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Court revokes Sowore’s bail, orders his arrest

Mustapha USMAN
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Court revokes Sowore’s bail, orders his arrest

A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, June 16, revoked the bail granted to prominent activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore.

It consequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he ‘failed’ to appear for proceedings in his ongoing cybercrime trial.

Mohammed Umar, the presiding judge, ordered Sowore’s arrest following an oral application by counsel to the State Security Services (SSS), Akinlolu Kehinde, a senior advocate, who argued that the defendant had failed to provide sufficient justification for his absence.

Sowore is facing prosecution by the SSS over allegations that he made false and defamatory statements against President Bola Tinubu by describing him as “a criminal” in posts he was said to have published on his X and Facebook accounts.

The matter was scheduled for ruling on an application filed by Sowore seeking the judge’s recusal from the case.

However, when the case was called on Tuesday, neither Sowore nor his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, was present in court, according to the News Agency of Nigeria. 

The court was informed that the defendant had written a letter requesting an adjournment of the proceedings.

Opposing the request, Kehinde argued that no cogent reason had been advanced for Sowore’s absence and urged the court to revoke his bail and issue a warrant for his arrest.

The judge subsequently granted the application, revoked the defendant’s bail, and ordered his arrest.

The ICIR reports that the latest development marks a fresh twist in the Sowore-Federal Government’s cyberbullying case, which has generated controversy over freedom of expression, online criticism of public officials, and the use of Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.

Sowore responds

Reacting shortly after the ruling, Sowore claimed the decision was part of a deliberate attempt to intimidate him and insisted that he had appeared in court on Monday, June 15, when the matter was initially scheduled.

“It has been brought to my notice that the judge presiding over my case concerning ‘Tinubu is a criminal’ has revoked my bail, despite my presence in court yesterday, when the judge was not in attendance. Consequently, we requested a new date,” Sowore wrote on his social media accounts.

“The agenda for today was to consider my application seeking the judge’s recusal, but instead, he opted to revoke my bail in a bid to assert forceful control over the trial. I will confront these developments with determination and resilience,” he added.

Attached to the post was a letter dated June 15, 2026, addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

In the letter, Sowore stated that he was present in court on June 15 from about 8:20 a.m. until approximately 11:57 a.m., when he was informed by court registry officials that the court would not be sitting. He said no prior notice or reason was given for the judge’s absence.

Sowore subsequently requested that the ruling on his recusal application be fixed for July 2, 3, 14, 15, 17, or September 8, 9 and 10, or any other date convenient to the court.

The letter, which copied the prosecution counsel, bears a Federal High Court Abuja registry stamp dated June 15, 2026, indicating it was received by the court.

Backstory

The case stems from social media posts published in August 2025 in which Sowore described Tinubu as a ‘criminal’ and accused him of making false claims about corruption in Nigeria.

The Federal Government, through the state secret police, subsequently filed a five-count criminal charge against Sowore, currently the presidential candidate of the Africa Action Congress (AAC), accusing him of cyberbullying, spreading false information capable of disturbing public order, and defaming Tinubu through posts on his verified X and Facebook accounts.

The SSS later arraigned Sowore before the Federal High Court in Abuja in December 2025 on the charges. He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

At the time, Umar granted him bail on self-recognition, citing his status as a two-time presidential candidate and noting that his international passport had already been deposited with the court. 

The judge, however, warned that the bail could be revoked if Sowore made statements capable of threatening national unity, peace, or security.

But in May 2026, the court ordered Sowore to open his defence after dismissing a no-case submission filed by his legal team. 

Umar held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring the defendant to respond to the allegations.

Following that ruling, Sowore accused the judge of bias and insisted that he could no longer obtain justice before the court. He subsequently sought the judge’s recusal and requested that the matter be reassigned to another judge.

Umar directed him to file a formal application setting out the grounds for the request and fixed new date for ruling on the application.

 

Court fines ADC, Aregbesola N1m over application for judge’s recusal in Gombe’s suit

News Agency
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Court fines ADC, Aregbesola N1m over application for judge’s recusal in Gombe’s suit
THE Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday awarded one million naira fine against the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its embattled National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, adding to the party’s challenges and losses in courts. 

One of the court’s justices, Peter Lifu, awarded the fine following their application seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the suit filed by the aggrieved factional chairman of the party, Nafiu Gombe.

