The Imole Campaign Council has raised a fresh alarm over alleged anti-democratic activities during the ongoing Osun State governorship election, accusing Senator Francis Fadahunsi of openly intimidating voters In a strongly worded press statement released on Saturday, August 15, 2026, by the campaign’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq, the council called on national security agencies to step in immediately and halt what it described as a "sacrilege committed against democracy." According to the statement, Senator Fadahunsi, who represents the Osun East Senatorial District, was caught on camera and overheard issuing controversial directives to supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The incident reportedly took place at Polling Unit 1, NUD Primary School Collation Centre in Ilase-Ijesa. The council alleged that the lawmaker instructed APC loyalists to strictly monitor the ballot choices of voters and actively target individuals who failed to cast their votes for the ruling party. "This is scandalous, unacceptable, and undemocratic," Olajengbesi stated. "The security agencies must immediately stop the voter intimidation by Fadahunsi and his foot soldiers. One would have thought that he had learnt his lessons with his last despicable outing, but alas! A leopard never changes its spot." The opposition campaign council noted that the global community is watching the ongoing electoral process in Osun, warning that unchecked voter coercion could completely undermine the integrity of the governorship election. They urged the police and other military personnel deployed across the state to guarantee absolute safety for citizens trying to exercise their constitutional franchise.

The legal and political battle for the 2027 presidency intensified on Friday as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, dragged President Bola Tinubu before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking his disqualification over an alleged forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate. In a rare move, Atiku personally appeared at the court registry to depose to an affidavit supporting the suit filed against President Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The lawsuit relies on Sections 137(1)(j), 139(1)(a)(i), and 285(14)(c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alongside provisions of the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026. Section 137(1)(j) dictates that any candidate who presents a forged certificate to INEC stands disqualified from running for the office of the President. According to Atiku’s sworn affidavit, the NYSC discharge certificate submitted to INEC bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle,” which contrasts with the President’s official name, “Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” The plaintiffs allege that the document was not legitimately obtained by the President and is being used in connection with the upcoming 2027 polls. The former Vice President is asking the court to compel INEC to produce Tinubu’s Form CF001 from both the 2023 and 2027 electoral cycles. Atiku noted that his legal team had previously requested certified true copies of these documents from the electoral umpire but received no response before approaching the court. Speaking on his decision to sign the court papers personally, Atiku stated that the matter was too critical for proxy handling. “I came here personally because the issues before the court go to the heart of our Constitution and the integrity of the Office of President,” Atiku said. “I have put my name, my signature, and my oath behind the facts. Now it is President Tinubu’s turn to answer them.” Atiku emphasized that the case should be decided by judicial evidence rather than political rhetoric or social media debates. He also challenged the defense to prove that "Tinubu Bola Adekunle" and "Bola Ahmed Tinubu" are legally the same individual. Beyond the certificate verification, the lawsuit takes aim at specific provisions within the Electoral Act 2026. The ADC and Atiku argue that the new act contains clauses that unlawfully restrict candidates and political parties from challenging a rival`s qualifications at the pre-election stage. The plaintiffs maintain that ordinary legislation cannot override express constitutional standards. “Can an Act of the National Assembly be used as a shield against an express provision of the Constitution? Our position is that the Constitution remains supreme,” Atiku argued, adding that "the presidency is not an immunity certificate against constitutional scrutiny." The plaintiffs’ legal team, led by Edwin Inegedu, SAN, and Joseph Onu Silas, expressed strong confidence in their case. Silas noted that the team is fully prepared to argue the matter and respond to the defendants once they are formally served. "This case presents an important opportunity to further develop Nigeria’s electoral jurisprudence," Silas stated. The court has yet to establish the authenticity or legal implications of the disputed document. However, this high-stakes lawsuit shifts the immediate focus of the 2027 race to the judiciary, putting INEC’s record-keeping and the supremacy of constitutional qualifications under strict public scrutiny.

The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Adebayo Simon Adewale, has pulled out of the Osun State governorship race to back the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke. The dramatic twist comes just 48 hours before residents hit the polls on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Adewale announced his withdrawal during a Thursday press conference, which was captured in a video shared online by Oni Gbenga Lawrence, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Media. The APM standard-bearer stated that his decision followed deep reflection and extensive consultations with party leadership, stakeholders, and his core support base. "This decision is not born out of pressure or personal interest," Adewale emphasized. "Rather, it is a conscious choice to place the interest of Osun above personal ambition." He urged all APM members and his loyal voters across the state to cast their ballots for the incumbent governor. According to Adewale, his assessment of the current political landscape convinced him that Governor Adeleke deserves a second term to solidify his administration`s developmental strides. "I believe Governor Adeleke Ademola deserves another term to consolidate the progress of his administration as recorded," Adewale added, noting that the move is aimed at protecting the state`s peace, stability, and future. This unexpected alliance narrows the playing field on the eve of the election. While Adeleke picks up momentum from the APM endorsement, he still faces stiff competition in Saturday`s showdown against other heavyweights, including Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has firmly debunked widespread claims that the incumbent governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, purchased a vehicle for him as a personal gift. The elder statesman cleared the air on Thursday during a live appearance on Channels Television’s flagship political program, Politics Today, where he expressed deep disappointment over what he described as a calculated attempt to twist official state actions into political favors. The retired Brigadier General categorically labeled the narrative as false, asserting that the vehicle in question was an institutional entitlement rather than an act of benevolence from the current administration. Oyinlola took strong exception to the framing of the distribution, noting that it is highly regrettable for public officials to peddle misinformation regarding routine governance processes. He emphasized that transparency must be maintained to prevent misleading the general populace. Delving into the legal framework guiding the action, the former governor explained that the vehicle was provided in strict compliance with the laws of Osun State. He revealed that the State House of Assembly had long enacted legislation establishing specific welfare benefits for individuals who have served as the democratically elected chief executive of the state. Under this law, the state government is legally obligated to replace the official vehicle of every former governor once every four years. Oyinlola, who served as governor from 2003 to 2010, reminded the public that he has been out of office for over 16 years. Consequently, this statutory vehicular replacement has occurred across multiple past administrations without controversy. He maintained that the implementation of this legislation is an ongoing, automatic administrative duty of the Osun State Government that functions independently of whoever occupies the government house at any given time. Expressing his dismay during the interview, the former governor did not mince words regarding the allegations of political posturing. “That is far from the truth, and it is a sad development that a governor will continue to tell lies," Oyinlola stated flatly. "The Osun State House of Assembly enacted a law whereby some benefits will accrue to whosoever has governed the state. One of the things that is accrued to a former governor is that for every four years, his vehicle should be changed." The retired military officer further clarified the funding source of the asset to draw a sharp line between state apparatus and individual politicians. He stressed that the procurement processes were handled entirely through institutional state channels rather than personal executive pockets. "It wasn’t Adeleke that gave me a car but Osun State government. It is a law," Oyinlola insisted, urging commentators to differentiate between statutory rights and political handouts. As the political atmosphere in Osun State remains highly charged, this recent rebuttal by the former governor adds a fresh layer of scrutiny to the public relations strategies of the current administration. Analysts believe that Oyinlola`s blunt clarification could spark further debates surrounding executive accountability and the precise boundary between state institutional obligations and partisan political messaging in the state.

Ahead of Saturday`s highly anticipated Osun State governorship election, a prominent legal practitioner and author, Timothy Tugbiyele, has strongly urged Afrobeats superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, to tender an unreserved apology to Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo. The controversy stems from a trending video on Facebook where Tugbiyele criticized the singer for posting Governor Okpebholo’s alleged West African Examinations Council (WAEC) certificate on his Instagram Story. Davido’s post was a direct retaliation after Okpebholo openly mocked his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, for his frequent dancing during a political campaign for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO). The Genesis of the ClashDuring the APC campaign rally, Governor Okpebholo took a swipe at Adeleke’s leadership style, stating: "Before somebody signs paper, he will dance. Are you not tired? For four years, this man has been dancing. Before he takes breakfast, before he drinks tea, he will dance." In defense of his uncle, Davido shared the Edo governor’s alleged academic results without a caption. Reacting to the online exchange, Tugbiyele argued that Davido crossed the line by engaging a sitting governor directly. He emphasized that proper institutional channels should have been used instead of a social media call-out. "Governor Adeleke would have replied his contemporary governor, or caused one of his workers, maybe a commissioner of information or a special assistant, to reply. Not Davido," the lawyer remarked. "David Adeleke and the governor of the state are not in the same social class. They are not of the same status." While acknowledging that the alleged results were unimpressive, Tugbiyele insisted that a person`s past academic struggles do not define their ultimate success, sharing his personal experience of overcoming poor grades through his father’s encouragement. Describing Davido as a "properly well-brought-up Yoruba boy," the lawyer appealed to the singer`s cultural background, citing past photographs of the musician prostrating before elders as a sign of humility. "I think what Davido did is disrespectful and I will plead with him, he should exercise some humility and apologise. When you are fighting below the belt, when you are insulting, when you disrespect elders, that is not fair in politics," Tugbiyele concluded.

A prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Dele Momodu, has declared that the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election is not a contest between the ruling party and the incumbent, but rather a direct political battle between Governor Ademola Adeleke and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Momodu, who is the publisher of Ovation International magazine, openly broke ranks with his party to endorse Adeleke for a second term in office. He insisted that the opposition must immediately close ranks to build a formidable front against external political influences. The declaration has added a fresh layer of intensity to the off-cycle election, where Governor Adeleke—now flying the flag of the Accord Party—faces stiff competition from Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Dr. Najeem Salaam of the ADC. Momodu explained that his decision to support Adeleke, despite the ADC having its own official candidate in Najeem Salaam, is strictly in line with the foundational principles that drew him to the party. According to him, he joined the ADC primarily because of its programmatic vision to foster a unified coalition of opposition forces. "When I joined ADC, I joined a party that promoted a coalition of opposition parties," Momodu stated. "So, what I am demonstrating now is that the opposition must come together today." He noted that he had extensively consulted with several party elders before going public with his endorsement of the incumbent governor. Dismissing the electoral strength of the local APC chapter, the Ovation publisher argued that the political structures under the ruling party cannot withstand Adeleke’s current momentum across the state`s 30 Local Government Areas. He claimed that even the presidency is quietly aware of the governor`s deep grassroots popularity. The battle in Osun is between Adeleke and President Tinubu, Momodu asserted, adding that the APC is simply making "noise and hulabaloo". He further emphasized that Adeleke has evolved into a formidable political phenomenon who could comfortably challenge top federal figures in any popularity test. Beyond political strategies, Momodu revealed that personal sentiments and a sense of justice heavily influenced his endorsement. He described Governor Adeleke as a close friend and a "twin brother," noting that they were both born just three days apart in May 1960. He alleged that the incumbent governor is currently facing immense intimidation and systemic bullying from external political forces as the election day draws near. "He’s being bullied, he’s being intimidated, and all men and women of good conscience should rise up, whether you are in our party or wherever," Momodu urged, adding that only a biased observer would ignore the infrastructure and welfare projects executed in Osun State. Acknowledging the awkwardness of his position as an ADC member backing a rival Accord Party candidate, Momodu maintained that his democratic values compelled him to take a stand. He formally appealed to the national leadership of the ADC to overlook the breach of party lines for this specific election cycle. "I’m a democrat. If my party says they are not ready to back him, that is fine. On this occasion, they should please loan me to Ademola Adeleke. I’m begging them to do that," Momodu pleaded. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that over 2.3 million registered voters are eligible to participate in Saturday`s election. Security agencies have already deployed fresh personnel, including a new Commissioner of Police, to ensure an orderly process amid rising political tensions.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has declared that President Bola Tinubu is prioritizing the long-term survival and future of Nigeria over his personal political popularity. Speaking on Wednesday during TVC’s This Morning show, Sani analyzed the state of the nation ahead of the 2027 general elections. He noted that unlike past leaders who avoided tough choices to maintain public favor, the current president is taking decisive, albeit painful, actions. "Most presidents for years have tried to manage our problems to avoid taking decisive actions," Sani stated. "This is the first time we have a President who is ready to take the bull by the horns by implementing policies that have the possibility of sweeping power under his feet." The former lawmaker acknowledged that the ongoing economic reforms have caused widespread hardship and triggered public backlash. However, he argued that such structural pain is a mandatory phase for national advancement. He compared Nigeria`s current trajectory to the historical transformations of global economic powerhouses. "If you look at the history of nations that have advanced—Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brazil, Thailand, and South Korea—you will see that at a certain point, unpopular decisions had to be taken," Sani explained. "It may come with pains and sacrifice, but it has far-reaching benefits for the future of the nation." Sani concluded that a typical politician focuses on being loved to preserve political peace, but Tinubu’s willingness to implement bitter reforms proves his focus is legacy rather than superficial applause.

The Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, has declared that the 2027 general elections must transcend mere political contestation and serve as a national referendum on consolidating President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. In a statement released on Wednesday, Dare argued that Nigeria cannot afford to disrupt its current economic trajectory, stressing that the administration`s sweeping tax overhauls are critical masterstrokes designed to secure long-term national growth. THENEWSCREDIT reports that Dare emphasized that true leadership requires choosing long-term national survival over short-term public applause. Since assuming office, President Tinubu has initiated aggressive policy shifts aimed at fixing public finances, broadening the revenue base, and stabilizing the macroeconomic environment. Dare emphasized that true leadership requires choosing long-term national survival over short-term public applause. Since assuming office, President Tinubu has initiated aggressive policy shifts aimed at fixing public finances, broadening the revenue base, and stabilizing the macroeconomic environment. According to Dare, these measures are not meant to burden citizens but to correct structural defects that have hindered Nigeria`s growth for decades. The ongoing tax sector overhaul is a strategic blueprint designed to generate sustainable internal revenue for critical infrastructure, including durable road networks and expanded transport systems. This approach aims to secure funding for energy stabilization and vital social services. Furthermore, the initiative focuses on strengthening national security and driving economic growth through enhanced education and job creation. By improving the fiscal framework, the government intends to foster a stable environment for investment and development Dare stated that the reforms aim to build a simpler, fairer, and more efficient tax system that encourages private investment while giving the government the financial capacity to drive development. Addressing the upcoming 2027 political cycle, Dare warned against the dangers of policy summersaults, stating that Nigeria loses valuable progress by constantly starting over. He called on citizens to prioritize stability, consistency, and patience to allow the current foundations to yield full results. "The work has started," Dare stated, linking the tax reforms directly to the administration`s Renewed Hope Agenda. He concluded that the next phase of governance must focus entirely on the consolidation and expansion of these economic policies to deliver maximum value to all Nigerians.

