The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, along with five other suspects following a raid on his residence in Osogbo over alleged electoral and criminal offences.

According to the police, the operation was carried out after intelligence reports indicated that members of a suspected criminal gang were hiding at the residence.

During the raid, officers arrested six individuals, including Igbalaye, and recovered cash totaling ₦4,810,500, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopier, and a printer.

The other suspects were identified as Akande Taiwo, Oladele Abiodun, Adeyemo Lukman, Olaoye Muftau, and Aderemi Musliu.

Police disclosed that Abiodun was already on its watchlist over alleged criminal activities.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, the command said the recovered exhibits have been taken into custody for forensic examination and further investigation.

The police said the items recovered raise serious concerns about possible violations of the Electoral Act, including alleged vote-buying, criminal conspiracy, harbouring a wanted suspect, and other offences that may emerge as investigations progress.

According to the command, investigators are working to determine the source and intended use of the recovered cash, identify all individuals connected to the voter register and other exhibits, and establish the full scope of any criminal enterprise.

The police maintained that no individual, regardless of political position or social status, is above the law, assuring the public that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government has condemned the operation, alleging that police officers invaded the residence of the SSG without obtaining a search warrant.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government accused the police of unlawfully storming the residence with a team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and arresting those found on the premises.

The Court of Appeal has nullified the judgment of a Federal High Court directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, a decision that has drawn widespread commendation from opposition leaders and political stakeholders.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by a three-member panel, the appellate court held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit, describing the action as incompetent because it was filed by a non-juristic body.

The court also faulted the trial judge for failing to properly evaluate evidence presented before the court and for proceeding with the matter despite an earlier order staying proceedings.

Consequently, the appellate court set aside the June 15 judgment, affirmed the continued legal status of the affected political parties, and awarded costs against the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which instituted the suit.

The parties restored by the judgment are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Reacting to the verdict, ADC National Chairman, David Mark, described the ruling as a triumph for democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.

He said the decision had renewed confidence in the judiciary and reaffirmed its role as the guardian of democratic values and constitutional rights.

Mark maintained that the judgment protects Nigeria’s multiparty democracy and urged party members nationwide to remain united while intensifying grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former Vice President and ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, also welcomed the ruling, insisting that the 2027 elections should be decided by Nigerians at the ballot box rather than through the courts.

According to Atiku, the judgment, alongside an earlier Federal High Court decision affirming the David Mark-led National Executive Committee of the ADC, has effectively settled all legal disputes surrounding the party’s leadership and eligibility to participate in the 2027 general elections.

In Osun State, Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, described the verdict as a victory for democracy and called on party members to intensify mobilisation ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also applauded the appellate court’s decision, describing it as a reaffirmation of constitutional democracy.

The council, however, renewed its call on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate the Federal High Court judge whose ruling was overturned, arguing that judicial accountability is essential to protecting democratic institutions.

Similarly, the Yoruba Ronu Leadership Forum hailed the judgment, saying it reinforces constitutional governance and strengthens Nigeria’s multiparty democracy by affirming that political parties cannot be arbitrarily deregistered outside the provisions of the law.

Meanwhile, the ADC accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of weakening democratic institutions and eroding the constitutional principle of checks and balances.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that the executive, legislature, and judiciary no longer function independently as required under the Constitution.

He also accused the Federal Government of disregarding court orders and carrying out unbudgeted expenditures, warning that such actions pose a threat to Nigeria’s democratic system.

12.62tn Borrowing Scandal: Alleges Fiscal Mismanagement
Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of losing control of the nation’s finances following reports that the Federal Government exceeded its approved 2024 borrowing limit by ₦4.79 trillion.

In a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the Federal Government’s total borrowing had risen to ₦12.62 trillion, describing the development as evidence of what he termed reckless fiscal management and growing debt dependence.

Citing figures from the Budget Office, the former vice president alleged that the government borrowed about 61.2 percent above the amount approved by the National Assembly.

He also questioned the source of an additional ₦3.19 trillion reportedly obtained as “budget support,” despite no such provision being contained in the approved budget.

Atiku argued that the latest borrowing figures contradict earlier assurances that the removal of fuel subsidy, tax reforms, and other economic measures would reduce government borrowing and restore fiscal stability.

According to him, rather than improving the country’s financial position, the administration has continued to expand public debt while increasing taxes and introducing austerity measures.

He further alleged that the government has been plagued by budget duplication, lack of transparency, wasteful spending, and questionable financial practices, insisting that the increasing debt burden has not translated into visible improvements in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, security, power, and road infrastructure.

The ADC presidential candidate also expressed concern over reports that debt servicing consumed ₦12.36 trillion, exceeding budgetary projections by more than 52 percent, warning that Nigeria risks borrowing primarily to repay existing debts.

He maintained that the country’s rising crude oil earnings should have reduced the need for additional borrowing, arguing that continued debt accumulation despite improved revenues points to poor fiscal discipline rather than revenue shortages.

Atiku called for greater transparency and accountability in public finance management, insisting that Nigerians deserve a government that curbs waste, blocks financial leakages, prioritizes productive investments, and manages public resources responsibly.

