Guber polls : Tight race in Kogi as Uzodimma, Diri in early lead in Imo, Bayelsa - Newstrends
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Guber polls : Tight race in Kogi as Uzodimma, Diri in early lead in Imo, Bayelsa

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Guber polls : Tight race in Kogi as Uzodimma, Diri in early lead in Imo, Bayelsa

After Saturday’s governorship elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states, indications emerged that governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa State and Hope Uzodimma of Imo State were in early lead, as collation of results progressed.

In Bayelsa State, Diri, who is seeking re-election, is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, while Uzodimma, also seeking re-election, is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress.

However, in Kogi State, gathered that it was a tight race between Usman Ododo of the APC and Muri Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party. The candidate of the PDP, Dino Melaye, is also a major contender in the election.

In addition to findings in the states, the collation of some of the results uploaded on the INEC Result Viewing portal by showed the early performance of the parties.

In Bayelsa State, for example, the computation of votes in 131 random polling units across some local government areas showed that PDP’s Diri already garnered 13, 396 votes, while his closest challenger, APC’s Timipre Sylva, garnered 4,802 votes.

In Imo State, the computation done by our correspondents in 90 polling units, which cuts across different local government areas, showed that APC’s Uzodinma polled 22,113 votes, while the candidate of the PDP, Samuel Anyanwu, and that of the Labour Party, Senator Athan Achonu, garnered 1,452 and 1,658 votes respectively.

In Kogi State, where the exercise is believed to be a three horse race, the calculation done by some of our correspondents across 149 polling units scattered across five local government areas showed that APC’s Adodo scored 21,047 votes, followed by SDP’s Ajaka, with 7,324 votes and PDP’s Melaye with 2,529 votes. Meanwhile, Ajaka was found to have polled massive votes in Kogi East senatorial district, where he hails from.

As of 11:03pm, the IReV portal indicated that in Bayelsa State, 85.29 per cent of the results had been uploaded, as 1,914 polling unit results had been uploaded out of the 2,242 total polling units.

For Imo State, as of 11:18pm, the portal indicated that out of the 4,758 total polling units, 4,287 polling units had been uploaded, representing 90.1 per cent.

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For Kogi State, as of 11:20pm, the portal indicated that out of 3,508 polling units, 3,064 polling units had been uploaded, representing 87.34 per cent.

Violence, vote-buying mar polls

Meanwhile, the elections were marred by vote-buying, low voter turnout and pockets of violence, including killing of an individual in Imo State. There were also results of intimidation of voters and snatching of electoral materials.

One killed in Imo

The poll in Imo State was marred by vote-buying, low voter turnout, intimidation of voters and snatching of electoral materials.

A man identified simply as Chidi but popularly known as General was also shot dead on Saturday evening at Amanwozuzu in the Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

An eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent, “A man known as Chidi but popularly called General was shot dead this (Saturday) evening in the Amanwozuzu area of Iho in the Ikeduru LG.

“After killing him, they took away his bag. He was shot dead by men in uniform. He was from Umuomumu Mbieri in the Mbaitoli LG of the state. His corpse has been evacuated by some policemen.”

Another source from the community confirmed the killing, saying the deceased was accused of snatching ballot papers.

In various places across the state, people were seen going about without voting. Youths were seen in several places playing football on tarred roads, while intimidation and suppression of voters were also noticed in some areas.

Electoral materials were snatched in places like Orsu, Okigwe, Ideato North and South, Oguta and were diverted to people’s homes.

Correspondents also saw party agents buying votes. At the Owerri municipal council, for example, votes were bought for between N2,000 and N3,000. Part agents were seen paying voters N3,000 at Poling Units 007 and 008 at Adult Education Owerri Municipal.

Also at St Paul’s Primary School Polling Units in Owerri Municipal, some voters got N2,000 each after voting. At Umuodu Community Primary School in Ihihitte-Mbieri ward in the Mabitoli LG, votes were also bought for N2,000.

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A Labour Party chieftain, Kingsley Madu, said voters were intimidated and that vote-buying was rife.

The deputy governorship candidate of the LP, Tony Nwulu, claimed that his party was winning with a wide margin before APC members allegedly started moving about with thugs, snatching electoral materials, suppressing voters and buying votes.

But the APC spokesperson in the state, Cajetan Duke, refuted the claim, saying his party didn’t partake in any electoral irregularity.

Also, tension was high at the Orji Town Primary School in Owerri North as vote-buying by party agents nearly marred voting at the centre, which houses units 005, 006 and 007. The exercise was peaceful but for intermittent argument between party agents who seemed hell-bent on swaying voters with cash.

One of the voters, who confirmed that he got N3,000, said he still voted for the candidate of his choice despite collecting the money. “I took their money and still voted for the candidate of my choice,” the voter stated.

