politics

Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts

Aseyin Gives Matching Order to Fulani Kidnappers to Refund #10M Ransome (VIDEO)

Aseyin Gives Matching Order to Fulani Kidnappers to Refund #10M Ransome (VIDEO)

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A traditional Ruler in Nigeria, Aseyin of Iseyinland, in Oyo State, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III (Ajirotutu I), has given a matching order to the Fulani community in his domains to immediately refund the ransom collected from the family and relatives of a kidnapped victim in the area.


In the message delivered by Chief Ojomu who is the representative of the Monarch, the Fulani community in Iseyin were given 15 days to refund the sum of #10 million ransom collected, make payments for the hospital bill and repair his vehicle damaged.


The kidnap kingpin must be provided to face the wrought of law.


The latest been a deadly kidnapping incident at a farm settlement along the Iseyin–Ipapo Road in Oyo State has triggered fresh security concerns, after armed kidnappers reportedly abducted four farmers, killed one of the victims and collected ₦10 million before releasing the remaining three.


The incident reportedly occurred at the Iseyin District Farm Settlement, where the attackers allegedly invaded the agricultural community, abducted four farmers and destroyed farming equipment and other property.


Livestock were also reportedly killed during the attack, while facilities within the farm settlement were vandalised.


Farmer Killed During Rescue Operation


Following the attack, a combined security team comprising personnel of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps, police and local hunters reportedly moved to confront the kidnappers.


A gun battle subsequently ensued.


Aseyin of Iseyinland

During the confrontation, one of the abducted farmers was reportedly shot dead by the kidnappers.


The remaining three victims were eventually released after their families and the farm association reportedly negotiated with the abductors and paid a total ransom of ₦10 million.


The incident has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of isolated farming settlements along parts of the Oke-Ogun axis.


Aseyin Summons Emergency Meeting


 Aseyin of Iseyin who had summoned an emergency meeting with community and Fulani leaders to address the worsening security concerns mandated the local Fulani to ensure the refund of the amount collected and repair of damaged properties as well as hospital bills settlement.


The monarch reportedly expressed concern over the presence of unidentified persons and herders entering forest areas without adequate identification or clearance.


The traditional ruler placed responsibility on local Fulani leadership to cooperate with security agencies and community authorities in identifying and reporting individuals suspected of criminal activities.


Iseyin in Oke Ogun and the surrounding areas in Oyo State have faced periodic kidnapping threats and security distruption, prompting joint security operations and heightened community alertness


A mass abduction of school children and teachers in nearby Oriire LGA of Ogbomosho zone in May 2026 caused widespread panic and temporary school closures in Iseyin and Ogbomoso. Security forces later rescued 39 schoolchildren and six teachers.

 



A traditional Ruler in Nigeria, Aseyin of Iseyinland, in Oyo State, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola Adeyeri III (Ajirotutu I), has given a matching order to the Fulani community in his domains to immediately refund the ransom collected from the family and relatives of a kidnapped victim in the area.


In the message delivered by Chief Ojomu who is the representative of the Monarch, the Fulani community in Iseyin were given 15 days to refund the sum of #10 million ransom collected, make payments for the hospital bill and repair his vehicle damaged.


The kidnap kingpin must be provided to face the wrought of law.


The latest been a deadly kidnapping incident at a farm settlement along the Iseyin–Ipapo Road in Oyo State has triggered fresh security concerns, after armed kidnappers reportedly abducted four farmers, killed one of the victims and collected ₦10 million before releasing the remaining three.


The incident reportedly occurred at the Iseyin District Farm Settlement, where the attackers allegedly invaded the agricultural community, abducted four farmers and destroyed farming equipment and other property.


Livestock were also reportedly killed during the attack, while facilities within the farm settlement were vandalised.


Farmer Killed During Rescue Operation


Following the attack, a combined security team comprising personnel of the Oyo State Amotekun Corps, police and local hunters reportedly moved to confront the kidnappers.


A gun battle subsequently ensued.


