News

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

Published

2 months ago

July 21, 2026

Preport

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

Raptors Strike First! Taiwo Inspires 21-12 Victory As Ibom Launch Season XV With Statement Win

Published

2 hours ago

September 21, 2026

Preport

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Ibom Raptors made an impressive start to SHOWTIME Bowl Series XV, defeating Lagos Greenbacks 21-12 at Showtime Arena on Sunday as another competitive chapter of Nigeria’s professional flag football league got underway.

The final score tells only part of the story. The contest produced momentum swings, defensive stops and several opportunities for both teams, but the Raptors ultimately found the execution required to secure their opening victory.

Quarterback Taiwo Oluwalanu was at the heart of the Raptors’ performance and finished with the team’s highest player rating of 7.5. He consistently moved the offence downfield and connected with his receivers in serious situations, including touchdown combinations with Titilayo Happiness Abanikanda as Ibom turned pressure into points.

The player ratings also highlighted contributions beyond the quarterback position. Aisha Raji Oluwatosin earned 7.0, Moyosore Adolphus recorded 6.6, while Billie Oyebanji Anuoluwapo finished on 6.3, reflecting the collective effort behind the victory.

Lagos Greenbacks had their own standout performer in Precious George, whose 7.6 rating was the highest displayed across the two teams. Her defensive influence included several pass break-ups as Greenbacks battled to stay in the contest. Emmanuel Ojirinnaka also impressed with a 7.0 rating, while Philip Osakwe and Divine Chidera both recorded 6.6.

For SHOWTIME, the growing emphasis on detailed player ratings adds another dimension to Series XV. Fans are no longer following only wins and losses; individual performances can now be tracked, compared and discussed throughout the season, giving emerging athletes greater visibility and creating additional storytelling opportunities for commercial partners.

That visibility matters as SHOWTIME continues building a professional sporting product around its players. Every touchdown, interception, defensive play and standout rating can help transform previously unfamiliar names into recognisable sporting personalities.

For the Raptors, however, the immediate prize is the result. They have opened Series XV with a victory and valuable early momentum.

Ibom Raptors have landed the first blow — and Taiwo Oluwalanu has given SHOWTIME fans another name to watch.

Business

NCC Empowers Persons With Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship Training in Lagos

Published

3 hours ago

September 21, 2026

Preport

Over 100 people living with disabilities in Lagos State have completed a two-day workshop organized by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), focused on building digital literacy, online safety awareness, and familiarity with assistive tools.

The session, held on September 9 and 10, 2026, carried the theme “Empowering Persons with Disabilities Through Digital Citizenship for an Inclusive Digital Economy.”

Participates covered topics including basic digital literacy, internet usage, online safety practices, privacy protection, adaptive technology, and responsible online conduct. Rather than simply teaching device operation, organizers emphasized how digital tools could enhance participants’ independence, personal safety, and access to broader opportunities — including recognizing fraudulent schemes and safeguarding personal data online.

They also explored adaptive tools such as voice-to-text software, designed to simplify device interaction for people with certain disabilities. Organizers additionally addressed the stigma and exclusion that many disabled Nigerians continue to face, noting how such attitudes restrict full participation in society.

NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida — represented at the event by Helen Obi, Director of the Commission’s Digital Economy Department — described the program as evidence of the regulator’s dedication to removing disability-related obstacles to involvement in Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.

Maida noted that genuine digital inclusion requires more than simply expanding internet access. He explained that being digitally literate means understanding how to engage online safely, guard personal information, spot deception and false information, and grasp one’s rights and obligations in digital spaces. He added that technology could help disabled individuals overcome obstacles in schooling and employment while opening doors in business ownership, remote work, and access to public resources.

The Lagos workshop forms part of a broader NCC effort to extend digital training to disabled Nigerians nationwide. Maida pointed to other accessibility initiatives, including the Commission’s E-Accessibility Project, research into adaptive devices such as an assistive cane prototype for visually impaired persons, and the fourth annual Hackathon themed “Technology Without Barriers,” which invited developers to build accessibility-focused solutions.

According to the NCC, expanding internet access alone won’t achieve meaningful inclusion unless people also gain the confidence and skills to use technology effectively and securely. Maida called for closer cooperation among government bodies, regulators, tech firms, service providers, international partners, civil society groups, and disability advocacy organizations, arguing that accessibility should be built into digital products from the design stage onward.

The Commission credited the Lagos State Government, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, and other partners for supporting the program. For participants, the training offered tools they can put to immediate use — from spotting scams and securing personal data to navigating assistive technology with greater confidence.

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