Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has insisted that the administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola left about N15 billion for his successor, dismissing as misleading the narrative promoted by the Governor Ademola Adeleke administration regarding the finances it inherited.
Oyebamiji made the assertion while fielding questions from journalists at the Arise TV Town Hall Meeting held in Osun State, where he addressed several issues that have dominated the campaign, particularly claims by the incumbent administration about inherited liabilities and the state’s financial position.
The Nigeria Police Force has barred the Western Nigeria Security Network, popularly known as Amotekun, vigilante groups and other non-state security outfits from participating in security operations during the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The directive, coming ahead of the highly anticipated poll, is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, credible and orderly electoral process by restricting security responsibilities to constitutionally recognised security agencies.
Other groups affected by the directive include the Joint Civilian Task Force (CJTF), hunters’ associations, community-based security organisations and neighbourhood watch outfits. They are prohibited from carrying out security functions at polling units and other election-related locations.
The police said only authorised security agencies would be permitted to perform security duties during the election, stressing that no unauthorised group or individual would be allowed to interfere with the electoral process.
The Force has also warned political parties, candidates, supporters and other stakeholders against acts capable of disrupting the election. Ballot snatching, voter intimidation, vote buying, violent clashes and other forms of electoral malpractice, according to the police, will not be tolerated.
The police urged residents of Osun State to remain calm and law-abiding before, during and after the election, assuring citizens that security personnel would be deployed across the state to protect voters, election officials and electoral materials.
The development comes as political parties intensify their final mobilisation ahead of the August 15 governorship poll, with the police reiterating its commitment to preventing violence and ensuring that voters are able to exercise their franchise without intimidation.
The security agency further warned that anyone who attempts to disrupt the electoral process would face the full force of the law.
OSOGBO — Tension and political activities have intensified across Osun State as the state prepares for Saturday’s governorship election, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) receiving sensitive election materials and security agencies stepping up preparations for the poll.
The election materials, including ballot papers and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices, have reportedly arrived in Osogbo and are being kept under security protection ahead of their distribution to local government offices and Registration Area Centres across the state. About 25,310 security personnel are also expected to be deployed for the election.
The development comes amid growing calls for a peaceful and credible election. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged INEC to take urgent steps to prevent political violence and protect voters, while other civil society groups have raised concerns over election-related security risks.
The political contest has also entered its final stretch, with major candidates intensifying their campaigns and presenting their visions to voters. Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Accord candidate, has expressed confidence in his chances, while APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam are also seeking to convince voters to change the political direction of the state.
With only days to the August 15 poll, attention is now focused on the ability of INEC and security agencies to guarantee a peaceful voting environment and ensure that the votes of Osun residents are protected. The outcome is expected to determine who will occupy the Osun State Government House for the next four years.
The Ogun State Government has announced the successful rescue of all seven victims abducted in connection with the recent incident involving students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, while announcing the development, said the victims were rescued alive following a coordinated security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, vigilantes, local hunters and other security agencies.
According to the Governor, the state government activated a comprehensive security response immediately after receiving reports of the incident, mobilising personnel and operational resources to secure the affected areas and intensify the search for the abducted victims.
The operation was subsequently reinforced with aerial surveillance following a request by Governor Abiodun to the Inspector-General of Police for additional support to complement security personnel conducting operations on the ground.
Abiodun commended the security agencies and personnel involved in the operation for their courage, professionalism and effective collaboration, noting that the successful rescue demonstrated the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated security operations.
While expressing gratitude to Almighty God for the safe rescue of the victims, the Governor disclosed that security operations were still ongoing to apprehend everyone connected with the criminal enterprise.
He warned kidnappers and other criminal elements that Ogun State would not provide a safe haven for their activities, stressing that perpetrators, collaborators, informants, logistics providers and sponsors would be pursued and brought to justice.
Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening intelligence gathering, surveillance, operational mobility and inter-agency collaboration as part of sustained efforts to protect lives and property across the state.
He assured residents, visitors and investors that the government would continue to provide necessary support to security agencies to maintain peace and ensure the safety of communities across Ogun State.
The Governor reiterated that the administration’s position on criminality remained unequivocal, declaring that Ogun State would remain hostile to criminal elements while providing a safe and secure environment for every law-abiding resident, visitor and investor.
