Category: Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on his decisive victory in Saturday’s governorship election, describing the outcome as a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by the people of the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also commended the people of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct and active participation in the electoral process.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Oyebanji the winner of the poll after he secured 319,224 votes, defeating candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who polled 40,543 and 12,872 votes respectively.

Tinubu also praised security agencies for maintaining law and order throughout the election.

The President urged INEC to sustain its commitment to conducting peaceful, free, fair and credible elections as the country prepares for the Osun State governorship election in August and the 2027 general elections.

According to the President, Oyebanji’s overwhelming victory has earned him a place in history as the first governor of Ekiti State to secure re-election consecutively.

Tinubu noted that the governor’s first term was characterised by significant achievements in infrastructure development, agriculture, youth empowerment, education, healthcare and rural development under the BAO agenda.

“The renewed mandate is a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability and people-centred governance,” the President said.

He urged Oyebanji to remain magnanimous in victory and continue to carry all segments of the state along as he consolidates on the gains of his administration over the next four years.

Tinubu also commended other candidates who participated in the election, noting that they had exercised their democratic rights in a peaceful manner.

He called on all political stakeholders to rally behind the governor in the collective task of advancing development and improving governance in Ekiti State.

The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working closely with the Ekiti State Government to deliver more dividends of democracy and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda across the country.

He further prayed for wisdom, strength and good health for Governor Oyebanji as he continues to serve the people of Ekiti State.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on his re-election, describing his victory in the 2026 governorship election as historic and a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by the people of the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the ruling party said Oyebanji’s triumph marked a significant milestone in Ekiti’s democratic history.

According to the APC, Oyebanji has become the first incumbent governor in the state’s contemporary democratic era to secure re-election, underscoring what it described as widespread public approval of his leadership and development agenda.

The party attributed the victory to the governor’s people-oriented policies, visionary leadership and commitment to the growth and progress of Ekiti State.

“This win is a loud demonstration of the confidence of Ekiti people in Governor Oyebanji, his visionary leadership, people-centred policies, and unflinching commitment to the development and progress of the state,” the statement said.

The APC also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and other stakeholders for their roles in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.

The party praised residents of Ekiti State for their peaceful conduct and active participation throughout the election, expressing gratitude for what it described as their endorsement of the APC’s policies and progressive ideals.

The ruling party further expressed confidence that Oyebanji’s second term would consolidate on existing achievements and deliver greater development dividends to the people of the state.

It noted that the governor’s administration would continue to advance the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the state level.

“We are confident that Governor Oyebanji’s second term will deliver more development and improved living conditions for the people as he expands the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative Renewed Hope Agenda in the state,” the APC stated.

ADO-EKITI, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been re-elected as Governor of Ekiti State after securing a resounding victory in the 2026 governorship election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Oyebanji the winner of the poll after he polled 319,224 votes, defeating the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who performed poorly at the poll.

According to the results announced by the electoral body, the PDP candidate garnered 40,543 votes, while the ADC candidate secured 12,872 votes.

Oyebanji dominated the election across the state, winning in all 16 local government areas of Ekiti.

A breakdown of the results showed that the governor polled 38,026 votes in Ado-Ekiti Local Government Area, 29,278 votes in Irepodun/Ifelodun, 28,258 votes in Ekiti West, 26,508 votes in Ikole, and 25,506 votes in Ijero.

Despite the APC’s sweeping victory, the PDP recorded its strongest performance in Ikere Local Government Area, where it secured 9,892 votes against the APC’s 11,116 votes.

The outcome of the election clears the way for Oyebanji to begin preparations for a second term in office, extending the APC’s hold on the state following a commanding electoral mandate.

UYO, Nigeria (NPA) — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed confidence in the state’s economic future, citing ongoing infrastructure and development projects aimed at driving growth, creating jobs and improving the quality of life of residents.

The governor spoke during the June Government House Prayer Service, where he highlighted key projects being implemented by his administration across the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Eno said the numerous transformative initiatives underway would position Akwa Ibom for greater prosperity and sustainable development.

“At the June Government House Prayer Service, I expressed confidence in the bright future ahead for Akwa Ibom State, driven by the many transformative projects currently underway across the state,” he said.

The governor identified the Ibom Medical Village, the expansion of the state’s aviation sector, the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) transportation system and ongoing road infrastructure projects as major drivers of economic growth and development.

“From the Ibom Medical Village and our expanding aviation sector to the CNG transportation system and road infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for greater economic growth, job creation and improved quality of life for our people,” Eno stated.

He also called on stakeholders in Oro Nation to unite behind the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport project, describing it as a strategic initiative with enormous economic potential for both the host communities and the state.

According to the governor, the deep seaport project could unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, industrialisation and employment.

Eno urged residents to continue supporting government efforts while maintaining a commitment to peace and unity.

“As we continue to build, let us also continue to pray for the peace, unity and progress of Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering projects that would enhance economic competitiveness, attract investment and improve living standards across the oil-rich South-South state.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the deployment of election personnel and sensitive materials ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election and bye-elections scheduled to hold in parts of Rivers, Nasarawa and Enugu states.

The electoral body said the movement of officials and materials to polling units began in the early hours of Saturday as part of final preparations to ensure the timely commencement of voting.

In Rivers State, INEC disclosed that election personnel and materials were being deployed from the Super Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Koroma, Tai Local Government Area, to polling units across the Rivers South-East Senatorial District for the senatorial bye-election.

