Leaders, stakeholders, and longstanding members of the Accord Party in Osun State, including executives who were in the party long before Governor Ademola Adeleke joined its ranks, on Wednesday reaffirmed their support for Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, insisting that no external influence can override the will of party members.

The declaration was made at a rally in Osogbo attended by party leaders, women groups, youth supporters, and grassroots members from across the state.

Speaking on behalf of the party, Daniel Adedayo said the gathering was convened to formally reaffirm Olawepo-Hashim’s mandate and send a clear message that Accord members in Osun remain firmly behind his presidential aspiration.

According to him, Olawepo-Hashim possesses the vision, experience, and national appeal required to provide the leadership Nigeria needs at this critical moment.

“Our gathering here today is to reaffirm our support for Olawepo-Hashim as the party’s presidential candidate. He is the man Nigerians are waiting for, and we are ready to stand with him all the way,” Adedayo said.

The party leaders rejected suggestions that support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid in the August 15 governorship election should translate into abandoning the party’s presidential ambition.

“Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim remains our presidential candidate. Nobody can trade away a mandate freely given by party members. The governorship election and the presidential election are separate matters,” Adedayo declared.

Also speaking, the party’s Women Leader, Rukayat Olanrewaju, described Olawepo-Hashim’s emergence as a reflection of the confidence party members have in his leadership, integrity, and vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria.

She said party members in Osun State remain resolute in their support for his candidacy and would continue to mobilise grassroots support for his campaign ahead of the 2027 election.

Hundreds of supporters waved banners and placards in support of Olawepo-Hashim, chanting slogans and declaring their loyalty to what they described as the party’s authentic presidential mandate.

The stakeholders urged the national leadership of the party to respect the wishes of members and uphold the principles of internal democracy, insisting that the mandate given to Olawepo-Hashim cannot be negotiated, substituted, or surrendered to external political interests.

The rally comes amid ongoing controversy over the Accord Party’s presidential nomination process, with supporters maintaining that Olawepo-Hashim remains the validly elected and widely accepted choice of party members across the country.

IBADAN – Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has assured residents that the state government and security agencies are working relentlessly to secure the safe release of the pupils and teachers abducted from schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

In a message addressed to the people of Oyo State, the governor acknowledged the pain and anxiety caused by the prolonged captivity of the victims, noting that 27 days had passed since they were taken by their abductors.

Makinde said he understood that repeated assurances from the government might seem inadequate in the absence of visible results but stressed that every available lawful measure was being pursued to ensure the victims return home safely.

He explained that while operational details could not be disclosed for security reasons, authorities continued to follow every credible lead and remained committed to achieving a successful rescue.

The governor disclosed that intelligence reports indicated the abducted children and teachers were still within the wider Old Oyo National Park axis, a vast area spanning parts of 10 local government areas and covering approximately 2,500 square kilometres.

According to him, the difficult terrain and expansive nature of the area have made rescue operations particularly challenging, requiring patience, coordination and sustained efforts by security personnel.

Makinde appealed to residents across the state to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the state’s toll-free Citizens Enquiry Number, 615, which operates around the clock.

He also urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information that could jeopardise ongoing rescue efforts, encouraging them instead to rely on official updates.

The governor expressed solidarity with the families of the victims, assuring them that their loved ones had not been forgotten and remained the government’s top priority.

He further called on residents to continue praying for the safe return of the abducted children and teachers while supporting security agencies in their efforts to bring the ordeal to a successful conclusion.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has directed police commands across Nigeria to immediately intensify enforcement against vehicles operating without valid registration number plates or with concealed, altered, defaced, or otherwise obscured plates.

According to the IGP, the increasing number of vehicles on Nigerian roads without proper identification poses a serious threat to public safety and national security. He noted that criminals often exploit unregistered or disguised vehicles to evade detection while carrying out offences such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes.

Under the directive, Commissioners of Police, Tactical Commanders, and Heads of Formations nationwide have been instructed to stop and impound any vehicle found without approved registration plates or with tampered identification marks. Such vehicles and their owners are expected to face appropriate legal procedures in line with existing laws.

