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The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the August 15, 2026 election in Osun State, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, has boasted that he remains the candidate endorsed by President Bola Tinubu for the forthcoming poll.

Oyebamiji made the assertion on Friday during the inauguration of polling unit canvassers in the Ila Federal Constituency.

The APC flagbearer dismissed claims that President Tinubu had thrown his support behind Governor Ademola Adeleke, describing such reports as false and misleading.

According to him, reports linking the President with the endorsement of the incumbent governor were part of a propaganda campaign designed to confuse voters ahead of the governorship election.

Oyebamiji maintained that he remains the candidate backed by President Tinubu for the August 15 governorship contest and urged residents of the state to disregard contrary claims.

He alleged that those circulating the reports were deliberately attempting to misinform the electorate and create a false impression about the President’s position on the election.

The APC candidate also outlined his vision for governance, promising to uphold the principles of fairness, justice, transparency and accountability if elected governor.

He added that his administration would ensure equitable distribution of resources across all parts of Osun State.

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The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (Peoples Democratic Party) in the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election, Dr. Wole Oluyede, has rejected aspects of the conduct of the poll, alleging widespread irregularities and vowing to challenge the process in court if the issues persist.

Oluyede made the allegations on Saturday shortly after arriving to cast his vote at Polling Unit 6, Ward 3, Osagulu Hall, in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

He accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) and security agencies of actions that, according to him, could undermine the credibility of the election.

The PDP candidate expressed frustration over what he described as an unusual delay in the commencement of voting, despite the early arrival of both voters and election materials at the polling unit.

According to him, sensitive election materials had arrived early, while voters—including himself—had gathered at the location as early as 6:30 a.m. However, by 9:45 a.m., voting had yet to begin.

He said neither INEC officials nor security personnel offered any satisfactory explanation for the delay, leaving voters stranded and uncertain about when accreditation and voting would commence.

“The security officials and INEC personnel, without giving any reasonable explanation, stalled the voting process and kept the people waiting for several hours. I joined other voters on the queue very early this morning, yet up till now there has been no clear explanation as to why voting has not started,” Oluyede said.

The PDP flag bearer further alleged that the situation reflected a broader pattern of intimidation and irregular conduct aimed at discouraging voter participation and weakening the integrity of the electoral process. He warned that the party would not hesitate to seek legal redress if the alleged irregularities continue, insisting that the will of the people must be respected. “We are documenting all these incidents. If these violations continue, we will meet them in court.

The people of Ekiti deserve a free, fair and transparent election, and we will pursue every lawful means to protect their mandate,” he added.

As of the time of filing this report, officials of INEC had not issued any public response to the allegations. The election is being closely monitored by security agencies, election observers, and political party agents across the state, including in key locations such as Ado-Ekiti.P

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By Gloria Ikibah

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has appointed Rep. Afam Victor Ogene as its new Spokesperson, entrusting the experienced lawmaker and former journalist with the task of articulating the caucus’ position on national issues and strengthening its engagement with the Nigerian public.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the Leader of the Minority Caucus, Rep. Fredrick Agbedi. According to the statement, the decision was reached during an online meeting of the caucus held on Friday, 19 June 2026.

Rep. Ogene, who represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State, currently serves as Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Party Caucus in the House of Representatives.

Describing the lawmaker as a seasoned parliamentarian, the caucus said he brings significant legislative experience and a strong commitment to democratic governance to his new role.

The caucus noted that Ogene’s background in journalism and public communication would further enhance his ability to represent its views and positions effectively.

“Hon. Ogene is the Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Party Caucus in the House of Representatives and represents Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State. A ranking legislator and respected parliamentarian, Hon. Ogene brings to the role a wealth of legislative experience, deep understanding of parliamentary procedure, and an unflinching commitment to the defence of democratic ideals.

“As Spokesperson, Hon. Ogene, an award-winning journalist and editor, will articulate the positions of the Minority Caucus on national issues, ensure effective communication with the Nigerian people, and uphold the Caucus’s constitutional duty of holding the Executive to account”, he said.

The caucus expressed confidence that Ogene’s appointment will deepen public engagement and strengthen democratic accountability within the National Assembly.

It also called on media organisations and members of the public to support the new spokesperson as he assumes his responsibilities.

“The Caucus is confident that his appointment will strengthen its engagement with citizens and reinforce the principles of checks and balances in the 10th Assembly.

“The Minority Caucus urges members of the press and the public to accord Hon. Ogene all necessary cooperation as he discharges this responsibility on behalf of the Caucus”, it added.

Ogene’s appointment comes at a time when the opposition bloc in the House is seeking to sharpen its communication strategy and amplify its role in legislative oversight and policy debates within the 10th National Assembly.