Violence in Bayelsa

In Bayelsa State, the election was also marred by violence, intimidation and snatching of ballot boxes in some of the local government areas. The exercise also recorded poor turnout of voters across some polling units in Yenagoa, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ekeremor, Nembe, Brass, Southern Ijaw, Sagbama and Ogbia LGs.

In Southern Ijaw LG, for instance, armed thugs reportedly stormed Olodiama and Ologbobiri communities and chased away voters and electoral officers at polling units, while voting materials were also hijacked.

A similar incident also occurred at Biseni in Yenagoa, Sagbama, Nembe and Brass LGs.

It was also learnt that there a clash involving the supporters of the governing PDP and the main opposition APC at Famgbe allegedly led to the death of an unidentified person while some others were injured.

Sporadic gunshots were reportedly fired as supporters of both camps attempted to control the accreditation and voting processes early in the day.

“One person was shot dead in the Famgbe community and accreditation has not started,” a resident who preferred anonymity said. “The situation is very tense here. The APC and PDP thugs started shooting to scare loyalists on opposite sides. Both sides are blaming each other for the violence that took place.”

Also, at Agorogbene in Sagbama LG, armed thugs reportedly invaded polling units in the community and snatched ballot boxes as people ran for safety.

Meanwhile, the LP and PDP in the state traded accusations of vote-buying. The governorship candidate of the LP in the state, Udengs Eradiri, alleged that his PDP counterpart, Diri, was inducing voters with money.

But in a swift reaction, the state Commissioner for Special Duties, Sinkumo Ekisah, dismissed the claim, describing it as false alarm.

Imo follows suit

There were also reports of low voter turnout in Imo State.

The PDP candidate, Samuel Anyanwu, who cast his vote at the Central Primary School in Ikeduru at about 10.40am, noted the late arrival of electoral materials, which he boasted would not affect his chances.

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However, the late arrival of materials and voter apathy in Orji, Owerri North and Ikeduru and Amaimo local government areas led to late commencement of voting.

Kogi not spared

In Kogi State, there was also low turnout of voters in some parts of the state. In Lokoja LG, it was observed at Polling Unit 073 opposite Kenwon Hotel that despite an expected 314 voters, there were only 65 voters when our correspondent visited.

Also, under a tree by Jane Palace Hotel, Moremi Area, a Polling Unit with 477 voters, just a few persons were seen in the queue.

It was also gathered that there was vote-buying close to Kenwon Hotel Polling Unit 073, as money was given to some electorate after voting.

At the Federal Medical Centre junction Polling Unit 058 in Lokoja with an expected 523 voters, very few voters turned out to cast their votes. Some voters got N3,000 after casting their votes.

However, Sunday PUNCH observed that the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System functioned well in the polling units visited.

An election observer from the Christian Association of Nigeria, Stephen Ojo, commended INEC and the security agencies for the peaceful and timely conduct of the poll.

Diri, Bello win PUs

As the collation of results continued, our correspondents at the polling units of some stakeholders reported their parties’ performance in the exercise.

In Kogi State, at the polling unit of Governor Yahaya Bello, his party, the APC, won with 840 votes, while the PDP and SDP scored zero respectively.

The PDP candidate, Dino, won his polling unit at Iluafon Quarters, Aiyetoro-Gbede, Ijumu LG. He scored 210; while the APC scored 22; ADC, seven; and SDP one vote.

Ajaka, the candidate of the SDP, won his polling unit, Grade 1 Area Court, Ajaka Ward 07 in Igalamela/Odolu LG. He scored 111 votes, the APC, five votes, while PDP and ADC scored zero respectively.

In Bayelsa State, the governor and PDP candidate won in his Kalama-Owei Wari Unit 4 Ward 6, Sampou in Kolokuma/Opokuma with 218 votes, while the APC scored zero. The ADP however scored only one vote.

The votes scored by Sylva and other candidates at their polling units had yet to be confirmed as of press time.

Imo State

In Imo State, the PDP candidate won his polling unit 012, Central Ama Imo, Ikeduru LG, with 122 votes, while the APC scored two votes.

Similarly, the LP candidate won his Umunumo polling unit in Ehime Mbano LG. he polled 197 votes, while APC scored 16 votes.

Guber polls : Tight race in Kogi as Uzodimma, Diri in early lead in Imo, Bayelsa

(PUNCH)

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Army Arrests Two Soldiers for Acting as Bouncers at TikToker Peller’s Lavish Lagos Wedding

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August 5, 2026

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Army Arrests Two Soldiers for Acting as Bouncers at TikToker Peller's Lavish Lagos Wedding

Army Arrests Two Soldiers for Acting as Bouncers at TikToker Peller’s Lavish Lagos Wedding

The Nigerian Army has arrested two serving soldiers over their alleged involvement in providing unauthorised private security at the lavish wedding ceremony of popular TikTok personality Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, and fellow content creator Jarvis in Lekki, Lagos State. Military sources confirmed that the arrests followed credible intelligence indicating that the soldiers participated in an illegal deployment during the star-studded event held over the weekend. The two personnel were apprehended on Tuesday morning as investigations commenced into the incident. The arrested soldiers have been identified as Private Onasanya Ifeoluwa, with service number 23NA/85/10007, and Private Ukpai Onyinyechi, with service number 23NA/85/7885. Both are attached to the 81 Division Medical Services and Hospital (81DMSH) in Obalende, Lagos.

