Osun governorship election: Governor Adeleke invites EU to monitor August 15 poll

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has appealed to the European Union (EU) to deploy an election observation mission for the forthcoming Osun governorship election, saying international monitoring will strengthen transparency, promote compliance with Nigeria’s electoral laws and boost public confidence in the democratic process.

The governor made the appeal while receiving the Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Guschelbauer, at the Government House in Osogbo, as preparations intensify for the August 15 governorship election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most significant off-cycle elections ahead of the 2027 general election.

Adeleke said the European Union has built a strong reputation for promoting credible elections through its observation missions in democratic countries and expressed confidence that its presence in Osun would further enhance the credibility of the poll.

According to the governor, international observers play an important role in encouraging compliance with the Electoral Act, promoting transparency and reassuring voters that their votes will count.

“I urge the European Union to take special interest in the forthcoming Osun State election. The observer intervention of the European Union will strengthen compliance with democratic practices and the Electoral Act for a free and fair poll,” Adeleke said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible election, assuring residents, political parties and other stakeholders that the state government would continue to provide an enabling environment for all participants in the electoral process.

He stressed that democracy can only flourish where elections are conducted fairly and peacefully, urging politicians and their supporters to avoid violence, intimidation, vote-buying and other actions capable of undermining the credibility of the election.

Adeleke also called on security agencies to remain professional, impartial and vigilant throughout the election period to guarantee the safety of voters, election officials and observers.

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The governor reiterated that his administration remains committed to respecting the outcome of a credible electoral process and ensuring that the will of the people of Osun State prevails.

Beyond electoral matters, Adeleke highlighted the state’s enormous investment potential, inviting Austrian investors and businesses to explore opportunities in agriculture, renewable energy, solid minerals, technology, education, tourism and vocational training.

He said the Osun State Government has continued to implement reforms aimed at creating a business-friendly environment capable of attracting both domestic and foreign investment, stimulating economic growth and creating employment opportunities for residents.

“We are ready to work with your country and Austrian businesses in exploring these opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity,” the governor said.

Responding, Austrian Ambassador Peter Guschelbauer reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to promoting democratic governance, credible elections and respect for the rule of law across partner countries.

The ambassador expressed optimism that the Osun governorship election would be conducted in accordance with Nigeria’s electoral laws and democratic principles, noting that the poll would receive considerable attention because it is the last major governorship election before the 2027 general election.

He urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully, respect the Electoral Act and avoid actions capable of threatening the stability of the state.

Guschelbauer also commended the Adeleke administration’s governance efforts and spoke about the longstanding cultural relationship between Austria and Osun State, particularly through the internationally recognised Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to him, Austria remains interested in supporting cultural preservation, tourism development and stronger economic cooperation with Osun State through partnerships with Austrian businesses and development institutions.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed August 15 for the Osun governorship election, with 14 political parties expected to participate in the contest.

The election is expected to attract widespread national and international attention as political parties intensify campaigns to convince voters ahead of the poll.

Political observers believe the deployment of domestic and international election observers, combined with adequate security and strict adherence to the Electoral Act, will further strengthen the credibility, transparency and peaceful conduct of the election.

As political activities gather momentum, stakeholders have continued to urge all contestants to embrace issue-based campaigns and place the interest of the people above partisan considerations to ensure another successful democratic exercise in Osun State.

Osun governorship election: Governor Adeleke invites EU to monitor August 15 poll

WoPU Backs Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Launches ‘Responsible Citizen’ Campaign

Abuja — The grassroots advocacy group, Working People United (WoPU), has thrown its weight behind the economic reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that despite the short-term hardships associated with the reforms, policy continuity remains crucial to achieving long-term national stability and economic prosperity.

The group made the declaration at its Good Governance Summit held recently at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, where it also unveiled its new civic engagement initiative tagged “Responsible Citizen”, aimed at promoting patriotism, civic responsibility and active participation in national development.

Addressing participants at the summit, the National Coordinator General of WoPU, Comrade Williams Eniredona Akporeha, described the movement as a broad-based grassroots platform representing millions of Nigerians across both the formal and informal sectors of the economy.

He said the organisation was established to serve as the collective voice of Nigeria’s working population, including civil servants, artisans, traders, transport workers, professionals, farmers, entrepreneurs and youths, with the objective of ensuring that government policies translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.

According to him, Nigeria’s workforce remains the backbone of the nation’s economy and deserves a stronger voice in governance and policy formulation.

“The working people are the heartbeat of Nigeria. They are the teachers in our classrooms, the healthcare workers in our hospitals, the farmers feeding the nation, the traders sustaining our markets, the transport workers moving people and goods, the artisans creating value and the entrepreneurs driving innovation. Without the working people, there can be no meaningful national development,” he said.

Akporeha noted that although the Tinubu administration’s reforms had imposed significant economic pressure on households through rising food prices, transportation costs and energy expenses, the country was paying the price for decades of structural distortions that had been left unresolved.

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He argued that the current administration had chosen to confront the root causes of the nation’s economic challenges rather than continue with temporary measures that only addressed symptoms.

