Politics

44 Violent Incidents, 13 Deaths: Adeleke Demands Osun CP’s Removal Ahead of August Poll

Published

57 minutes ago

June 26, 2026

Trends Admin

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke and Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan

44 Violent Incidents, 13 Deaths: Adeleke Demands Osun CP’s Removal Ahead of August Poll

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for the immediate redeployment of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, ahead of the August 15 governorship election, citing concerns over alleged bias and lack of neutrality in the discharge of his duties .

The governor made the demand amid rising political tension and growing concerns over security in the state following recent cases of political unrest and violence. Adeleke raised the issue on Friday while receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Police Force sent by the Inspector-General of Police to assess the security situation in Osun .

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor expressed strong dissatisfaction with the conduct of the state police command, insisting that urgent changes were necessary to restore public trust and ensure a peaceful electoral process . According to Adeleke, the current police leadership in Osun has failed to inspire confidence among residents and political stakeholders. “The Commissioner of Police has demonstrated lack of willingness and capacity to act fairly and without partisan bias,” Adeleke said .

The governor stated that many residents across the state no longer trust the commissioner to oversee security operations in a fair and professional manner, especially as the election draws closer. He argued that impartial policing remains critical to maintaining peace and preventing violence during the election period . “The general consensus among Osun people is that the Commissioner of Police is compromised and should be moved out of the state. Osun seeks fair policing, impartial policing and policing based on respect for rule of law. We are not asking for any favour other than fair protection of lives and properties,” he said .

Adeleke further alleged that the Commissioner of Police had refused to act on repeated reports of attacks, which contributed to the killing of an Accord Party youth leader, Aderogba, in Esa-Oke . The governor disclosed that he had escalated the matter to the Inspector General of Police and reached out to the Presidency over what he described as orchestrated political violence in the state . “I have sent videos and several reports of such frequent gun attacks and killings to the Inspector General of Police. Osun people demand answers,” Adeleke said .

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The governor’s call comes amid a surge in politically motivated violent attacks across Osun State. Fatal attacks have been recorded in Osogbo, Ede, Esa-Oke, Ilobu, Ile-Ife, and other towns . A particularly tragic incident involved the killing of a 14-year-old boy, Ezekiel Olapade, who was reportedly shot dead on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Ilobu Community in Irepodun Local Government Area . According to the Accord Party, political thugs associated with APC shot sporadically around the council secretariat when they sighted an Accord member wearing a party cap, killing the boy while he attempted to rescue his mother who fell into a ditch as they tried to escape the bullets .

The Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), a civil society organisation, disclosed that its pre-election observation and violence-monitoring activities recorded 44 election-related violent incidents across Osun State between October 2025 and June 2026, resulting in 13 fatalities, several injuries, and the destruction of property . According to the organisation, more than half of the incidents were recorded within the last two months, with 26 of the 44 verified incidents occurring in May and June 2026 alone, representing 59.1 per cent of all verified election-related violence . KDI identified Osogbo Local Government Area, particularly Olaiya, Oke Fia, and Aregbe, as locations recording a high concentration of election-related violence . The group noted that the concentration of incidents so close to the election date should be treated as an early warning signal requiring immediate preventive measures from political actors, security agencies and electoral stakeholders .

The Accord Party has formally demanded the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police, stating that it has lost confidence in the ability and capacity of the CP to curb violence and politically motivated killings . The party said it has reported attacks to the police and the Department of State Services, but “sadly no arrest has been made let alone prosecuting these criminal elements terrorising the good people of Osun State” . “Our hearts still bleed over the gruesome killing of a 14-year-old boy identified as Ezekiel Olapade who was shot dead on Sunday, 21st June 2026… The Inspector General of Police should as a matter of urgency transfer the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, for his inability to dispassionately discharge his duties of safeguarding lives and property in the state, and apprehending the known APC thugs perpetrating violence to face the full weight of the law,” the party stated .

A coalition operating under the Network of Osun Civil Society Groups has also urged the Inspector-General of Police to take immediate action, citing concerns over alleged partisanship and unprofessional conduct within the state police command . The group warned that public confidence in the neutrality of security agencies is gradually weakening as the election approaches .

