OCTOBER 29, 2025
Reward System: APC Members Call Out Akande, Say Daughter Doesn’t Work For Party
Fellow Nigerians,
OSUN STATE AND EKITI STATE MEMBERSHIP MOBILISATION, REVALIDATION & REGISTRATION COMMITTEE
The ADC is undergoing a strategic reorganisation to strengthen the party ahead of taking power at the centre and in all states. The National Working Committee (NWC) has appointed the following eminent Nigerians to serve on the Ekiti and Osun States Membership Mobilisation, Revalidation & Registration Committee.
STATE MEMBERSHIP MOBILISATION, REVALIDATION AND REGISTRATION COMMITTEE
1. Hon. Kamil Akinlade Mudashir
2. Barr. Gbenga Akano
3. Mojeet Adeyemi
4. Abideen Okandeji
5. Ayoola Ige
6. Femi Adedokun
7. Sikiru Ayedun
8. Gbove laveola
9. Aina Ogundare
10. Sola Adoye (California)
1 Omotara Adele Fashawe
2 Hon. Olufemi Adeleye
Daramola Oluwatoyin
4 Dr. Dele Ekunola
5 Pst. Ogundele Adekunle Francis
6 Prince Adebayo Ademola
7 Hon. Segun Akinwumi
8 Engr. Job Nathaniel
9 Dare Adekolu
10 Hon. Charles Ademola
11 Dr. Alade Beatrice Modupe
- Revalidate existing membership records.
- Register all members in Ekiti and Osun States.
- Ensure compliance with party membership guidelines and dues payment.
Contact: All inquiries should be directed to the ADC National Headquarters, Abuja. We call on all patriots, members, and well-meaning Nigerians in Ekiti and Osun States to cooperate with the committee and help build a stronger ADC for victory in upcoming elections.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we shall take back Nigeria!
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025
Reward System: APC Members Call Out Akande, Say Daughter Doesn’t Work For Party
MEMBERS and supporters of the All Progressives Congress have been deba ng the reward system of the party following a statement made by former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Fashola had during APC’s Stakeholders Forum mee ng in Lagos recently, ques oned the All Progressives Congress, APC’s reward system.
Fashola, who raised the ques on while idenfying a drop in the number of votes accrued to the APC, wondered if the APC’s policies s ll resonate with its tradional base.
The former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, wondered if the party has a well-documented register for members that can be engaged, which could
•L-R: Chairman, Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Isa Adesiji, the National Secretary, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola with the Owa of Ijesaland, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup at the 70th birthday reception of Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Chief Olayinka Fasuyi, recently.
help s mulate votes.
According to Fashola, “Our closest opposi on back then used to have about one-third of the total votes that we got. That was what it used to look like.
“And so what has
happened? Why have the votes dropped? And I think that is the heart of the ma er. There are a lot of numbers here, but I don’t want to go into interroga ng all of those numbers.
“Where are our tra-
di onal voters? Are they s ll with us? Are they turning out for us? And why are they not turning out enough?
“This is a me for honest answers and for honest ques ons, and I hope those ques ons will be
asked, as I said, a er this mee ng by people who are resolved to ensure that we turn out voters for the next elec on.
“Some of the quesons to ask are, whether our policies and programs are s ll resonat-
Tinubu Govt Weaponising Hunger, Deceiving Nigerians on Food Prices — ADC
TKazeem Badmus crippled farming across northern Nigeria.
HE African Democra c Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of manipula ng food prices and deceiving Nigerians with false claims of increased local produc on.
In a statement by its Na onal Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the government’s narra ve is a calculated a empt to mask failure and weaponise hunger for poli cal control.
It described as dishonest and insensi ve, the celebra on of a supposed drop in food prices when insecurity and displacement have
“The truth,” the ADC said, “is that the Tinubu administra on is deliberately manipula ng market dynamics through import waivers and hoarding, crea ng
an illusion of abundance while millions starve. This is not economic progress—it is the weaponisa on of poverty.”
The party maintained that local farmers are being crushed by rising costs of fer lisers and
other inputs, while insecurity con nues to drive thousands off their farmlands. “How can producon be rising when farmers are being displaced daily and can no longer afford to plant?” it queried.