Aseyin of Iseyinland

During the confrontation, one of the abducted farmers was reportedly shot dead by the kidnappers.


The remaining three victims were eventually released after their families and the farm association reportedly negotiated with the abductors and paid a total ransom of ₦10 million.


The incident has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of isolated farming settlements along parts of the Oke-Ogun axis.


Aseyin Summons Emergency Meeting


 Aseyin of Iseyin who had summoned an emergency meeting with community and Fulani leaders to address the worsening security concerns mandated the local Fulani to ensure the refund of the amount collected and repair of damaged properties as well as hospital bills settlement.


The monarch reportedly expressed concern over the presence of unidentified persons and herders entering forest areas without adequate identification or clearance.


The traditional ruler placed responsibility on local Fulani leadership to cooperate with security agencies and community authorities in identifying and reporting individuals suspected of criminal activities.


Iseyin in Oke Ogun and the surrounding areas in Oyo State have faced periodic kidnapping threats and security distruption, prompting joint security operations and heightened community alertness


A mass abduction of school children and teachers in nearby Oriire LGA of Ogbomosho zone in May 2026 caused widespread panic and temporary school closures in Iseyin and Ogbomoso. Security forces later rescued 39 schoolchildren and six teachers.

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Iran’s Security Chief: Trump’s actions are driving the world closer to nuclear proliferation

Iran’s Security Chief: Trump’s actions are driving the world closer to nuclear proliferation

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Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezai has issued  warning to gulf countries.


Iran’s top security official warned regional countries against taking part in Trump’s economic pressure campaign, arguing that such policies could further destabilize the region and encourage more countries to seek nuclear weapons.


Trump’s recklessness, with his attacks on Iran, increased desire of people around the world to acquire nuclear weapons esp when they saw that membership in the International Atomic Energy Agency & NPT was ineffective in preventing attacks from the US.” says Iran’s security chief.

 “America has waged economic war against itself, nit the Persians”  said Major General Rezaei


US President Donald Trump’s war of aggression against Iran has placed a heavy debt burden not only on the American people, but also on US allies such as Japan, Major General Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, told IRNA.


💬 “He came with the campaign slogan ‘Make America great again,’ but what has he made great? He has made their debts great,” Rezaei stressed.


The US now has to borrow at a rate 3.7 times higher than in 2020, meaning an additional $3.7 billion in annual costs for every $100 billion of debt, the major general highlighted.


He also pointed to Japan, saying the rise in its 10-year bond yield to around 3% marks the end of the US “free ride.”


Rezaei said the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, was a sign that the United States had told them it wanted to leave the region.


“The United States told them, ‘Goodbye, we are leaving,’” Rezaei said in a televised interview.


Rezaei added that Iran supported broader Islamic unity and said Iran and Egypt should be founding participants in any such regional alliance.


“Our friends come and say, ‘We have made a pact, come and approve it.’ What are we supposed to approve? We don’t even know what you signed,” he said.


We will defend Iran resolutely and will not allow American forces to set foot in Iran.


I advise the Americans not to deploy any additional forces, because we will strike them.


The Americans have completely lost hope in military attacks and now imagine that an economic blockade can support their military efforts.


Netanyahu has promised Trump that if Iran is placed under an economic blockade for six months—or even two or three months—it will surrender.


The world has realized that Trump’s bluster is empty talk.


Iran has learned over the years how to overcome sanctions and continue selling oil.


After the U.S. military attack on Iran, the world saw that possessing a nuclear bomb is more effective than hundreds of F-35s.


The F-35s lost their aura of power in Iran, and Arab countries no longer trust American weapons.


The American people actually oppose the war with Iran and do not support the U.S. military or government.


In Iran, however, the people and the government stand united behind the armed forces."

Reforms must be made in Iran's diplomatic behavior


Evolutions have occurred in Iran's defense strategies. Today's Iran is not the Iran of before the war; this also holds true for the boastful America, and the image of the peace-seeking and embellished America has changed in the minds of Iranian youth.


