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Osun Guber: IGP Deploys New Election CP as INEC Identifies 11 Flashpoint LGAs
Osun Guber: IGP Deploys New Election CP as INEC Identifies 11 Flashpoint LGAs
- CP Erale Samuel Etaifo takes over security operations for August 15 poll as former CP Gotan is redeployed to Force Headquarters amid neutrality concerns.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has deployed a new Commissioner of Police in charge of Elections, CP Erale Samuel Etaifo, to Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The deployment comes as part of measures to strengthen security arrangements and ensure the neutrality of security agencies during the poll. In a statement signed by the Osun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on Thursday, July 30, 2026, the Police said the deployment reflects the Inspector-General’s commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and adherence to democratic principles throughout the election. CP Etaifo will oversee the entire security architecture for the poll and coordinate election security operations with other security agencies and stakeholders.
CP Etaifo’s deployment follows the redeployment of the former Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on special duty. His redeployment was conveyed in a police wireless message issued by the Force Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday and marked “Most Immediate,” with a directive for immediate implementation. The move comes after persistent calls from the state government and civil society organisations for Gotan’s removal over allegations of partisanship. The Accord Party had accused the police of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation against its members and top government officials ahead of the election. According to the party, about 100 Accord leaders, candidates, members, and supporters across the state have been arrested and detained by the police, with some reportedly moved to Abuja. However, a senior police source clarified that the redeployment was not linked to any specific allegation against CP Gotan and that he may be redeployed back to the state after the election. Sources familiar with the development also noted that Erale’s posting came shortly after his promotion to the rank of Commissioner of Police, having been decorated with his new rank on July 21.
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According to the Osun Command, CP Etaifo will ensure strict compliance with the Electoral Act, the Code of Conduct for Security Personnel on Electoral Duty, and other extant laws guiding the electoral process. The police assured residents that comprehensive security measures have been put in place across the state to protect lives, property, and critical electoral materials before, during, and after the election. All officers deployed for election duty have been directed to remain impartial, professional, and respectful of the rights of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation. The Command also issued a strong warning to political actors and their supporters, stating that electoral violence, vote buying, voter intimidation, the spread of misinformation, and any other form of criminality will be met with the full weight of the law. Residents were urged to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security agencies, and report any suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency channels. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to providing a level playing field for all political parties and ensuring that the will of the people prevails through a peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral process.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, has reiterated that INEC has no preferred candidate for the election, assuring that the Commission will provide a level playing field for all candidates and parties. He urged residents to come out en masse and vote, assuring that adequate security will be provided. “The Independent National Electoral Commission has no preferred candidate, holds no political allegiance, and seeks no outcome other than the lawful choice of the electorate. Our sole loyalty is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the sovereign will of the Nigerian people,” Amupitan said at a stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo. During a courtesy visit to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Amupitan declared that the next governor of Osun State would emerge through the ballot and not through violence. “We don’t want violence. And the blood of every Osun citizen is not worth to be shed, just for the purpose of election to the office of the governor,” he said. The INEC Chairman disclosed that the Commission had identified 11 Local Government Areas as potential flashpoints that would receive specialised, high-visibility security deployment. These include Atakumosa East, Atakumosa West, Boripe, Ede North, Ede South, Ife Central, Ifedayo, Ila, Osogbo, Ifelodun, and Oriade local government areas. “Security forces have been issued strict operational directives to neutralise thuggery, cult activities, and any attempt at ballot disruption, while maintaining absolute professional neutrality,” Amupitan stated.
According to INEC, the election will feature 2,339,233 registered voters spread across 30 Local Government Areas, 332 Registration Areas (Wards), and 3,763 Polling Units in the state. Fourteen political parties will participate in the contest. A total of 4,427 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices have been customised and deployed for the election, including 664 dedicated backup units representing a 15% operational reserve. All polling unit result sheets (Form EC8A) will be scanned and uploaded directly from the polling unit to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), guaranteeing public transparency from the moment voting closes. The Commission also announced that a statewide Mock Accreditation Exercise is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, 2026, across 12 selected Local Government Areas to test its preparedness ahead of the governorship election.
Osun Guber: IGP Deploys New Election CP as INEC Identifies 11 Flashpoint LGAs
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Tinubu Rewards Qur’anic Champion Maryam Dan’Azumi With N20m
Tinubu Rewards Qur’anic Champion Maryam Dan’Azumi With N20m
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has rewarded 19-year-old Gombe State Qur’anic scholar Maryam Ibrahim Dan’Azumi with N20 million following her outstanding performance at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Oluremi Tinubu presented the cash award to Maryam at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday after the young Qur’anic scholar was formally presented to her by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
The governor was accompanied by Maryam’s father, teachers and other members of the Gombe State delegation during the visit.