…Insist Mabaje Remains Consensus Choice, Warn Against Actions Capable of Dividing Ido PDP/APM Structure Ahead of 2027
Stakeholders of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State have expressed strong displeasure over an alleged attempt by certain vested interests to alter the outcome of the party’s consensus arrangement and replace the name of Hon. Abdulrazak Mabaje, who was unanimously endorsed by stakeholders as the party’s chairmanship candidate for the forthcoming local government election.
The stakeholders, in a strongly worded position, described the alleged development as an unacceptable attempt to undermine the collective decision reached after extensive consultations among party leaders, delegates and other critical stakeholders in Ido Local Government.
According to the stakeholders, the consensus process was conducted in accordance with the wishes of the party’s local government structure, culminating in the emergence of Hon. Abdulrazak Mabaje as the preferred candidate. They said the decision was not that of an individual but the product of broad consultations and a collective resolution reached in the interest of the party and the local government.
They alleged that individuals with vested political interests hiding behind the veil of being Gov Makinde’s appointees, are attempting to manipulate the process by changing the name of the candidate already endorsed by the stakeholders. The stakeholders, however, insisted that such an alleged move would amount to disregarding the will of the people who participated in the consensus process.
The aggrieved stakeholders maintained that the decision reached by the Ido Local Government stakeholders must stand, warning that any attempt to impose a different candidate against the agreed consensus could generate unnecessary tension, distrust and division within the local government.
They appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently intervene and ensure that the collective decision of the stakeholders is respected. According to them, the Governor’s intervention is necessary not only to protect the integrity of the process but also to prevent a disagreement over the chairmanship ticket from degenerating into a wider political crisis in Ido.
The stakeholders stressed that what Ido Local Government needs at this critical period is unity, fairness and cohesion, rather than actions capable of creating factions and weakening the party’s grassroots structure.
They further warned that internal disagreements and perceived imposition could have consequences beyond the forthcoming local government election, particularly as political parties are already positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We have followed the process and made our decision. The consensus was reached by the stakeholders of Ido Local Government, and that decision should be respected. Nobody should be allowed to manipulate the process or substitute the choice of the stakeholders for personal or political interests,” the stakeholders maintained.
They urged Governor Makinde to act swiftly and ensure that the issue is resolved amicably, stressing that respecting the consensus reached by the stakeholders would strengthen confidence, preserve unity and ensure that the party enters future elections as a united political family.
The stakeholders also appealed to all party leaders and aspirants to place the collective interest of Ido Local Government above personal ambitions, insisting that the ultimate objective should be to maintain a strong and united political structure capable of delivering victory in subsequent elections.
They reiterated their support for Hon. Abdulrazak Mabaje and called on the relevant party authorities to uphold the consensus decision, warning that “the will of the stakeholders must not be sacrificed on the altar of individual political interests.”
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has declared that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election will not prevent him from losing the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
Oyetola, who is a leading figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, maintained that Adeleke’s political fortunes should be judged by his performance in the state rather than his support for the President.
The former Osun governor’s remarks come amid heightened political activities ahead of the state’s governorship election, with the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) intensifying efforts to mobilise supporters across the state.
Adeleke had publicly expressed support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid, a position that has generated considerable political discussion in Osun and across the South-West. However, Oyetola suggested that the endorsement would not translate into electoral advantage for the incumbent governor at the state level.
The minister’s position reflects the increasingly competitive nature of the Osun political landscape as both major parties prepare for the governorship contest. The 2022 election saw Adeleke defeat Oyetola, with the PDP candidate securing 403,371 votes against Oyetola’s 375,027 votes, according to results announced by INEC.
With the next election approaching, political stakeholders are expected to intensify their campaigns, alliances and grassroots mobilisation as the parties seek to win the confidence of Osun voters.
Oyetola’s latest comment is therefore likely to further fuel the political contest between the APC and PDP, particularly given the history of competition between him and Governor Adeleke.
Hon. Dele Adeola, Member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, has felicitated his colleague, Hon. Ridwan Gbadamosi, popularly known as Wale Canada, who represents Saki East and Atisbo State Constituency, on the occasion of his birthday.
In a goodwill message personally signed by him, Hon. Adeola described Wale Canada as a committed, visionary and resourceful legislator whose contributions have continued to strengthen the Oyo State House of Assembly and promote effective democratic governance.
He commended Gbadamosi for his exemplary leadership, dedication to his constituents and unwavering commitment to public service, noting that his collaborative spirit and proactive engagement on critical legislative matters have made him a valuable partner in the pursuit of impactful policymaking.
