INEC Releases Final List of Candidates for June 2026 Ekiti Governorship Election

INEC has released the final list of candidates for the June 20, 2026 Ekiti governorship election, clearing 12 political parties for the race. Incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji will contest on the APC platform with Monisade Afuye as deputy, while the Labour Party fields Olajuyin Ikusayede Gbegbe Oyebanji. Younger contenders from NNPP and AAC are also in the race. Candidates’ qualifications range from primary school certificates to PhDs, sparking debate as campaigns intensify ahead of the poll.


#Ekiti2026 #INEC #GovernorshipElection #NigerianPolitics #EkitiDecides

Actor Dr Don Pedro Obaseki Abd¥cted, Str+pped, and H¥miliated while playing football

Nigerian actor and cultural advocate, Dr Don Pedro Obaseki, has recounted a harrowing experience of abd¥ction, a+sa¥lt, and public h¥miliation by a group of men who dragged him to the Oba of Benin Palace on Sunday in Benin City.

Speaking to African Independent Television (AIT), Obaseki said the incident occurred around 11:00–11:30 a.m. while playing football with Uwa All Stars at Uwa Primary School. He described how ass+ilants, some armed, suddenly invaded the ground, abd¥cted him, and forcibly dragged him through several streets including Igbesawan Street, Akpakpava Road, and Ring Road where he was stri+ped n@ked in public before being taken to the palace premises. Obaseki, a cousin of former Edo Governor Godwin Obaseki, said the att@ckers claimed they were sent by the palace but failed to show any form of identification when requested.

“I begged them to show me some form of ID, of course not. I was dragged, beaten severely, manhandled… and taken into the palace,” he explained. The actor said the ordeal left him tra¥matized, especially given his lifelong contributions to Benin culture.

Following the incident, he was taken to a police station along Oba Market Road, where the Edo State Commissioner of Police intervened, personally visiting him multiple times before ordering his release.

Obaseki revealed that the alleged offence stemmed from comments he made during a recent visit to London, where he wished “Edo gha to’kperewa” (“May Edo people live long and prosper”) instead of “Oba gha to’kpere” (“May the Oba live long and prosper”), which he was told constituted a serious cultural violation.

Public outrage has continued to grow, with calls for accountability and a full investigation into the actions of those involved in the as+a¥lt and abd¥ction. The incident occurs against the backdrop of long-standing tension between the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, and former Governor Godwin Obaseki, particularly over disputes surrounding cultural heritage, administration of Benin artifacts, and traditional authority in Edo State.

Niger Community Cries Out as Only Primary School Collapses Amid Growing Insecurity

Residents of Kabo community in Niger State are appealing for urgent government intervention as their only primary school has deteriorated into dangerous ruins. With collapsing classrooms, leaking roofs, no perimeter fencing, and intruders using abandoned structures as toilets, parents fear for their children’s safety—especially after recent mass abductions in the state. Civic groups accuse the government of neglect despite large education budgets and are calling for an education emergency and immediate renovation of the school.

VIDEO: Borno kids steal show at NYSC camp with flawless march past

A group of primary school children from host communities in Borno State thrilled participants at the NYSC orientation camp in Maiduguri with a precise and energetic marching display during the inter platoon parade competition.

The viral footage shows four children marching confidently beside corps members, sparking loud cheers from onlookers who were visibly delighted by their coordination and enthusiasm.
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Police Restriction Order Flouted in Anambra as Commercial Vehicles Operate Freely on Election Day.

Some residents and commercial vehicle operators in Awka and Onitsha, Anambra State, on Saturday disregarded the restriction of movement order issued by the State Police Command ahead of the governorship election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the restriction, expected to last from midnight to 6:00 p.m., was meant to cover all roads within the state, including interstate highways.

However, NAN observed that commercial vehicles operated freely in several parts of Awka, the state capital, as commuters openly boarded vehicles without hindrance. A similar situation played out from Ogidi Local Government Area to the Nkpor junction, where movement continued unhindered.

Security personnel were spotted at strategic points, including the popular Nkpor Road, monitoring activities across various junctions in the capital city.

