Oduduwa News

The Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed an overwhelming turnout on Thursday as hundreds of supporters of Accord Party presidential hopeful, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, gathered in solidarity while he formally commenced legal proceedings to reclaim what he describes as his lawfully earned presidential mandate.

The large crowd, made up of party members, youth groups, women, and political associates from different parts of the country, filled the court premises and surrounding areas, making movement around the court complex slow and difficult as supporters waited to demonstrate their backing for the presidential hopeful.

Hashim has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an order compelling the Accord Party to recognise him as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election and transmit his name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

In an Originating Summons filed before the court, Hashim named the Accord Party and INEC as the first and second defendants respectively.

The plaintiff is asking the court to determine whether the party’s failure to upload his name to INEC’s nomination portal, despite his emergence as the sole winner of the Accord Party presidential primary held on May 30, 2026, violates the Electoral Act, 2026, the Constitution, and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties.

Hashim is seeking a declaration that the party’s refusal to forward his name to INEC amounts to a breach of Section 86 of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as Clauses 28(1) and 28(2) of the electoral guidelines governing the nomination of candidates.

He is also asking the court to order the Accord Party to upload and submit his name to INEC as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Alternatively, the plaintiff is asking the court to direct the party to conduct a fresh presidential primary in which he would participate should the court decline to order the submission of his name.

In an affidavit supporting the suit, Hashim stated that he is a registered and financial member of the Accord Party and claimed to have sponsored the party’s electronic membership drive with a payment of ₦7 million.
He further averred that he paid ₦50 million as the prescribed nomination fee to contest the party’s presidential primary and emerged as the sole aspirant and winner of the exercise conducted on May 30, 2026. According to him, the primary election was monitored by officials of INEC in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

Hashim alleged that despite his victory, the Accord Party failed to submit his name to the electoral commission as its presidential candidate.

He also claimed that the party did not provide aspirants with guidelines for the conduct of the presidential primary, contrary to INEC’s regulations, but said he proceeded with the process based on assurances allegedly given by the party’s national leadership.

In the written address filed in support of the suit, counsel to the plaintiff, Chief Henry Akunebu (SAN), argued that political parties are legally bound to comply with the Electoral Act, their constitutions, and INEC’s guidelines in the nomination of candidates.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria contended that once a political party conducts a valid primary election and produces a winner, it has a statutory obligation to submit the name of that winner to INEC and cannot act arbitrarily to deny the successful aspirant the benefits of the democratic process.
The plaintiff urged the court to uphold the principles of internal party democracy by granting all the reliefs sought in the suit.

At Thursday’s proceedings before Court 5 on the fourth floor of the Federal High Court, counsel representing INEC applied for an adjournment to enable the commission respond to the suit.

Counsel for the Accord Party aligned with the application and also supported the request for an adjournment. However, counsel to Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, Chief Henry Akunebu (SAN), opposed the application and urged the court to proceed with the hearing.

After hearing all parties, the presiding judge granted the application for adjournment and fixed Tuesday, July 14, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.

The case is expected to test the application of the Electoral Act, 2026, and reinforce judicial scrutiny of internal party democracy ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Minister of Defence, , has revealed that the kidnappers behind the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State warned that they would kill the victims if security forces attempted a military rescue operation.

Speaking while addressing journalists, the minister explained that the threat from the armed bandits compelled security agencies to adopt a cautious and intelligence-driven approach rather than an outright offensive, with the primary objective of safeguarding the lives of the abducted victims.

According to him, the Federal Government has continued to coordinate efforts among the military, intelligence agencies, the police and other security organisations to secure the safe release of those held captive.

He stressed that the government remains committed to rescuing the victims alive, noting that every decision taken by security agencies has been guided by the need to avoid actions that could endanger their lives.

The minister acknowledged the anxiety and frustration of the affected families and residents, assuring them that the government has not relented in its efforts to bring the victims home safely. He urged Nigerians to remain patient and support ongoing security operations by providing credible information that could assist the authorities.

The abduction of the pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government has continued to generate widespread concern across Oyo State, with residents, civil society organisations and political leaders calling for intensified efforts to secure the victims’ freedom and improve security across the state.

The Federal Government reiterated its resolve to confront kidnapping and other violent crimes while strengthening security measures to prevent future attacks on schools and communities across the country.

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle, thwarting a planned abduction at a block industry located along the Akure-Owo Expressway.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying the operation followed a distress call received at about 3:30 a.m.

According to the police, about seven masked gunmen invaded Olaiya Block Industry, situated beside Ilu-Abo High School in Ilu-Abo, and demanded to see the owner of the business.

Officers attached to the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Ilu-Abo, immediately responded to the distress call. On sighting the operatives, the armed suspects reportedly opened fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.

During the encounter, two of the suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while other members of the gang fled into a nearby bush with suspected gunshot wounds.

The police recovered a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, four mobile phones, several face masks and two ATM cards believed to belong to the suspects or their victims.

