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Osun DECIDES:INEC starts distribution of reprinted ballot papers to party agents in 30 LGAs
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday began the distribution of reprinted ballot papers and result sheets to agents of all participating political parties across the 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
The exercise commenced at the Commission’s state office in Osogbo on Thursday night, following INEC’s compliance with a Federal High Court judgment ordering the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, Dr. Francis Olugbenga Ajala, and his running mate, Faseke Babajimi Oladipo, in the election.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, had on July 22, 2026, delivered judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/344/2026, directing INEC to recognise, accept, upload, process and publish Ajala’s candidature for the August 15 governorship election.
INEC complied with the judgment on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, leading to the reproduction of the ballot papers and relevant result sheets to reflect the inclusion of the SDP candidates.
The reprinted materials were subsequently moved to the Osun State INEC office in Osogbo, where agents of the participating political parties gathered on Thursday night to witness the distribution process.
Addressing journalists at the venue, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Oluwatoyin O. Babalola, explained that the exercise would commence with the signing of the result sheets by the party agents before the distribution of the materials to the respective Local Government Areas.
Babalola said the materials had already been customised according to the polling units for which they were intended, with the names of the polling units clearly indicated on the documents.
“Everything is going to be customised. Believe it. All the results, they already have the name of the polling units on them,” the REC told journalists.
She explained that the customisation was intended to ensure that the materials could be properly identified and matched with their designated polling units during the electoral process.
According to her, the signing by party agents was an important part of the documentation process preceding the distribution of the materials.
“If you are signing, you see what happened,” she said, while explaining the procedure to the agents and journalists at the venue.
The REC also indicated that the materials had been prepared in a manner that would allow the Commission and the political parties to keep track of the documents allocated to the various areas.
The exercise was not, however, a distribution of the materials directly to polling units.
Rather, the reprinted ballot papers and result sheets were being distributed to agents of the participating political parties for the respective 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State.
The party agents were present at the INEC office to witness the process, beginning with the signing of the result sheets before the materials were handed over for the respective Local Government Areas.
The Federal Government has unveiled an online discount shop to provide serving and retired personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, veterans and their families with access to essential goods at discounted prices.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, launched the Armed Forces of Nigeria Personnel Online Discount Shop in Abuja.
Akume said the initiative was part of efforts to strengthen the welfare of military personnel and their families through digital technology and public-private partnerships.
He commended Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group for the partnership, saying the initiative would provide practical support to serving and retired personnel, veterans and their families.
The SGF said the inclusion of veterans was particularly important, noting that their sacrifices and contributions to national security deserved continued recognition and support.
He urged stakeholders to ensure that the platform remained transparent, reliable and responsive to beneficiaries.
Akume said the success of the scheme would ultimately be measured by the quality of service and tangible benefits delivered to personnel and their families.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the Armed Forces under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said the initiative demonstrated the commitment of the Armed Forces to improving the welfare of serving and retired personnel and their families.
Oluyede said Defence Headquarters would leverage digital technology and accurate personnel data to strengthen and expand the platform.
He disclosed that efforts were underway to bring more vendors on board, including Dangote Cement, to enable beneficiaries to access a wider range of essential goods and building materials at discounted prices.
The CDS also disclosed plans for physical outlets in the future to complement the online platform.
Chairman of Zinox Group, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, represented by the General Manager, Corporate Governance, Konga, Mr Reginald Obiako, said the partnership was the company’s contribution towards appreciating the sacrifices and dedication of members of the Armed Forces.
Ekeh said those who serve and protect the nation deserved continued support and appreciation.
He congratulated the Armed Forces on the launch and expressed optimism that the scheme would provide meaningful support to personnel, veterans and their families.
The initiative is being implemented through a partnership between Defence Headquarters and Zinox Group, with Konga providing the online platform.
Service Chiefs and other senior military officers attended the launch.
The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) has approved the appointment of Mrs. Edith Ajah Onyinyechi as Deputy-Clerk, Senate (Administration), effective September 23, 2026.
The appointment was approved at the Commission’s 33rd meeting held on Tuesday, September 23, 2026.
Until her appointment, Onyinyechi served as a Director (Legislative) in the Senate, where she was said to have distinguished herself through dedication, professionalism and commitment to the effective administration of the National Assembly.
A statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, Esq., said Onyinyechi joined the National Assembly Service on February 25, 1999, as a Statistician II and rose steadily through the ranks, taking on positions of increasing responsibility.
According to the statement, her career progression reflects her considerable experience and competence in legislative and administrative matters.
The National Assembly Management, while announcing the appointment, cited Onyinyechi’s hard work, administrative competence, dedication to duty and wealth of experience as among the qualities that informed the decision.
The Management congratulated her on the appointment and expressed its best wishes for success as she assumes her new responsibilities as Deputy-Clerk, Senate (Administration).
Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, says he will reconsider certain relationships as some friends have been silent during his trial.
The ex-minister shared his thoughts in a statement posted on X. He added that his predicament has taught him some lessons about life.
El-Rufai is facing trial over alleged money laundering and conversion of public property.
He has been in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) since February 19, after he was released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The ex-governor said “adversity has a way of illuminating relationships”, and the apparent silence from those he once helped, has elicited concerns.
“Some have expressed concern at the apparent silence, in my present circumstances, of some of my colleagues, friends and family members whom I have publicly stood by or associated closely with in the past,” he said.
“What I learn in difficult times like the past few months may lead me, quietly and without regret, to reconsider the nature of certain relationships and what those that look up to me expect of them.”
He said the decision should be seen as neither reproach nor condemnation, but as a way of seeing people and life more clearly.
El-Rufai said he always tried to support his colleagues, friends, family and others, guided by his faith, upbringing, personal values and conscience.
He said he stood by people and causes he believed in, sometimes in difficult circumstances and at considerable personal cost, without expecting praise, gratitude or reciprocity.
The former governor said those he had supported were also free to make their own choices now that circumstances have changed.
“I have no regrets about standing by people or for causes when I believed it was right to do so, and I bear no resentment towards anyone who chooses not to do the same for me,” he added.
“As for any injustice, ingratitude or injury done to me, I seek neither revenge nor retribution. Ultimate accountability belongs to Almighty Allah, and I leave that judgment to Him, in this world and in the Hereafter.”
El-Rufai said he would instead focus on remaining at peace with his conscience and his faith.
“In the end, each of us must live with the choices we make, and posterity will render whatever verdict it sees fit. My only concern is to remain at peace with my conscience and, above all, with Almighty Allah,” he said.
FG unveils online discount shop for Armed Forces personnel, veterans
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