of State Services officer, Ihechimere Ezeakolam, at the Kuje Correctional Centre after he was arraigned on terrorism-related charges linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra. Ezeakolam was arraigned on Thursday before Justice Muhammed Umar on four counts bordering on alleged support for IPOB, membership of the organisation and the use of social media to promote its activities. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Following his plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant pending the determination of the case. Justice Umar adjourned the matter until October 29, 2026, for the commencement of trial and ordered that Ezeakolam remain in Kuje Correctional Centre. According to the prosecution, Ezeakolam allegedly supported IPOB between 2025 and 2026 by providing what it described as moral assistance and sharing messages online in support of the group. He was also accused of joining IPOB in Abia State during the same period. In another count, the prosecution alleged that he knowingly aided and encouraged the group by posting social media messages allegedly intended to persuade members of the public to support IPOB. The final charge accused him of posting and making available online messages allegedly aimed at advancing the activities of the proscribed organisation. The charges were brought under provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act. The defendant has denied the allegations by pleading not guilty, and the case will proceed to trial on the scheduled date.
Atiku reports suspicious credit alert on bank account
Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns over what he described as a suspicious payment made into one of his private bank accounts. Atiku disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu. According to the statement, an individual unknown to Atiku transferred money into his account with the narration, “Contribution Electioneering Campaign.” Atiku said neither he nor his campaign team solicited, authorised or had any knowledge of the payment or the person behind it. He expressed concern over how the sender obtained the details of an account he said was strictly private and whose information was not publicly available. The former vice president said the incident raised serious questions about the security of Nigerians’ financial information. He warned that if private banking details belonging to a former vice president and presidential candidate could be accessed without authorisation, the financial privacy of ordinary Nigerians could also be at risk. Atiku further expressed concern that the information may have been obtained through individuals with privileged access to confidential banking data. He warned that any unauthorised breach of such information could expose account holders to threats from kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, fraudsters and other criminal elements. The ADC presidential candidate said the incident had been brought to the attention of Nigerians and security agencies, describing it as part of what he called a series of suspicious developments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku also urged Nigerians not to be distracted by what he described as attempts to damage his reputation as political activities intensify. He maintained that he remained focused on providing what he described as credible leadership and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.