The ADC faction headed by former Senate President David Mark and Aregbesola had asked the judge to recuse himself from the case, citing bias.

Delivering a ruling on Tuesday, the judge held that the motions lacked merit and devoid of credible evidence, stressing that it aimed at frustrating the order of the Supreme Court for accelerated hearing of the case.

The judge held that the reasons advanced in the affidavits by the applicants were extraneous.

According to him, the court has painstakingly considered all three processes by parties and by affidavit evidence; there is no iota of bias found.

“There is no element of bias being painted by the applicants as alleged,” he said.

The judge recalled that the motions for recusal were filed, even when the court was yet to assumed jurisdictions on the case.

“Where then is the element of bias in the motions for recusal,’ he asked.

The judge, who described the applications as “an abuse of court process,” said the motions were fundamentally defective.

“The law is settled that allegations of bias are grave allegationds which are not made lightly. Whoever alleges bias must provide clear evidence. It becomes apparent that the applicants have failed completely to prove the allegations.

“It is a cheap attempt to blackmail and intimidate the court. As I said, nobody can intimidate the court,” he said.

Lifu held that judges should be careful to “accede to such baseless allegations so that they don’t allow litigants choose judges that suit them.”

He further described the applications as forum shopping.

He said the applicants made the allegations so that the case could be assigned to another judge that would do their biddings.

“Parties cannot choose which court they should be heard. Matters are assigned to judges by the administrative head of the court, and no applicant can choose who to hear and determine their matters. A judge must be firm in doing justice and not dance to the whims and caprices of counsel. No court worth its salt should allow this,” the judge said.

Lifu, who said the entire application was based on speculation, ruled that if allowed, lawyers could use it as a tool against the court when they know a case would not favour them

“On the whole, I found no merit in the application, and it is hereby dismissed with N500, 000 cost each against the applicants and in favour of plaintiff,” the judge ruled.

Earlier when the case was called, a lawyer, Kalu-Kalu Agu, who appeared for Nkemakolam Ukandu, the National Welfare Secretary of ADC, challenged the judge from delivering the ruling, having ordered the deregistration of ADC in his judgement on Monday.

NAN reports that Agu, on behalf of Ukandu, had filed a motion seeking to be joined in Gombe’s suit.

The lawyer reminded the judge of his previous day’s judgment directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister ADC having failed to meet the constitutional threshold.

“My lord, the clerk of this court did mention the matter is slated for ruling today. In view of your lordship ruling and continuous existence of the 1st defendant (ADC) in this matter, and having been declared dead, I don’t see any reason why this ruling should continue.

“In your judgment, this court ordered INEC to deregister the 1st defendant. So, in the eye of the law, the 1st defendant is not existing,” Agu submitted.

“Are you a party in this suit?” Justice Lifu asked. “Yes, I am my lord,” Agu responded.

“Who joined you, or you joined yourself in your chambers?” the judge asked further.

Reacting, Gombe’s lawyer, Robert Emukpoeruo, a senior advocate, disagreed with Agu’s submission that he was a party in the suit.

Emukpoeruo said he was yet to read the judgement mentioned by Agu, hence, it had no relevance in the proceedings.

He said by Order 9 Rule 14(4)) of the court, until Ukandu is joined by the judge, he is yet to be a party.

When Agu attempted to respond to Emukpoeruo’s submission, the judge threatened to invoke the powers of the court on him.

Realwan Okpanachi, who appeared for Aregbesola; Suleiman Usman, a senior advocate, lawyer to Mark and Peter Oyewole, who represented Ralph Nwosu, also made their respective submissions.

In his ruling, the judge said the case was distinct from the Monday’s matter where a judgement was delivered against ADC.

After the ruling, the case was adjourned until June 23 for hearing of all pending applications.

NAN reports that Gombe, in the suit, is seeking an order restraining Mark, Aregbesola, and members of their interim National Working Committee (NWC) from parading themselves as the party’s leaders.

He had argued that the emergence of Mark, Aregbesola and other NWC members as party’s leaders breached the provisions of the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

Gombe had sued ADC, Mark, Aregbesola, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Ralph Nwosu as 1st to 5th defendants respectively in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025.

