Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed regret over his decision to choose Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in the 1999 presidential election, saying he would not have picked him had he known what he later came to learn about him.
Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s president from 1999 to 2007, made the remark while reflecting on his political journey and the decision-making process that shaped his administration.
According to the former president, his choice of Atiku as vice-president was based on the information and circumstances available to him at the time. However, he said subsequent experiences and developments changed his perception of his former deputy.
Obasanjo and Atiku served together for eight years under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but their relationship became strained towards the end of their administration.
The disagreement between the two men later escalated into a major political rift, with Atiku eventually leaving the PDP and joining the Action Congress (AC) to contest the 2007 presidential election against the PDP candidate, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Reflecting on his decision, Obasanjo said he would have made a different choice if he had been aware of what he later discovered about Atiku.
The former president’s comments have renewed attention on the long-standing political relationship between the two former leaders, whose partnership was once considered one of the most influential political alliances in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
Atiku, a former vice-president, has remained a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and has contested the presidency several times since leaving office in 2007.
Veteran journalist and multiple-time Press Secretary to former Governors of Oyo State, Chief Lekan Alabi, has passed away at the age of 76.
Alabi, who was the Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland, reportedly died on Saturday morning in Lagos.
According to a press statement from the Olubadan Palace, family sources disclosed that the deceased would be buried on Sunday in accordance with Islamic rites.
Lekan Alabi was a respected journalist and public affairs commentator who served as Press Secretary to former Oyo State Governors, contributing significantly to the state’s media and public communication landscape.
His death is expected to be mourned by the journalism community, traditional institution, political class, and the people of Oyo State.
Professor Segun Aina has officially assumed office as the new Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), succeeding Professor Ishaq Oloyede, whose 10-year tenure came to an end on Friday, July 31, 2026.
Aina, a 40-year-old professor of Computer Engineering, took over the leadership of the nation’s tertiary admissions agency during a handover ceremony held at JAMB’s national headquarters in Bwari, Abuja.
His appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the examination body after the successful completion of Oloyede’s two-term tenure, during which JAMB recorded significant reforms in its admissions process, examination administration, financial transparency, and adoption of technology.
Speaking during the transition, Aina expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the board and pledged to consolidate on the achievements recorded by his predecessor. He assured staff and stakeholders of his commitment to transparency, innovation, professionalism, and continuous improvement in the conduct of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and other statutory responsibilities of the board.
The new registrar is expected to leverage his background in computer engineering and information technology to further strengthen JAMB’s digital infrastructure, enhance examination security, and improve service delivery for candidates, tertiary institutions, and other stakeholders.
On his part, the outgoing Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, thanked members of staff, government officials, tertiary institutions, and Nigerians for their support throughout his decade-long administration. He urged the workforce to extend the same level of cooperation to his successor in order to sustain the board’s progress.
Oloyede’s tenure, which began in 2016, was widely noted for introducing far-reaching reforms that improved the credibility of the UTME, increased internally generated revenue remittances to the Federal Government, strengthened the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), and enhanced public confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process.
The assumption of office by Professor Segun Aina signals the commencement of a new era at JAMB, with expectations that the board will continue to deepen technological innovation and uphold integrity in the nation’s tertiary admissions system.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, CON, FCA (YAYI), has empowered 3,000 market women and men across Ogun East Senatorial District with grants of ₦75,000 each, amounting to a total of ₦225 million, under the fifth edition of his Market Women/Men Support Fund Empowerment Programme.
Speaking at the programme held at the Ojude Oba Pavilion, Awujale Palace, Ijebu Ode, Senator Adeola said the “Oloja YAYI” initiative was created to provide direct support to traders, strengthen small businesses, and improve livelihoods across Ogun State. He noted that the intervention, implemented in partnership with the National Productivity Centre, aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, by stimulating grassroots economic growth through grants rather than loans.
The Senator explained that the programme has grown from an initiative for traders in Ogun West into a statewide empowerment scheme, following its positive impact on beneficiaries. He also highlighted his efforts to improve market infrastructure through the construction of modern markets, solar-powered boreholes, and solar streetlights across major markets, particularly in Ogun East.
Urging beneficiaries to invest the grants in their businesses, Senator Adeola reaffirmed his commitment to expanding economic opportunities for market women and men while continuing to implement people-centred programmes that promote enterprise, create jobs, and improve the welfare of the people of Ogun State.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the Federal Government rejected demands for ransom and the release of detained terrorists before security agencies successfully rescued pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The President stated that the victims were rescued after spending 56 days in captivity, without the government making any concession to the abductors.