The police leadership emphasized that displaying a valid number plate is a legal requirement and an important tool for crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and effective law enforcement. The IGP warned that the new enforcement campaign would apply equally to all motorists, with no exemptions or preferential treatment.

The Nigeria Police Force also urged vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and that their number plates remain clearly visible and untampered to avoid sanctions during the nationwide operation.

The Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), alongside several civil society organisations and community groups, has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over what they describe as the slow pace of efforts to rescue more than 40 students and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo State.

The criticism comes weeks after gunmen attacked schools in the Oriire Local Government Area, kidnapping dozens of pupils and seven teachers. The incident has sparked widespread concern among parents, labour unions, and residents, with calls intensifying for urgent government intervention.

At a public demonstration, OPC members and civil society activists accused both the federal and state governments of failing to act swiftly enough to secure the victims’ freedom. Protesters urged security agencies to intensify rescue operations and demanded greater transparency regarding the progress of efforts to locate the abductees.

The prolonged captivity of the victims has also triggered industrial action. The Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers declared an indefinite strike across public primary and secondary schools, arguing that teachers and pupils cannot continue learning under such conditions of insecurity.

Governor Makinde has appealed for patience and support, stating that the federal, state, and local governments are collaborating with security agencies to secure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers. He has urged the public to avoid assigning blame while rescue efforts continue and reiterated that the safety of residents remains a priority.

The mass abduction has renewed national debate over insecurity in Nigeria and increased pressure on authorities to strengthen the protection of schools and vulnerable communities. Parents, unions, and advocacy groups continue to call for the immediate and safe release of all those still being held captive.

Organised labour, civil society leaders, politicians, youth groups, women leaders, and pro-democracy advocates on Wednesday joined forces with Accord Party presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, as the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR) was formally launched in Abuja.

The event drew hundreds of participants from across the country, united by a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and expanding citizen participation.

Speaking on behalf of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, the Chairman of the NLC FCT Council, Dr. Steven Nabayi, said organised labour was working with Hashim because of his credibility, integrity, and long standing commitment to democratic practice in Nigeria.

He said Labour recognised him as a partner in advancing democratic values and protecting workers’ interests.

“We actually need such a movement because things are not going the right way in the country.

Nigerians need good governance, and wherever we see initiatives to promote good governance, we are part of it,” Nabayi said.

The launch featured labour leaders, civil society representatives, youth organisations, women groups, and political stakeholders who pledged support for democratic renewal and national development.

Addressing the gathering, Hashim said the Movement for Democratic Renewal was established to defend democracy, strengthen institutions, and ensure governance remains responsive to ordinary Nigerians.

He commended workers, youth groups, women leaders, and civil society actors for their commitment to democratic values and nation-building.

“Our democracy should be truly representative through free and fair elections. Workers must not be left behind,” Hashim said.

He warned that rising inflation and naira depreciation were eroding workers’ earnings, noting that wage increases lose value when purchasing power continues to fall.

He proposed policies to stabilise the currency, boost productivity, expand local production, and strengthen energy security through increased domestic refining capacity.

Hashim also urged deeper collaboration between labour, civil society, and true progressive political forces, saying organised labour has always played a central role in Nigeria’s democratic struggles.

“Labour and true progressive leaders must continue to work hand in hand to protect democracy and advance the interests of the people,” he said.

He further raised concerns over insecurity, calling for stronger protection of lives and property across the country.

According to organisers, MDR is a coalition of trade unionists, political actors, civil society groups, and citizens committed to democratic inclusion, electoral integrity, social justice, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.

They said the movement was launched in response to concerns over shrinking civic space, weakening institutions, and declining public confidence in the electoral process.

Organisers expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen democratic accountability and contribute to a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous Nigeria.
Dr Gbenga Hashim and the NLC President Comrade Joe Ajero are Co- Chairmen of the Newly launched Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR).Representatives of Industrial Unions attended the Launch while the Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress Comrade Denja Yaqub gave the vote of thanks.