The arrests came after videos from the high-profile wedding circulated widely on social media, showing uniformed military personnel providing security services and controlling access to parts of the venue. One widely shared clip allegedly showed a soldier acting as a personal bouncer for TikTok personality Ivanna, escorting her through the crowded venue. The footage triggered widespread criticism online, with many Nigerians questioning why serving military personnel were allegedly deployed to a private social event involving influencers and celebrities. The Nigerian Army has repeatedly maintained that serving personnel are prohibited from undertaking unauthorised private security duties or participating in illegal deployments without official approval. A military source stated: “Following credible intelligence on the involvement of Nigerian Army personnel in illegal deployment during popular social influencer’s wedding known as Peller at Lekki, Lagos, the Group arrested the personnel. Preliminary investigation is ongoing to establish the extent of their involvement and identify other personnel connected with the incident.”

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Peller and Jarvis’ wedding, held on August 1, 2026, attracted several prominent entertainers, social media influencers, and content creators. The couple, who have built a massive following through TikTok livestreams and relationship content, had about 400 guests expected to wear the wedding Aso Ebi, with the eight-yard version priced at ₦700,000. Videos from the ceremony dominated social media platforms, with large crowds of fans and guests in attendance. The event became one of the most talked-about celebrity occasions of the weekend, but controversy soon followed after clips surfaced showing men in military uniforms managing access to parts of the venue and escorting some attendees.

The Nigerian Army is now investigating whether the soldiers acted on their own, received unofficial instructions, or were involved through another channel. The military has reiterated its commitment to professionalism and discipline, stating that any personnel found to have violated regulations will be sanctioned in accordance with the Armed Forces Act. Military sources said the soldiers would face disciplinary proceedings if the ongoing investigation establishes that they breached military regulations. The Army emphasised that military uniforms, weapons, and official authority must never be used for personal gain or private commercial engagements. At the time of this report, there is no indication that Peller or the event organisers are under investigation, and neither party has publicly reacted to the development. The focus of the military inquiry remains on the conduct of the soldiers and whether any superior officer or other authority approved their participation.

Army Arrests Two Soldiers for Acting as Bouncers at TikToker Peller’s Lavish Lagos Wedding

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Canada Deports 205 Nigerians, 10,607 Illegal Immigrants in June Crackdown

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August 5, 2026

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Canada Deports 205 Nigerians, 10,607 Illegal Immigrants in June Crackdown

Canada Deports 205 Nigerians, 10,607 Illegal Immigrants in June Crackdown

No fewer than 205 Nigerian nationals were among the 10,607 illegal immigrants deported from Canada in June 2026, according to official data released by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) , as the Canadian government intensified enforcement of its immigration laws. The latest Immigration Removal Statistics show that Nigeria accounted for nearly two per cent of all deportations during the month, ranking 9th among the countries with the highest number of immigration removals for the first half of 2026. India recorded the highest number of deportations, with 3,323 nationals removed, followed by Mexico with 1,573, Haiti with 431, and the United States with 372. Other countries with significant numbers of nationals deported included Colombia (354), Romania (293), Bangladesh (227), Pakistan (207), and Chile (190), according to the CBSA data.

The latest figures bring the total number of Nigerians deported from Canada to 643 between January 2025 and June 2026, making Nigeria the only African country to appear among the top 10 nationalities removed from Canada during the period. Data shows that 438 Nigerians were deported in 2025, placing Nigeria 10th among countries with the highest number of immigration removals that year. Between January and June 2026, another 205 Nigerians were deported, moving the country to 9th position on the list.

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The deportation figures for Nigeria have fluctuated over the past six years: 302 Nigerians were deported in 2020, 242 in 2021, and 200 in 2022. Nigeria dropped out of the top 10 list in 2023 and 2024 before returning in 2025. For the first six months of 2026, the top nationalities removed were India (3,323), Mexico (1,573), Haiti (431), United States (372), Colombia (354), Romania (293), Bangladesh (227), Pakistan (207), Nigeria (205), and Chile (190).