The ADC urged the Federal Government to stop its propaganda, confront the reali es of food insecurity, and priori se policies that genuinely empower local farmers and restore Nigeria’s agricultural stability.
Again, Judiciary Workers Condemn Osun CJ For Neglecting Staff Welfare
TYusuf Oketola
HE Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), has again berated the Chief Judge of Osun state, Jus ce Adepele Ojo for her ‘egregious display of indifference to the ongoing industrial acon embarked upon by the state chapter.
This is as the Na onal President JUSUN, Marwan
Adamu, indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue with the judiciary management in Osun to put an end to the ongoing strike.
The Osun JUSUN Chairman, Comrade Idris Adeniran, made this disclosure in a statement issued and obtained by OSUN DEFENDER a er the union’s monthly congress in Osogbo on Monday.
According to Adeniran,
Sowore Slams Police Over Unlawful Detention, Vows Legal Action
Yusuf Oketola
HUMAN rights acvist and former presiden al candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has condemned the Nigeria Police Force, calling it an “irresponsible organisa on” that rou nely abuses power.
Sowore spoke on Monday when he regained freedom a er four days in deten on.
He accused the police of illegally enforcing a court order in which they had vested interest, saying, “If a court order is violated, you return to
the same court—not take the law into your own hands.”
He also faulted the police for failing to serve any restraining order before his arrest, describing
their ac ons as unlawful and poli cally mo vated.
Responding to claims that his deten on followed his cri cism of the Inspector General of Police, Sowore insisted he was right, arguing that the jus ce system itself is useless when people are brutalised and denied lawyers.
Reaffirming his commitment to ac vism, Sowore said no amount of in mida on would silence him.
He vowed to challenge his deten on in court, describing it as another a empt by the Tinubu administra on to suppress dissent and erode civil liber es.
Adamu also expressed openness to mee ng and discussing the pressing issues affecting Osun JUSUN members.
He disclosed that the JUSUN president stated that resolving the strike depended on whether the judiciary management in the state was genuinely commi ed to finding a resolu on to the impasse.
The statement reads, “The Na onal President of JUSUN has extended an olive branch, indica ng a willingness to engage in dialogue with the Judiciary management. He has expressed openness to mee ng and discussing the pressing issues affec ng our members, provided that the management is genuinely commi ed to finding a resolu on.
“The Congress vehemently condemns the Honourable Chief Judge’s egregious display of indifference to the ongoing JUSUN strike. Her abrupt departure from the state on the strike’s commencement day, coupled with her persistent absence from the state, demonstrates a shocking lack of commitment to engaging with JUSUN leadership.
“Instead of addressing the pressing concerns of judiciary staff, lawyers, and the general public, Her Lordship has chosen to travel abroad. This bla-
tant disregard for the welfare of those who serve the judiciary and the public they serve is unacceptable.
“We appreciate Comrade Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, Chairman, NLC Osun State, for standing with us during this tough me. Your support and commitment to jus ce and fairness inspire us. We are honoured to have you as an ally.
“Thanks for championing workers’ rights and welfare. We are proud to have you as a partner. We also thank the leadership of NBA for their reless efforts to resolve the ongoing JUSUN strike,” the statement added.
The congress also condemned a empts by the judiciary management to use JUSUN members as security guards.
While insis ng that such a prac ce is unacceptable, the congress affirmed that members were not employed as security personnel and that their concerns must be addressed accordingly.
OSUN DEFENDER had earlier reported that Osun JUSUN embarked on an indefinite strike on September 19, 2025, to demand mely 2024 and 2025 promo ons as well as improved welfare for its members.
ing with our tradi onal base.
“What is our own party reward system like? How do we even network with ourselves?
“I have asked quesons such as, if we wanted to undertake a par cular program that involved a certain set of tradesmen or tradeswomen, do we have a register that we can consult to say who the party members are who will be interested in this?
Following Fashola’s remarks, the APC members took to X formerly Twi er to lend their voice to the debate with many of them supporting the former governor’s posi on.
The APC members also called out some of the chie ains of the party, including the party’s na onal leader, Chief Bisi Akande.
According to the APC members, Akande’s daughter, Dr. Temitope Ilori who is the Director General of the Na onal Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), got her posi on without working for the party.