Nwosu was the former ADC National Chairman who stepped down for Mark leadership of the party. (NAN)

Dorothy Njemanze warns of rising GBV cases, barriers facing survivors in Nigeria

Nanji Nandang VENLEY  and  Esther Tomo
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Dorothy Njemanze warns of rising GBV cases, barriers facing survivors in Nigeria

SEXUAL and gender-based violence survivors in Nigeria continue to face overwhelming barriers to justice, healthcare, shelter and rehabilitation, according to rights advocate and founder of the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF), Dorothy Njemanze.

Speaking on violence against women and children in Nigeria in an exclusive interview with The ICIR, Njemanze, a survivor of sexual violence and intimate partner abuse, frowned at a system where survivors are often abandoned, perpetrators evade accountability, and non-governmental organisations struggle to fill gaps left by public institutions.

She said DNF, a survivor-led organisation based in Abuja, handles an average of three cases of sexual and gender-based violence daily, with at least 40 active cases monthly.

“Our services are subject to the availability of resources, but human lives are directly linked to those resources. Every human life that is lost because support was unavailable is a dent on our economy and our humanity. The foundation provides free medical referrals, legal support, shelter, psychosocial assistance and educational support for survivors across Nigeria,” she said.

Njemanze revealed that sustaining support services has become increasingly difficult due to funding shortages, noting that feeding approximately 35 survivors and vulnerable persons daily costs millions of naira annually, excluding expenses for healthcare, shelter, education, transportation and legal interventions.

The activist is widely known for a landmark legal victory against the Nigerian government at the ECOWAS Court of Justice in 2017, where the court ruled in Njemanze and three others versus Federal Republic of Nigeria, finding that Nigerian authorities violated the rights of women who were unlawfully arrested, assaulted and stigmatised as sex workers during raids in Abuja. The ruling marked one of the first major regional court decisions recognising gender-based violence under the Maputo Protocol.

Njemanze said the majority of DNF’s staff and board members are survivors of violence, giving them firsthand understanding of the challenges victims face. DNF supports survivors through shelter facilities, educational sponsorships, vocational training and community referrals. However, Njemanze said demand outpaced available resources.

“We render free confidential services around the clock to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence,” she said.

She recounted several cases handled by the foundation, including a three-year-old girl who suffered severe sexual abuse allegedly perpetrated by her father. The child was taken for medical examination after complaining of pain and was found to have injuries consistent with sexual assault.

She lamented that despite reporting such cases to authorities, prosecutions often stall for years. The activist recalled another case involving a girl who became pregnant at age 11 and delivered a baby shortly after turning 12.

“The alleged perpetrator, a man in his 30s, was arrested following intervention by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) but was later granted bail,” she said.

Njemanze expressed concern over what she described as prolonged delays in prosecuting the case despite repeated petitions, as she criticised the high cost of seeking justice, arguing that survivors are often required to shoulder medical expenses, transportation costs and legal fees before their cases can proceed.

“If a two-year-old child is raped, that child is expected to bear the full cost of medical and legal processes if justice is to be pursued. How much does a two-year-old earn?” she queried.

She further alleged that survivors frequently encounter pressure to settle cases outside formal judicial channels due to the financial burden associated with prosecution, noting that many survivors are forced back into environments where abuse occurred.

While acknowledging progress in public awareness and policy conversations around gender-based violence, Njemanze argued that government responses were inadequate compared to the scale of the crisis, as she pointed to budgetary priorities as evidence showing limited investment in justice-related interventions for survivors.

“The progress is not commensurate with what is needed in Nigeria considering our population, resources and potential,” she said.

She also renewed support for the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill and called for stronger safeguards for children.

“Children should be completely off limits. No excuses. No ifs, no buts,” she said.

She advocated free education and healthcare support for child survivors, social protection measures and sustainable empowerment programmes rather than what she described as tokenistic interventions, and stronger prosecution of offenders,

Njemanze encouraged anyone experiencing abuse to seek help and avoid suffering in silence. “There is a community of survivors willing to stand with you and help you navigate your options. Where we cannot run, we walk. Where we cannot walk, we crawl. But we do something,” she stated.

The ICIR reports that Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread gender-based violence despite efforts by government agencies and civil society organizations like DNF.

Official figures from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs’ Gender-Based Violence Dashboard recorded 27,698 SGBV cases between 2020 and October 2023, including 1,145 fatal cases and 393 convictions.

