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Allegations of vote buying surfaced on Saturday at a polling unit linked to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji as residents participated in the governorship election.

The claims emerged at Polling Unit 003, located opposite the governor’s family compound in Okelele, Ikogosi, Ikogosi-Ekiti, in Ekiti West Local Government Area, where voters turned out to cast their ballots.

According to observations by The Whistler, concerns were raised after a voter, identified as Oladimeji Nafiu Abiodun, alleged that he received ₦5,000 to take part in the voting process.

Abiodun further claimed that the payment was coordinated through associates of the governor, although he did not provide evidence to support the allegation. The claim has not been independently verified, and there is no proof directly linking Governor Oyebanji or his campaign to the allegation. The development came amid heightened scrutiny of activities at the polling unit, which is situated close to the governor’s family residence. Earlier reports indicated that only the polling agent of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), identified as Ogundele Oluwatosin, was present to monitor proceedings during accreditation and voting.

Security operatives deployed to the area, including personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), stated that they did not observe any incident of vote buying during their duty at the polling unit. They maintained that monitoring and enforcement of electoral offences fall under the responsibility of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which oversees the conduct of elections and voter accreditation.

Officials of INEC at the polling unit reportedly declined to comment when approached regarding the allegation. The governorship election featured incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the APC, who is seeking re-election, alongside candidates from several political parties including Wole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Professor Oyebanji Olajuyin of the Labour Party (LP), Ambassador Oluwadare Patrick Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and other contenders from parties such as the Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party, Action Democratic Party (ADP), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Boot

Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Young Progressives Party (YPP)

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A Coalition for the Protection of Democracy in Nigeria has thrown its weight behind Dr Emmanuel Ironbar declaring that the allegations against him are all tissues of lies.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Dr Gabriel Nwambu on behalf Coalition for the Protection of Democracy in Nigeria stating that:

“The Unwavering Loyalty of Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar and the Futility of Opposition Smear
Campaigns.

“It has become absolutely necessary to address the recent barrage of false, politically motivated,
and malicious allegations directed at the Chief of Staff to the Cross River State Governor, Dr.
Emmanuel Ironbar.

” As the Convener of the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy in Nigeria,
I stand to categorically set the record straight regarding the impeccable character and
undisputed loyalty of a man who has given his all to the success of Governor Prince Otu’s
administration.

“Recently, certain opposition figures and clandestine elements have orchestrated a campaign of
calumny, falsely claiming that Dr. Ironbar controls government appointments and unduly
influences the administration.

“Let it be known that these spurious allegations, designed to mutilate his impeccable integrity
and subject him to public ridicule, are baseless, dead on arrival, and ill-fated.

“A Track Record of Proven Loyalty
Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar is a leader whose dedication and loyalty to His Excellency, Governor
Prince Otu, are not just absolute, but historically proven. When Governor Otu faced immense
political challenges and fair-weather allies turned their backs, Dr. Ironbar stood firmly by his
side. He offered his unwavering support when it mattered most.

“Common sense and history dictate that a man who believed in you and fought for your mandate
when nothing was happening cannot and will not undermine you when success arrives. Dr.
Ironbar’s loyalty is rare, tested, and ranks among the strongest in our modern political
leadership. He remains an unrepentant loyalist and a deeply focused aide.

“A Disciplined Public Servant
To suggest that the headline Chief of Staff operates independently or usurps the Governor’s authority is a
deliberate attempt to mislead the public and distract this administration.

“The facts are clear:
● Total Subordination: Dr. Ironbar is a man who acts strictly at the instructions of Governor
Otu. Every action he takes is a reflection of the Governor’s mandate.

● Unfeigned Humility: In every interaction and execution of his duties, he consistently
directs all credit, recognition, and respect to His Excellency.

● Administrative Focus: His primary objective is the seamless operation of the
government, ensuring that the Governor’s vision is executed efficiently.

“A Call for Constructive Engagement
We urge these opposition critics to immediately cease dragging the office and person of the
Chief of Staff into unnecessary, fabricated political controversies.