However, other civil society groups have passed a vote of confidence on the Commissioner of Police, passing blame on Adeleke over insecurity in the state . The World Institute for Peace, in collaboration with the Osun Youth and Student Coalition Network and the Initiative for Local Government Development, staged a protest in Osogbo, arguing that allegations of partisanship against Gotan were politically motivated . “We are here to tell the Inspector-General of Police that CP Ibrahim Gotan is doing well in terms of security in the state. We also want to advise the state government to exclude the Commissioner of Police from everything that has to do with politics,” said Lamina Omotoyosi, Executive Director of the World Institute for Peace . A representative of the students, Jelili Olaniyi, added that there was no justification for any move to redeploy the police commissioner, stating that Gotan had been tackling insecurity and political thuggery effectively .

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan has called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully ahead of the governorship election . Speaking during an interactive session with stakeholders at the State Police Headquarters in Osogbo on Wednesday, CP Gotan said all political actors must work collectively to ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process . The police commissioner urged political parties and candidates to notify the police and other relevant security agencies before organising rallies, campaigns, processions or political gatherings across the state . According to him, early notification would enable security agencies to deploy personnel effectively, provide adequate security coverage, manage traffic and prevent clashes during political activities . “Security agencies can only plan effectively when they are informed in good time,” the CP said, stressing the importance of cooperation between political actors and law enforcement agencies . Gotan also condemned the destruction, defacement and removal of opponents’ billboards, banners, posters and other campaign materials, describing such actions as unlawful and capable of provoking retaliation and political tension . He warned against thuggery, gangsterism and the recruitment or sponsorship of political thugs, saying violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society .

Fresh concerns emerged after two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress and Accord Party, failed to attend a peace meeting organised by the Osun State Police Command in Osogbo . The meeting, held on Wednesday, was part of efforts by security agencies and electoral stakeholders to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process . The absence of both APC and Accord became the major talking point at the gathering, with several participants expressing worry over what it could mean for the peace process . Adewale Adebayo, governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement, described the development as disturbing . “It is scary that the two political parties that have been fingered at one point or another for killing, maiming, and harassing each other’s supporters are not here. They need to be here to agree to the terms of peace,” Adebayo said .

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, has condemned the rising wave of political violence, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to peace, public safety, and the democratic process . The union cited the KDI report recording 44 election-related violent incidents and 13 deaths, describing the figures as alarming and requiring immediate intervention by all stakeholders . “The figures should serve as a wake-up call to all stakeholders. No political ambition is worth the loss of human lives,” the union stated . The NUJ called on security agencies to intensify efforts to prevent further violence, maintain professionalism and impartiality, and ensure that those responsible for violent acts are brought to justice regardless of their political affiliations .

44 Violent Incidents, 13 Deaths: Adeleke Demands Osun CP’s Removal Ahead of August Poll

Politics

BREAKING: Court Nullifies Judgment Compelling INEC to Register NDC

Published

5 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Trends Admin

BREAKING: Court Nullifies Judgment Compelling INEC to Register NDC

The Court of Appeal has set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lokoja that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party, effectively nullifying the legal basis upon which the party secured its registration.

The appellate court’s decision marks a major twist in the legal battle over the registration of the NDC and is expected to have significant implications for the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The controversy began when the Federal High Court in Lokoja ruled in favour of the NDC, ordering INEC to register the association as a political party after it challenged the commission’s refusal to grant it recognition. In compliance with the court’s directive, INEC subsequently issued the party a certificate of registration.

However, the judgment sparked criticism from other political associations, particularly the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), which argued that the NDC did not satisfy the constitutional and administrative requirements for political party registration as stipulated by the Electoral Act and INEC’s guidelines.

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Dissatisfied with the lower court’s decision, the appellants approached the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn the judgment on the grounds that due process was not followed and that the registration undermined the integrity of the electoral process.

