Primate Ayodele Denies Extortion Allegations Against Oyo Minister Adebayo Adelabu

Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church has denied claims that he attempted to extort N150 million from Oyo State Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in exchange for spiritual intercession to secure his governorship bid. Adelabu had filed a petition with the DSS accusing Ayodele of blackmail, fake prophecies, and demands for costly items. Ayodele insists the requests were symbolic, no money exchanged hands, and his prophecies are independent of financial gain.

Primate Ayodele Denies Extortion Claims Against Oyo Minister Adebayo Adelabu

Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church has denied allegations that he attempted to extort N150 million from Oyo State Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in exchange for spiritual intercession to secure his governorship bid. Adelabu had filed a petition with the DSS accusing Ayodele of blackmail, fake prophecies, and demands for costly items. Ayodele insists no money changed hands and the requests were symbolic, emphasizing that his prophecies are independent of financial gain.

Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, Petitions DSS Over Primate Ayodele’s N150m Spiritual Demand

Bayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s minister of power and former Oyo governorship candidate, has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing Primate Elijah Ayodele, founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, of attempting to extort N150 million from him for “spiritual intercession” to secure his governorship bid. Adelabu has confirmed his intention to contest the 2027 Oyo governorship election.

In the petition dated October 13, 2025, signed by his aide Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu alleged that Ayodele made false prophecies to tarnish his reputation after he declined the cleric’s demands, which included a large sum of money and costly spiritual items.

Text messages reviewed by TheCable show Ayodele instructed Adelabu to provide 24 APC flags and 1,000 saxophones/trumpets, with the cheapest Nigerian grade totaling N50 million and imported Chinese grade-one instruments reaching N130 million, initially due by April 1, later extended to April 4.

The cleric claimed his requests were “instructions from God” and insisted Adelabu perform rituals, including reciting prayers and vigil acts, assuring him divine intervention would secure electoral success. Adelabu reportedly told the cleric he could not afford the expensive items.

Following this, Ayodele publicly stated in his church that Adelabu had failed and would not become Oyo governor, describing his warnings as messages from God and daring the minister to take legal action against him. This petition highlights allegations of spiritual bl@ckmailand an attempt to manipulate a political process through financial and ritual demands.

"I proudly said I was a governor, which is the head of a subnational government, so when I speak, those who are not governors should listen.”

~ Sen. Adams Oshiomhole to Sen. Ndume during Reno Omokri's screening for an ambassadorial position.

Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport Begins Operations as United Nigeria Airlines Launches First Direct Flight

Ekiti State has commenced commercial operations at the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport following a N49.7 billion investment by successive administrations. United Nigeria Airlines operated the inaugural direct flight from Abuja, carrying dignitaries and marking the beginning of passenger services. Governor Biodun Oyebanji revealed that N14 billion was spent between 2019 and 2022, while his administration invested an additional N34 billion to complete crucial infrastructure, including the terminal, control tower, drainage systems, and Instrument Landing System.
The governor praised the contributions of former governors and Aare Afe Babalola, who donated $1.6 million worth of navigational equipment. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo described the milestone as a boost for regional trade and job creation. In a related development, Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport is also preparing to receive its first commercial flight after securing regulatory approval.

Accord Party Clears Governor Ademola Adeleke as Sole Candidate for Osun Governorship Primary

Governor Ademola Adeleke has been officially cleared as the sole aspirant for the Accord Party’s governorship primary scheduled to hold in Osogbo. The party’s screening committee confirmed that Adeleke met all requirements and completed all necessary documentation, presenting him with a certificate of clearance. Adeleke expressed gratitude and affirmed his readiness for both the primary and the general election. His clearance follows his recent resignation from the PDP over internal leadership crises and subsequent announcement of his defection to the Accord Party.

APC elects 1660 delegates ahead of Osun governorship primary election on Saturday

Former AGF Abubakar Malami Detained Overnight as EFCC Probes 46 Bank Accounts

Former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN) spent Monday night in EFCC custody as investigators deepened their probe into over 46 bank accounts and multiple controversial transactions linked to his tenure. Malami, who was reportedly searching for two permanent secretaries to meet his bail conditions, had earlier been questioned in November over allegations he dismissed as fabricated. The ongoing investigation revisits major financial dealings, including the $496m Ajaokuta Steel settlement, sale of forfeited assets, the $419m Paris Club refund judgment debt, the Mambilla power project compensation, and alleged duplication of legal fees in the Abacha loot recovery. Despite mounting scrutiny, Malami has declared his 2027 Kebbi governorship ambition after defecting to the ADC.

Northern States Governors' Forum Appoints Ezekiel Gomos as Director-General to Strengthen Regional Coordination

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), under the leadership of its Chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved the appointment of Mr. Ezekiel Gomos, OFR, as Director-General of the Forum’s Secretariat.

