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Ekiti Governorship Poll: APC, PDP, ADC Trade Victory Claims as 1.05 Million Voters Head to Polls

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As voters across Ekiti State prepare to elect a new governor today, the three major contenders in the race—the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC)—have expressed strong confidence in their chances, setting the stage for a keenly contested election across the state’s 16 local government areas.

The governorship election, which will be decided by 1,059,360 registered voters, has generated heightened political activity and intense campaigning in recent weeks, with each of the leading parties projecting victory despite differing assessments of their strengths on the ground.

APC Targets Sweeping Victory

The ruling APC has set an ambitious target of securing victory in all 16 local government areas, all 177 wards, and the state’s 2,445 polling units.

Speaking ahead of the poll, APC State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, said the party was aiming for more than 500,000 votes and was optimistic about recording a historic landslide.

According to him, the party’s focus is not merely on winning but on achieving a decisive mandate that would reflect widespread public support.

“We are looking at winning all 16 local governments, all 177 wards, and all 2,445 polling units. Our target is to secure over 500,000 votes and surpass that figure,” Dipe stated.

He maintained that the party had no fears going into the election, insisting that its campaign efforts and grassroots support positioned it strongly for victory.

PDP, ADC Predict Major Upsets

Despite the APC’s confidence, opposition parties insist the contest remains open.

The ADC, through its State Secretary, Jackson Adebayo, said the party was banking on the goodwill of voters and remained confident of emerging victorious despite concerns over incumbency advantage and alleged vote-buying.

Adebayo argued that a significant number of voters would prioritize conscience over inducements and predicted that the ADC would secure victories in at least 10 local government areas.

“If the election is determined by the will of the people, we are confident of success. Not all voters are susceptible to inducement, and many still vote according to their convictions,” he said.

Similarly, the PDP expressed optimism about its electoral prospects.

Director of Media for the PDP Governorship Campaign Council, Sanya Atofarati, claimed the party was comfortably positioned to win the election, citing widespread support across the state.

He asserted that the PDP was leading in at least 10 local government areas and projected that the party would secure approximately 60 percent of the votes cast.

Atofarati also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to remain impartial and ensure a credible process.

“This election is important not only for Ekiti State but also as a significant indicator ahead of the 2027 general elections. We expect all institutions involved to act fairly and professionally,” he said.

Over 7,000 Party Agents to Monitor Poll

The major political parties have also announced extensive monitoring arrangements, with more than 7,000 party agents expected to be deployed across the state.

The APC disclosed plans to station agents in each of the 2,445 polling units, while the PDP said it would deploy over 2,000 agents.

ADC officials similarly confirmed that the party would maintain representation across all polling units to monitor voting and collation processes.

In addition to party agents, several civil society organisations and election observer groups have mobilised personnel to independently monitor the conduct of the election.

Residents Express Readiness for Poll

Across Ado Ekiti and other major towns, residents appeared prepared for the election as commercial activities increased on the eve of voting.

Markets witnessed increased patronage as residents stocked up on essential items ahead of movement restrictions, while transport hubs recorded heightened travel activity as voters returned to their communities to participate in the exercise.

Government offices and schools remained closed following the public holiday declared by the state government to enable workers and eligible voters prepare for the election.

Many residents who spoke with journalists expressed optimism that the election would be peaceful.

A civil servant, Adijat Akanmu, said she was prepared to cast her vote despite concerns about limited voter mobilisation by political parties.

“I am ready to vote and I expect a peaceful election. From all indications, the process should be orderly,” she said.

Similarly, a commercial driver, Seun Olatunji, said he was travelling to Ikogosi to vote, reflecting the determination of many residents to participate in the electoral process.

Police Assure Maximum Security

The Nigeria Police Force has assured voters, electoral officials and political stakeholders of comprehensive security arrangements before, during and after the election.

The supervising Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the election, Mustapha Fayoade, said security agencies had made robust preparations to guarantee a peaceful process.

He urged officers deployed for election duty to maintain professionalism and operate strictly within the confines of the law.

Similarly, the Commissioner of Police overseeing election security, Abayomi Shogunle, stated that all necessary security measures had been put in place and that officers were fully prepared for the exercise.

According to him, election materials and personnel would be escorted by security operatives, while polling units would be set up early to facilitate prompt commencement of voting.

Authorities also warned individuals planning to disrupt the election to stay away, stressing that anyone found engaging in violence or electoral malpractice would face the full weight of the law.

Movement Restrictions Announced

To prevent potential disruptions, the police announced a restriction on vehicular movement across Ekiti State from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day.

The restriction covers both intra-state and inter-state movement and applies to private and commercial vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles.

The police further prohibited the movement of political office holders and other VIPs with armed escorts around polling units and collation centres.

According to the Ekiti State Police Command spokesperson, Sunday Abutu, the measure is aimed at preventing the movement of political thugs and other criminal elements who may seek to interfere with the electoral process.