Adeola further praised his colleague for his people-oriented representation, stressing that Wale Canada’s interventions and legislative advocacy reflect a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people of Atisbo and Saki East.
He prayed for God to grant Hon. Gbadamosi continued wisdom, sound health, strength and guidance as he advances in his service to the people of Oyo State.
The lawmaker expressed optimism that the new chapter in Wale Canada’s life would usher in greater accomplishments, renewed strength and more opportunities to provide purposeful and transformative leadership.
Former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has endorsed the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Oyinlola made the declaration in Osogbo while addressing political stakeholders and supporters, saying his decision was based on the interest of Osun State and the need for a new direction. He, however, clarified that his faction remains members of the PDP and is not defecting to the APC.
The former governor urged Oyebamiji, if elected, to run an inclusive administration focused on good governance, economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and youth empowerment.
The endorsement is considered politically significant given Oyinlola’s status as a former governor and prominent PDP figure. It comes days before the election, in which Oyebamiji is challenging incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and other candidates for the Osun governorship.
Popular Ibadan-based broadcaster and Accord Party governorship candidate in Oyo State, Oriyomi Hamzat, has claimed that he was among those who encouraged Governor Seyi Makinde to enter the Oyo State governorship race.
Hamzat made the disclosure while addressing members of the Accord Party in Ibadan on Saturday, amid growing political differences between him and Makinde ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the broadcaster, he supported Makinde’s governorship ambition because he believed the former engineer would work for the people of Oyo State.
Hamzat said he should also be given credit for the achievements recorded by the Makinde administration, arguing that those who acknowledge the governor’s accomplishments should equally recognise the people who supported his emergence.
“Seyi Makinde has reformed Oyo. Hence, we are not following you. Who brought Seyi Makinde? I was the one. I was one of those that brought him and supported him as governor,” Hamzat said.
He questioned why his alleged role in supporting Makinde’s political emergence was being overlooked while critics focused on issues surrounding the administration.
“All those good things, why don’t you give me the credit? Why is it that it is the unpleasant side that people are using to attack me?” he asked.
Hamzat further argued that opposition politicians often acknowledge Makinde’s achievements when discussing his administration, but fail to recognise those who supported his emergence.
The broadcaster and Makinde were previously regarded as close political allies. However, their relationship has become strained as Hamzat has entered the 2027 governorship contest on the platform of the Accord Party.
Hamzat is now seeking to succeed Makinde, who is constitutionally ineligible to seek a third consecutive term as governor in 2027.
The development adds another dimension to the emerging political contest in Oyo State, with several political actors positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
As all attention shifts to Osun state for the governorship poll which comes up this Saturday, the All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo state has charged voters “to save their state from charlatans and comedians who have been in the saddle in close to four years with only the record of wastefulness, nepotism and brigandage to show”.
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has fixed August 15, 2026 for the Osun state’s off circle in which the candidate of the APC, Dr. Bola Oyebamiji, is being touted as the favorite over the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking a re-election under the platform of the Accord.
In a statement issued at the weekend and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC cited the need for quality leadership, decent representation and equity in the distribution of resources among communities as major reasons power must change hands in Osun state this this time.
“Regrettably, Osun and Oyo states fell into the wrong hands in 2022 and 2023 respectively and the sad results of this development are evident in the key sectors of both states today. Osun state is worse hit because its residents and indigene have had to with the reality of having an incompetent leader at the helm of affairs. It is quite sad that a state which harbors a University with global reputation for excellence and Africa’s most beautiful campus is being governed by a mere dance freak.
“Today, Osun state people are divided in all spheres because they have a governor who does not know what to do keep his people together. Also, official corruption is the order of the day while distribution of appointments and infrastructure among the people and community is lopsided. Osun and Oyo states have governors who do not get on well with their brothers in the South West geopolitical zones due to party differences and inferiority complex.
“But fortunately enough, the good people of Osun state have been offered another opportunity to get right by electing a competent, intelligent and unifier as their new governor. Dr. Bola Oyebamiji of the APC is the ideal man for the job and he will not disappoint if elected as he is prepared to deliver on his electoral promises. Enough of sponsored violence, brigandage and crime surge in Osun state. APC government will restore peace, accountability in governance and accelerated development in Osun.” Oyo APC stated.