The members noted that Dr. Ilori, who is a former Commissioner for Health in Osun State, was riding on her father’s goodwill.
Joining the conversaon, an APC member, Sulaiman Gafar, said former governor Gboyega Oyetola lost his re-elec on bid because people like Dr. Ilori failed to mobilise for the party.
He wrote, “Oyetola lost his elec on for many reasons. One of them is that people like Baba Akande secured an appointment for his daughter, who failed to mobilize for the party in Ila in 2018, and for his son in 2019, who also failed the party in 2022 for the same reason.”
But responding to the cri cs, Dr. Ilori, claimed that she has been involved in APC poli cs.
Dr. Ilori in a X post, said her dedica on to APC runs deep, adding that it is “both family legacy and personal convic on.”
She wrote, “I’ve seen a few comments suggesting I wasn’t ac ve during APC campaigns.
“Truth is, this account was only created last year, but I was and connue to be involved right from my ward to LGA and state levels.
“My dedica on to our great party runs deep; it’s both family legacy and personal convic on.”
Kazeem Badmus
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025
THE week that has just ended laid bare once again the lingering fault lines in the dysfunc onal landscape in Nigeria’s poli cal economy.
During the week, the inadequay of ins tu ons came up once again, this is significant for robust ins tu ons cons tute the bedrock of a democracy without them we move into roadblocks which could be s fling.
A Season Of Discontent
“The policing system must drop the nomenculture of force and post independence assume the toga of service instead. The issue right now must be how to rally the Republic behind a banner of rebirth and rejuvenation behind a broad based popular front”
Two examples can be used to illustrate. In the course of the trial of the IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and the fi h anniversary of the #EndSARS protests, the policy moved from ‘tragedy into farce’.
“A democracy must have strong institutions in order to be competitive. Nigeria is far from been competitive as of now”
The ins tu onal inadequacies were astonishing with the media personality Yemi Adamolekun ge ng roughed
up in the process of trying to lay a commemora ve wreath. Contradictory to the Democra c ethos, lawyers were also ge ng the rough end of the s ck in Abuja as well. The policing system must drop the nomen-
The Discourse
culture of force and post independence assume the toga of service instead.
The issue right now must be how to rally the Republic behind a banner of rebirth and rejuvena on behind a broad based popular front. The poli cal will to do so must be found
A democracy must have strong ins tuons in order to be compe ve. Nigeria is far from been compe ve as of now. The World Bank for example stated last week that only twenty-seven per cent of the working populaon are in structured employment, this is a clear indica on of a very backward set up that must be reset. Those who are very commendably trying to rebuild and strengthen the Democra c ethos in Nigeria have their work cut out.
Madagascar’s Lessons for Nigerian Democracy
FBy Oluwatosin Babatunde
AR across the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is grappling with poli cal turbulence that offers important lessons for Nigeria. Its story is a reminder that democracy is not merely the act of holding elecons; it is about stability, accountability, and trust between leaders and ci zens.
Poli cal instability in Madagascar frequent leadership changes, contested elec ons, and episodic unrest has disrupted policymaking and hindered development. Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, may not face coups or abrupt regime changes, but it is not immune to poli cal vola lity.
Party defec ons, post-elec on li ga on, and regional power struggles o en distract from governance and policy con nuity. Both countries demonstrate that sustainable democracy requires strong ins tuons capable of withstanding leadership changes.
Equally pressing is the issue of accountability. Corrup on, real or perceived, has eroded public confidence in governance on both sides. Madagascar reminds us that transparency is non-nego able: ci zens
“Madagascar’s political experience is both cautionary and instructive. For Nigeria, it is a reminder that stability, transparency, citizen participation, and credible elections are not optional they are essential for a democracy that works. If lessons are ignored, the consequences are predictable: public disillusionment, weakened institutions, and stalled development”
must trust that their leaders act in the public interest. In Nigeria, where corrup on scandals dominate headlines and ins tu onal reforms o en falter, the lesson is stark without accountability, development remains elusive.