NSCDC Deploys 5,500 Personnel

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 5,500 personnel across the state to complement police and other security agencies.

Director of Operations, Philip Ayuba, said personnel had been assigned not only to election duties but also to the protection of critical infrastructure, including telecommunications facilities, power installations and public institutions.

He added that intelligence officers had been strategically deployed to identify and address potential security threats before they could affect the election.

EU Observation Hub Calls for Transparency

Meanwhile, the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Election Observation Hub has urged INEC to maintain strict neutrality and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

The observer group, which includes organisations such as Yiaga Africa, The Kukah Centre and International Press Centre, emphasised the importance of ensuring the effective deployment and operation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

The group warned that technical failures could undermine public confidence and called for seamless electronic transmission of results to enhance transparency.

Observers described the election as a crucial test of Nigeria’s revised electoral framework under the Electoral Act 2026 and urged INEC to ensure prompt deployment of personnel and election materials, transparent collation procedures and real-time result transmission.

With security agencies on high alert, political parties deploying thousands of agents, and civil society groups monitoring the process, all eyes are now on Ekiti State as voters head to the polls in an election widely viewed as an important political indicator ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Police Arrest 5 PakistanI Nationals, Recover 35 Phones in Benue Intelligence Ooperations

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August 8, 2026

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The Benue State Police Command has arrested five Pakistani nationals and recovered thirty-five mobile phones in separate intelligence-led operations in Otukpo and Ugbokolo areas of the state.

The arrests were disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday, August 7, 2026, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu.

According to the statement, operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested three Pakistanis at Adoka Motor Park, Otukpo Local Government Area, on August 4, 2026.

The suspects were identified as Younas Mohammad, 36; Ahmad Nunil, 38; and Aslam Muhammad, 46. They were intercepted while attempting to board a vehicle to Adoka village.

During preliminary questioning, the suspects claimed they were in Otukpo to market cosmetics and mobile gadgets, none of which were found in their possession.

“This made their explanation, activities and movements within the area suspicious, requiring more clarification,” the PPRO stated.

In a separate operation on August 5, 2026, two other Pakistanis, Juma Sharif, 30, and Muhammed Sharif, 25, were arrested at a local hotel in Ugbokolo following another credible intelligence.

The two claimed to be dealers in Android phones. A search of their belongings led to the recovery of eleven Tecno Camon 50 Pro mobile phones.

Further investigation and operational follow-up resulted in the recovery of an additional twenty-three Tecno Camon 50 Pro phones and one Infinix Hot 60 phone, bringing the total number of recovered mobile phones to thirty-five.

The five suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Makurdi, where discreet and comprehensive investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding their presence, activities and movements within the state.

The Command said it strongly suspects that the possession of the mobile phones may be a decoy for clandestine activities in rural areas of the state, noting that the suspects “hardly speak or understand English.”

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus C. N. Nwadiogbu, commended the officers involved in the operations and members of the public whose timely information contributed to the arrests.

He reassured residents that the operations form part of the Command’s proactive, intelligence-led policing strategy aimed at identifying potential security threats, preventing criminal activities and safeguarding lives and property across the state.

CP Nwadiogbu further urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the Police.

“The Command will continue to work with relevant stakeholders and members of the public to maintain peace and security across Benue State. The public will be updated as the investigation progresses,” the statement added.

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HURIWA Calls for Probe of Adeyemi’s Govt Collaborators

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21 hours ago

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August 8, 2026

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Human Right Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA
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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has dismissed the interim report of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), alleging that its findings have raise more questions than answers.

HURIWA, National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement, on Friday, argued that the report appeared to focus largely on alleged offences committed by one individual while failing to establish how a purportedly non-existent government agency operated within official circles for an extended period.

The organisation therefore opposed the prosecution of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, ICPC’ sole accused for forging documents, falsely presenting himself as Director-General of the PFIPC, creating additional agencies, opening bank accounts with forged instruments and exploiting weaknesses in government institutions.

HURIWA insisted that the alleged activities of Adeyemi could not, on their own, explain how the PFIPC acquired the appearance of an official government institution.

In HURIWA’s view, the central issue was not merely who allegedly forged documents, but how such documents were accepted and acted upon by government institutions.

It asked how a non-existent agency could acquire official legitimacy, who admitted its operators into government circles, who authorised meetings and engagements with public institutions and why elementary verification procedures failed to detect the alleged fraud.

The group also questioned how the PFIPC found its way into the 2026 Appropriation Act with a budgetary allocation running into billions of naira if it did not legally exist.

“The questions confronting Nigeria are neither difficult nor complicated,” HURIWA said.

It said there is a need to establish who processed documents linked to the agency, who ignored red flags and who enabled it to operate without challenge.

The organisation expressed concern that the ICPC’s interim findings could give the impression that the scandal was essentially the work of a lone individual.