Tinubu, in a statement following the successful rescue operation, commended Nigeria’s security agencies for securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers alive, while insisting that the government did not succumb to the demands of the terrorists.
The abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when suspected terrorists attacked schools in communities within Oriire Local Government Area and abducted dozens of pupils and teachers.
The incident sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and prompted intensified efforts by the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government and security agencies to secure the victims’ safe release.
Following weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated operations, the security agencies eventually rescued the victims on July 10 after 56 days in captivity.
The Presidency said the rescue operation involved the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, among other security and intelligence agencies.
According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, eight suspected members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the operation, while some others were neutralised.
Onanuga said there was no “quid pro quo” in the rescue operation, noting that a terrorist kingpin whose release had reportedly been demanded by the abductors remained in custody and was being prosecuted for alleged atrocities.
The development effectively meant that the government refused to exchange the detained suspect for the abducted pupils and teachers.
The President praised the security agencies for their sustained efforts, saying their success in rescuing the victims without conceding to the terrorists’ demands demonstrated the government’s resolve to confront terrorism and protect the lives of Nigerians.
The successful rescue brought relief to the families of the victims and residents of Oyo State, who had endured weeks of uncertainty and anxiety over the fate of the abducted children and their teachers.
The incident also renewed calls for stronger security measures around schools and vulnerable communities across the country.
President Tinubu commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation throughout the rescue efforts and urged relevant authorities to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Federal Government has also reiterated its commitment to confronting terrorism and kidnapping while working with state governments and security agencies to protect citizens and ensure that those responsible for such crimes are brought to justice.
The Ooni of Ife and Natural Head of the Oduduwa Race Worldwide, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has condemned the rising political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a free, fair and credible poll.
The monarch, who is also the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), made the call on Tuesday evening at the ancient Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife while receiving the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, who led a delegation of the commission on a courtesy visit to seek the support and blessings of the traditional institution ahead of the off-cycle election.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the INEC delegation was received by the Ooni alongside prominent monarchs from the Osun State Council of Obas.
The Ooni urged political stakeholders to embrace peace and allow the electorate to freely determine who governs the state through a transparent and credible electoral process.
Addressing the INEC Chairman, the monarch said the prevailing political atmosphere in Osun had become increasingly worrisome, stressing that traditional rulers, as custodians of peace and unity, could not remain silent while political tensions continued to escalate.
“There is political tension in Osun State and, truth be told, the tension is becoming unbearable for us. As traditional rulers, we must remain above politics because Osun State is bigger than any politician. We occupy the thrones of our forefathers and our responsibility is to speak the truth at all times, irrespective of political affiliations,” the Ooni said.
He said the traditional institution had a responsibility to engage political leaders constructively and remind them that governance should be driven by justice, fairness and the welfare of the people rather than partisan interests.
The Ooni noted that while politicians could change alliances based on personal or political interests, the traditional institution remained permanently committed to protecting the peace, stability and unity of the state.
“Politics is about interests. Those who are opponents today may become allies tomorrow, but the people remain. We do not want political interests to divide our communities or threaten the peace of Osun State. Let the people come out freely to vote and decide who they want to govern them,” he stated.
The monarch called on INEC to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with absolute neutrality, transparency and professionalism, saying the electoral umpire had a crucial role to play in reducing political anxiety across the state.
“You are the umpire. Be very just, upright and transparent in the conduct of this election. We want the election to be free, fair and credible. You have the responsibility to douse the growing tension and inspire confidence among all political stakeholders,” he said.
The Ooni also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and create an enabling environment for INEC to operate independently.
He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and actions capable of provoking violence, stressing that political competition must not degenerate into hostility.
According to him, no election should be allowed to destroy relationships or permanently divide communities, as politicians and their supporters would continue to coexist after the polls.
“The traditional institution will continue to promote peace across Osun State. We will continue to encourage politicians to embrace peaceful campaigns because elections should never become a source of bloodshed, destruction or division,” the Ooni said.
He further urged citizens to participate peacefully in the electoral process without fear or intimidation, insisting that the wishes of the electorate must ultimately prevail.
Earlier, the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, said the visit to the Ooni’s Palace was both a cultural obligation and an institutional engagement aimed at securing the support of the traditional institution for a peaceful governorship election.
Describing Ile-Ife as the ancestral home of the Yoruba race and the Ooni as a foremost custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, Amupitan said INEC recognised the influential role of traditional rulers in promoting peace and public confidence during elections.