In addition to the N20 million reward, the First Lady expressed her willingness to support Maryam in pursuing a master’s degree, encouraging the young scholar to continue her academic development alongside her Qur’anic studies.
Tinubu described Maryam’s achievement as a source of pride for Nigeria and an example of what young Nigerians, particularly girls, can accomplish through dedication, discipline and education.
Maryam attracted international attention in August after emerging winner of the second category of the women’s division at the prestigious King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition in Saudi Arabia.
She scored 97.70 marks to take first position in a category that required participants to demonstrate mastery of the entire Holy Qur’an, together with excellence in recitation and interpretation of Qur’anic vocabulary.
The 46th edition of the international competition reportedly attracted 334 contestants from 133 countries, with participants competing across various categories covering Qur’anic memorisation, recitation and interpretation.
Maryam’s victory also earned her a prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyals, widely reported at about N120 million, making the N20 million presented by the First Lady a separate recognition of her achievement.
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Receiving Maryam at the State House, Oluremi Tinubu praised the teenager’s commitment to Qur’anic scholarship and her determination to excel in both religious and formal education.
She also acknowledged the contribution of Maryam’s parents, teachers and mentors, noting that sustained support from families and educators remains important in nurturing young talents.
The First Lady encouraged Maryam to remain committed to her education and to embrace mentorship as she progresses in her academic and personal development.
Maryam’s international success is also part of a remarkable family record in Qur’anic competitions.
Her elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan’Azumi, won the 18th Hashemite Jordan International Qur’anic Competition for Females in Jordan in 2024.
The achievements of the two sisters have drawn attention from Nigerian leaders and stakeholders in Islamic education, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu previously congratulating Maryam on her international victory and recognising the role played by her family, teachers and mentors.
According to Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Maryam’s success followed years of participation in Qur’anic competitions at different levels.
She reportedly distinguished herself in local and state competitions before progressing to national contests and eventually representing Nigeria at the international competition in Saudi Arabia.
Maryam is a Physics Education student at Gombe State University and also studies at the Abubakar Siddiq Community School for Qur’anic Memorisation in Gombe.
Speaking after her reception at the Presidential Villa, Maryam expressed appreciation to the First Lady for the recognition and financial support.
She said her participation in the Saudi Arabian competition enabled her to interact with contestants from different parts of the world and gain broader exposure.
The young scholar also expressed hope that her achievement would inspire other Nigerian youths to remain committed to education, develop their talents and pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
With the latest N20 million award, Maryam has received substantial financial recognition following her historic performance in Saudi Arabia.
Her 300,000 Saudi Riyal prize came from the King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition, while the N20 million reward from Oluremi Tinubu was presented during her visit to the Presidential Villa.
The First Lady’s offer to support Maryam’s postgraduate studies could further strengthen the young scholar’s ability to pursue higher education while continuing her development in Qur’anic scholarship.
Tinubu Rewards Qur’anic Champion Maryam Dan’Azumi With N20m
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Kaduna APC Calls for Probe Into Alleged Attacks, Vandalism
Kaduna APC Calls for Probe Into Alleged Attacks, Vandalism
The Kaduna State chapter of the APC has appealed for calm after reporting alleged attacks, vandalism and intimidation involving its members and party-related facilities.
The party wants the police and other security agencies to determine what happened and identify those responsible for any offences established by the evidence.
APC Publicity Secretary Sani Dan Azare said vehicles were allegedly damaged during an incident at party premises, while some members and supporters were reportedly assaulted or intimidated elsewhere in the state.
Rather than draw conclusions from the competing claims, the party asked security agencies to examine all credible leads and evidence before taking action.
The appeal comes as political activities intensify in Kaduna ahead of the 2027 elections. The state has already recorded a separate dispute involving ADC supporters and security operatives during a campaign-related walk, with the parties giving different accounts of the confrontation.
The APC said such incidents should not undermine what it described as progress made in reducing political, ethnic and religious tensions in the state.
It therefore urged political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and within the law.
Dan Azare also asked APC members and support groups to avoid retaliation, warning against any form of self-help.
“Let the facts be established. Let due process prevail. Let the law take its course” the party said.
The APC added that anyone with relevant information should make it available to security agencies to help establish what happened and determine whether anyone should face legal action.
Kaduna APC Calls for Probe Into Alleged Attacks, Vandalism
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Fatal NURTW Leadership Clash in Osun Leaves Two Dead; State Orders Park Shut Down
Fatal NURTW Leadership Clash in Osun Leaves Two Dead; State Orders Park Shut Down
As Olalekan Oyeyemi is buried in Osogbo, authorities transfer murder probe to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
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