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Governor Adeleke
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Accord Party Set To Declare Adeleke As Sole Gubernatorial Candidate

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Accord Party in Osun State is set to officially declare Governor Ademola Adeleke as its candidate for the 2026 governorship election.

The declaration is scheduled to take place today, Wednesday, December 10, 2025, during the party’s governorship primary in Osogbo.

Confirming the development on Wednesday, the Osun State Chairman of the Accord Party, Pastor Victor Akande, announced that Governor Adeleke is the sole aspirant for the ticket.

Akande noted that approximately 150 delegates would participate in the exercise, with five delegates selected from each of the state’s 30 local government areas.

“Governor Ademola Adeleke is our sole candidate for the 2026 governorship election. We are declaring him today. As you know, he formally defected to our party in November and we publicly presented him on Tuesday,” Akande said.

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BREAKING: Osun State Governor Adeleke Joins Accord Party

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has officially joined the Accord Party ahead of the State Gubernatorial Election coming up next year.

The governor confirmed his new political home on Tuesday, putting an end to weeks of speculation about his next move.

Adeleke’s defection comes shortly after his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the platform under which he served as Senator for Osun West and later became governor.

His exit followed deepening internal disputes within the PDP, particularly at the national level, which he said made it difficult for him to continue within the party.

In a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 2, Sagba Abogunde in Ede North Local Government Area, the governor stated that he was withdrawing from the party effective November 4, 2025.

He attributed the decision to the ongoing turmoil within the PDP’s national leadership.

“Due to the current crisis within the national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), I hereby resign my membership of the People’s Democratic Party with immediate effect,” the letter read.

Adeleke also expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunities it provided throughout his political career.

He acknowledged that the party played a significant role in his rise from senator to governor, noting that he remains grateful for the support he received over the years.

With his official announcement, the governor revealed Accord Party as the new platform on which he intends to continue his political journey.

His move is expected to alter political alignments in Osun State, as several of his supporters and loyalists are believed to be preparing to join him in the days ahead.

The governor’s decision has sparked reactions across the state’s political circles. While some PDP members described his exit as a major setback, others noted that the deepening internal crisis made the development predictable.

Accord Party leaders, however, welcomed the move, describing Adeleke’s arrival as a significant boost ahead of upcoming political activities.

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Sim Fubara
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BREAKING: Fubara joins APC

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor announced his decision on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

His defection comes amid ongoing political realignments across the country.

Fubara now joins a growing list of state governors and political figures who have switched to the APC this year.

Details later…

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NIgerian Military
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JUST IN: Senate Approves Troops Deployment to Benin Republic

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of regional efforts to restore stability following last weekend’s attempted coup in the neighboring country.

The approval was announced on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, after lawmakers considered the request in the Committee of the Whole in accordance with Section 5, Part II of the Constitution.

Senators unanimously endorsed the deployment, giving legislative backing to Nigeria’s participation in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) security response.

Akpabio described the move as necessary for regional stability, noting that political unrest in any West African state poses potential threats to others.

“An injury to one is an injury to all,” he said, stressing Nigeria’s responsibility to support its ECOWAS partners.

In his letter to the upper chamber, President Tinubu said Nigeria carries a historic obligation under existing ECOWAS security arrangements to assist Benin. He warned that the situation demanded swift intervention to prevent further deterioration.

The attempted coup occurred on Sunday, when a group of soldiers identifying themselves as the “Military Committee for Refoundation” appeared on state television to announce the removal of President Patrice Talon. Loyalist forces, however, quickly regained control, thwarting the plot.

Following the failed takeover, ECOWAS announced the activation of its standby force.

According to the bloc, the regional force will comprise troops from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, with a mandate “to support the Government and the Republican Army of Benin to preserve constitutional order and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Benin.”

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JUST IN: EFCC seals Abuja residence of Timipre Sylva

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sealed the Abuja residence of Timipre Sylva, the immediate past minister of state for petroleum.

Julius Bokuro, special assistant on media to Sylva, revealed this in a statement on Monday, while criticised the agency over the sealing of his principal’s home.

Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa, is locked in a dispute with the EFCC over the probe of the $14.8 million meant for a refinery project in Brass LGA of the state.

In the statement titled “Grave Breach of Decency: EFCC Attempted Raid and Defacement of Sylva’s Family Home”, Bokuro said the action was carried out without a warrant and without “even the most basic adherence to lawful process”.