DSP Jimoh said the bodies of the deceased suspects had been deposited at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, while the case has been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and urged residents, particularly healthcare workers, to report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds or displaying suspicious behaviour to the nearest police station.

The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-driven policing.

The Accord Alliance Movement (AAM), also known as the Movement for New Nigeria, on Wednesday formally reaffirmed its support for Dr. Gbenga Joel Olawepo-Hashim as the Accord Party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, while unveiling a new political movement aimed at mobilising support across the country.

Speaking at the inauguration of the movement in Abuja, the Director-General of the AAM, Hon. Light Adah Adoko, described the event as a defining moment in the group’s political journey, saying the coalition was established to promote what it called a “New Nigeria” vision.

Adoko alleged that some forces within the Accord Party were attempting to undermine the party’s internal democratic process by frustrating Hashim’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate.

According to him, the movement believes Hashim remains the party’s sole presidential aspirant and deserves the ticket, arguing that any attempt to deny him the nomination would amount to an erosion of internal democracy.

“The Accord Alliance Movement was born out of necessity to defend democratic values and the aspirations of members who believe in a transparent and credible political process,” he said.

Adoko also criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing a vote of no confidence over what he described as its inability to adequately address insecurity, economic hardship and the rising cost of living.

He said the movement was convinced that Nigeria required a new direction anchored on accountable leadership, national unity and inclusive development.

The AAM Director-General described Hashim as a longstanding advocate of democracy whose political ideals, he said, resonate with many Nigerians seeking change.

He urged members of the movement and supporters of the Accord Party to remain united and committed to building a broad-based political platform ahead of the 2027 general election.

Adoko said the newly inaugurated movement would embark on nationwide mobilisation to strengthen grassroots participation and promote the party’s candidates during the elections.

He expressed confidence that the Accord Alliance Movement would evolve into a formidable political force dedicated to restoring hope, peace, progress and prosperity in Nigeria.

The event concluded with a renewed pledge by members of the movement to support the Accord Party and work towards what they described as the emergence of a “New Nigeria” under the leadership of Dr. Gbenga Joel Olawepo-Hashim.

Former Oyo State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Professor Rahman Raphael Afonja, has called for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to generate groundbreaking research capable of advancing Nigeria’s energy sector and driving national development.

Professor Afonja made the call today while delivering remarks at the 3rd Annual Personality Lecture in honour of Professor Akin Iwayemi, organised by the Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law CPEEL at the University of Ibadan.

The lecture, which coincided with Professor Iwayemi’s birthday celebration, was themed “Nigeria’s Transition to Competitive Energy Markets: Lessons from Reform and the Road Ahead.”

Speaking on the importance of evidence-based policymaking, Afonja stressed that meaningful collaboration between universities, research institutions, government agencies and private sector players is essential to producing innovative solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges.

He lamented what he described as the long-standing neglect of the academic community, noting that researchers and institutions have continued to grapple with inadequate funding, a situation he said has limited the country’s capacity to produce high-impact research capable of informing policy and industrial development.

According to him, sustained investment in academic research is critical, particularly in the energy sector, where Nigeria is undergoing far-reaching reforms aimed at liberalising and decentralising the electricity market.

Afonja noted that with the ongoing implementation of electricity sector reforms, which empower sub-national governments to establish and regulate their own electricity markets, there is an urgent need for research that will guide states in developing efficient, competitive and sustainable power systems.

He maintained that robust funding for energy research would provide policymakers with reliable data and practical recommendations needed to ensure the success of the reforms and accelerate economic growth.

The former commissioner urged governments, development partners and private investors to prioritise research funding and deepen partnerships with higher institutions, saying such collaborations would not only strengthen innovation but also enhance Nigeria’s capacity to achieve a secure, reliable and competitive energy future.

The annual personality lecture attracted academics, energy experts, policymakers, students and other stakeholders, who examined the progress of Nigeria’s ongoing energy market reforms and explored strategies for ensuring a more competitive and resilient energy sector.

Panic gripped residents and commuters in the Ojoo area of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Wednesday following a violent clash involving suspected scavengers, popularly known as “Baban Bola,” with one person feared dead.

The confrontation reportedly broke out after a disagreement among members of the group, escalating into a fierce fight that disrupted commercial activities and caused motorists and pedestrians to flee for safety.

Eyewitnesses said weapons including sticks and other dangerous objects were used during the clash, while traders hurriedly shut their shops to avoid being caught in the violence. The incident also resulted in heavy traffic along the ever-busy Ojoo axis as commuters sought alternative routes.

Although one person is feared to have lost his life, the casualty had not been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report. Security operatives were said to have swiftly responded to the scene, restoring normalcy and preventing the violence from spreading.

Residents have expressed concern over the recurring activities of suspected scavengers in the area and called on the Oyo State Government and security agencies to strengthen measures aimed at preventing similar incidents and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

As of press time, the Oyo State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while efforts were ongoing to ascertain the immediate cause of the clash and the exact number of casualties.