In contrast, INEC operations suffered delays as officials arrived late at multiple polling units in Awka and Onitsha. At Agwuoka Polling Unit 008, officials were dropped off at exactly 8:40 a.m., while their counterparts at Aroma Polling Unit 022 were still setting up their stand around the same time.

Mrs Mary Fajoye, an INEC monitoring official in Awka South Local Government Area, confirmed that both sensitive and non-sensitive materials had been dispatched from the council office on Friday. She attributed some delays to difficulties encountered by polling officers in locating their designated registration areas, adding that the challenges had been resolved.

At Amawbia 02, Polling Unit 3, Central School III, officials and voting materials were already in place by 8:19 a.m., ahead of the official commencement of voting at 8:30 a.m.

The Presiding Officer, Mr Mark Kalu, was seen briefing voters on the conduct of the election, assuring them that priority would be given to albinos, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the elderly.

As of the time of filing this report, accreditation of voters had commenced at Eze Chima Primary School Polling Unit on Awka Road.

Inside 150-year old Ogun community where students use tiles as white board, practice open defecation.

Forty pieces of ceramic white tiles arranged systematically serve as a maker board for students of the St Johns Anglican Primary School, Ebute-Igbooro, an agrarian community in the Yewa North Local Government area of Ogun State.

The tiles board, divided in three sections with a green marker, reads mathematics, english studies and basic technology.

While the date written on it bears 30/09/2025, the appearance is decades behind.

The school, with about 242 learners from different surrounding villages, presently has seven classrooms, a yellow and green painted three-block on the right and an unpainted crumbling and cracked four-block classroom on the left.

The St Johns Anglican Primary School, founded in 1955 also had an uncompleted classroom and other dilapidated structures with palm roof ceilings.

Ebute-Igbooro is a 150-year-old community that sits at the border between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

Founded in 1875, the community with its residents speaking the Yoruba Ketu dialect has its major occupation as farming, while the women supplement the household income by producing fufu, garri, and engaging in other petty trades.

Despite existing for 150 years, the community’s severe neglect and the harsh effects of economic hardship are starkly evident in some of its barefoot school children, who lacked uniforms, textbooks, and even school bags.

“You’ll Keep Contesting for President on Social Media” — Wike Mocks Peter Obi.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ridiculed former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying he would “continue to contest for President on social media, not in Nigeria.”

Wike made the remark on Thursday during the inauguration of new roads in Abuja’s Mabushi District, responding to Obi’s recent criticism of the poor state of public schools in the FCT.

Obi, during a visit to LEA Primary School in Kapwa on Wednesday, had described the school’s condition as “a national disgrace” and a reflection of Nigeria’s “empty commitment to education,” lamenting the lack of chairs, toilets, and other basic facilities.

But in a fiery reaction, Wike accused Obi of politicising everything and using emotional public appearances to attract online sympathy.

“I hear one of the social media presidential candidates visited a local school and claimed the government had abandoned public education. His name is Mr Peter Obi. It’s not everything you must play politics with,” Wike said.

He also questioned Obi’s record as Anambra governor, alleging that he failed to complete key projects during his eight-year tenure and even clashed with his successor.

“Peter Obi, you governed Anambra for eight years. If you had done everything right, no one would still be talking about developing the state today. Why did you even fall out with your successor?” he asked.

Wike went on to boast that he had achieved more in two years as FCT Minister than Obi did in eight years as governor.

“We’ve been in office for just two years, not even four yet. Compare our work in the FCT with your eight years in Anambra, can you truly say you love this country or your people? Certainly not,” he said.

He further dismissed Obi’s presidential ambitions, claiming that someone who could not manage a political party was unfit to lead a nation.

“You will continue to contest as President on social media, not as President of Nigeria. You couldn’t even manage your own party. How can you manage a country of over 200 million people? It’s not available for people like you,” Wike declared.

More parents return wards to day care, private classes as school fees hit rooftop.

A few years back, parents enrolled their children of one to three years of age in ‘Jeleosimi’ day care centres, since they sleep throughout the day learning little or nothing.

