Osun 2026: Accord Party Chairman Shot in Osogbo as Police Begin Investigation

Accord has strongly condemned the attempted assassination of its Osogbo Local Government Area Chairman, Asimiyu Ajibola, describing the incident as a politically motivated attack and calling on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services to launch a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible. In a statement, the Osun State ruling party expressed gratitude that Ajibola survived the attack and prayed for his speedy recovery. The party condemned what it described as a growing pattern of attacks on its members ahead of the August 12, 2026 governorship election in the state, calling the incident “outrageous, barbaric, despicable and wicked.”

Ajibola reportedly sustained gunshot wounds after two armed men on a motorcycle opened fire on a blue Toyota Corolla conveying him and his associates in the MDS area of Osogbo on the night of June 3, 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 9:50 p.m. near the Osogbo Community Bank axis, causing panic among residents as gunshots rang out in the neighbourhood. According to an eyewitness account from one of the occupants of the vehicle, the gunmen chased the vehicle and unleashed a barrage of gunfire in what appeared to be a coordinated attack. “We were coming from the MDS area of Osogbo at about 9:50 p.m. and all of a sudden, the gun-wielding men chased and released a volley of bullets on all of us in the car,” the survivor said. The occupants managed to escape and sought refuge at the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters located a few metres away before the assailants retreated and fled the scene. Ajibola was immediately rushed to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH) , where medical personnel are working to stabilise his condition.

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed that an intensive manhunt is underway to track down the assailants. The command’s spokesperson, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that police operatives responded swiftly to a distress call, evacuated the victim to a medical facility, and immediately launched a pursuit of the fleeing suspects. Ojelabi confirmed that medical personnel have reported that Ajibola is in a stable condition and responding positively to treatment. “Simultaneously, other operational teams launched an aggressive pursuit of the fleeing suspects in an effort to apprehend them and bring them to justice. Preliminary investigation at the scene led to the recovery of exhibits which are currently being subjected to forensic analysis,” the police spokesperson stated. The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident and directed all relevant investigative units to deploy every available resource to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible, and ensure prompt arrest and prosecution. “The command wishes to assure members of the public that no stone will be left unturned in the ongoing investigation. Citizens are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and provide credible information that may assist the police in tracking down the perpetrators,” Ojelabi added.

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In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, Accord alleged that its members had repeatedly been targeted in politically motivated attacks in Osun State. The party claimed that thugs associated with the opposition All Progressives Congress had repeatedly attacked Accord members, campaign structures, billboards, and party secretariats in attempts to “harass, intimidate and subdue our members aware that the people have rejected their party.” The party lamented that security agencies had been notified of alleged threats in the past but that no prosecutions had followed previous incidents. “Sadly, security agencies were notified of the plots with a view to averting them, yet they were executed under their watch, and nobody has been prosecuted for these heinous crimes,” the statement read. “Enough is enough of this political violence. It is obvious that the ballot is stronger than the gun,” Accord declared, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful and issue-based politics despite the attack. The party maintained that it remains committed to issue-based politics and peaceful campaigns ahead of the governorship election, stressing that it rejects political bitterness and violence in all forms.

The Osun State Government has also condemned the attack and called for a thorough and professional investigation. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the government confirmed that Ajibola was receiving treatment at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital. Alimi disclosed that preliminary accounts from one of the occupants of the vehicle indicated that the gunmen opened fire on the vehicle around 9:50 p.m. while they were returning from the MDS area. “It is an unfortunate incident which should not be allowed to go uninvestigated. The culprits must be brought to book,” Alimi said. He further urged the police to conduct their investigation professionally, without fear or favour, noting that from all available indices, the attack has elements of political colourations.

Despite the attack, Accord Party reiterated its support for Governor Ademola Adeleke, describing him as a “pro-people Governor who has transformed the state and delivered dividends of democracy to citizens.” The party maintained that it would not be intimidated by what it described as “anti-democratic and reactionary forces” seeking to undermine its activities in the state. “Let it be clear that our great party will not be cowed, intimidated and suppressed by anti-democratic and reactionary forces in Osun State,” Mgbudem stated. “Osun State is an Accord stronghold with a pro-people Governor who has transformed the state and delivered dividends of democracy to citizens. He deserves a second term in office. The good people of Osun State are in one accord with Governor Ademola Adeleke. Together, Osun State will be taken to a new level of development and prosperity.” The party reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing its political objectives peacefully and expressed confidence that the people of Osun State would continue to support its vision for the state’s development and prosperity.