It argued that such a conclusion would be difficult to reconcile with the scale and duration of the alleged activities, particularly given the involvement of multiple Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“HURIWA refuses to accept the proposition that one private citizen, acting entirely alone, successfully penetrated multiple Ministries, Departments and Agencies, operated for an extended period, secured official interactions and allegedly built an elaborate structure involving forged instruments without significant failures or possible complicity within the public service,” Onwubiko stated.

The association noted that the ICPC itself had identified weaknesses in inter-agency coordination, verification mechanisms and internal controls, arguing that such weaknesses required further investigation.

It said Nigerians deserved to know whether the failures were merely administrative lapses or whether some officials deliberately facilitated the activities of the alleged fake agency.

HURIWA was particularly critical of any recommendation for administrative sanctions against public officers whose negligence may have enabled the operation.

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Why Alia revamped Abandoned Benue N70bn Taraku Mill After 40 Years

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August 8, 2026

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The Benue State Gov. Hyacinth Alia  says he revived the N70 billion moribund Taraku Mill after 40 years because the state could no longer afford to waste its economic potential.
Alia made the disclosure on Friday in Makurdi during a media chat with the Renewed Hope Ambassadors Presidential Media Team.
The team was led by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President Bola Tinubu on Media and Strategy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the team was in Benue to inspect completed and ongoing federal and state infrastructure projects, including the Taraku Mill, located in Gwer East Local Government Area.
The governor said the revival of the mill, located in Taraku, was part of his administration’s broader strategy to establish sustainable economic structures capable of surviving changes in political leadership.
He said previous administrations had lacked a comprehensive development plan, resulting in projects being initiated without adequate consideration for continuity and the actual needs of citizens.
“​​There has to be a direction. There has to be a mission and there has to be a vision,” Alia said.
According to him, his administration’s development blueprint was designed after consultations with communities to distinguish between what people wanted and their actual priority needs.
He said that the approach required government to understand the needs of market women, farmers and other residents before committing resources to projects.
Alia said the objective was to move Benue from  “a glorified village status” and improve the state’s towns and economic centres.
He said sustainability was built into the projects being implemented, stressing that government must put measures in place to ensure investments remained productive after the tenure of the current administration.
The governor argued that government could not completely stay away from business when strategic investments were necessary to create employment, retain capital and stimulate the local economy.
He cited the newly established Benue Brewery, juice factory and concentrate factory as examples of investments intended to process local agricultural products and strengthen the state’s value chain.
Alia said Benue produced sorghum, cassava, maize, oranges and soybeans in large quantities, but needed industries capable of converting the agricultural produce into finished products.
He said the development of such industries would create markets for farmers, generate employment and reduce capital flight caused by importing products that could be produced locally.
The governor said farmers with orchards and farms had been identified and organised into cooperatives, enabling them to access support while providing industries with dependable sources of raw materials.
He said the improved road network linking Benue with Abuja would further enhance opportunities for farmers to take fresh agricultural produce to the federal capital and other markets.
Alia said the revival of Taraku Mill was particularly significant because Benue was previously a leading soybean-producing state, but the collapse of the mill disrupted the market for farmers.
He said the return of the mill would provide a sustained market for soybean farmers, adding that his administration had begun providing incentives and farm inputs to identified producers.
The governor said the revival was, therefore, not limited to restoring the factory but was aimed at rebuilding an agricultural ecosystem in which farmers could consistently earn income from their produce.
Earlier, the inspection team visited the Taraku Mill, where the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, explained that production had continued until around the mid-1990s.
Kula said the factory subsequently became moribund until the Alia administration decided to revamp it, with the machinery serviced and currently undergoing test runs.
He commended residents of the area for protecting the abandoned facility over the years, saying they collectively ensured that no equipment was removed from the premises.
According to him, the mill will produce soybean and groundnut oil, process maize and manufacture animal feeds, thereby restoring its former role as an economic booster for the area.
Kula also attributed the revival to improved economic conditions and support from the Federal Government, saying major investments of that magnitude required adequate resources.
He said the administration had also rehabilitated the Otobi Waterworks and its treatment plant in Otukpo Local Government Area to provide water needed for operations at the mill.
Mr Terngwu Kyuve, General Manager of the mill, said the revived facility would create no fewer than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs when fully operational.
Kyuve said the plant comprised oil, maize and animal-feed divisions, adding that its maize plant had a capacity to process 72,000 metric tonnes annually.
He said the animal-feed plant could process 172,300 metric tonnes annually, while the oil division had mechanical pressing, flaking, solvent extraction and refining facilities.
According to him, the mechanical press can process 200 metric tonnes of seeds daily, solvent extraction 320 metric tonnes daily, while the refinery can process 100 metric tonnes of oil daily.
Kyuve, a pioneer staff member, said maintenance and test-running were ongoing, adding that dry and wet testing would precede actual production.
He expressed optimism that products would begin coming out of the factory within two months, marking the return of Taraku Mill to industrial production after decades of inactivity.

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