Jeleosimi is a Yoruba term meaning, ‘ let the household have peace’.

It describes a school meant for little children between ages one to five, where little fees are paid to teach and keep the children busy till 1 p.m.

Only a few well-to-do take their children to schools where they offer day care or creche services
But as time went on, both the rich and average status parents started enrolling their children in such private primary schools.

Most of the parents used this to spite their tenants, co-workers while others use this to flaunt their wealth.

Economy&Lifestyle discovered that the state of the economy which has continued to send blows to households with low purchasing power has made more parents return their wards of one to three years to daycare, private classes (Jelesimi) as school fees skyrocket.

The worst hit are parents with two to three children within such an age range.

Most private primary schools have increased their enrollment fees for pre-kindergarten or kindergarten class, with the lowest fees reaching N200,000 and the highest over N900,000.

Intense heat on suspected cultists, kidnappers in Edo as government demolished 4 houses, arrested about 20 suspect.

The Edo State government’s sustained offensive against kidnapping and cult-related activities has resulted in the demolition of four houses and arrest of about 20 suspects by the state’s Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”.

Intense Heat on Suspected Cultists, Kidnappers in Edo as Govt Demolishes 4 Houses, Arrests About 20 Suspects
One of the buildings brought down, located on Egbiadokhai Street, behind Otaru Primary School in Auchi belonged to a wanted cultist known as Too-Believe.

Itua said the building, which served as a regular meeting point for members of the Black Axe Confraternity, yielded alarming evidence with two cut-to-size guns, two black beret caps associated with Black Axe cultists, and one sharp axe found in the house.

According to the statement, “Too-Believe, who is currently on the run, is deeply embedded in cult operations in the region. The recent operation follows the brutal killing of a young man (a barber) in South Ibie, an act tied to rival cult clashes”.

He said another demolished house in Anoguele Street, Iyakpi, South-Ibie, belonged to a cultist named Kuwat, who was said to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity. “When security agents arrived at his residence, he had already fled. Kuwat was named as the main mastermind of the recent killing of the barber”, Itua stated.

The statement further disclosed that “A property in the Ogodomiza Area in Ibie-Nafe belonging to another cult leader was also demolished. The house was earlier raided a day before, which led to the arrest of two young men, Momoh Austin (17) and Joseph Oyazojo (21). The suspects confessed they were brought to the area to engage in cybercrime activities commonly referred to as Yahoo Yahoo.
Another member of the security squad, Eribo Emwanta, added: “We are advising parents and hotel owners to be vigilant. We are cleaning out these communities, and hotels harboring criminals are next.”
Itua said, “The mass demolition of the properties belonging to suspected cultists in Edo State sends a powerful message as Edo authorities enforce the Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025, which prescribes life imprisonment or a minimum of 21 years for cult membership”.

The law also provides that landlords or property owners who permit cult meetings risk at least 10 years in prison, alongside forfeiture and demolition of the property.
Reaffirming Edo State Government’s zero-tolerance of cultism, with aggressive enforcement and intelligence-led operations across the State, the statement encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities to help secure their communities.

Lagos deputy governor donates ICT centre to alma mater for birthday.

Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, on Friday donated an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre to his alma mater, Odo Abore Primary School, Iyalla Street, Mushin, to mark his 61st birthday.

Hamzat had previously promised the donation during the school’s 80th anniversary celebration, citing the pivotal role ICT played in his education and career development.

At the handover ceremony, he praised the school for producing high-achieving students and urged parents to encourage children to acquire digital skills.

He emphasized the importance of technology and artificial intelligence, noting that students must adapt to compete globally.

He also assured plans to build another ICT centre in Odi-Olowo LCDA.

A member of the House of Representatives, Toyin Fayinka, commended Hamzat for giving back to his community, urging pupils and teachers to make full use of the facility.

A political leader in Mushin, Ganiyu Solomon, said it is a privilege that Mushin has an ICT centre at Odo Abore Primary School.

“Hamzat said whatever he does must be from home. He has done this, and we appreciate it.”

Solomon urged the pupils and the teachers to make good use of the ICT centre.

