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Osun Muslim stakeholders condemn CAN, PFN’s call for Christian governor

Published

3 months ago

November 6, 2025

Osun Muslim stakeholders condemn CAN, PFN’s call for Christian governor

Two prominent Muslim organisations in Osun State — the Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and the League of Alfas — have cautioned the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) against what they described as attempts to inflame religious tension ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, the groups’ president, Sheikh Qozeem AbdurRahamon, and secretary, Mallam Abdulganiy Sahid, criticised calls from some Christian leaders insisting that the next governor of Osun must be a Christian.

They described the demand as “an act of greed, religious prejudice, and deliberate misinformation against the people of Osun State.”

The Muslim stakeholders noted that since the creation of Osun State on August 27, 1991, all military administrators have been Christians. They further stated that the current administration also runs a Christian-Christian leadership structure.

They pointed to past Christian-Christian leadership between 2003 and 2010, saying the Muslim community did not agitate or protest during that period.

“Osun Muslims have been the most tolerant religious community in Nigeria, and nobody should mistake that for weakness,” they declared.

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The group dismissed allegations by some CAN and PFN members — led by Ayodele Owoofe and Pastor Seun Adeoye — that Christians are being marginalised in the state.

“What kind of marginalisation are they talking about?” they asked, noting that in 35 years, no Muslim has been appointed Head of Service or Chief Judge, despite Muslims being the majority in the state.

They accused proponents of a “Christian governor agenda” of trying to exploit religious emotions because “their preferred candidates are unpopular.”

The coalition cautioned political parties at both state and national levels not to bow to religious pressure, warning that such demands could destabilise the state.

They cited examples from Ekiti and Ondo States, where both governors and their deputies are Christians, yet Muslims have not staged protests. They also referenced Kwara State — a Muslim-majority state where Christians have held key government positions — as proof of interfaith tolerance.

The groups insisted that in the interest of fairness, justice and balance, a Muslim should emerge governor in 2026.

“By the will of Allah Almighty, it is the turn of a competent Muslim to lead Osun State. That is what equity and fairness demand,” they said, warning that Muslim patience “must not be taken for granted.”

Osun Muslim stakeholders condemn CAN, PFN’s call for Christian governor

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Court Accepts Sowore’s Tweet Calling President Tinubu ‘Criminal’ as Exhibit in Cybercrime Trial

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3 hours ago

January 22, 2026

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Former Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore

Court Accepts Sowore’s Tweet Calling President Tinubu ‘Criminal’ as Exhibit in Cybercrime Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted a tweet by activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, in which he called President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a “criminal,” as part of the evidence in his ongoing cyberstalking and defamation trial brought by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice Mohammed Umar ruled on Thursday, January 22, 2026, that screenshots of the controversial posts from Sowore’s verified X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts, along with video clips submitted on a flash drive, would be formally marked as exhibits in the case. The court overruled defense objections, allowing the social media evidence to form a central part of the prosecution’s case.

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The trial relates to posts published in August 2025, following President Tinubu’s official visit to Brazil. The government alleges that Sowore’s online statements were false, inflammatory, and capable of undermining public peace, contrary to provisions under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. DSS witnesses told the court that Sowore’s posts attracted millions of views and were capable of escalating political tension and threatening national security.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate and founder of the African Action Congress (AAC), has pleaded not guilty, insisting that his posts are protected under freedom of expression and free speech rights. The court adjourned the matter to January 27, 2026, for the cross-examination of DSS witnesses and continuation of proceedings.

The case has sparked a nationwide debate over cyber defamation, limits of online political criticism, and freedom of expression in Nigeria, attracting significant attention from journalists, human rights groups, and political commentators.

Court Accepts Sowore’s Tweet Calling President Tinubu ‘Criminal’ as Exhibit in Cybercrime Trial

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Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

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3 hours ago

January 22, 2026

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Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old woman for allegedly hiring armed robbers to steal her boyfriend’s gold jewellery worth about ₦13 million, the police confirmed on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

One of the golds

According to SP Bright Edafe, Delta police spokesperson, the suspect, identified as Jessica Anthony, approached individuals she believed were armed robbers to execute the plan. Her motive, she admitted, was to raise money for her sister’s medical bills.

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The boyfriend reportedly became aware of the plot and contacted the Delta police, who arranged for the “robbers” to be intercepted. During the operation, Jessica was arrested and the gold jewellery — including a hand chain and necklace — recovered.

A video released by the Delta State Police shows the recovered items and highlights the agency’s prompt action in foiling the robbery attempt. SP Edafe warned residents against engaging in criminal activities or hiring armed criminals, stressing that such acts carry severe legal consequences.

This incident forms part of ongoing Delta police operations targeting armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, reinforcing the command’s commitment to public safety and law enforcement across the state.

Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

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— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) January 22, 2026

Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

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Nigeria Political Battle: Akpabio Drags Natasha Akpoti to Supreme Court

Published

3 hours ago

January 22, 2026

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Senator Natasha Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio

Nigeria Political Battle: Akpabio Drags Natasha Akpoti to Supreme Court

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a fresh case at the Supreme Court, escalating the ongoing legal dispute with Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan over her suspension from the Nigerian Senate. The move comes after protracted proceedings in lower courts, with the apex court now set to deliver a final judgment on the matter.

According to court filings, Akpabio is seeking the Supreme Court’s approval to regularize and sustain his appeal against previous rulings from the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, asserting that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution to regulate its internal procedures. The case, recorded under SC/CV/1111/2025, also requests leave for Akpabio’s notice of appeal and brief of argument to be deemed properly filed and served.

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The dispute traces back to February 2025, when Akpoti‑Uduaghan raised concerns over alleged procedural irregularities and parliamentary privilege issues during a Senate plenary session. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions subsequently invoked disciplinary measures, resulting in a six-month suspension for the lawmaker.

Akpoti‑Uduaghan challenged the suspension at the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing it violated her constitutional right to fair hearing and breached Senate Standing Orders. The Court of Appeal later struck out parts of the Senate’s defense on procedural grounds, prompting Akpabio to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court for definitive resolution.

Additionally, the dispute encompasses a related contempt proceeding, arising from a social media post by Akpoti‑Uduaghan during the litigation, which a Federal High Court deemed in violation of a restraining order, leading to a fine and public apology — a decision she is also appealing.

The Supreme Court filing effectively brings all parties before Nigeria’s apex court, with the case expected to set precedents on the limits of legislative authority, judicial review, and parliamentary discipline.