Globally, estimates cited by rights advocates indicate that about one in three women experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing countries such as Nigeria.

Obi reacts to court order directing INEC to deregister ADC, others

News Agency
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Obi reacts to court order directing INEC to deregister ADC, others

PRESIDENTIAL candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal High Court’s order mandating the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), Accord and three other political parties.

He described the development as a threat to public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic and judicial institutions.

Obi in a statement posted on his X handle, warned against what he termed the growing politicisation of institutions that should remain independent and protected from political influence.

He said nations thrive when institutions are stronger than individuals and politics. He argued that the court judgement would further diminish public trust in the country’s legal system.

While calling for the reversal of the ruling, the former Anambra State governor said: “We must never sacrifice our sacred institutions on the altar of politics. Nations rise when institutions are stronger than individuals,” he said.

He recalled expressing concerns during the controversy surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, stressing that the greatest damage such actions caused was often the perception they created about the sanctity and independence of national institutions.

According to him, strong economies are built on trust; while investors can manage security, policy and market risks, they are often discouraged by uncertainty in the rule of law and perceptions of judicial interference.

“Today, many Nigerians have lost confidence in systems that should protect them, because businesses increasingly request that their contracts be governed by foreign jurisdictions because they have greater confidence in those institutions than in our own.”

Obi pledged commitment to restoring the dignity, independence and integrity of the judiciary, stressing the need for justice to remain impartial, accessible and respected by all citizens.

He also called on judges, senior advocates, lawyers and other legal professionals to defend the rule of law and strengthen democratic institutions in the country.

The ICIR reported on Monday that the Federal High Court ordered INEC to strike out the five political parties from its register over their poor electoral performance.

The ruling, delivered on Monday by one of the court’s justices, Peter Lifu, affected the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The judge that the parties failed to satisfy constitutional conditions required for political parties to retain their registration and consequently instructed INEC to remove them from the list of recognised parties.

Lifu also ruled that the affected parties should not be allowed to take part in future elections, including the 2027 general election.

The decision followed a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators. The group had approached the court, arguing that the parties no longer met the legal standards needed to remain registered.

Army confirms rescue of slain former defence spokesperson’s wife

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Army confirms rescue of slain former defence spokesperson’s wife

TROOPS of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, have rescued Amina Abubakar, wife of the late former spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Rabe Abubakar, weeks after she was abducted by bandits alongside her husband.

In a statement on Monday, Director of Defence Information, Samaila Uba, a major general, said the rescue followed intensified search-and-rescue operations by troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA.

According to the military, troops made contact with the bandits at Tunga Village during sustained offensive operations, leading to Amina Abubakar’s recovery.

The military said the bandits shot her before abandoning her and fleeing under pressure from advancing troops.

She was immediately evacuated to a military hospital, where she is receiving treatment and responding positively, the statement added.

Amina Abubakar was abducted alongside her husband, a retired major general, in Katsina State. Abubakar was later killed by his captors, triggering outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in Nigeria.

The Armed Forces said efforts were ongoing to track down those responsible for the attack and rescue other victims held by criminal groups.

“The leadership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to ensuring her full recovery and is providing all necessary support to her family during this difficult period,” the statement said.

The military added that troops would sustain operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks in Katsina State and other parts of the country.

The late Abubakar and his wife were abducted by armed bandits in Katsina State in early June while travelling along the Funtua–Dandume Road.

Days after the abduction, The ICIR reported that the retired general had been killed by his captors despite ongoing efforts to secure the couple’s release.

He was later laid to rest in Katsina State  The burial, conducted in accordance with Islamic rites, on Saturday evening, was attended by  family members, senior military officers, government officials and residents.

 

ADC to challenge court ruling on deregistration, says government ‘playing with fire’

Mustapha USMAN
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ADC to challenge court ruling on deregistration, says government ‘playing with fire’

THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has rejected a Federal High Court ruling that ordered the party’s deregistration and four others.

In a statement shortly after the court ruling on Monday, June 15, the party warned that the decision could destabilise Nigeria’s democracy.

It accused powerful interests of attempting to silence opposition voices ahead of 2027.

The ICIR reported that Peter Lifu, a justice of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strike out the ADC, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, Accord Party and Zenith Labour Party from its register for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements for continued registration.