Another striking parallel is the role of ci zen engagement. In Madagascar, local communi es often step in to address governance gaps, demonstra ng the power of grassroots par cipa on. Nigeria has
a vibrant civil society and ac ve cizenry, yet meaningful consulta on in decision-making remains limited. A healthy democracy thrives when ci zens are partners, not spectators, in governance. Finally, the credibility of elec ons is a shared concern. Madagascar’s electoral crises underline that legimacy stems not just from vo ng, but from trust in the electoral process. Nigeria, with its logis cal challenges
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and allega ons of malprac ce, connues to wrestle with similar issues. Democracy without public confidence is fragile and unsustainable. Madagascar’s poli cal experience is both cau onary and instruc ve. For Nigeria, it is a reminder that stability, transparency, ci zen par cipaon, and credible elec ons are not op onal they are essen al for a democracy that works. If lessons are ignored, the consequences are predictable: public disillusionment, weakened ins tu ons, and stalled development. Nigeria has the resources, popula on, and poten al to lead Africa poli cally. The ques on is whether it will learn from the experiences of others, such as Madagascar, before the cost of inac on becomes irreversible.
Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php
e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com
All correspondence to the above email addresses.
•Oluwatosin Babatunde is a Nigerian journalist and advocate of good governance. He writes on politics, democracy, and public accountability, and can be reached via babatosin247@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025
News
Rip-off At Osun Polytechnic
Yusuf Oketola
SOME contract staff
at the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, were said to be engaging unprofessional acts over non-payment of four months salaries by the management of the instu on.
Since their formal engagement in July 2025 by the ins tu on, their accumulated salaries are yet to be paid. Though, the school has promised that the money will be paid by the end of October 2025.
The ins tu on’s Director of Media, Publicity, and Protocol, Mr. Bayo Fadeji confirmed this in a telephone interview with OSUN DEFENDER, on Tuesday.
Fadeji explained that the ins tu on is in the process of streamlining the ac vi es of the contract staff, adding that many of them have commitments elsewhere but s ll ge ng salaries from the school.
“We had a mee ng with the contract staff last Thursday where we addressed them. I can assure you that they will be paid this month. What the school is doing currently is to streamline their acvi es because we found out that some of them
●As Staff Owed 4-month Salary
have commitments elsewhere but are s ll ge ng salaries from us. Some of them have about two to three jobs they are doing,” he posited.
Recall that the Polytechnic management early this year disengaged all contract staff in its employment.
A copy of an inter-
nal memorandum dated January 15, 2025, signed by Foyinsade Apara on behalf of the Registrar, a copy of which was obtained by OSUN DEFENDER, subsequently invited fresh applica ons from interested persons for job opportuni es in the polytechnic.
The management said
it no ced with dismay that a large percentage of Part-Time/Contract staff have not been coming to the office and had been collec ng unmerited salaries.
“In view of this, the management has decided to disengage all Part- me/ Contract Staff members with effect from Friday,
31st January 2025,” the memorandum read.
Whoever among the disengaged staff s ll interested in working with the ins tu on, was, however, directed to reapply through their Heads of Departments and Units.
It further read, “However, I have been directed to inform all disengaged Part-Time/Contract staff members who are will-
Abiola Allegedly Plotted Coup To Overthrow Shonekan’s Govt - Ex-Governor Son
Kazeem Badmus
A son of former military governor of Akwa Ibom State, Yakubu Bako, Isa Bako, has claimed that the late winner of the annulled 1993 presiden al elecon, Chief Moshood Abiola, allegedly plotted a coup against the interim government of Ernest Shonekan.
Mr Bako in a video shared on Instagram, alleged that Abiola approached his father to assist him in toppling Shonekan’s government.
He added that his father informed former military ruler, General Sani Abacha, who was his godfather, to tell him about the planned coup, adding that Abacha gave the nod to it.
He, however, claimed that following the success of the coup, Abacha took over power instead of installing the late Abiola.
He said: “When Ernest Shonekan was the interim President of Nigeria, Abiola came to my father to help topple his government and make him the president.
“My father went to
see Abacha to tell him about it and Abacha told my father that it was a
good idea. My father did everything but Abacha took control.
“Everybody was expec ng Abacha to announce that we’ve taken over power for Abiola, but he said we’ve taken over power and I am the president.”
Bako further claimed that Abacha, a er taking power wanted to become a civilian president and put his father in charge of logis cs at the electoral commission.
“Abacha wants to become a civilian president so he put my father in charge of logis cs at the
electoral commission.