Osun 2026: Accord Party Chairman Shot in Osogbo as Police Begin Investigation

Atiku’s Aide Demands Probe of Igboho Over Claim He Knows Politicians Sponsoring Kidnappers

The media adviser to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr Paul Ibe, has called on the Department of State Services and other security agencies to invite Yoruba nation campaigner, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, to disclose the identities of politicians he alleged are sponsoring kidnappers responsible for the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State.

Ibe made the call on Thursday in a post on X (formerly Twitter), arguing that security agencies should take advantage of any credible information capable of aiding efforts to rescue the victims and dismantle criminal networks behind the attacks. His intervention followed recent comments by Igboho during a meeting with members of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan, where the activist claimed he knew the politicians allegedly backing kidnappers operating in parts of the South-West.

According to Igboho, the kidnappers were not invincible and could be dislodged if decisive action was taken against them. “If I am permitted to burst into the hideouts, they will flee. They are neither gnomes nor mannequins; they are humans, so they can be dislodged. I know the politicians behind them, and if they do not stop perpetrating their evil acts, I will mention them all. I know them. The politicians behind them are the ones giving them ammunition and money,” he said. The activist further alleged that political actors were sponsoring insecurity to destabilise the country, adding that similar tactics were previously used against former President Goodluck Jonathan and were now being targeted at President Bola Tinubu. “The same thing they did to Jonathan is what they are doing to Tinubu. They want to make the country ungovernable for him,” Igboho stated.

Reacting to Igboho’s claims, Ibe said security agencies should immediately engage him if he indeed possessed information that could assist ongoing investigations. “Since Sunday Igboho claims to know those behind the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, I think that the State Security Service and other security agencies need to invite him to release those names to them. Every option should be on the table to fast-track the safe release of the school children and teachers,” he said. Ibe also broadened the conversation to the wider insecurity challenges confronting the country, questioning what he described as the Federal Government’s muted response to the reported abduction of more than 50 schoolchildren in Mussa, Borno State, on the same day – May 15, 2026.

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Drawing a comparison between the official response to the incidents in Oyo and Borno states, Ibe asked: “By the way, who knows those behind the abduction of over 50 school children in Mussa, Borno State, on May 15, 2026? Why is Tinubu and his government mute over the Borno abduction? Are those school children not Nigerians? When will the Commander-in-Chief and Consoler-in-Chief send a delegation to Mussa as he did in the case of Oriire? When will Borno and other vulnerable states get their own forest guards? Why wait for a tragedy to occur before the Tinubu government takes action to stem insecurity in our country?”

During his meeting with NANS executives led by Akinteye Babatunde, Igboho claimed he had volunteered to help dislodge the abductors but was prevented by the Oyo State Government. According to him, state officials later informed him that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the captives if he attempted any independent rescue operation. “Later, they (Oyo government) informed me that the kidnappers said if I try to force myself to come rescue the children, they will kill them all,” Igboho said. He further alleged that he had organised a security network known as “Iru Ekun,” claiming that while the federal government had given approval, the Oyo State Government opposed its operation. “After I arranged ‘Iru Ekun’ security network, the federal government permitted me, but the state government said no security must take a step behind them,” he stated.

Igboho has been actively pursuing federal approval for his proposed security outfit, code-named “Iru Ekun Security Network,” which he says is designed to strengthen local security operations and protect forests across the South-Western region amid rising security concerns. In a statement on May 25, the activist revealed that all necessary documents and operational procedures required for the registration of the security outfit had already been submitted to the Federal Government. “We have submitted all the required documents for our registered security firm, Iru Ekun Security Network, and are only awaiting Federal Government approval, which we believe will be granted soon,” he said. Igboho expressed readiness to collaborate with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to strengthen efforts against insecurity in the South-West.

The remarks by both Igboho and Ibe come against the backdrop of the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, 2026, a development that has renewed fears about the spread of kidnapping and insecurity into communities traditionally considered safer than some of the country’s conflict-prone regions. According to reports, armed men stormed three schools in Ahoro-Esinle and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, abducting pupils and teachers and plunging families into weeks of anguish. The affected institutions included Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele. One of the abducted teachers, Mr Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed by his captors, deepening public outrage and calls for stronger security measures. The attack has become one of the most significant school abductions in recent years, reviving painful memories of the Chibok and Dapchi kidnappings and raising fresh concerns about the safety of schools across the country.

