News

Osun 2026: Adeleke’s Campaign Council urges INEC to address election concerns

Published

4 months ago

July 21, 2026

The Imole Campaign Council, the platform coordinating the re-election bid of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to address alleged shortcomings recorded during recent off-cycle and by-elections ahead of the state’s governorship election.

The Director-General of the campaign council, Lere Oyewumi, made the call while speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Monday, where he raised concerns over the credibility of previous elections and urged the electoral umpire to strengthen its processes.

Oyewumi alleged that during some recent off-cycle and by-elections held in Ogun, Oyo, Jigawa and Ekiti states, persons suspected to be “mercenary voters” were issued Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, shortly before election day.

He also expressed concerns over the alleged shortage of ballot papers and other sensitive election materials, claiming that some irregularities were recorded during the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, including the circulation of pre-thumbprinted ballot papers.

According to him, technical difficulties linked to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, affected the conduct of elections in Ekiti State and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Area Council polls.

The lawmaker further alleged that during recent elections in Anambra, Ekiti and the FCT, some political parties that did not participate in the contests were listed on ballot papers and result sheets.

Speaking on specific concerns ahead of the Osun governorship election, Oyewumi claimed that the campaign council had received reports of alleged statements by some All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders regarding the possible preloading of BVAS machines ahead of the poll.

“We have been inundated with boastful statements reportedly made by some Osun APC leaders about preloading BVAS machines ahead of the governorship election in the state,” he said.

Oyewumi described the allegation, if proven true, as a serious threat to the integrity of electronic accreditation and a possible indication of an attempt to influence the outcome of the election.

He also raised concerns over INEC’s ongoing distribution of new PVCs, urging the commission to ensure the process remains open, transparent and free from any form of manipulation.

“We have been notified about the commencement of the distribution of new PVCs by INEC. However, we have serious concerns about the transparency of the process, and we hereby warn that any move to disenfranchise Osun voters by withholding their PVCs will not be tolerated,” he stated.

The campaign council insisted that PVC collection must be conducted transparently, warning against any form of proxy collection.

Oyewumi stressed that the concerns raised were not intended to discredit INEC but were aimed at encouraging improvements and ensuring a more credible electoral process through constructive engagement.

He said the Osun governorship election would provide another opportunity for Nigeria’s democratic institutions to demonstrate their commitment to free, fair and transparent elections.

“The people of Osun are peaceful, politically conscious and deeply committed to democracy. They expect nothing short of a free, fair, transparent and credible election that faithfully reflects the wishes of the electorate,” he added.

The campaign council consequently urged INEC to carefully consider the issues raised and take necessary corrective measures before the August 15 governorship election.

News

“President Tinubu Is Restoring Confidence in Nigerian Sports” — SSA Adeboye Hails Fulfilment of Super Falcons’ Reward Promise

Published

14 minutes ago

November 3, 2026

PlateauReports

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for fulfilling his financial commitments to Nigeria’s Super Falcons, describing the development as another demonstration of his administration’s determination to reward sporting excellence and restore confidence among Nigerian athletes.

Adeboye said the payment of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each Super Falcons player and $50,000 to coaches and officials, following their historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph in Morocco, reinforces the President’s commitment to recognising those who bring honour to the country.

“President Tinubu is demonstrating that the sacrifices of our sporting heroes must never be taken for granted. By fulfilling his promise to the Super Falcons, he is sending a powerful message that excellence, dedication and patriotism deserve genuine recognition,” Adeboye stated.

The Presidential aide noted that the development follows similar rewards for Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, whose players also received their promised financial benefits after winning a fifth consecutive Women’s AfroBasket title.

He further highlighted the President’s decision to restore the National Sports Commission, describing it as a major institutional reform aimed at improving sports administration, athlete welfare and long-term development.

“Beyond financial rewards, Mr President has shown commitment through institutional reforms and deliberate efforts to reposition sports as an instrument of national development, youth empowerment and economic opportunity,” he added.

Adeboye particularly praised the administration’s recognition of female athletes, noting that the achievements of the Super Falcons and D’Tigress have inspired millions of young Nigerian girls.

He stressed that these developments must be complemented by sustained investment in grassroots sports, where future national champions are discovered and nurtured.

According to him, the forthcoming National Grassroots Sports Development Summit, scheduled for November 18–19, 2026, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, will provide an opportunity to strengthen the foundation of Nigeria’s sporting future.

“When our young athletes see that their country celebrates and rewards excellence, they are encouraged to dream bigger. Our responsibility is to ensure that talented children across all 774 local government areas have opportunities to develop and succeed,” Adeboye said.

He commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission, headed by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their efforts in implementing the administration’s sports development agenda.

Adeboye reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the President’s Renewed Hope vision through sustainable grassroots sports programmes and strategic partnerships.

Business

SMEs Celebrate Business Growth, Increased Visibility at Leadway Lifestyle Fair 2026

Published

53 minutes ago

November 3, 2026

PlateauReports

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have commended Leadway Group, one of Nigeria’s foremost non-bank financial services providers, for connecting them with new customers, boosting their visibility, and driving sales at the recently concluded Leadway Lifestyle Fair 2026.

The second edition of the fair, themed “For the Love of the NaijaLifestyle”, ended on Sunday, 25 October, bringing together 100 businesses alongside consumers, lifestyle enthusiasts, content creators and celebrities. Throughout the event, vendors reported a steady flow of visitors to their booths, with many recording sales, meeting new customers and growing their social media following.

For some exhibitors, it was their first exhibition showcase, and the results exceeded their expectations, as shown by the sales they made, the new customers they met and the visibility they gained from taking part in the fair.

Speaking on the initiative, Niyi Abiola, Head, Corporate Services, Leadway Group, said the fair was created to give small businesses a platform to showcase their products and connect with consumers.

“Lifestyle is an important part of how people live, connect and engage with the world around them. With the Leadway Lifestyle Fair, we wanted to create more room for businesses to showcase what they do and reach more people. Having grown from about 25 vendors in our first edition to 100 this year, we are encouraged by the response and look forward to making the experience even bigger in the years ahead,” Abiola said.

Olusakin Labeodan, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Leadway PFA speaking on behalf of Leadway Group, said the fair reflects the Group’s wider approach to building relationships with its customers beyond the financial solutions it provides.

“The growth of the fair from its first edition to this year’s event shows the value of creating platforms that bring businesses and consumers together. At Leadway, our relationship with customers goes beyond the financial solutions we offer across insurance, pensions, wealth management, trusteeship, health and hospitality. We also recognise the importance of being part of their everyday experiences, and lifestyle is a significant part of that,” Labeodan said.

With the number of participating businesses growing fourfold in a year, the Leadway Lifestyle Fair has quickly become a meeting point for Nigerian entrepreneurs and the consumers they serve. LeadwayGroup said it will continue to expand the platform in future editions, allowing more small businesses to reach new customers, grow their brands and celebrate the creativity that defines the Naija lifestyle.

About the Leadway Group

The Leadway Group is a diversified financial services ecosystem offering comprehensive retail and corporate non-banking financial solutions. Spearheaded by its non-operating holding entity, the Group provides a unified portfolio of cross-functional services through its market-leading associate companies: general and life insurance (Leadway Assurance), pension fund administration (Leadway PFA), corporate trusteeship and estate planning (Leadway Capital & Trusts), investment portfolio advisory (Leadway Asset Management), and health management (Leadway Health). Driven by discipline and continuous innovation, Leadway Group is committed to securing future financial freedom and health outcomes for millions of customers across West Africa.