He added that future generations should not be burdened with mounting debts arising from what he described as avoidable fiscal mismanagement.

The Accord Party has welcomed the judgment of the Court of Appeal setting aside a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the deregistration of the party and four others by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the decision as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, said the appellate court’s verdict had reaffirmed public confidence in the judiciary and strengthened Nigeria’s democratic process.

Mgbudem described the judgment as a landmark decision that protects the constitutional rights of political parties and reinforces the principle of representative governance.

According to him, the ruling demonstrates that the courts remain the last hope of citizens seeking justice and that efforts to undermine democratic participation will not prevail.

The Accord chairman further alleged that the suit was designed to distract the party and frustrate the participation of Ademola Adeleke in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15.

He expressed confidence that, just as the legal challenge failed, political opponents in Osun State would also be defeated at the polls, insisting that Accord had fulfilled all constitutional requirements for its registration and electoral participation.

Mgbudem recalled that the Court of Appeal had earlier granted the party a stay of proceedings on May 22, 2026, and a stay of execution on June 16, 2026, pending the determination of the appeal.

He also commended Nigerians who condemned what he described as the Federal High Court’s erroneous decision, saying their support reflected a commitment to the protection of democracy and the rule of law.

The Accord chairman maintained that the party’s expanding national influence had unsettled its opponents and called on Nigerians to support its vision of building a stable, inclusive, and prosperous democratic nation.

The House of Representatives is considering a bill that would require truck, tanker, and trailer drivers across Nigeria to undergo compulsory drug tests every six months as part of efforts to improve road safety and reduce fatal accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles.

The proposed legislation is sponsored by Peter Uzokwe, who said the measure is aimed at addressing the growing menace of substance abuse among commercial truck drivers.

Speaking during an interactive session with stakeholders in the petroleum distribution sector, Uzokwe noted that drug abuse has become a major factor contributing to the increasing number of tanker and trailer crashes on Nigerian highways.

The meeting brought together representatives of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria, and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria to discuss measures for improving safety in the transportation of petroleum products.

According to the lawmaker, the bill, which is expected to proceed to its second and third readings, proposes that all truck drivers undergo mandatory drug screening at least once every six months.

He argued that while drivers may receive adequate training, the influence of illicit substances can impair judgment and driving ability, thereby increasing the risk of avoidable road accidents.

Uzokwe stressed that regular drug testing would help identify drivers under the influence of prohibited substances, enhance public safety, and reduce the frequency of devastating crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles on the nation’s roads.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of neglecting critical federal road projects in Edo and Delta states, urging the Senate to intervene and ensure a more equitable distribution of road infrastructure across the country.

Speaking during plenary, Oshiomhole expressed concern over what he described as the deteriorating condition of major highways linking Edo and Delta states, despite the Federal Government’s approval of several new road projects.

According to the former Edo State governor, motorists continue to face severe hardship on key routes, including the Benin–Warri, Benin–Asaba, Benin–Auchi, and Auchi–Okene highways, which he said have become increasingly difficult to navigate.

He questioned the rationale behind approving new road projects while many existing federal highways remain in deplorable condition.

“The Minister of Works needs to be guided. We have several roads that have become virtually impassable, yet attention is being shifted to new projects instead of fixing the old ones,” Oshiomhole said.

The senator further alleged that the sections of federal roads connecting Edo and Delta states have repeatedly been excluded from the national budget over the past three years, despite earlier appeals by lawmakers.

While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s intervention through the approval of tax credit arrangements for some road projects, Oshiomhole maintained that the Ministry of Works had failed to give the affected roads the attention they deserve.

He appealed to the leadership of the Senate to prevail on the minister to adopt what he described as a fair, balanced, and national approach to road infrastructure development, insisting that no part of the country should be overlooked in the allocation of critical federal projects.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the official timetable for political campaigns and other critical activities ahead of the 2027 General Elections, setting the stage for parties to commence preparations for the nationwide polls.

According to the schedule, political parties are expected to conduct their primary elections between April 23 and May 30, 2026, to nominate candidates for the offices of President, Governor, National Assembly, and State Houses of Assembly.

INEC stated that nomination forms for presidential and National Assembly candidates will be submitted through its dedicated nomination portal between June 27 and July 11, 2026.

Governorship and State House of Assembly candidates are to submit their nomination forms from July 18 to August 8, 2026.

The Commission further announced that campaigns for presidential and National Assembly candidates will officially commence on August 19, 2026, and conclude on January 14, 2027.

Campaigns for governorship and State House of Assembly candidates will begin on September 9, 2026, and end on February 4, 2027.

As part of the electoral timetable, INEC will publish the final list of presidential and National Assembly candidates on September 12, 2026, while the final list of governorship and State House of Assembly candidates will be released on October 10, 2026.

The Commission said the timetable is intended to provide political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders with a clear roadmap for the 2027 electoral process, ensuring adequate preparation and compliance with the Electoral Act.

The Enugu State chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Working Committee (SWC), reaffirming its confidence in the current leadership and warning individuals allegedly plotting to destabilise the party to desist.