The judge held that the parties failed to satisfy constitutional conditions required for political parties to retain their registration and consequently instructed INEC to remove them from the list of recognised parties.

Lifu also ruled that the affected parties should not be allowed to take part in future elections, including the 2027 general election.

The case was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the parties had not met electoral performance thresholds required under the Constitution.

But in its reaction, the ADC described the judgment as “reckless and incendiary,” insisting there was no legal basis for deregistration.

The party said INEC had previously affirmed in court filings that it had not breached any registration conditions and argued that deregistration must be based strictly on constitutional grounds, not political pressure.

It also faulted the court process, alleging disregard for a subsisting Court of Appeal order staying proceedings in the matter, and warned that such actions undermine judicial integrity.

The ADC further alleged political interference, linking the case to actors within the ruling establishment and questioning the neutrality of key government officials involved in the suit.

It described the timing of the ruling, which it said came after its primaries, as suspicious, warning that attempts to remove opposition parties through judicial means amount to “an invitation to anarchy.”

The party vowed to challenge the decision through all legal channels, including a petition to the National Judicial Council.

While insisting it would remain on the ballot in the coming polls, the ADC urged supporters to remain calm but vigilant, saying Nigeria’s democracy must not be reduced to “judicial manipulation” or “political exclusion.”

Court orders INEC to deregister ADC, Accord, 3 other parties

Esther Tomo
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Court orders INEC to deregister ADC, Accord, 3 other parties

A FEDERAL High Court sitting in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strike out five political parties from its register over their poor electoral performance.

The ruling, delivered on Monday by one of the court’s justices, Peter Lifu, affected the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Action Alliance (AA), Accord Party (AP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

According to TheCable, the judge held that the parties failed to satisfy constitutional conditions required for political parties to retain their registration and consequently instructed INEC to remove them from the list of recognised parties.

Lifu also ruled that the affected parties should not be allowed to take part in future elections, including the 2027 general election.

The decision followed a suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the National Forum of Former Legislators. The group had approached the court, arguing that the parties no longer met the legal standards needed to remain registered.

INEC was listed as the first defendant in the case, while the Attorney-General of the Federation was also joined as a party.

According to the plaintiffs, the political organisations failed to demonstrate the level of electoral support required under the Constitution. They maintained that political parties are expected to achieve certain benchmarks during elections, including obtaining at least 25 per cent of votes in specified contests or securing elective positions.

The forum asked the court to determine whether INEC had a constitutional obligation to remove parties that failed to meet the requirements contained in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

It further requested an order compelling the electoral body to delist the parties before preparations for the 2027 elections begin in earnest.

The plaintiffs additionally sought restrictions preventing the affected parties from conducting primaries, holding campaign activities, organising political gatherings, or participating in electoral processes until they comply with constitutional provisions.

In his judgment, the judge agreed with the arguments presented by the plaintiffs and ordered INEC to deregister the five parties.

ADC names Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate

Mustapha USMAN
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ADC names Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate

THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has named former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

In a statement on Monday, June 15, by National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said Amaechi’s selection was based on his experience, political influence, and performance as runner-up in the presidential contest.

The announcement comes weeks after a controversial presidential primary in which former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the party’s flagbearer amid protests over alleged irregularities.

Abubakar, according to official results announced on May 27, 2026, secured 1,846,370 votes to defeat Amaechi, who polled 504,117 votes, while businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen came third with 177,120 votes.

However, the outcome initially sparked protests within the party, with both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen rejecting the process and alleging manipulation and irregularities in the conduct of the exercise.

Despite the early tensions, the dispute was later resolved following internal consultations and reconciliation moves within the party.

Abubakar held separate meetings with both Amaechi and Hayatu-Deen shortly after the primary to ease tensions and strengthen unity within the opposition platform.

Following the reconciliation process, the ADC said it carried out extensive consultations with leaders, coalition partners, youth and women stakeholders, and representatives across the country’s geopolitical zones before selecting Amaechi as Atiku’s running mate.

The party described the Atiku-Amaechi pairing as a strategic alliance aimed at strengthening its chances in the 2027 election and addressing Nigeria’s governance challenges.

Amaechi, who previously served as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and two-term governor of Rivers State, was also highlighted for his tenure as Minister of Transportation, during which he oversaw major rail and infrastructure projects.