He assured the Deputy Governor of ensuring the centre would be used for the purpose of training pupils to acquire technological skills.

Over 100 Pupils Forced Out of School as Storm Destroys Primary School in Kebbi

BREAKING: Foreigners On Security Alert In Abuja As Thugs Stab, Rob German National

A German national was on Saturday morning stabbed and robbed by motorcycle-riding hoodlums in Abuja, heightening security concerns in Nigeria’s capital.

The incident occurred around 8am along IBB Way, near Maitama Primary School. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was attacked while walking, dispossessed of his belongings, and injured before the assailants fled.

Security advisories obtained by SaharaReporters warn that both foreigners and locals are increasingly at risk from such swift motorcycle robberies. Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been urged to exercise caution, avoid walking alone in insecure areas, limit the display of valuables, and consider secure transportation options.

Authorities have also advised residents to remain alert, report suspicious activities promptly, and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to enhance safety measures.

#AbujaSecurity #BreakingNews #FCT

Delta Closes 3 Primary Schools, Revokes Licenses Of Others.

The Delta State government has shut down three unregistered schools and revoked the operational licenses of three others in Oshimili-South local government area of the state.

The commissioner for Primary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, announced the closure shortly after the routine monitoring of public and private schools across the state.

He listed the affected schools to include Prime Seed of Abraham School, Mater Christi Group of Schools and Shekinah the King Nursery and Primary School, all in Okwe, shut down for operating without approval and licenses.

He also added that the operational licenses of ‘All to Jesus Nursery and Primary School’, Oduke-Okwe, St Helen Fountain of Roses School, Okwe and Winners Vineyard Montessori International School, Okwe, Asaba, were withdrawn for using the school premises as residential apartments and other unacceptable offences.

According to the commissioner, there had been warning owners of private schools on the need to regularise their schools with the state government.

“As a state government, we prioritise the educational well-being of our children. It is on this premise that we have warned on several occasions that owners of schools should regularise the operation of their schools.

“Today, while on our routine monitoring exercises, we saw some schools even bearing ‘Government Approved,’ but when we demanded for their license, there was none.”

The Duchess of Kent has died at the age of 92, Buckingham Palace has said.

Katharine, who became the oldest living member of the Royal Family when Queen Elizabeth II d!ed in 2022, dropped her HRH style, preferring to be known as Mrs Kent, and retreated from royal life to spend more than a decade teaching music at a primary school in Hull.

The palace announced her death in a statement on Friday: "It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.

"Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family.

"The King and Queen and all Members of The Royal Family join The Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly The Duchess's life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people."

The Union Flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect shortly after the duchess's death was announced. A formal framed announcement will be displayed on the palace railings.

Katharine married Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent - who is the cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II - in a grand ceremony at York Minster in 1961.

The couple have three surviving children, George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Windsor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor.

Anambra Government Bans Writing of Assignments in Textbooks; Calls it Wasteful.

The Anambra State Government has banned writing assignments directly inside textbooks, describing it as wasteful and unsustainable.

Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, announced the directive on Friday during a capacity-building workshop for private school proprietors and teachers at St. John of God Secondary School, Awka. She explained that the move is to make textbooks reusable, especially for younger siblings.

Chuma-Udeh noted the initiative is part of government efforts to reduce financial pressure on families and promote sustainable education, while also stressing that textbooks should reflect inclusivity, diversity, and equality.

She said, “The decision is aimed at making textbooks reusable, especially for younger siblings of pupils who would need them when they advance to the next class. There is also the need for textbooks to be inclusive, reflecting diversity, equality, and the needs of all learners.

The government would not tolerate non-compliance with the directive; parents, teachers, and school administrators are urged to ensure strict adherence.

We also encouraged stakeholders to report cases of defaulters to the Ministry of Education.” The government also announced a clampdown on graduation parties in nursery and primary schools, describing them as unnecessary and exploitative.

She stated, “It has come to the notice of the state government that graduation parties have turned out to be avenue for financial exploitation by some school owners and the government can no longer keep quiet over the issue. Teaching and running a school is a divine call and should not be mortgaged for financial gains.