The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) is set to celebrate ten years of uninterrupted operations, marking a significant milestone as one of Nigeria’s few civil society organizations that has operated entirely without foreign funding or external institutional backing since its establishment.

Registered in January 2016, PeacePro has spent the last decade demonstrating that locally driven organizations can survive, grow, and make meaningful contributions to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, research, and policy advocacy through indigenous resources and community support.

Speaking ahead of the anniversary, PeacePro’s Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat described its ten year journey as evidence that impact is not determined by the size of an organization’s funding but by the strength of its vision, credibility, and commitment to public service.

According to Hamzat, its decade long record challenges the widespread belief that African NGOs must depend on foreign donors to remain relevant and effective.

“Over the years, PeacePro has undertaken numerous interventions aimed at preventing violence, promoting dialogue, and strengthening peaceful coexistence across Nigeria”.

In 2017, the organization played a key role in efforts that helped curtail a communal crisis in Osun State. It also intervened during a period of rising tension in Northern Nigeria following the circulation of a hate song that threatened to fuel hostility against a particular ethnic group.

The organization has further facilitated dialogue among conflicting parties, supported out of court settlements, and conducted fact finding missions in conflict prone areas, including Southern Kaduna during periods of intense farmers herders clashes.

Beyond conflict intervention, PeacePro has established itself as a notable voice in peace and security research. Through flagship initiatives such as the Nigeria Peace Index, State of Peace Report, and Africa Peace Insight, the organization has generated data, analysis, and policy recommendations on peace and security trends in Nigeria and across the African continent.

The organization has also led several advocacy campaigns, most notably its campaign for the demilitarization of Africa and slavery accountability by countries and organizations who made gains or inherited gains of slavery. Through research, public engagement, and policy advocacy, PeacePro has consistently argued for governance driven and people centred approaches to peace and security, while advocating reduced dependence on military solutions and foreign security arrangements.

As it enters its second decade, PeacePro says it remains committed to advancing peacebuilding, strengthening democratic values, promoting social cohesion, and supporting sustainable development across Africa.

Hamzat noted that its greatest achievement over the last ten years is not merely the projects it has implemented or the reports it has published, but its success in proving that an independent African institution can sustain itself, maintain its voice, and make a measurable impact without foreign funding.

For PeacePro, the tenth anniversary represents more than a celebration of longevity. It is a testament to the capacity of indigenous organizations to build resilient institutions, influence public discourse, and contribute to national and continental development through local initiative and local ownership.

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has criticized the borrowing profile of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that the current government has accumulated more debt in three years than the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari did in eight years.

Obi made the assertion while expressing concerns over Nigeria’s rising debt burden and its implications for economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and the welfare of citizens.

According to the former Anambra State governor, the Tinubu administration has engaged in what he described as “remarkably imprudent borrowing,” leading to a significant increase in the country’s public debt stock within a relatively short period.

He argued that while borrowing is not inherently bad, loans should be tied to productive investments capable of stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, boosting exports, and improving the living standards of Nigerians.

Obi maintained that the continuous accumulation of debt without corresponding improvements in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and manufacturing raises concerns about the country’s fiscal future.

The Labour Party chieftain called on the federal government to prioritize prudent management of public resources, reduce wasteful spending, and channel borrowed funds into projects that would yield measurable economic returns.

He further urged policymakers to focus on increasing productivity, supporting local industries, and expanding the nation’s revenue base rather than relying heavily on borrowing to finance government operations.

Obi’s comments come amid ongoing debates over Nigeria’s debt profile and the sustainability of the country’s fiscal policies, with economists and financial experts continuing to weigh in on the government’s borrowing strategy and its impact on future generations.

As of recent years, Nigeria’s public debt has continued to rise due to a combination of domestic and external borrowings aimed at funding budget deficits, infrastructure projects, and other government obligations.