“There was a me when my dad was given the security min ng and prin ng of Nigeria.”
He added that his father fell out with Abacha a er he was asked to eliminate former President Olusegun Obasanjo which he declined.
“Why my father fell out with Abacha was because he refused to kill Olusegun Obasanjo on his behalf. It was a good decision because Obasanjo later became the President,” Bako noted.
Babalola Condemns Attack on ADC Event, Seeks Global Action
Yusuf Oketola
Aformer governorship aspirant of the African Democra c Congress (ADC) in Eki State, Prof. Olumuyiwa Babalola, has condemned the violent disrup on of the party’s reaffirma on ceremony for its State Execuve Commi ee.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the event, billed for last Tuesday and expected to be peaceful, turned violent a er suspected thugs a acked the venue, causing panic among members and observers.
Babalola, an interna onal
peace advocate and diplomat, described the a ack as a deliberate a empt to silence opposi on and undermine democracy.
He said the incident was a threat to peace and the rule of law, calling on security agencies to inves gate and prosecute those involved.
The diplomat, who serves as Secretary General of the World An -Terrorism Organiza on (WATO) and Nigeria Country Representa ve of the World Peace Organiza on (WPO), confirmed he had reported the ma er to internaonal bodies for inves ga on.
He warned against rising poli cal intolerance in Eki and urged transparency and accountability from relevant authori es.
Babalola reaffirmed his
commitment to peace and jusce, calling on Nigerians and the interna onal community to unite in defending democracy and ensuring poli cal actors are safe.
ing to con nue with the Ins tu on to re-apply through their Head of Department (HOD)/ Head of Unit, (HOU), who in addi on would recommend such member of Staff if found deserving.
“Applica on for ReEngagement with a recommenda on le er from HOD/HOU are to be directed to the Registrar and submi ed to the Personnel Affairs Office on or before the close of work on Wednesday, 29th January 2025.”
But OSUN DEFENDER learnt that some departments in the school kicked against the announcement, ci ng lack of enough regular staff in the ins tu on. The department was said to have taken responsibility for the contract staff while the school le them to their fate in January before they were formally engaged in July.
Findings by the medium revealed that some of the contract staff have been engaging in all kinds of illicit ac vi es such selling of handouts which can be interpreted as unprofessional conduct to survive which the school is preaching against.
A cross sec on of them who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER under the condi on of anonymity said the situa on is excrucia ng and becoming unbearable while calling on the appropriate authori es to see to their plights.
“We have been coming to work since January 2025 without pay. Though, we were disengaged early this year. But our various departments did not allow us to go. The fact is that there are no substan ve lecturers in most of the departments. It is the contract staff that have been assis ng. There are some departments that have just one to two permanent staff. Also, the school that told us to go home in January has been coming to our various departments to take a endance.
“We hope they will pay the money by October ending as promised. Majority of the contract staff have been doing a lot of illicit jobs to survive and feed their families. This calls for urgent interven on. The school has been preaching against all forms of extor on, the only way to have a sane campus is to pay remunera on of workers on me.” they said.
•The chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu undergoing medical check up as part of activities lined up for this year 2025 Press Week by the medical personnel of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital. Photo: Shola Aderinto
•Abiola
•Shonekan
Rights Group Petitions British High Commission, 17 Others Over Threat To Aregbesola’s Life
Yusuf Oketola
THE Interna onal Human Rights
Protec on Service Forum (IHRPSF) has pe oned the Bri sh High Commission in Abuja and 17 others over what it described as the persistent harassment and poli cal persecu on of the Naonal Secretary of the African Democra c Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
In the pe on signed by its President, Barrister Maurice OruEbam, the group accused some supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and close associates of President Bola Tinubu of orchestrating a series of threats, defama on campaigns and coordinated attacks against Aregbesola.
Documents made available to OSUN DEFENDER over the weekend revealed that the pe on was also addressed to other na onal and internaonal bodies, media organisa ons.
The bodies include the Na onal Human Rights Commission of Nigeria (NHRC), TVC News, United States Embassy, Public Complaints Commission, Nigerian Bar Associa on (NBA), Federal Ministry of Jus ce and 10 others.
According to the pe on, these acts amount to gross violaons of the 1999 Cons tu on, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ra fica on and Enforcement) Act, and interna onal human rights conven ons to which Nigeria is a signatory.
“Our a en on has been drawn to the con nuous harassment, in mida on, and poli cal persecuon of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola by certain elements within the ruling APC, allegedly ac ng on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his loyalists,” the pe on read in part.
“These acts include verbal abuse, poli cal blackmail, cyberbullying, threats of physical harm, and a empts to criminalize his legimate poli cal ac vies,” it added.
The IHRPSF noted that Aregbesola, as guaranteed by the Ni-
gerian Cons tu on, has the right to freedom of expression and associa on without inmida on or reprisal.
The group called on the interna onal community to place Nigeria under watch for growing poli cal intolerance and sup-
pression of dissent.
It also urged the Na onal Human Rights
Commission to open an immediate invesga on into the alleged threats and harassment of the ADC Naonal Secretary, while demanding that the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) provide him with adequate protec on.
“The harassment of Aregbesola represents a dangerous precedent for poli cal intolerance, injus ce, and the erosion of civil liber es in Nigeria.
Democracy cannot survive when dissenting voices are silenced and poli cal par cipaon becomes a crime,” the pe on stated.
OSUN DEFENDER had earlier reported, on August 17, a coordinated a empt to eliminate Aregbesola.
A group known as The Omoluabi Progressives had raised similar alarm, warning of a sinister campaign to silence the former Osun State governor. In a statement
signed by its Organising Secretary, Oluwaseun Abosede, the group cited inflammatory comments and state-backed ac ons as indicators of an escala ng threat to Aregbesola’s safety. It also referenced a social media post by journalist Mayor Akinpelu on August 2, 2025, which was amplified by presiden al spokesman Bayo Onanuga, sugges ng dire consequences for Aregbesola.
Inmates Groan As Tinubu’s Govt Owes Prison Contractors N30bn Food Debt
CONTRACTORS responsible for supplying food to inmates in correc onal
centres across Nigeria have raised alarm over the Federal Government’s failure to pay debts exceeding ₦30 billion. The unpaid funds,
they said, cover several months of food deliveries under the Nigerian Correc onal Service (NCoS), including a ₦7.7 billion backlog from late 2023
Oyo CP Assures Residents Of Enhanced Security
Adeloye, Ibadan
OYO State Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna has reaffirmed his command’s commitment to strengthening security across the state through closer collabora on with tac cal units and the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA).
Haruna gave the assurance on Friday when he received the Chair-
person of OYRLEA, Jusce Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd) and the Execu ve Adviser to the Governor on Rule of Law Enforcement, CP Sonubi Ayodele (Rtd) at the Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan. He stressed the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated strategies to effecvely tackle crime.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Informa on,
Prince Dotun Oyelade, the police chief pledged prompt and effec ve responses to emerging threats and high-risk incidents in support of OYRLEA’s mandate.
Jus ce Aderemi said the visit aimed to strengthen coopera on between the Police and OYRLEA, no ng that enhanced synergy would improve enforcement and security opera ons across Oyo State.
Also speaking, CP Sonubi (Rtd) emphasised the need for joint opera ons among security agencies to ensure stability and uphold the rule of law.
The mee ng was a ended by senior officers, including DCP Francis Ojomo (Rtd), Chairman of the Environmental Task Force, alongside other members of the OYRLEA management team.
ADC Fixes Dec. 12 For Osun Guber Primary
THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Sunday released its metable for the August 8, 2026 governorship elec on in Osun State.
The party also released its elec on, appeals and screening commi ees for the forthcoming EkiState governorship primary.
In a public no ce signed by the party’s organising secretary, Prince Chinedu Idigo, ADC said its membership revalida on exercise will hold from November 1 - 25, 2025, Purchase of Expression of Interest/Nominaon Forms - October 24 - Nov 28, 2025, among others. Similarly, the party also announced former Cross River State Governor, Sen. Liyel Imoke as the Chairman of the screening panel for
•Appoints Ekiti Guber Screening, Appeal, Primary Panel
its Eki guber primary. Prof. Oserheimen Osunbo - Chairman,
States Now More Buoyant Under President Tinubu’s Administration – Oyebanji
EKITI State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has commended President Bola Tinubu for improving the financial buoyancy of states through transparent alloca on of federal resources.