“The proposed partnership between His Excellency Atiku Abubakar and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi represents more than a political alliance; it is the coming together of two tested statesmen with the experience, national reach, and leadership capacity required to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges and reposition the country for a new era of prosperity, security, and inclusive development,” the party noted.

The ADC said his experience across legislative and executive roles made him a strong complement to Atiku’s presidential ambition, adding that the Atiku-Amaechi ticket would represents “national coalition” capable of bridging regional divides and restoring confidence in governance.

The announcement came as the ADC continues to manage internal tensions that have trailed its emerging opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

The party had attracted several political figures during its coalition-building process, including former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, who later exited the platform amid internal disagreements.

Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji faces 10 challengers as governorship race enters final stretch

Esther Tomo
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Ekiti 2026: Oyebanji faces 10 challengers as governorship race enters final stretch

EKITI State Governor Biodun Oyebanji faces challengers from 10 political parties in the June 20, 2026, governorship election. Observers say it is a contest poised to test political strength, governance record, and voter sentiment across the state. 

The election, one of Nigeria’s off-cycle governorship contests, will see the incumbent governor seek a second four-year term on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with his deputy, Monisade Afuye, retained as his running mate.

Party primaries for the election were conducted between October 20 and November 10, 2025, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) subsequently publishing provisional and final candidate lists ahead of the poll.

The election umpire had earlier confirmed 12 political parties and their candidates for the poll, but Joseph Anifowose, a businessman and politician who initially emerged as the governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), withdrew from the race. He subsequently endorsed the incumbent governor, citing his achievements in governance, infrastructure and social services.

However, a striking development ahead of the election is the absence of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), traditionally one of the dominant political forces in Ekiti politics. INEC’s final list excluded PDP candidate Wole Oluyede following unresolved leadership disputes and legal battles within the party at the national level. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) was also left off the final ballot.

Political observers say the omission of the PDP has fundamentally altered the dynamics of the contest, potentially benefiting the ruling APC while creating opportunities for smaller opposition parties to attract dissatisfied voters.

Here is a profile of the candidates, highlighting their backgrounds, political experience and campaign priorities. Together, they represent a broad mix of political experience, professional backgrounds, and educational qualifications.

Biodun Oyebanji (APC)

Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, born on December 21, 1967, is a politician and public administrator from Ikogosi-Ekiti. He studied Political Science at the Ekiti State University and later obtained a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Ibadan.

He served as Chief of Staff and Secretary to the State Government under former Governor Kayode Fayemi and has occupied several strategic positions in the state administration.

Oyebanji was elected governor in 2022 on the platform of the APC. His administration claims to have prioritised infrastructure development, agriculture, healthcare, education and rural development.

He is seeking the governorship re-election in the 2026 poll.

Opeyemi Falegan (Accord)

Opeyemi Falegan is a businessman and politician known for his involvement in entrepreneurship, community development and grassroots political mobilisation.

He emerged as the Accord Party’s governorship candidate and is campaigning on economic growth, youth employment, healthcare improvement, educational development and welfare programmes for pensioners and vulnerable citizens.

He is contesting the 2026 governorship election under the Accord Party platform.

 Oyebanji Ikusayedegbe Olajuyin (Labour Party)

Oyebanji Olajuyin, a medical doctor, academic and politician, is from Ikere-Ekiti.

A professor, Olajuyin, built a distinguished career in medicine, healthcare administration, medical research and academia, earning recognition for his contributions to healthcare delivery and medical education.

The Labour Party candidate is campaigning on healthcare reform, education improvement, transparent governance and human capital development.

Oluwadare Patrick Bejide (ADC)

Oluwadare Bejide is a diplomat, public servant and politician with extensive experience in public administration.

He emerged as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate and is advocating infrastructure development, public-sector reforms, agricultural expansion, job creation and improved welfare for civil servants.

Ayodeji Ojo (ADP)

Ayodeji Ojo is a politician and former chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Ekiti State. Having spent several years within the party structure, he emerged as ADP’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2026 election.

Akande Oluwasegun Samuel (AAC)

Akande Samuel is the governorship candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC). The INEC record shows that at 36 years, Samuel is among the youngest candidates in the race. His candidacy reflects the AAC’s emphasis on youth inclusion and alternative governance.