His words: “It is behaviour unbecoming of any institution that claims to act in the national interest. What unfolded at the Maitama residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was nothing short of an affront to decency and a troubling assault on the very principles that underpin a civilised society.”

He said officers of the commission attempted to intrude into the home and spray-painted the walls with the words “EFCC — Keep Off”.

“Officers of the EFCC attempted yet another aggressive intrusion into his home and proceeded to spray-paint his walls in stark red, emblazoning the words ‘EFCC — Keep Off’ as though marking the property of a fugitive rather than the home of a respected statesman,” Bokuro said.

He added that Sylva’s children, relatives, and staff have been effectively encircled in the house for weeks.

“To violate such a place without warning, without justification is to inflict terror upon innocent people who have no connection whatsoever to political gamesmanship.

“This latest incident bears all the hallmarks of local political rivalry being misinterpreted, or mischievously presented, as federal instruction. It is a dangerous muddling of partisan ambition with national authority,” he said.

He warned that agencies must not be used as weapons in political contests.

His words: “Government agencies and parastatals must never allow themselves to become weapons in political contest. Chief Sylva has, for decades, served Nigeria with calmness, loyalty, and an almost disarming sense of patriotism,.

“From his stewardship of Bayelsa state to his contributions at the federal level and his continued, unwavering support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has remained dignified even when confronted with provocation. His commitment to this nation has never faltered,”

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Headlines

VIDEO: Stop Singing or I’ll Switch Off the Mic” Remi Tinubu warns Gov. Adeleke

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A mild drama unfolded in Ile-Ife on Sunday after First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, confronted Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, over his extended singing during a public event.

The incident happened at the venue of her installation as the Yeye Asiwaju Gbogbo Ile Oodua, a ceremony that drew top dignitaries from different parts of the country. The atmosphere was lively until a moment that has now gone viral.

During his remarks, Governor Adeleke broke into worship songs, a familiar style of his public appearances.

While he continued singing, the First Lady walked toward him and signaled that he should round off.

She was seen saying: “I give you five minutes to conclude your speech, enough with the music, or I will switch off the microphone.”

The governor, however, kept singing, prompting Senator Tinubu to return to him a second time. In another clip, she said: “I will turn off the microphone. Stop the music.”

The exchange caught the attention of guests and has since triggered intense reactions online, with many Nigerians debating whether the First Lady acted appropriately at such a public gathering.

The clash happened during the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, where Senator Tinubu was honoured with a traditional title.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, serving and former governors, lawmakers, and several royal fathers were also present.

After receiving her title, the First Lady addressed the audience and spoke about her hopes for national progress. She expressed confidence that the country would experience a major turnaround soon.

According to her, Nigeria’s economic rise is bound to surprise critics.

She said next year would mark a new phase of growth, adding:

“By 2026, Nigeria will be in prosperity. Other countries will come and borrow money from us. Those wondering how we will do it, we will show them.”

Senator Tinubu also thanked the Ooni for the recognition, noting that the ceremony brought her back into major social gatherings.

She recalled that her last big event before this was her 50th birthday celebration and said the new title was a significant honour.

Meanwhile, the video of the encounter between her and Governor Adeleke has dominated social media conversations, with users sharing different interpretations of the moment.

Watch video 👇

https://x.com/vanguardngrnews/status/1998030303106077086?t=fGVOKtYoUuAWkvMO94BvnA&s=08

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Headlines

REVEALED: Truth Behind Badaru’s Shock Resignation as Defence Minister

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Fresh information has surfaced on why former Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, abruptly left office after two years in the job.

Although his exit was officially linked to health issues, new details obtained indicate that the resignation was far more complicated than the statement released earlier in the week.

Badaru stepped down on Monday, citing health challenges. Shortly after his resignation, President Bola Tinubu administered the oath of office to retired Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who now heads the Defence Ministry.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the change and stated that the former minister quit due to “poor health.”

However, investigations show that the former minister had been entangled in a long and increasingly tense clash with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

The disagreement, which had been carefully shielded from the public, reportedly created unending friction within the ministry for several months.

Badaru, who joined the federal cabinet on August 21, 2023, after completing his second term as governor of Jigawa State, was brought into the defence sector partly because of his administrative background and political reach in the North West—an area battling persistent banditry.

He was expected to lead major reforms, including military modernisation, improvements in intelligence systems, and stronger counter-terrorism efforts.

Matawalle was appointed the same day to support him, but insiders within the defence establishment said the working relationship between the two men never recovered from early power tussles.