“You cannot distract a
government that has its eyes firmly set on the prize.

“Governor Otu’s administration remains united, fundamentally stable, and aggressively committed to delivering good governance through its “People-First” agenda. The Coalition for
the Protection of Democracy in Nigeria will continue to stand against any orchestrated attempts
by detractors to derail democratic progress and vilify dedicated public servants.

“Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar’s integrity remains intact, his loyalty remains unquestionable, and the
desperate plots of his detractors remain doomed to fail.

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President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate and permanent reinforcement of security at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State, following a recent attack on the institution’s perimeter that claimed the lives of two soldiers and a police officer.

The directive was conveyed on Friday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a visit to the institute, where he addressed participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48 on behalf of the President.

According to the Vice President, the attack has strengthened the Federal Government’s resolve to protect critical national institutions, support security personnel and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.

Expressing the condolences of the Federal Government, Shettima sympathised with the families of the fallen security personnel and assured them of government support.

“I come to you with a heavy heart and a firm spirit. A banditry attack on the perimeter of NIPSS claimed the lives of two gallant soldiers and one courageous policeman. To their families, to the Nigerian Armed Forces, and to the Nigeria Police Force, I extend, on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the entire Federal Government, our deepest condolences.

“We mourn with you. We share your pain. And we honour their sacrifice,” he was quoted as saying.

The Vice President announced that President Tinubu had ordered the activation of emergency security measures at the institute, directing the Director-General of NIPSS to work closely with the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to strengthen security around the facility.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has directed that emergency security measures be activated at once, with the DG to coordinate with the Armed Forces, the Police, and the DSS to fortify the perimeter without delay.

“On the President’s order, a comprehensive action plan and timeline for permanent reinforcement, covering surveillance, personnel, access control, and emergency systems, must be submitted to the Office of the Vice President within seventy-two hours. Weekly progress reports will follow until full completion. No future attack must find us unprepared,” he added.

Shettima described NIPSS as Nigeria’s strategic intellectual nerve centre and a vital national asset whose protection must remain a top national security priority.

He noted that although the attackers intended to create fear and disrupt the training of future leaders, the incident instead demonstrated the courage, resilience and discipline of participants, management and security personnel at the institute.

Addressing staff and participants, the Vice President assured them that their safety remained a priority for the Federal Government.

“Your safety is non-negotiable. The President has directed the immediate reinforcement of security around NIPSS and all strategic institutions. The sacrifice of those three brave men will not be in vain. Their children will be our children. Their welfare will be our responsibility,” he said.

He further stressed that those responsible for the attack would not succeed in undermining the purpose and mission of the institute.

Commending the participants of SEC 48 for their conduct during the incident, Shettima said they had demonstrated qualities befitting future national leaders.

“When darkness came to the gates of this Institute, it expected to find people who would scatter into the night. It found instead men and women who stood their ground.

“You did not flee. You did not abandon your colleagues. You faced the worst that cruelty could send, and you answered it with composure, with courage, and with the steady discipline of people who understand exactly why they were summoned to this place,” he noted.

The Vice President also praised the Director-General of NIPSS, Ayo Omotayo, for his leadership and swift coordination with security agencies, which ensured the prompt deployment of reinforcements and the safety of participants and staff.

He similarly commended the Director of Studies, Barrister Nima Salman Mann, for maintaining order and coordinating the safety of staff and participants during the crisis.

Earlier, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support and the Vice President’s visit, describing it as a demonstration of empathy and solidarity following the attack.

The governor approved NIPSS management’s request for the establishment of a buffer zone around the institution, as well as the installation of security lights and other measures to enhance security in the area.

He also paid tribute to the fallen security personnel and praised the bravery of staff and course participants who helped repel the attackers and prevent further incursion into the institute.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NIPSS, Omotayo, presented an incident report to the Vice President and appealed for additional security support, including the deployment of more personnel and the installation of surveillance infrastructure such as CCTV cameras around the institution.

He noted that the attack underscored the vulnerability of critical government institutions across the country and highlighted the need for improved security measures.