Indulging in such runs contrarily to the mission and vision of the government as regards making education accessible and equitable for Anambra State school children.”

Pupils Forced To Learn On Bare Floors, Under Trees At Niger State School – Report

Civic accountability group MonITng has raised alarm over the dire state of Nuhu Lafarma Primary School in Agaie LGA, Niger State, where pupils reportedly sit on bare floors, under leaking roofs, and even beneath trees to learn.

The organisation accused the government of neglect, despite Niger State claiming to allocate 70% of its 2025 budget to education and UBEC disbursing ₦121 billion nationwide.

MonITng criticised misplaced priorities, citing the state’s recent spending of ₦3.02 billion to sponsor 357 pilgrims for Hajj instead of renovating schools.

“This is not just about numbers, it is about children’s futures being wasted,” the group said, calling on Governor Umar Bago to act urgently.

#EducationCrisis #NigerState #ChildrenDeserveBetter

How I Dropped Out of High School to Build My Business Empire – Billionaire Femi Otedola Opens Up.

Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has revealed that he achieved success without completing high school or attending university. The chairman of one of Nigeria’s biggest financial groups said his poor academic performance pushed him out of the classroom and into the world of business, where he eventually built a multi-billion-dollar empire.

In his memoir Making It Big, the 62-year-old energy mogul recalls beginning his education at the University of Lagos Staff School in 1968, where he sat in the same class as Kola Abiola, son of Chief Moshood Abiola.

However, he admits academics never appealed to him, as he consistently ranked among the lowest in his class. After primary school, he attended Methodist Boys’ High School, Lagos, and later Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, but his struggles continued.

By 1977, his parents moved him to boarding school in hopes of improving his attitude to learning, but Otedola says his interests were firmly rooted in business, not academics.

Eventually, he left school altogether to work in his father’s printing business, Impact Press. Rising through the ranks, he became managing director at just 25. Restless, he later asked to work as a sales consultant on commission, a decision he described as his “big break.”

He invested in cars for marketing and soon began attracting jobs from major companies and advertising agencies. The disclosure may surprise many, as Otedola had long been thought to hold a university degree ,with his Wikipedia page at one point even claiming he studied at the University of Lagos.

BREAKING: Edo State Bans Nursery & Primary School Graduation Parties

The Edo State Government has officially banned graduation parties in nursery and primary schools across the state.

The decision, according to the government, is aimed at curbing unnecessary spending, reducing the financial burden on parents, and redirecting focus towards academic excellence rather than social celebrations.

Authorities emphasized that such events often place undue pressure on families, while children at that stage should be encouraged to concentrate on learning instead of extravagant ceremonies.

The government further advised school administrators to comply strictly with the directive, stressing that monitoring teams would ensure enforcement.


#EducationNews #GraduationBan #NigeriaEducation #Parents #Students

Hungry masses: Nigerians reject pay rise for Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, others.

The Nigerian Government is considering an upward review of salaries for political office holders, following concerns that their current earnings are inadequate and outdated.

The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mohammed Shehu, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.

Shehu noted that President Bola Tinubu presently earns N1.5 million monthly, while ministers receive less than N1 million figures that have remained unchanged since 2008.

“You are paying the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria N1.5 million a month, with a population of over 200 million people. Everybody believes that it is a joke,” he said.

He further argued that the disparity between political office holders and heads of federal agencies was unjustifiable, pointing out that some agency chiefs earn up to twenty times more than ministers or even the Attorney-General of the Federation.

However, the move has stirred fresh controversy in a country where workers are still demanding a living wage, with millions of Nigerians struggling under inflation and rising poverty.

Observers believe the development has reopened debate about leadership, public trust, and the true cost of governance in Africa’s largest democracy.

DAILY POST reports that although the minimum wage in Nigeria is currently pegged at N70,000 per month, as approved by the federal government and some state governments, not all states have implemented it, especially for local government workers and primary school teachers.

60% + of public primary school teachers in Nigeria lack basic digital literacy.

~ Universal Basic Education Commission reveals