The appointment is in line with the Forum’s renewed commitment to strengthening its institutional capacity and improving coordination among the 19 northern states in addressing the region’s pressing challenges.

According to the Forum, creating the office of Director-General is a strategic step towards repositioning the Secretariat as a more effective hub for policy coordination, collective action and long-term development planning.

Mr. Gomos, a former Secretary to the Plateau State Government, is an accomplished development economist and policy expert with a distinguished career spanning public service, governance reform, private-sector development and human capital advancement.

His experience includes senior roles in high-impact institutions such as the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

In addition, he has been Lead Consultant and Head of Faculty at the Jos Business School (JBS), a centre dedicated to entrepreneurship development, leadership training, and policy dialogue.

For nearly two decades, Mr. Gomos has served as a resource person at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, contributing to the training of senior leaders across Nigeria in policy, strategy and national development.

The new DG's academic credentials include graduate and postgraduate degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the University of East Anglia, UK. He is also a recipient of several prestigious international fellowships, including the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship (University of Minnesota), the British Chevening Scholarship and the UNDP Fellowship at the ILO Training Centre in Turin.

Gomos has attended senior executive programmes at Harvard Kennedy School, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and Durham University Business School.

Presenting the appointment letter, Governor Inuwa Yahaya charged Mr. Gomos to apply his extensive expertise in strategic leadership, institutional development and policy management to strengthen the NSGF Secretariat into a robust platform for collective security coordination, regional economic cooperation and sustainable development across the North.

The NSGF Chairman expressed confidence that the appointment will usher in a new era of deeper collaboration, improved coordination and more coherent regional responses to the North’s most critical challenges.

PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES THE RETURN OF 100 CATHOLIC STUDENTS, CHARGES SECURITY AGENCIES ON SAFE RETURN OF OTHERS

President Bola Tinubu has commended the security agencies for their tireless efforts in securing the freedom of the 100 students of Papiri Catholic School in Niger State.

While expressing his joy over the safe return of the students, President Tinubu equally charged the security agencies to ensure the swift release of the remaining 115 students and their teachers who are still held hostage.

President Tinubu assured the parents that both the federal and the Niger State governments are working closely to reunite all the abducted students with their families.

"I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident on November 21.

"My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims. The Federal Government will continue to work with Niger State and other states to secure our schools and make the learning environment safer and more conducive for our young ones.

"From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma," President Tinubu said.

PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES THE RETURN OF 100 CATHOLIC STUDENTS, CHARGES SECURITY AGENCIES ON SAFE RETURN OF OTHERS

President Bola Tinubu has commended the security agencies for their tireless efforts in securing the freedom of the 100 students of Papiri Catholic School in Niger State.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga indicates that
while expressing his joy over the safe return of the students, President Tinubu equally charged the security agencies to ensure the swift release of the remaining 115 students and their teachers who are still held hostage.

President Tinubu assured the parents that both the federal and the Niger State governments are working closely to reunite all the abducted students with their families.

"I have been briefed on the safe return of 100 students from the Catholic School in Niger State. I rejoice with Governor Umar Bago and commend our security agencies for their steadfast work in ensuring the safe return of the students to their families since the unfortunate incident on November 21.

"My directive to our security forces remains that all the students and other abducted Nigerians across the country must be rescued and brought back home safely. We must account for all the victims. The Federal Government will continue to work with Niger State and other states to secure our schools and make the learning environment safer and more conducive for our young ones.

"From now on, our security agencies, working with the governors, must prevent future kidnappings. Our children should no longer be sitting ducks for heartless terrorists intent on disrupting their education and subjecting them and their parents to unspeakable trauma," President Tinubu said.

Kidnapping Began in Southern Nigeria, Not the North — Gov Sule Warns Against Regional Blame

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule says kidnapping did not originate in the North as widely believed, arguing that the crisis first emerged in Nigeria’s oil-producing southern region between 2003 and 2009. Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunday Politics, he described a tense governors’ meeting where rising insecurity sparked anger and frustration among members. Sule recounted how oil workers were frequently abducted in the Niger Delta for economic ransom and urged Nigerians to stop regionalising insecurity. He stressed that kidnapping has now become a national problem requiring collective effort to defeat.


#InsecurityNigeria

#GovSule

#KidnappingCrisis

Osun APC in Turmoil as Omisore, Six Others Disqualified From Governorship Race; Defection Fears Rise

The Osun State chapter of the APC has plunged into crisis after the party’s screening committee disqualified Iyiola Omisore, Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), and Babatunde Oralusi from the 2025 governorship primary. Only two aspirants—Mulikat Adeola Jimoh and Munirudeen Oyebamiji—were cleared, sparking accusations of manipulation, imposition, and internal sabotage. While party officials insist the aspirants failed constitutional sponsorship requirements, the affected politicians deny the claims and have filed appeals. The development has heightened fears of mass defection, deepened factional tensions linked to former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, and raised concerns that the crisis could strengthen the Aregbesola bloc ahead of the unpredictable Osun governorship election.