“We recognise that the pains are real, but avoiding reform would have been even more dangerous. Reform, however, must ultimately deliver measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. That is why we support policy continuity while demanding results,” he stated.

The WoPU leader further explained that the summit was convened to undertake an objective assessment of the government’s performance, bridge the disconnect between policy formulation and grassroots realities, and provide practical recommendations for improved governance.

He stressed that the movement was not a political pressure group but a civic platform committed to national development, accountability and inclusive governance.

A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the “Responsible Citizen” campaign, which Akporeha said seeks to encourage Nigerians to embrace integrity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence, respect for the rule of law and constructive participation in nation-building.

He urged Nigerians to refrain from actions capable of undermining the country’s image, noting that responsible citizenship requires citizens to balance demands for good governance with responsible conduct.

“Nation-building is a shared responsibility. Every Nigerian has a duty to obey the law, respect the rights of others, promote peace, contribute positively to society and project the country positively wherever they may be,” he said.

Segun Esan urges citizens to match demands for good governance with civic responsibility

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the summit, the National Public Relations Officer of WoPU, Mr. Segun Esan, said the organisation’s “Responsible Citizen” initiative was designed to complement its advocacy for accountable governance by encouraging Nigerians to become active participants in national development rather than mere observers.

Esan explained that while citizens have every right to demand transparency, accountability and improved service delivery from government, they also have corresponding obligations to obey the law, pay taxes where applicable, protect public infrastructure and contribute positively to their communities.

He noted that WoPU’s growing nationwide membership reflects the desire of ordinary Nigerians to engage constructively in governance, adding that the organisation would continue to sensitise workers, artisans, market associations, professionals and youths on their civic duties through sustained public enlightenment programmes across the country.

The spokesman further called on governments at all levels to sustain dialogue with citizens and ensure that economic reforms produce visible improvements in the welfare of the people. He expressed confidence that greater collaboration between government and citizens would strengthen democracy, promote national unity and accelerate Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

The summit attracted traditional rulers, religious leaders, ministers, members of the National Assembly, state government representatives, labour leaders, market associations, artisans, professionals, civil society organisations and other stakeholders from across the country. It featured discussions on governance, economic reforms, citizen participation and strategies for strengthening national development.

WoPU Backs Tinubu’s Economic Reforms, Launches ‘Responsible Citizen’ Campaign

Presidency mocks Peter Obi, labels him ‘miracle centre presidential candidate’

The Presidency has intensified its verbal exchanges with Peter Obi, describing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate as a “miracle centre presidential candidate” following his comments on a proposed public debate with Minister of Works Dave Umahi.

The latest political spat began after Obi, during an interview, said he would only debate Umahi if the minister first emerged as the presidential candidate of a political party. According to the former Anambra State governor, presidential debates should be reserved for candidates seeking the nation’s highest office rather than serving ministers.

Obi’s remarks were in response to an earlier challenge by Umahi, who had invited him to a public debate on the performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly on infrastructure development and ongoing federal road projects across Nigeria.

Reacting to Obi’s position, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, questioned the opposition figure’s own emergence as a presidential candidate.

In a post published on his verified X account, Bwala argued that Obi lacked the moral authority to determine who qualifies for a presidential debate, claiming that the former governor did not emerge through what he described as the conventional process of winning a presidential primary election.

Bwala wrote:

“Peter Obi is telling Chude on his podcast that if H.E Dave Umahi wants to debate him, he should first qualify as a presidential candidate first.

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“Funny; the Peter Obi how did he qualify to be a presidential candidate? Did he participate in any presidential primaries? In fact, has he ever participated in any presidential primaries? Imagine a miracle centre presidential candidate questioning a successful governor and performing minister on qualifications.”

The presidential aide’s comments quickly generated reactions across the political space, with supporters of both camps defending their respective positions.

However, records show that Obi underwent the screening process of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) before being cleared to contest the party’s presidential primary. He was subsequently affirmed as the party’s presidential candidate during the party’s national convention held in Abuja earlier this year.

The disagreement between Obi and the Presidency comes against the backdrop of increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election, where opposition parties are working to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Umahi has consistently defended the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure agenda, pointing to major projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, and several ongoing federal road projects as evidence of what he describes as unprecedented investment in road infrastructure.

The minister has repeatedly challenged critics to assess the administration based on completed and ongoing projects rather than political rhetoric, insisting that Nigerians can already see the impact of the government’s infrastructure drive across the country.

On the other hand, Obi has maintained that while infrastructure development remains important, it must be accompanied by stronger economic reforms capable of improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

The former governor has consistently criticised the Tinubu administration over rising inflation, the high cost of living, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power, arguing that economic growth should focus on production, investment in human capital, healthcare, education, agriculture and job creation.

Political analysts say the latest exchange reflects the growing rivalry between the ruling APC and opposition figures as the build-up to the 2027 general election gathers momentum.

Although no date has been fixed for the proposed debate, the war of words between Obi, Umahi and the Presidency has further heightened political discourse, with both supporters and critics using the controversy to advance their competing narratives ahead of the next election cycle.

Presidency mocks Peter Obi, labels him ‘miracle centre presidential candidate’