The resolution was reached on Saturday during an expanded meeting of the state working committee, party stakeholders, candidates and members, who commended the state executive for its leadership, commitment and efforts at repositioning the NDC in Enugu State.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, the Chairman of the party in Isiuzo Local Government Area, Hon. Jonathan Ogbu, said the current state leadership had transformed the fortunes of the party in Enugu.

“This is the only leadership of the party that emerged through a valid congress monitored by INEC, and any attempt by Enugu politicians spending dollars in Abuja to destabilise the party will be firmly resisted”.

“Without the current leadership, nobody would be hearing about the NDC in Enugu State today. The Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led executive has given the party life and made it attractive through its programmes and grassroots mobilisation,” he said.

Corroborating his position, the Igboeze North Local Government Chairman of the party, Hon. Kingsley Ape and his Aninri counterpart, Hon. Stephen Ajah, stated that the achievements of the present leadership had positioned the party to participate effectively in the forthcoming local government elections.

According to them, without the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led executive, the NDC would not have been on the ballot for the forthcoming local government chairmanship and councillorship elections in Enugu State.

The party leaders declared that they remain firmly behind Dr. Anih and his executive, insisting that the State Working Committee enjoys the overwhelming confidence and support of the party’s grassroots structure across the 17 local government areas of the state.

They further warned that any attempt to tamper with the existing leadership could trigger a mass exodus of members from the party in Enugu State.

The stakeholders also cautioned individuals allegedly fomenting crisis within the party, urging them to steer clear of activities capable of undermining the unity, stability and progress of the NDC.

According to them, any attempt to create parallel party structures or sow discord among members would be firmly resisted in the interest of preserving the party’s cohesion ahead of future political engagements.

The members equally expressed concern over what they described as the actions of the party’s national leadership, alleging that recent developments could further deepen internal disagreements if not handled with fairness and respect for due process.

They urged the national leadership to refrain from actions capable of escalating tensions within the party, stressing that internal disputes should be resolved in line with the party’s constitution and democratic principles.

Reaffirming their loyalty to the NDC, the stakeholders called on members across the state to remain united, focused and committed to building a stronger political platform.

They pledged their continued support for the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led State Working Committee and maintained that the Enugu chapter would continue to protect the integrity of the party while working tirelessly to advance its political objectives in the state.

A retired Assistant Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Dennis Amachree, has claimed that former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, died during an intimate encounter with a woman, dismissing longstanding claims that the late Nigerian leader was assassinated or poisoned.

Amachree made the revelation in his newly published 348-page memoir, DSS @40: My Journey Behind the Shield, in which he recounted his role in the investigation into Abacha’s sudden death on June 8, 1998.

According to the former intelligence officer, Abacha suffered what he described as a coitus-induced cardiac arrest at about 4:05 am inside the Aso Rock Presidential Villa Guest House in Abuja.

He claimed that the woman involved, whom he identified only as a pharmacist, fled to Lagos shortly after the incident but was later traced and interrogated by the DSS.

Recalling the interrogation, Amachree said the woman insisted she was not responsible for Abacha’s death.

“The first thing she said to me was, ‘I did not kill him, he died on top of me,'” he wrote, adding that she was subsequently flown back to Abuja on the instruction of the DSS Director of Operations.

Amachree maintained that his account represents the true circumstances surrounding Abacha’s death and should finally put an end to decades of speculation.

He rejected several popular theories, including claims that the late military ruler was poisoned with an apple, assassinated through a poisoned handshake, or eliminated in a foreign intelligence operation, insisting that none of those narratives was supported by credible evidence.

According to the memoir, Abacha’s companion had arrived at the Presidential Villa Guest House with her younger sister, a pharmacist who was attending a conference in Abuja.

He alleged that after the companion returned to her hotel, the pharmacist remained alone with the Head of State.

Amachree claimed that when the pharmacist later discovered Abacha had become unresponsive, she checked for a pulse, found none, informed a soldier on duty that the Head of State had requested transport for her, and departed Abuja on an early morning flight to Lagos.

The retired DSS officer said investigators later tracked her to an address in Ogudu, Lagos, where she was arrested and questioned.

He also challenged the version of events previously presented by Abacha’s former Chief Security Officer, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, who had suggested that the late ruler’s condition deteriorated after shaking hands with a member of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat’s delegation during an official visit.

Amachree argued that Al-Mustapha’s account failed to explain what transpired in the hours leading to Abacha’s death.

He further disputed accounts by several prominent figures, including former FCT Minister Gen. Jeremiah Useni, military physician Brig.-Gen. Oviemo Ovadje, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, former U.S National Security Adviser Susan Rice, and various foreign media reports, insisting that none was backed by verifiable evidence.

According to him, the prolonged controversy over Abacha’s death reflects a broader culture of misinformation and secrecy in Nigeria’s political history, stressing that historical events should be documented based on facts rather than speculation.

General Sani Abacha ruled Nigeria from November 1993 until his death on June 8, 1998.

His administration was marked by allegations of human rights abuses, the detention of political opponents and the suppression of pro-democracy activists.

He died barely a month before the death in detention of the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

Amachree concluded that Abacha’s death serves as a reminder that political power is temporary and that no office or authority can shield anyone from mortality.