According to the CBSA, the vast majority of deportations resulted from non-compliance with Canada’s immigration laws , particularly involving refugee claimants. In 2025, 19,225 removals involved refugee claimants found inadmissible due to non-compliance, while 2,549 non-claimants were removed on similar grounds. Other deportations were linked to criminality , organized crime , misrepresentation , and other violations under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Canada has significantly increased immigration enforcement in recent years. Total deportations rose from 12,858 in 2020 to a record 23,160 in 2025. In the first half of 2026 alone, the country recorded 10,607 enforced removals, suggesting another high-deportation year is likely if the current trend continues. The CBSA is currently removing approximately 400 inadmissible individuals every week. Through Canada’s Border Plan, the agency received $30.4 million to strengthen its capacity to complete 20,000 removals annually. As of June 30, 2026, the CBSA reported 40,827 removal cases in progress , while its overall immigration enforcement inventory exceeded 572,000 active files. The agency has also stepped up enforcement against individuals linked to extortion-related activities. As of June 18, 2026, the CBSA had opened 484 immigration investigations, issued 139 removal orders, and removed 81 individuals in connection with extortion cases. In the Pacific Region, 46 individuals have been removed; in the Greater Toronto Area, 17; and in the Prairie Region, 18. Commenting on the enforced removals, the CBSA said: “Removing individuals who do not have the right to enter or stay in Canada is essential to maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration program and to ensuring fairness for those who come to this country lawfully.”

Canada Deports 205 Nigerians, 10,607 Illegal Immigrants in June Crackdown

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2027: Sultan of Sokoto Dismisses Claims of Backing Tinubu’s Re-election

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August 5, 2026

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2027: Sultan of Sokoto Dismisses Claims of Backing Tinubu's Re-election2027: Sultan of Sokoto Dismisses Claims of Backing Tinubu's Re-election
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III

2027: Sultan of Sokoto Dismisses Claims of Backing Tinubu’s Re-election

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has firmly dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that he endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that he has no favourite candidate and remains above partisan politics. In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Media Team and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka, the revered traditional ruler described the reports as false and misleading, urging Nigerians to disregard what it called a “malicious and unpatriotic attempt to drag the revered personality of the Sultan into partisan politics for selfish interests.” “Our simple response to the report is that it is not possible for the Sultan, as the father of all, to make such a statement, either publicly or in any other forum,” the statement read in part.

The Media Team emphasised that the Sultan occupies a unique position as both a traditional and religious leader whose responsibility is to serve all Nigerians without political bias. The statement stressed that his role requires him to remain impartial while offering guidance and blessings to all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations. “Let it be made clear once again that the institutions of monarchy and religion led by the Sultan are institutions of a father figure. As such, His Eminence cannot but remain within the purview of that role by offering fatherly, royal and spiritual blessings, as well as guidance, to Nigerian politicians who seek his counsel and blessings,” the statement said. The monarch noted that his doors remain open to all Nigerians, irrespective of political persuasion, and that his willingness to receive politicians should not be interpreted as support for any individual or party. “The Sultan’s doors cannot be shut against anyone who comes to him, regardless of political affiliation or persuasion. His Eminence has consistently demonstrated that he is the father of all and will continue to relate with all Nigerians without discrimination,” the media team added.

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The clarification follows the circulation of posts on social media alleging that the Sultan had openly endorsed Tinubu for another term in office. Some claims suggested that the Sultan declared Tinubu as “our only choice” and demanded the creation of a Fulani commission during a television appearance. However, fact-checking organisation Dubawa traced the viral claim to a video recorded during the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Conference of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) held in Abuja on July 30, 2026. A review of the full speech showed that the Sultan was not discussing the 2027 presidential election or endorsing President Tinubu for a second term. Translated from Hausa, the Sultan was actually commending President Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and expressing support for the government’s livestock reforms, not endorsing his re-election bid. The Sultan’s remarks were taken out of context and misrepresented to create a false impression.

The Media Team reiterated that the Sultan remains committed to promoting peace, unity, stability, and harmonious coexistence across the country, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political differences. It called on members of the public to reject any attempt to misrepresent the Sultan’s position or associate him with the political campaign or candidacy of any individual ahead of the 2027 general elections. The statement further appealed to media practitioners and social media users to exercise responsibility and restraint by verifying information before circulating reports capable of misleading the public or unnecessarily dragging revered traditional and religious institutions into partisan political controversies.

As the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Sultan has consistently projected himself as a non-partisan national figure, receiving politicians across party lines while advocating peace, dialogue, and national unity rather than political endorsements. The clarification comes amid increasing political activities and speculations ahead of the 2027 general election, with prominent national figures and traditional rulers often becoming subjects of political claims and endorsements on social media. By firmly rejecting the reports, the Sultan reaffirmed his commitment to remaining above partisan politics while continuing to promote national cohesion and equal treatment for all Nigerians, regardless of their political preferences.

2027: Sultan of Sokoto Dismisses Claims of Backing Tinubu’s Re-election

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