The Federal Government has, however, consistently defended its borrowing strategy, arguing that the loans are necessary to finance development projects, stimulate economic growth, and address critical infrastructure gaps across the country.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has expressed concern over the alleged illegal extortion of candidates participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), accusing some schools and examination supervisors of imposing unauthorized charges on students.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the examination body disclosed that it had received several complaints from candidates who were allegedly compelled to make payments under various pretexts, including transportation of examination materials, welfare levies, and so-called cooperation fees.

WAEC described the development as a serious threat to the credibility and integrity of the examination process, stressing that candidates should not be made to pay any fees beyond officially approved charges.

According to the council, the unauthorized collections place undue financial burden on candidates and their parents while undermining fairness and public confidence in the conduct of the examination.

The examination body further alleged that some schools were collecting money from students for KAPEK calculators despite the fact that the calculators had already been provided free of charge by WAEC.

“These reports are disturbing because they place unnecessary financial pressure on candidates and compromise the integrity of the examination process,” the council stated.

WAEC warned schools and examination officials involved in the practice to desist immediately, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and strict compliance with examination regulations.

The council also urged candidates, parents, and members of the public to report any cases of extortion or unauthorized charges to the appropriate authorities for prompt investigation and action.

AHORO-ESINLE, OYO STATE — The abducted Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, has appealed to the government to negotiate with her captors, dismissing reports that the abductors demanded a N1 billion ransom or the imposition of Sharia law across Nigeria.

In an emotional message from captivity, Mrs. Alamu said several media reports circulating about the demands of the abductors were inaccurate and had complicated efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims.

According to her, the kidnappers are neither demanding huge sums of money nor seeking the introduction of Sharia law, contrary to reports in some sections of the media.

“The terrorists are not asking for Sharia law, they’re not asking for money, they are not asking for N1 billion, they are not asking for cars. All they need is for some of their people to be released. Please help us beg the government to negotiate with them,” she pleaded.

Mrs. Alamu further disclosed that she and other abducted victims had spent 24 days in captivity, describing their ordeal as traumatic and distressing.

“Please, I have come to make some clarification. Today makes it 24 days that we have been in this place. Some press media outlets are complicating the issue by stating that the people who abducted us requested N1 billion ransom and demanded Sharia law across the country. These claims are not true,” she said.

The principal’s appeal has intensified calls for urgent government intervention to secure the safe release of the victims, while raising concerns over the welfare and safety of those still being held captive.

Security agencies and government officials are yet to officially respond to the latest claims

The suspected leader of an Aiye Confraternity cell in Lagos State, Emmanuel Nwokolo, has admitted that his involvement in a series of deadly cult-related attacks left him emotionally disturbed and unable to sleep at night.

Nwokolo, popularly known as “Oblo,” was arrested alongside three other suspected cult members during a police operation in the Ajangbadi area of Ojo Local Government Area. The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command following intelligence reports linking them to violent cult activities and multiple killings in Ajangbadi, Shibiri, Ishashi and surrounding communities.

Speaking during interrogation, Nwokolo reportedly confessed to participating in the killing of four members of rival cult groups. He, however, claimed that his gang had been unfairly blamed for a higher number of deaths recorded during the prolonged supremacy battles between rival cult factions in the area.

According to him, the killings took a psychological toll on him, leaving him troubled by recurring thoughts of the victims and struggling to sleep. He reportedly expressed regret over some of the violent acts carried out during the clashes.

Police investigations revealed that a video allegedly showing the killing of unidentified persons was recovered from one of the suspects’ mobile phones. During further searches, operatives recovered two locally fabricated pistols, one revolver pistol and 13 live cartridges believed to have been used in criminal operations.

The Lagos State Police Command said the suspects confessed to being members of the Aiye Confraternity and admitted involvement in a series of violent attacks that terrorised residents of Ojo and neighbouring communities.

Police spokesperson, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in other crimes, identify additional gang members and arrest accomplices still at large. The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating cultism and violent crime across the state, urging residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies.