Governor Biodun Oyebanji has secured a resounding second term in office after winning Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election by a massive margin, cementing the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the state. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Oyebanji winner of the poll after he polled 319,224 votes, defeating his closest challengers, Olumayokun Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 40,533 votes, and Dare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who garnered 12,872 votes. The result underscored the APC’s overwhelming strength in the state, with Oyebanji winning all 16 local government areas and recording…
Author: National Update
Supporters of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim in Jigawa State have intensified calls for him to contest Nigeria’s presidency, pledging widespread grassroots support and a strong voter mobilization drive should he enter the race. The supporters, drawn from all 27 local government areas of the state, made their position known during a meeting with the state coordinator of the Olawepo-Hashim political movement in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital. At the gathering, the coordinator described Olawepo-Hashim as a seasoned politician, nationalist, and development advocate whose contributions to nation-building have earned him admiration across different regions of the country. He argued that the growing demand…
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies have described the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency bye-election in Independent National Electoral Commission as peaceful and hitch-free. According to officials, the exercise recorded smooth voter turnout, no violence, and no reported disruptions. The Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Amb. Abdu Zango, said the election went smoothly with full BVAS functionality and strong coordination among security agencies. The Kano State Police Command also confirmed there were no arrests, weapons, or incidents recorded during the exercise, attributing the calm process to improved synergy and voter awareness. The poll was held to fill a…
Civil society organisations monitoring the Ekiti State governorship election have warned political parties and candidates against exploiting poverty through vote buying, urging them to allow voters make independent choices free from inducement and intimidation. The groups, operating under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Election Observation Hub, issued the warning on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti as voting progressed across the state. In a preliminary assessment of the electoral process, the observers expressed concern over reports of voter inducement and called on political actors to uphold democratic principles by conducting themselves responsibly throughout the election. The observation hub,…
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has tasked newly graduated soldiers of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake to confront terrorism, banditry and other security threats with courage, discipline and professionalism. Speaking at the Passing Out Parade held on Saturday at the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State, the Army Chief said the recruits had undergone intensive military training, including Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency operations, equipping them to contribute effectively to ongoing efforts to secure the country. He stressed that the Nigerian Army remains determined to eliminate criminal networks and deny terrorists safe operating spaces, but insisted…
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has sustained pressure on terrorist and bandit groups operating in the North-West, launching a series of targeted air operations that disrupted criminal activities and supported the rescue of 22 kidnapped persons in Sokoto State. Under the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma, NAF aircraft carried out precision strikes on identified terrorist enclaves between June 18 and 19, targeting locations linked to armed groups threatening communities across the region. NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the operations included attacks on a confirmed terrorist stronghold as well as an intelligence-driven mission around Kidandan, where air assets…
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has appointed CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force. The appointment places the experienced officer at the helm of the Force Public Relations Department, where he will oversee the Nigeria Police Force’s strategic communication and public engagement efforts. A native of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, CSP Iniedu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Pure Chemistry from the University of Uyo. He has also undergone several professional courses in investigative interviewing, crime scene management, intelligence analysis, strategic…
The Kano State Police Command has launched an investigation into the mysterious death of a young businessman, Isma’il Makaye, who reportedly died after an incident at the residence of popular TikTok personality and dancer, Fati Cele. The incident, which occurred on Friday morning, has generated widespread public attention and intense discussions across social media platforms. According to accounts from residents in the area, an alarm was raised after a fire reportedly broke out at the residence. Neighbours who responded to the distress call allegedly found Makaye with burn injuries and other visible wounds before he was rushed to Nassarawa Hospital.…
Former Abia State Governor and Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, has lauded the infrastructure drive of Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu after commissioning a network of 10 roads constructed in Arkilla New Layout, Wamakko Local Government Area. Kalu described the projects as a significant investment in the future of Sokoto, saying quality road infrastructure remains one of the strongest foundations for economic growth, urban development and improved living standards. The former governor, who inaugurated the roads on Friday, praised Aliyu for what he termed a visible transformation taking place across the state, noting that the administration’s commitment to infrastructure was already…
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has launched a blistering attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing the electoral body of selectively obeying court orders and raising concerns over what it described as a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s democratic credibility. In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the civil rights group questioned why INEC swiftly implemented judicial decisions relating to the leadership crisis within the Social Democratic Party (SDP) but has allegedly failed to take similar action regarding the leadership dispute in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). At the centre of the controversy is the…