Akande Oluwasegun, AAC

Bidemi Olaiya Awogbemi (APP)

Bidemi Awogbemi is the governorship candidate of the Action People’s Party (APP). Listed by INEC as 36 years old, he is among the younger contenders in the election. His running mate is Akinyemi Adewumi.

Awogbemi’s candidacy forms part of the growing effort by smaller political parties to challenge the dominance of the larger parties in Ekiti politics.

Abegunde Ayobami Blessing (NNPP)

Abegunde Blessing is an entrepreneur, youth leader and politician from Isinbode-Ekiti. He emerged as the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) candidate after other aspirants stepped down in his favour during the party’s primary.

His campaign focuses on youth empowerment, job creation, education, healthcare reform, agriculture, transparency and digital innovation.

Olaniyi Olanrewaju Ayodele (PRP)

Olaniyi Olanrewaju Ayodele, 49, is the governorship candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

He is contesting on the platform of a party that traces its ideological roots to the progressive political tradition associated with the late Aminu Kano.

Olaniyi Ayodele PRP

Owoola Daramola (YPP)

Owoola Daramola is the governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP). At 54 years old, he is among the older candidates in the race and represents the YPP’s effort to position itself as an alternative to the state’s dominant political parties.

Victor Damilola Adetunji (ZLP)

Victor Adetunji is the governorship candidate of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). According to INEC’s record, he is 38 years old and belongs to a younger generation of politicians seeking public office in Ekiti State.

 

 

Nigerians borrowed N4.6tn worth of airtime in 2025

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Nigerians borrowed N4.6tn worth of airtime in 2025

MILLIONS of Nigerians increasingly relied on borrowed airtime and mobile credit in 2025, with telecom-linked lending surging to an estimated N4.61 trillion.

The development highlights how economic hardship is pushing consumers to depend on debt for basic communication.

Punch reported that new financial statements released by fintech company Optasia showed that mobile subscribers across Nigeria and other emerging markets received airtime advances worth $3.18 billion in 2025, up from $2.83 billion in 2024. Africa accounted for more than 94 per cent of the transactions, making the continent the company’s largest market.

The figures underscore the growing dependence of millions of underbanked consumers on small-value digital loans at a time when inflation and declining purchasing power continue to squeeze household incomes.

Optasia, which partners with telecom operators to provide airtime and nano-loans, said its platform uses subscribers’ behaviour and credit history to determine eligibility for advances.

Beyond airtime borrowing, the company’s Mobile Financial Services segment facilitated nano-loans worth $2.3 billion in 2025, more than double the $967.9 million recorded the previous year.

Although Optasia did not disclose country-by-country lending volumes, its financial statements suggest Nigeria remains one of its most important markets. The company maintains two wholly owned Nigerian subsidiaries, Nairtime Nigeria Limited and Xtra MFS Nigeria Limited and reported net naira exposure of N19.37 billion at the end of 2025.

Nigeria’s importance to the group was further reflected in the sharp rise in trade receivables linked to its operations. Gross trade receivables from Nigeria rose by 103.6 per cent to $7.73 million in 2025 from $3.8 million a year earlier, one of the strongest increases across its markets.

The expansion of digital lending translated into stronger earnings for the company, revenue rose by 75.5 per cent to $265.36 million, while profit after tax increased to $43.13 million.

However, the rapid growth in lending also brought increased risks because Optasia’s provisions for expected credit losses nearly doubled to $65.21 million, indicating rising defaults associated with airtime advances and nano-loan products.

The growth comes amid an ongoing regulatory battle over Nigeria’s airtime credit market.

Reports had claimed that the Federal Government was considering opening the sector to indigenous fintech firms after concerns that Optasia had maintained dominance of the market for more than a decade.

According to the reports, regulators argued that broader participation would encourage competition, strengthen local content and reduce capital flight.

But the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, denied claims that it recommended nine companies for approval or played any role in granting operating licences.

The controversy began in April after MTN, Airtel, Glo and T2mobile suspended airtime credit services following an FCCPC directive seeking compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-traditional Consumer Lending Regulations.

The regulations classified airtime credit as a form of consumer lending, triggering a dispute with the Nigerian Communications Commission over regulatory oversight.

Although services have since resumed, the matter remains before the Federal High Court in Lagos, with the substantive case scheduled for hearing on July 20, 2026.

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