According to the commission, the deployment process was progressing smoothly as officials moved to their assigned locations for the conduct of the poll.

INEC also announced the commencement of the distribution of election materials and personnel to polling units in Ekiti South-West Local Government Area ahead of the governorship election.

The commission said the movement began at approximately 6:15 a.m., describing it as a critical stage in preparations for the smooth conduct of the election across the state.

The governorship election is expected to determine who will lead Ekiti State for the next four years.

In Nasarawa State, INEC reported that election materials had been successfully deployed to polling units in Akwanga Local Government Area for the bye-election.

The commission stated that polling units 001, 002 and 003 at LGEA Central Primary School had commenced set-up procedures, while the movement of personnel and materials started at about 7:00 a.m.

INEC said the deployment exercise forms part of its commitment to ensuring the timely opening of polling units and the smooth conduct of elections across the affected states.

The commission has repeatedly assured voters of its readiness to conduct free, fair and credible elections, while urging electoral officials to adhere strictly to established guidelines and procedures.

Security agencies have also intensified preparations across the affected states to ensure a peaceful electoral process and safeguard voters, election officials and materials.

ADO-EKITI, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Ekiti State Governor and former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has received a delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.

The delegation visited Fayemi as part of efforts to engage key stakeholders and assess preparations for the election.

According to Fayemi, discussions centred on the democratic journey of Ekiti State and Nigeria, the importance of credible elections, and the need to strengthen institutions that promote transparency, inclusiveness and peaceful political competition.

The former governor, who is also a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and pioneer President of the Forum of Regions of Africa (FORAF), stressed the importance of public confidence in the electoral process.

He said democracy thrives when elections are credible and political actors conduct themselves with civility, responsibility and respect for the will of the people.

“I remain convinced that democracy is strengthened when electoral processes command public trust and when political actors conduct themselves with civility and respect for the will of the people,” Fayemi said.

He expressed optimism that the election would be peaceful and successful, while urging residents to participate responsibly in the democratic process.

“I wish the people of Ekiti a peaceful and successful election,” he added.

Fayemi also reiterated his support for Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who is seeking re-election, describing him as a leader who has earned the trust and confidence of the people through his inclusive style of governance and commitment to development.

According to the former governor, Oyebanji’s administration has demonstrated humility, responsiveness and a dedication to advancing the welfare of Ekiti residents.

The Ekiti governorship election is expected to attract significant attention as political parties seek to consolidate or expand their influence in the South-West state.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a final six-month extension of the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi.

The extension, announced in a statement on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, will take effect from August 1, 2026, and expire in February 2027.

According to the Presidency, the extension is intended to enable Adeniyi to consolidate the implementation of the National Single Window project and ensure a seamless leadership transition within the Customs Service.

The statement noted that during the transition period, Adeniyi will work closely with the Nigeria Customs Service Board to facilitate the promotion of eligible officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs and oversee the compulsory retirement of officers who have attained the age of 60 or completed 35 years in service.

Adeniyi’s first tenure extension was due to expire on August 1, 2026.

The Comptroller-General joined the Nigeria Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late 1980s and has risen through the ranks over the course of his career.

He became a Deputy Comptroller in 2012, Comptroller in 2017, Assistant Comptroller-General in 2020, and Acting Deputy Comptroller-General in January 2023.

President Tinubu appointed him Comptroller-General of Customs in June 2023.

The Presidency said the tenure extension would provide the necessary stability to complete ongoing reforms and strengthen institutional succession planning within the service.

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — The Directorate of State (DOS) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the indefinite suspension of the office of the leader of the movement and the position of Director of Radio Biafra, both previously held by detained separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The decision was contained in a statement issued on June 18 and signed by the Head of the Directorate of State, Mazi Chikaedibia Edoziem, following a meeting of the organisation’s leadership held on June 17.

According to the group, the move forms part of ongoing efforts to reposition and strengthen the Biafran self-determination movement and ensure that its operations remain aligned with its stated objectives.

IPOB maintained that it was established as a collective self-determination movement for the Biafran people and not by any single individual.

The organisation also insisted that no individual possesses the authority to dissolve the Directorate of State, which it described as the apex institution overseeing the affairs of the movement.

The group said it reviewed intelligence reports concerning alleged interactions involving Kanu and Nigerian security agencies while in detention and expressed concerns over what it described as security risks arising from communications attributed to him.

According to the statement, the leadership was also concerned about alleged plans by certain individuals to establish a militia and initiate violence in the South-East region.

The Directorate said the suspension was intended to prevent individuals or groups from claiming authority from the office of the IPOB leader to engage in actions inconsistent with the organisation’s declared non-violent philosophy.

“The pursuit of our inalienable right to self-determination is peaceful and non-violent and must never be a ground to cause harm, hardship and death to the same people we are fighting to extricate from the atrocities meted upon them by the Nigerian system,” the statement said.

The organisation stated that the suspension was also aimed at preventing what it described as reckless actions, unauthorised assumptions of authority and statements that could expose its members, particularly youths, to arrest, torture or death.

IPOB further declared that any criminal activity carried out in the name of the suspended office of the leader would not be attributed to the movement.

The group said it would no longer accept responsibility for actions taken by individuals or groups not holding active positions within its structure or those not expressly authorised by the Directorate of State.

The announcement marks a significant development within the leadership structure of IPOB, which has been at the centre of the agitation for the restoration of an independent Biafran state.