According to senior officials who spoke confidentially, both ministers maintained a polite front during public engagements but struggled behind closed doors.

One official said the unease between them was an open secret in the ministry. According to him, “Matawalle and Badaru had a frosty relationship for most of the period he was minister, although they appeared cool with each other in public. But it is a known fact here that they had something against themselves.”

He added that the tension affected coordination across departments, especially communication and media operations.

Another senior source said Matawalle’s close ties with the Presidency gave him significant influence in the ministry, which often placed Badaru in a weaker political position.

Some party figures within the APC reportedly viewed Matawalle as a strong political asset for 2027, partly because of his dominance in Zamfara politics.

The source said that while Matawalle enjoyed the confidence of key power brokers, Badaru “does not actually reckon with the Presidency when it comes to power play and politics.”

These internal tensions intensified around the same period Nigeria recorded a spike in bandit attacks, mass abductions of schoolchildren, and renewed public anger over insecurity.

Several analysts publicly questioned the ministry’s performance and demanded a change in leadership.

The situation worsened when Nigeria’s security environment drew negative international attention, especially after the United States—under the Trump administration—re-designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged violations.

Under these mounting pressures, Badaru eventually submitted his resignation on December 1.

By then, the relationship inside the ministry had grown so strained that top officials believed his exit was unavoidable.

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Appeal Court declares VIO illegal in Nigeria

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has upheld the ban on Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) and awarded Abubakar Marshal one million naira cost.

Previously, the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court had ruled that the Directorate of Road Services (widely known as VIO) should cease confiscating vehicles or imposing fines on Nigerians over road traffic violations.

Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha said while delivering judgment in FHC/ABJ/CS/1695/2023 on October 2, 2024, that the notorious road traffic inspectorate was not legally equipped to seize vehicles or impose severe sanctions on motorists.

The judgment, which followed a lawsuit by rights attorney Mr Marshal of Falana and Falana Chambers, significantly pruned the powers of one of the country’s most dreaded road traffic enforcers and brought respite to millions of motorists across the country.

The order did not apply to the Federal Road Safety Corps, which has operated for decades as the largest body of road traffic marshals in Nigeria.

In her judgment, Ms Maha said VIO officers “are not empowered by any law or statute to stop, impound, confiscate the vehicles of motorists and or impose fine on motorists.”

Subsequently, the judge entered an order of perpetual injunction restraining the VIO and its agents, privies, allies or anybody acting on its behalf from further violating the rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement, presumption of innocence and right to own property without lawful justification.

 

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Christopher Musa
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JUST IN: Tinubu Swears In General Musa As Chief of Defence Staff

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

President Bola Tinubu has sworn-in General Christopher Musa as the country’s minister of defence in a major push to restructure Nigeria’s security setup.

Musa’s swearing-in ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, a day after a five-hour grilling by the Senate, leading to his confirmation.

Details later ….

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Nnamdi Kanu
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IPOB Commends Abia, Sokoto Governors Over Visit to Nnamdi Kanu

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have commended the governors of Abia and Sokoto states, Dr Alex Otti and Ahmad Aliyu, for their recent visit to the group’s detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing the gesture as both “historic” and “surprising.”

In a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB said Kanu’s arrest, extraordinary rendition from Kenya, continued detention, trial, conviction, and life sentence, as well as his transfer to a correctional facility in Sokoto amid worsening insecurity, amounted to what it described as extreme provocation against the group and the Igbo people.

The group further alleged that the Federal Government deployed security agencies to carry out what it termed “false-flag operations” in the South-East to fabricate evidence of violence and terrorism against IPOB and its leader.

IPOB also claimed that Kanu was imprisoned through what it described as a biased legal process, maintaining that his only offence was advocating for the rights of his people and pursuing self-determination in a country it accused of marginalising them since independence.

According to the statement, IPOB insisted that the alleged injustice would not be ignored until a comprehensive and independent investigation is conducted.

Part of the statement read: “The global family and movement of IPOB express appreciation to the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, and the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu, for their surprise visit to our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.

“We also commend other concerned Igbos, including residents in Sokoto. The alleged kidnapping, extraordinary rendition, prolonged detention, unlawful trial, life imprisonment, and transfer to Sokoto prison will not stand.

“The alleged use of state security forces for false-flag operations in the South-East to manufacture evidence of violence and terrorism against IPOB and Kanu is an injustice that must not be overlooked without a thorough independent investigation.”

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