In its ruling, the appellate court nullified the Federal High Court’s judgment, thereby invalidating the order that compelled INEC to register the NDC. Although the full details of the court’s reasoning are yet to be made public, the decision effectively removes the legal foundation upon which the NDC’s registration was based.

The ruling raises fresh questions over the party’s legal status and whether INEC will withdraw the certificate of registration earlier issued to the NDC in compliance with the now-invalidated judgment.

Political observers believe the judgment could influence ongoing applications by other political associations seeking registration ahead of the next general elections, as it reinforces the importance of compliance with constitutional provisions and INEC’s regulatory framework.

As of the time of filing this report, neither INEC nor the leadership of the NDC had issued an official statement reacting to the Court of Appeal’s verdict. It also remains unclear whether the affected party will approach the Supreme Court to challenge the appellate court’s decision.

The latest ruling is expected to shape the legal and political debates surrounding party registration in Nigeria as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

BREAKING: Court Nullifies Judgment Compelling INEC to Register NDC

Politics

Defamation: Peter Obi Files ₦8 Billion Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo

Published

11 hours ago

June 26, 2026

Trends Admin

Kenneth Okonkwo and Peter Obi

Defamation: Peter Obi Files ₦8 Billion Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo

Former Labour Party presidential candidate demands damages over claims he defrauded House of Representatives aspirants

Former Anambra State Governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has filed an ₦8 billion defamation lawsuit against his former spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, over allegations made during a television interview that Mr. Obi described as false, malicious, and damaging to his reputation. The suit, filed at the Onitsha Judicial Division of the Anambra State High Court and marked O/229/26, follows the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued to Okonkwo to retract the statements, issue a public apology, and pay compensation.

The dispute stems from comments Okonkwo made during an appearance on Channels Television on June 8, 2026, where he alleged that Obi demanded ₦10 million bribes from House of Representatives aspirants and personally compiled the list of candidates for federal constituencies in the South-East. Okonkwo, now a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) , repeated the allegations on social media, prompting Obi’s legal team to take action. According to court documents, Obi issued a pre-action notice dated June 9, 2026, through his lawyer, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN) , demanding a retraction, apology, and ₦5 billion in compensation. However, in a response dated June 16, 2026, Okonkwo’s lawyer, V.I. Uma, rejected the demands, with Okonkwo maintaining that he stood by his allegations.

In the writ of summons dated June 25, 2026, Obi is seeking a total of ₦8 billion in damages, structured as follows: ₦5 billion for general damages, cited as injury to his reputation, integrity, political standing, and goodwill; ₦2 billion for aggravated damages, due to the continued repetition and wide circulation of the allegations after receiving the pre-action notice; and ₦1 billion for exemplary damages, for what Obi describes as the deliberate amplification and repetition of the claims on social media.

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Beyond monetary compensation, Obi is asking the court for several additional orders. He seeks an order for Okonkwo to publish a full, unreserved, and unequivocal apology within seven days of judgment on Channels Television and its YouTube platform, all his social media accounts, and in three national newspapers. He is also asking the court to direct Okonkwo to delete all alleged defamatory publications from his social media platforms and websites under his control. Furthermore, the suit seeks a perpetual injunction from the court to restrain Okonkwo and his agents from making or circulating similar statements against Obi in the future. The suit also seeks the cost of the action and 10% annual post-judgment interest on any monetary award.

A central aspect of the dispute involves Obunike Ohaegbu, a House of Representatives aspirant whom Okonkwo claimed had informed him of the alleged bribery. However, Ohaegbu publicly denied Okonkwo’s claims during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 9, 2026. He stated clearly that Peter Obi never told him to pay ₦10 million and that he never told Kenneth Okonkwo that Peter Obi, in any way, told him to pay ₦10 million. He also denied accusing the NDC South-East caucus of bribery or claiming that Obi compiled candidates’ names at a hotel in Abuja.