The Northern Christian Association (NCA) has strongly rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima were voted into office solely by Muslims during the 2023 general elections. NCA Chairman, Rev. Joseph Hayab, stated that election data clearly shows the joint ticket received critical winning votes from Christian-majority states and communities across Nigeria. The Christian leader made the declaration while reacting to a viral video featuring Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir. In the video, Jingir defended the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that Muslims should not apologize for political dominance due to their population. The cleric went further to describe Christians as "infidels" and urged Muslims to use their numerical strength to drive political interests. Speaking on Channels Television, Hayab condemned the cleric`s remarks as unacceptable and highly inflammatory. He noted that while the initial same-faith ticket raised deep concerns among Christians who desired constitutional balance, millions of Christian voters still supported the administration. He challenged the narrative of a single-faith victory, noting that he could list multiple Christian-majority states where Tinubu triumphed. Hayab expressed deep worry over the context of the speech, noting that the derogatory comments were made publicly in the presence of three state governors. He criticized the political leaders for smiling and cheering rather than instantly rebuking or rejecting the divisive rhetoric. According to the NCA leader, this collective silence from authorities validates long-held fears of religious marginalization. The NCA chairman declared that the incident has effectively ended "Nigeria`s pretence" regarding the persecution and discrimination faced by northern Christians. He noted that observations of bias are often dismissed by critics as false alarms or exaggeration. He stated that the public broadcast proved what has been happening in secret for decades, ending any deniability regarding religious tensions. Directly addressing the political class, Hayab challenged the federal government and the governors present at the gathering to publicly state their positions on the cleric`s speech. He warned that the silence of the candidates being campaigned for would be interpreted as an endorsement of the insulting rhetoric. He emphasized that the core issue was no longer about political strategies, but the demeaning language used against citizens. Despite the escalating tension, the NCA affirmed that Christian leaders will not abandon peace talks or structural engagement with the Muslim community. Hayab clarified that the church would continue to collaborate with honest Islamic clerics who understand nation-building. However, he insisted that divisive figures must be called out publicly so the government can act responsibly to prevent a breakdown of law and order. To resolve ongoing disputes over demographic dominance, the NCA chairman renewed his advocacy for the inclusion of religious data in Nigeria’s national census. He argued that accurate, verified population statistics would eliminate manipulative claims of numerical strength used by politicians to cause division. He lamented that leaders are focusing on polarizing rhetoric while citizens grapple with severe hunger and national insecurity. Hayab concluded by warning against a rising pattern of religious extremism, citing another recent video where a speaker threatened to purge Christians from the civil service in Katsina State. He called on security agencies to clamp down on hate speech, urging Nigerians to reject divisive politics and focus heavily on unity, security, and economic progress.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised a fresh alarm over Nigeria’s growing culture of post-election litigation. He warned that the increasing role of courts in determining political outcomes is actively weakening the country’s democratic foundations. Speaking on Tuesday at the 2026 Democracy Dialogue in Bauchi, Jonathan stated that the nation`s judicial dependency has created a highly unpredictable political environment. THENEWSCREDIT reports that the former president described Nigeria’s electoral dispute system as a global anomaly. He noted that unlike other African democracies where elections are decisively resolved at the ballot box, Nigeria has institutionalised prolonged legal battles. "The Nigerian situation is extremely different from most other African countries," Jonathan remarked, adding that this trend heavily undermines the power of the ordinary voter. To illustrate his point, Jonathan recalled a historical conversation with a former Deputy President of South Africa during his tenure as vice president. The foreign leader expressed deep shock that Nigerian politicians routinely head to court immediately after losing an election. Jonathan noted that while international peers view court battles as a last resort, Nigeria has normalized it as an official phase of the electoral cycle. While advocating for judicial independence and impartiality, Jonathan lamented the sharp decline in public confidence regarding political judgments. He argued that while criminal offences committed during elections must be prosecuted, civil electoral disputes have become overly politicised. He suggested that for highly controversial cases, the judiciary should order a rerun rather than handpicking winners in a courtroom. Jonathan also targeted the judiciary`s deep interference in the internal affairs of political parties, particularly disputes from party primaries. He expressed worry that judges now frequently determine valid party candidates and legal party leadership. This overreach, he argued, strips political parties of their primary constitutional responsibilities and creates systemic chaos. THENEWSCREDIT further gathered that the dialogue concluded with Jonathan reminding stakeholders that democracy functions as an interconnected ecosystem. This delicate balance requires synchronised transparency from political parties, electoral bodies, security agencies, civil society, the media, and voters. He maintained that true democratic consolidation will only occur when Nigerians restore total confidence in the ballot box rather than legal technicalities.