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On the same day as the Oriire attack – Friday, May 15, 2026 – terrorists also struck in Borno State, abducting schoolchildren from the Mussa community in Askira Uba Local Government Area. According to the Emir of Uba, Alhaji Ali Ibn Isma’ila Mamza II, 48 people were taken from the Mussa community, including 37 primary school pupils, six secondary school students, and five other residents. The United Nations has since demanded the immediate and safe release of all abducted school children and teachers, describing the incidents as threats to education and child protection. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, lamented the abductions, stressing that the school environment is meant for learning purposes and must be kept safe at all costs. “The UN Resident Coordinator is deeply saddened that these school children and their teachers are still being held by armed groups. Schools must remain safe havens for learning and not places of fear. Children should never be a target,” he said. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has since visited Uba town to console the families of the abducted children, assuring residents that every possible effort was being made to secure the safe return of the victims.

The abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area has sparked widespread outrage across the country, prompting condemnation from the Senate, coordinated nationwide protests by teachers, and renewed calls by lawmakers for comprehensive reforms to Nigeria’s security architecture. The protest took place in the Federal Capital Territory, Edo, Rivers, Cross River, Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Osun, Lagos, Niger, and several other states. The nationwide reaction came as the Senate resumed plenary after the Sallah recess and observed a one-minute silence in honour of two teachers and a pupil killed in connection with the attack. In Ibadan, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde described the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area as a moment of national distress requiring unity, not political blame. Addressing protesters led by the NUT, Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and National Association of Nigerian Students, Makinde said government efforts to rescue the victims were ongoing.

While security agencies have yet to publicly respond to either Igboho’s allegations or Ibe’s call for an investigation, the comments are likely to intensify pressure on authorities to investigate claims of political sponsorship of criminal groups and secure the release of victims still in captivity. Over the past decade, Nigeria has witnessed a series of mass abductions targeting schools, particularly in northern states, prompting repeated calls for stronger intelligence gathering, improved community policing, and enhanced protection for vulnerable communities. The latest exchange has once again brought national attention to the issue of school safety and the persistent threat posed by kidnapping gangs across different parts of the country.

 Atiku’s Aide Demands Probe of Igboho Over Claim He Knows Politicians Sponsoring Kidnappers

Goodluck Jonathan Yet to Decide on 2027 Race, Associates Clarify

ABUJA — Political associates of former President Goodluck Jonathan have declared that only the former Nigerian leader can authoritatively speak on his political future, pushing back against growing speculation over his possible involvement in the 2027 presidential election.

The clarification comes amid renewed public debate and media reports linking Jonathan to a potential return to electoral politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The latest controversy was triggered by comments from Jude Imagwe, a former presidential aide, who reportedly dismissed speculation about Jonathan’s possible presidential ambition. However, a pro-Jonathan political group, The Goodies Movement, has argued that such comments should not be interpreted as the official position of the former president.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the group’s coordinator, Sam Presto, stressed that only Jonathan or individuals expressly authorised by him can make definitive statements regarding his political plans.

According to Presto, supporters and stakeholders within the wider Jonathan political family have continued to question whether recent remarks attributed to former aides represent personal opinions or officially sanctioned positions.

He maintained that Nigerians should rely solely on verified and authorised communications when assessing the former president’s stance on the 2027 presidency.

“Only statements issued directly by him, through officially designated representatives, or via recognised communication channels should be regarded as definitive expressions of his political position,” Presto stated.

The group also called on journalists and media organisations to exercise caution when reporting statements made by individuals claiming to speak on behalf of prominent political figures.

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According to the statement, any position purportedly reflecting the views of a former Head of State should be supported by clear evidence of authorisation and current representation.

The intervention comes at a time when political calculations and alignments ahead of the 2027 elections are gradually gathering momentum across Nigeria’s political landscape.

In recent months, several groups across different regions of the country have publicly urged Jonathan to consider contesting the next presidential election, citing his leadership experience, democratic credentials and perceived ability to unite the country.

These calls have fuelled intense speculation about whether the former president may seek a return to active politics. The debate gained further traction following reports that a faction within the opposition political space had considered endorsing Jonathan for the presidency in 2027.

Despite the growing discussions, Jonathan has remained publicly silent on the matter and has neither confirmed nor denied any intention to contest.

His associates insist that until the former president personally makes a declaration, all endorsements, denials, confirmations or speculations regarding his political future should be treated as individual opinions rather than official positions.

Presto emphasised that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than assumptions and urged political actors and commentators to avoid attributing positions to Jonathan without his express approval.

With the race toward Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election gradually taking shape, political observers believe Jonathan’s eventual decision could significantly influence the calculations of major political parties and power blocs across the country.

For now, however, his camp maintains that only the former president can determine when and how his political future will be communicated to Nigerians.

Goodluck Jonathan Yet to Decide on 2027 Race, Associates Clarify