“We have come to pay homage to Your Imperial Majesty and seek your royal blessings. Osun occupies a unique place in Nigeria because its people are politically conscious. This election is significant, not only for Osun State, but also as a major test ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.
The INEC Chairman assured the royal fathers that the commission remained committed to delivering a free, fair, transparent and credible governorship election, adding that technology, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), would be deployed to safeguard the integrity of the process.
Amupitan said rebuilding public confidence in INEC remained a major priority, stressing that such confidence could only be earned through transparent elections that genuinely reflect the will of the people.
He also appealed to traditional rulers to intensify efforts to promote peaceful coexistence by prevailing on political actors and their supporters to reject violence and embrace issue-based campaigns.
The INEC Chairman expressed concern over the security situation in the state and urged political parties to refrain from actions capable of threatening public peace.
He further cautioned against vote-buying and other electoral malpractices, urging eligible voters to reject inducements and exercise their civic responsibility freely.
Amupitan assured residents that adequate electoral materials would be deployed across the state ahead of the election, while urging political parties and members of the public to rely only on official information from INEC and avoid spreading unverified claims capable of heightening political tension.
Igbo-Elerin Grammar School, Ibadan has held its valedictory service for the 2026 graduating Senior Secondary School students, featuring colourful celebrations, cultural displays, and the presentation of awards and prizes to outstanding students and teachers.
The event, which brought together members of the school community, parents, alumni, dignitaries, and well-wishers, was marked by a prize-giving ceremony designed to recognise academic excellence and encourage students to strive for greater achievements.
Among the highlights of the event was the presentation of prizes sponsored by the 1980 set of the school to deserving students. The 1983 set also presented awards to the best graduating students in recognition of their outstanding academic performance.
The Venerable Popoola Best Student Award was equally presented to outstanding graduating students, while the Chief Gbade Ojo Award recognised both the best graduating students and deserving teachers for their exceptional contributions.
Similarly, the Dr Sikiru Adebayo Award was presented in recognition of outstanding graduating students and teachers who distinguished themselves through academic excellence and dedication.
The Guest Lecturer at the occasion, Dr Akintunde Ishaq, further demonstrated his support for education by donating ₦200,000 to the teachers of the school.
The ceremony also featured a colourful cultural display by the students, adding entertainment and cultural significance to the celebration.
The Father of the Day and Chairman of the occasion was Alhaji Ismaheel Tunde Hammed, Chief Executive Officer of Waterfield Luxury Hotel, who joined other dignitaries in celebrating the graduating students and encouraging them to pursue their dreams with determination, discipline, and integrity.
The event was hosted by the Principal of Igbo-Elerin Grammar School, Ajewole E.O., who expressed appreciation to the sponsors, alumni, teachers, parents, guests, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the valedictory service.
The ceremony concluded with goodwill messages and celebrations as the graduating students officially marked the end of their secondary school education and looked forward to the next phase of their academic and personal journeys
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday received the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and other traditional rulers from Oyo State during a courtesy visit to the State House.
The delegation, led by Oba Ladoja, included prominent traditional rulers and leaders from across the state, who were at the Presidential Villa to pay a courtesy visit to the President.
Among those in the delegation were the Aare Ago of Ogbomoso, the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Balogun of Ibadanland, the Onigbeti of Igbeti, the Alajawa of Ajawa, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, the Aseyin of Iseyin, and Mogaji Wole Arisekola.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the traditional rulers to engage with President Tinubu on matters of importance to Oyo State and the country, while also strengthening the relationship between the traditional institution and the Federal Government.
Also present at the meeting were the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe; the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Zach Adedeji; and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare.
The visit further underscored the role of traditional institutions in promoting unity, peace, development and collaboration between communities and the government.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warned political opponents planning to challenge him in the 2027 presidential election to prepare for a tough political contest, declaring that he will not make the race easy for anyone.
Tinubu, while speaking on the 2027 election and the political activities ahead of the poll, said he was ready to face his opponents in a competitive contest, stressing that politics should be approached as a fair game.
The President said, “I won’t offer them a red carpet. We will wrestle each other to the finishing point.”
Tinubu also maintained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains a neutral umpire in the electoral process, insisting that every political actor has the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
He said the political contest ahead of the 2027 general election would be determined by the strength of the competing parties and candidates, while urging politicians to abide by the rules of the game.