Popular TikTok content creator, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, and his associate, Bello Oladipo, have been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court over allegations of obstructing police officers while carrying out their lawful duties.

The Lagos State Police Command on Monday, July 6, brought the duo before the court on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, resisting arrest, obstructing police officers, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

According to the police, the charges stem from an incident that occurred on July 2 along the Coastal Road in Lekki, Lagos, where officers intercepted Peller for allegedly driving a vehicle without registration number plates.

Police said Peller explained that the vehicle had been recently purchased, but the officers insisted on taking him to the police station for further investigation.

The situation reportedly escalated after Peller began filming the encounter with his mobile phone. The TikToker later alleged that the officers became hostile, claiming one of them pulled his shirt and pointed a firearm at him. However, the police denied the allegations and proceeded with criminal charges against him and his associate.

In the charge sheet presented before the court, the prosecution alleged that the defendants conspired to resist public officers, obstructed ASP Agbede Victor and three other police officers while they were performing their lawful duties, and conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of public peace by threatening and recording the officers during the operation.

The offences are said to be punishable under Sections 411, 117(1)(2), and 168(a) & (d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following their plea, the court granted Peller and Oladipo bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each with two sureties. The court directed that one of the sureties must be a blood relative, while the defendants are also required to present two years’ tax clearance certificates.

The case was adjourned until August 11, 2026, for further hearing.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, , has strongly criticised the administration of President over the country’s worsening security situation, calling on the President to either resign or refrain from seeking re-election.

In a statement titled “Worsening Leadership Crisis in the Country Now Evident,” Obi said the increasing wave of insecurity and prolonged captivity of kidnapped schoolchildren reflect a collapse of governance and a lack of compassionate leadership.

According to Obi, the government and people of have every reason to feel abandoned following the abduction of schoolchildren, who, he said, had remained in captivity for more than 50 days without any tangible progress toward their rescue.

The former Anambra State governor disclosed that he had publicly spoken about the incident on two occasions and appealed directly to the kidnappers to release the children. He also revealed that he had contacted Governor twice to express solidarity, describing the incident as a national tragedy rather than an Oyo State problem.

Obi further stated that on July 3, he visited Ibadan alongside to meet with Governor Makinde and discuss the worsening security situation. During the meeting, he said he shared his experiences in tackling insecurity while serving as governor of Anambra State.

He recalled that former Presidents , , and would personally reach out to governors during major security crises.

Obi said he was surprised to learn from Governor Makinde that President Tinubu had allegedly not called him regarding the kidnapping despite the children having remained in captivity for more than 50 days.

Drawing comparisons with the , Obi noted that former President Jonathan faced widespread criticism for delaying contact with the Borno State governor at the time. He argued that President Tinubu, who was among Jonathan’s critics then, should now be held to the same standard.

According to Obi, there have been more than 13 school kidnapping incidents under the current administration, yet the President has allegedly failed to personally reach out to the affected state’s chief executive in the latest case.

Describing the situation as evidence of failed governance, Obi said the administration has demonstrated a lack of capacity, compassion, and sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians.

He concluded by urging President Tinubu to either resign or, at the very least, not seek a second term in office, insisting that his position was driven by patriotism rather than politics.

As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued an official response to Obi’s remarks.

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a man identified as a masquerade in connection with the alleged murder of a 24-year-old resident of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The suspect was apprehended following an investigation into the killing, which reportedly occurred during a masquerade procession in the city. The incident has sparked outrage among residents, with many calling for justice and stricter enforcement of public safety during traditional festivities.

According to police sources, the 24-year-old victim allegedly sustained fatal injuries during an altercation involving the masquerade. He was rushed to a medical facility but was confirmed dead despite efforts to save his life.

The police said the suspect has been taken into custody, while detectives continue their investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and whether other individuals were involved.

The Command assured members of the public that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, urging residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.

The incident has renewed calls for better regulation of masquerade activities and improved security measures during cultural festivals to prevent avoidable loss of lives. Police also appealed to witnesses and anyone with useful information to cooperate with investigators to ensure justice is served.

A man identified as Surri Ilupeju has publicly denied allegations linking him to illegal firearms, insisting that he is innocent and has never been involved in armed robbery or any criminal activity.

Speaking emotionally while pleading for justice, Ilupeju maintained that the guns allegedly recovered from him do not belong to him, accusing the police of planting the weapons in a bid to falsely implicate him.

“I’m not an armed robber. I have never held a gun before in my life. I’m not the owner of those guns. Police brought them to implicate me. I’m a transporter; I have never committed any crime,” he said.

The visibly distressed transporter appealed to the public, human rights organisations, and relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that justice prevails.

His claims have sparked conversations on social media, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest and the alleged recovery of the firearms.

As of the time of filing this report, the police have not publicly responded to Ilupeju’s allegations or provided additional details addressing his claims.

The case remains under investigation, and no court has determined Ilupeju’s guilt or innocence.