At the same time, the whole world is looking at Iran in a new way.


After several rounds of negotiations and repeated breaches of promises by the United States, it is necessary to make changes in the diplomatic behavior of the Islamic Republic of Iran in its relations with the world.


"We have not attacked any of America's economic interests so far. So far we have only targeted military bases. But if they are going to advance the economic war, we are ready to target all American oil and economic companies in the region."



Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezai has issued  warning to gulf countries.


Iran’s top security official warned regional countries against taking part in Trump’s economic pressure campaign, arguing that such policies could further destabilize the region and encourage more countries to seek nuclear weapons.


Trump’s recklessness, with his attacks on Iran, increased desire of people around the world to acquire nuclear weapons esp when they saw that membership in the International Atomic Energy Agency & NPT was ineffective in preventing attacks from the US.” says Iran’s security chief.

 “America has waged economic war against itself, nit the Persians”  said Major General Rezaei


US President Donald Trump’s war of aggression against Iran has placed a heavy debt burden not only on the American people, but also on US allies such as Japan, Major General Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, told IRNA.


💬 “He came with the campaign slogan ‘Make America great again,’ but what has he made great? He has made their debts great,” Rezaei stressed.


The US now has to borrow at a rate 3.7 times higher than in 2020, meaning an additional $3.7 billion in annual costs for every $100 billion of debt, the major general highlighted.


He also pointed to Japan, saying the rise in its 10-year bond yield to around 3% marks the end of the US “free ride.”


Rezaei said the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan, was a sign that the United States had told them it wanted to leave the region.


“The United States told them, ‘Goodbye, we are leaving,’” Rezaei said in a televised interview.


Rezaei added that Iran supported broader Islamic unity and said Iran and Egypt should be founding participants in any such regional alliance.


“Our friends come and say, ‘We have made a pact, come and approve it.’ What are we supposed to approve? We don’t even know what you signed,” he said.


We will defend Iran resolutely and will not allow American forces to set foot in Iran.


I advise the Americans not to deploy any additional forces, because we will strike them.


The Americans have completely lost hope in military attacks and now imagine that an economic blockade can support their military efforts.


Netanyahu has promised Trump that if Iran is placed under an economic blockade for six months—or even two or three months—it will surrender.


The world has realized that Trump’s bluster is empty talk.


Iran has learned over the years how to overcome sanctions and continue selling oil.


After the U.S. military attack on Iran, the world saw that possessing a nuclear bomb is more effective than hundreds of F-35s.


The F-35s lost their aura of power in Iran, and Arab countries no longer trust American weapons.


The American people actually oppose the war with Iran and do not support the U.S. military or government.


In Iran, however, the people and the government stand united behind the armed forces."

Reforms must be made in Iran's diplomatic behavior


Evolutions have occurred in Iran's defense strategies. Today's Iran is not the Iran of before the war; this also holds true for the boastful America, and the image of the peace-seeking and embellished America has changed in the minds of Iranian youth.


At the same time, the whole world is looking at Iran in a new way.


After several rounds of negotiations and repeated breaches of promises by the United States, it is necessary to make changes in the diplomatic behavior of the Islamic Republic of Iran in its relations with the world.


"We have not attacked any of America's economic interests so far. So far we have only targeted military bases. But if they are going to advance the economic war, we are ready to target all American oil and economic companies in the region."



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Working Theory: Why the FBI is still locking down the Tinubu files after 33 years - Mike Arnold

Working Theory: Why the FBI is still locking down the Tinubu files after 33 years - Mike Arnold

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The FBI is fighting to keep parts of the 1990s investigative file on Bola Tinubu sealed under FOIA Exemption 7(F) — claiming release could “endanger the life or physical safety of any individual.”


Thirty-three years later. That claim only holds if something in those records is still dangerous today.


Here’s the cleanest theory that fits every known fact:


In the late 1980s–early 1990s, a Nigerian-run network was moving **high-purity Southeast Asian white heroin** (“China White”) from the Golden Triangle — primarily sourced and staged in **Bangkok, Thailand** — into Chicago and northwest Indiana.