The President’s comments come amid growing political realignments and preparations by opposition parties and political groups ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Tinubu’s declaration signals his readiness for a competitive battle as political parties begin positioning themselves for the next general election.
With the 2027 election expected to generate intense political activity, the President’s remarks have further heightened attention on the emerging contest and the potential lineup of candidates seeking the nation’s highest political office.
The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has condemned the rising political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the foremost African monarch made the appeal on Tuesday evening at the ancient Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife while receiving the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, who led a delegation of the commission on a courtesy visit to seek the support and blessings of the traditional institution ahead of the off-cycle governorship election.
The INEC delegation was received by the Ooni alongside prominent monarchs from the Osun State Council of Obas, who gathered at the palace for the engagement.
The Ooni urged political stakeholders to embrace peace and allow the electorate to determine the state’s next governor through a free, fair and credible electoral process.
Addressing the INEC Chairman, the Ooni said the prevailing political atmosphere in the state had become increasingly worrisome, stressing that traditional rulers, as custodians of peace and unity, could not remain silent while tensions continued to escalate.
“There is political tension in Osun State and, truth be told, the tension is becoming unbearable for us. As traditional rulers, we must remain above politics because Osun State is bigger than any politician. We occupy the thrones of our forefathers and our responsibility is to speak the truth at all times, irrespective of political affiliations,” the Ooni said.
He emphasised that the traditional institution owed a duty to engage political leaders constructively and remind them that governance should be centred on justice, fairness and the welfare of the people rather than partisan interests.
According to the Ooni, politicians may change alliances based on personal or political interests, but the traditional institution remains permanently committed to protecting the peace, stability and unity of the state.
“Politics is about interests. Those who are opponents today may become allies tomorrow, but the people remain. We do not want political interests to divide our communities or threaten the peace of Osun State. Let the people come out freely to vote and decide who they want to govern them,” he stated.
The revered monarch called on INEC to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with absolute neutrality, transparency and professionalism, noting that the electoral umpire holds the key to reducing the current political anxiety across the state.
“You are the umpire. Be very just, upright and transparent in the conduct of this election. We want the election to be free, fair and credible. You have the responsibility to douse the growing tension and inspire confidence among all political stakeholders,” he said.
The Ooni further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and for creating an enabling environment for INEC to operate independently.
“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for empowering INEC to function independently and for providing the commission with the support needed to carry out its constitutional mandate. We believe the commission should justify that confidence by ensuring justice, fairness and credibility throughout the electoral process,” he added.
While appealing to political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of provoking violence, the monarch warned against allowing political competition to degenerate into hostility.
He stressed that no election should be allowed to destroy relationships or permanently divide communities, reminding politicians that they would continue to coexist long after the polls.
“The traditional institution will continue to promote peace across Osun State. We will continue to encourage politicians to embrace peaceful campaigns because elections should never become a source of bloodshed, destruction or division,” he said.
The Ooni also urged citizens to participate peacefully in the electoral process without fear or intimidation, insisting that the wishes of the electorate must ultimately prevail.
Earlier, INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, said the visit to the Ooni’s Palace was both a cultural obligation and an institutional engagement aimed at securing the support of the traditional institution for a peaceful governorship election.
Describing Ile-Ife as the ancestral home of the Yoruba race and the Ooni as the foremost custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, Amupitan said the commission recognised the influential role of traditional rulers in promoting peace and public confidence during elections.
“We have come to pay homage to Your Imperial Majesty and seek your royal blessings. Osun occupies a unique place in Nigeria because its people are politically conscious. This election is significant, not only for Osun State, but also as a major test ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.
The INEC chairman assured the royal fathers that the commission remained committed to delivering a free, fair, transparent and credible governorship election, adding that technology, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), would be fully deployed to safeguard the integrity of the process.
He disclosed that rebuilding public confidence in INEC remained a major priority of his administration, stressing that such confidence could only be earned through transparent elections that genuinely reflect the will of the people.
Amupitan also appealed to the traditional rulers to intensify efforts at promoting peaceful coexistence by prevailing on political actors and their supporters to reject violence and embrace issue-based campaigns.
He expressed concern over the prevailing security situation in the state and urged political parties to refrain from actions capable of threatening public peace.
The INEC chairman further cautioned against vote-buying and other electoral malpractices, encouraging eligible voters to reject inducements and exercise their civic responsibility freely.
He assured residents that adequate electoral materials would be deployed across the state ahead of the election, while urging political parties and members of the public to rely only on official information from INEC and avoid spreading unverified claims capable of heightening political tension.