He said the President’s economic reforms have enabled states like Eki to execute projects without resor ng to borrowing.
Speaking in Ado-Eki , Oyebanji disclosed that his administra on has executed various people-oriented projects in roads, electricity, health and water sectors within his three years in office; all without taking any loan.
“Every project we’ve done in Eki was funded without loans. For once in
Appeals Panel and Sen. Ahmed Babba Kaita as Chair of the primary elec on panel. Idigo said only members of the party who have paid all necessary dues will be allowed to par cipate in the process.
our history, the President has given states more than their fair share,” Oyebanji stated, urging ci zens to con nue praying for the President’s success and leadership.
While commissioning the project, FIRS Chairman Dr. Zacch Adedeji praised Oyebanji’s fiscal discipline and infrastructural strides, no ng that visible development is the best mo va on for ci zens to pay taxes.
In a related development, four governorship aspirants under the ADC pla orm have so far purchased nominaon form to contest the primary in Eki state.
They are Amb. Dare Bejide, Apostle Ayodele Adesua, Mr. Emmanuel Fayose and Otunba Olumuyiwa Babalola. ADC Publicity Secretary in Eki State, Hon. Gboyega Aribisogun, while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER on Sunday, said the party is ready to take over the leadership of Eki State.
and a ₦23 billion shortfall from unimplemented feeding rate adjustments approved since August 2024.
Despite the government’s approval to raise the daily feeding allowance per inmate from ₦750 to ₦1,125, contractors said payments were s ll being made at the old rate.
Some lamented that the debts had become dire and unsustainable, forcing them to rely on high-interest bank loans while struggling to meet supply demands.
“We have not been paid for months, yet we are expected to feed thousands of inmates every day. Banks are threatening to seize our proper es,” one contractor said.
Another supplier said the situa on had crippled their opera ons, no ng that many contractors had lost assets used as collateral.
“We are feeding inmates at our own cost. The new rate was approved months ago, but it has not been implemented. How long can we con nue like this?” the contractor asked.
Efforts to get an official response from the NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not returned.
However, a senior officer in the service confirmed the debt, saying the Ministry of Finance had yet to release the required funds.
The officer warned that the situa on could affect the quality and quanty of inmates’ meals and poten ally trigger unrest.
“Feeding is central to the stability of any correc onal facility. If contractors pull out due to unpaid debts, the security implica ons could be enormous,” he said.
Ade
Francis Adekunle, Ado-Ekiti
Kazeem Badmus
•Aregbesola
PUBLIC NOTICE
African Democratic Congress – Ekiti State Gubernatorial Election
Further to the preparations for the Ekiti State Governorship Election, the following party members have been appointed to the under-listed panel for the party’s Governorship Primary Election.
EKITI GUBERNATORIAL SCREENING PANEL Monday, 3rd November 2025
S/N
1 H.E Liyel Imoke
2 Hauwa Yusuf
3 Hajj. Najatu Mohammed
4 Adamu Maina Waziri
5 Chief Uche Secondus
6 Chief Great Ogboru
(non- voting
EKITI GUBERNATORIAL APPEAL PANEL Tuesday, 4th November 2025
S/N
1 Prof. Oserheimen Osunbo
2 Hon. Chille Igbawua
3 Barr. Solomon Dalung
4 Sen. Abubakar Umar Gada
5 Sen. Alshatu Dahiru Ahmed
6 Barr. Peter lyiola
7 Hon. C.I.D Maduabum
(Non-voting Member)
GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARIES PANEL Thursday, 6th November 2025
Sen. Patricia Naomi Akwashiki
1 Sen. Ahmed Babba Kaita
2 Prince Chinedu Idigo
(Non-voting Member) 3 Mrs Lauretta Onochie
4 Prof. Bode Ayorinde
Barr. Ikechukwu Nwankwo
6 Alh. Baba Abdullahi Sai'd
DIG Joseph Mbu
8 Sen. Patricia Naomi Akwashiki For further information, please contact the National Headquarters of the party:
Note: The notice directs anyone seeking clarification to contact the ADC National Headquarters.
Prince Chinedu Idigo National Organising