Wike Rejects PDP Expulsion, Accuses Bala Mohammed & Makinde of Attempting to Hijack Party

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed an expulsion notice issued by factions loyal to Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde, insisting no one can remove him from the PDP. Speaking at a meeting with the party’s BoT and NEC, Wike accused newcomers of trying to destroy the party he helped build, urging members to remain firm amid ongoing leadership crises since the 2023 election loss.

Senator Buhari Announces 2027 Oyo Governorship Bid

Senator AbdulFatai Buhari, the three-term lawmaker representing Oyo North and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Land Transport, has officially thrown his hat in the ring for the 2027 Oyo State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking in Ibadan on Saturday, the senator revealed he will not seek a fourth term in the Senate, choosing instead to channel his energy into the governorship race an ambition he described as one guided by faith, not desperation.

Buhari appealed to Oyo State residents to prioritize competence, proven records, and delivery capacity over zoning or sectional sentiments, saying:

“I have said it that I’m no longer interested in the Senate seat again because I also want to take a shot at the governorship. I am not desperate; I leave it to God, and I am looking unto God to do it for me.

“I want the people of Oyo State to look beyond where a candidate comes from and focus on performance, competence, experience, and the ability to take our state to greater heights.”

Tinubu’s ‘Security Emergency’ Is Not a Constitutional State of Emergency — Odinkalu Warns Against State Police

In a detailed opinion piece, Chidi Anselm Odinkalu critiques President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a “nationwide security emergency,” arguing that it does not meet the constitutional requirements for a state of emergency and bypasses necessary oversight by the National Assembly. Odinkalu warns that the move appears politically calculated and masks the administration’s reluctance to acknowledge Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
He further cautions against the push for state police, citing historical abuses—from Native Authority Police to Bakassi Boys—and the failure of state-led security initiatives in Zamfara, Benue, and Anambra. Odinkalu warns that creating 37 separate police forces could decentralize despotism, enabling governors to weaponize security agencies against opponents. He argues instead for decentralizing the Nigeria Police Force with stronger oversight, autonomy, and professionalism.


#StatePoliceDebate

#ChidiOdinkalu

#NigeriaSecurity

Omisore Slams APC Panel After Disqualification From Osun Governorship Primary

Senator Iyiola Omisore has condemned his disqualification from the All Progressives Congress (APC) Osun governorship primary, describing the screening panel’s decision as biased and politically motivated. Omisore, alongside six other aspirants, was barred for allegedly failing to meet nomination requirements, a claim he insists is false and unsupported by evidence. He accused former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of influencing the process in favour of Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji. Omisore said the committee failed to provide specific infractions and called on the APC National Working Committee to overturn what he termed an unfair and non-transparent decision.

#OsunPolitics

#APCPrimary

#IyiolaOmisore

APC Chieftain Hails Supreme Court Verdict, Calls Osun Governor Adeleke a ‘Party Orphan’

An APC chieftain in Osun State, Prince Abdulrasheed Muideen (Romeo), has applauded the Supreme Court ruling affirming the full three-year tenure of elected local government chairmen. He stated that the judgment ends what he describes as Governor Ademola Adeleke’s “era of executive intimidation” and restores constitutional order at the grassroots. Muideen further labelled Adeleke a “party orphan governor” following his resignation from the PDP, adding that mismanagement and lack of development under the current administration will lead to Adeleke’s defeat in the 2026 governorship election.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hosts APC governors in Lagos state dressed in Eyo Masqurade style

Marginalisation of Herdsmen Fueling Insecurity — Gov. Yahaya

The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, says insecurity across northern Nigeria has worsened largely because the country failed to understand and address the grievances that pushed many armed bandits to take up weapons.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna, Yahaya disclosed that the 19 northern governors have agreed to form a joint regional security coordination agency. Under the new arrangement, each state will contribute ₦1 billion monthly to boost collective efforts against k+dnapping, b@nditry, and the rising wave of school closures.

The decision was reached during the Northern Governors’ meeting earlier in the week, following renewed att+cks that have resulted in mass abd¥ctions and the shutdown of schools in several states. Yahaya noted that part of the region’s escalating security challenges stems from the historical marginalisation and unjust treatment of pastoralist communities, which he said created anger and frustration later exploited by criminal groups.

He stressed that resolving insecurity would require confronting these root causes, including issues of exclusion, lack of justice, and deepening economic hardship. The governor added that the new regional security framework will enhance intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and preventive strategies across all affected states, marking a major shift in how the region coordinates its response to v#olence and instability.