Adegboyega Mueez Akande ran the organization. His nephew Abiodun Agbele handled U.S. distribution and sales. Lee Andrew Edwards was a major street-level customer in Gary. Tinubu’s Chicago bank accounts were frozen because investigators believed they held laundered proceeds from the same SEA white-heroin pipeline. Agbele got arrested in 1990 selling to an undercover agent and cooperated. Tinubu was interviewed by phone, made partial admissions about knowing the players and moving money, later contradicted himself, fought the civil case, and settled in 1993 by forfeiting $460,000 with no criminal charges.


The working theory is that Tinubu provided information during that process — enough to walk away without an indictment. The records of that cooperation (or the identities it protected) remain in the file.


That is why the Bureau is still invoking a life-safety risk in 2026.


Look at what happened next. In 1995–1996 the U.S. launched **Operation Global Sea**, the first major effort that took down an entire Nigerian SEA-heroin chain from Bangkok source to Chicago streets. It targeted a sophisticated syndicate based in Bangkok that had been moving hundreds of kilograms of the same high-purity white heroin into the Midwest via Europe, Guatemala, and Mexico. Dozens were arrested in Bangkok, Chicago, New York, Detroit, and Pakistan. The Bangkok-based leader, Musiliu Balogun (aka “Olopa” / “The Policeman”), was charged as a primary supplier from Thailand/Cambodia. He stayed a fugitive until 2006, was extradited, and was sentenced in Chicago in 2013 to nine years.


Other follow-on operations (including elements later rolled into Shadow Towers) kept hitting Nigerian groups still importing SEA white heroin from Bangkok into Chicago and other cities.


Most of the original 1988–1993 players are now dead or neutralized: Akande died in 2024, Edwards years earlier. Balogun served his time and is no longer an active kingpin. But the broader Nigerian transnational networks that controlled the Bangkok-to-Chicago SEA white-heroin pipeline never fully disappeared. Residual associates, family members, or successor cells in Thailand and West Africa still operate in the drug trade. Identifying who cooperated in the original Chicago case — or revealing the exact techniques and sources used against the Bangkok suppliers — could still put people at real risk of retaliation.


That is the only explanation that makes the 33-year “endanger lives” claim coherent. The files are not being blocked over ancient bank records. They are being blocked because someone in them was protected, the protection still matters, and the Southeast Asian white-heroin networks that fed Chicago in the 1990s left behind people and structures with lasting lethal potential.


The public record is silent for a reason. The FOIA fight is the government’s way of keeping it that way.


#EarthShaker


The FBI is fighting to keep parts of the 1990s investigative file on Bola Tinubu sealed under FOIA Exemption 7(F) — claiming release could “endanger the life or physical safety of any individual.”


Thirty-three years later. That claim only holds if something in those records is still dangerous today.


Here’s the cleanest theory that fits every known fact:


In the late 1980s–early 1990s, a Nigerian-run network was moving **high-purity Southeast Asian white heroin** (“China White”) from the Golden Triangle — primarily sourced and staged in **Bangkok, Thailand** — into Chicago and northwest Indiana.


Adegboyega Mueez Akande ran the organization. His nephew Abiodun Agbele handled U.S. distribution and sales. Lee Andrew Edwards was a major street-level customer in Gary. Tinubu’s Chicago bank accounts were frozen because investigators believed they held laundered proceeds from the same SEA white-heroin pipeline. Agbele got arrested in 1990 selling to an undercover agent and cooperated. Tinubu was interviewed by phone, made partial admissions about knowing the players and moving money, later contradicted himself, fought the civil case, and settled in 1993 by forfeiting $460,000 with no criminal charges.


The working theory is that Tinubu provided information during that process — enough to walk away without an indictment. The records of that cooperation (or the identities it protected) remain in the file.


That is why the Bureau is still invoking a life-safety risk in 2026.