Okonkwo has remained defiant, publicly dismissing the initial ₦5 billion threat. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he suggested Obi should privately ask him for assistance for his campaign rather than come from extortion. He also warned that legal action would be unwise as he holds confidential information from his time as Obi’s spokesperson. The political background between the two men is significant, as Obi and Okonkwo were once close allies in the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 presidential campaign, where Okonkwo served as Obi’s spokesperson. Both later moved to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) , but Obi subsequently left for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) , where he emerged as the party’s 2027 presidential candidate. Since then, Okonkwo has become one of Obi’s most vocal critics.

The court has authorized service of the writ on Okonkwo in Enugu State, where he resides, and he has been given 42 days to enter an appearance in court. The case is expected to be a significant legal test of political speech and defamation in Nigeria’s increasingly polarized political landscape.

Defamation: Peter Obi Files ₦8 Billion Lawsuit Against Kenneth Okonkwo

Politics

INEC By-Elections: APC Sweeps Four States, PDP Holds Rivers South-East Seat

Published

5 days ago

June 21, 2026

Trends Admin

INEC By-Elections: APC Sweeps Four States, PDP Holds Rivers South-East Seat

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the winners of five of the six 2026 by-elections, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerging as the biggest winner after securing victories in Enugu, Ondo, Kano and Kebbi, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) retained the Rivers South-East Senatorial District seat.

The by-elections, held on Saturday, were conducted to fill vacant seats in the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly created by the deaths, resignation and appointment of former lawmakers. However, the result of the Nasarawa North Senatorial District election is still being awaited as collation continues.

In Enugu State, the APC recorded a major breakthrough as Ikeje Asogwa won the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election with 162,360 votes. His closest challenger, PDP candidate Chief Nestor Ezeme, polled 9,299 votes. The election was held to fill the vacancy created by the death of Senator Okey Ezea, who passed away on November 18, 2025, at the age of 62.

The PDP, however, successfully defended its stronghold in Rivers State. Its candidate, Olaka Nwogu, secured 47,961 votes to defeat APC candidate Osar Erewari, who garnered 1,647 votes, thereby retaining the Rivers South-East Senatorial District seat. The by-election followed the death of Senator Barry Mpigi earlier this year.

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In Ondo State, APC candidate Dayo Faduyile cruised to victory in the Ondo South Senatorial District by-election with 68,474 votes, defeating Adeolu Akinwunmi of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), who received 1,411 votes. The senatorial seat became vacant after former senator Jimoh Ibrahim was appointed Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The ruling party also strengthened its representation in the House of Representatives as Rabiu Shuaibu won the Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency by-election in Kano State. Shuaibu polled 35,356 votes, comfortably ahead of Lawal Garba-Haruna of the APM, who secured 268 votes, while Labour Party candidate Abubakar Yahaya-Muhammad received 98 votes. The poll was conducted following the death of former lawmaker Muhammad Danjuma-Hassan of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

In Kebbi State, the APC continued its winning streak with Rabiu Garba Aiki emerging victorious in the Zuru State Constituency by-election into the State House of Assembly. Aiki polled 4,887 votes, defeating Labour Party candidate Aliyu Galadima Muhammad, who scored 168 votes. The election was held to replace former Speaker Muhammad Usman Zuru, whose death created the vacancy.

Meanwhile, INEC has yet to announce the outcome of the Nasarawa North Senatorial District by-election. Voting took place across Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga and Wamba Local Government Areas, where voters are electing a successor to late Senator Godiya Akwashiki, who died after a prolonged illness.

Full List of Declared Winners

Enugu North Senatorial District: Ikeje Asogwa (APC) – 162,360 votes
Rivers South-East Senatorial District: Olaka Nwogu (PDP) – 47,961 votes
Ondo South Senatorial District: Dayo Faduyile (APC) – 68,474 votes
Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency, Kano: Rabiu Shuaibu (APC) – 35,356 votes
Zuru State Constituency, Kebbi: Rabiu Garba Aiki (APC) – 4,887 votes

With five results already declared, the APC has captured four seats, reinforcing its presence in the National Assembly and state legislature, while the PDP maintained its hold on Rivers South-East. Political stakeholders are now focused on the pending Nasarawa North result, which will complete the nationwide by-election exercise.