Look at what happened next. In 1995–1996 the U.S. launched **Operation Global Sea**, the first major effort that took down an entire Nigerian SEA-heroin chain from Bangkok source to Chicago streets. It targeted a sophisticated syndicate based in Bangkok that had been moving hundreds of kilograms of the same high-purity white heroin into the Midwest via Europe, Guatemala, and Mexico. Dozens were arrested in Bangkok, Chicago, New York, Detroit, and Pakistan. The Bangkok-based leader, Musiliu Balogun (aka “Olopa” / “The Policeman”), was charged as a primary supplier from Thailand/Cambodia. He stayed a fugitive until 2006, was extradited, and was sentenced in Chicago in 2013 to nine years.


Other follow-on operations (including elements later rolled into Shadow Towers) kept hitting Nigerian groups still importing SEA white heroin from Bangkok into Chicago and other cities.


Most of the original 1988–1993 players are now dead or neutralized: Akande died in 2024, Edwards years earlier. Balogun served his time and is no longer an active kingpin. But the broader Nigerian transnational networks that controlled the Bangkok-to-Chicago SEA white-heroin pipeline never fully disappeared. Residual associates, family members, or successor cells in Thailand and West Africa still operate in the drug trade. Identifying who cooperated in the original Chicago case — or revealing the exact techniques and sources used against the Bangkok suppliers — could still put people at real risk of retaliation.


That is the only explanation that makes the 33-year “endanger lives” claim coherent. The files are not being blocked over ancient bank records. They are being blocked because someone in them was protected, the protection still matters, and the Southeast Asian white-heroin networks that fed Chicago in the 1990s left behind people and structures with lasting lethal potential.


The public record is silent for a reason. The FOIA fight is the government’s way of keeping it that way.


#EarthShaker

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UNIOSUN Lecturer Iyanuoluwa Adufe Wins ACDI Grant for Antimicrobial Stewardship Study

UNIOSUN Lecturer Iyanuoluwa Adufe Wins ACDI Grant for Antimicrobial Stewardship Study

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Dr Adufe

A lecturer in the Department of Public Health, Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Dr Iyanuoluwa Adufe, has won a research grant from the African Centre for Development Impact (ACDI) under its 2026 Research Grant Competition.

Dr Adufe’s research proposal, titled “The BRIDGE Trial: A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Co-Created One Health Behavioural Intervention to Improve Antimicrobial Stewardship in Nigeria,” was selected for funding following a highly competitive review process involving local and international experts.


In a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the grant was made possible through the generous support of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and is intended to support a high-quality, policy-relevant impact evaluation that will generate evidence to strengthen policymaking and development practice in Africa.


The project, which will run from August 17, 2026, to July 31, 2027, is expected to generate evidence that will contribute to improved antimicrobial stewardship in Nigeria while strengthening collaboration between researchers and policymakers.


According to the award letter signed by the Executive Director of ACDI, Professor Charles Teye Amoatey, Dr Adufe’s project is expected to contribute to the growing body of rigorous, policy-relevant research required to promote evidence-informed decision-making across Africa. The organisation also indicated that the researcher would join its network of African researchers committed to generating evidence for improved development practice and public policy.


As part of the grant requirements, Dr Adufe and her research team are expected to provide quarterly progress updates and a final technical and financial report. The research is also expected to result in at least one scholarly publication, while its findings will be presented to relevant decision-makers at a dedicated dissemination forum.


Reacting to the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, congratulated Dr Adufe, describing the grant as another demonstration of the quality of research being undertaken by academics at the University.


Professor Adebooye said the achievement underscored the University’s commitment to promoting research that addresses pressing societal challenges and generates practical solutions capable of influencing policy and improving the lives of citizens.


He noted that the success further strengthened UNIOSUN’s growing profile as a research-driven institution whose academics are successfully competing for prestigious research grants and contributing to critical national and continental discourse.


The Vice-Chancellor commended Dr Adufe for her research excellence and urged other members of the University community to pursue innovative, interdisciplinary and impact-driven research capable of attracting international funding and contributing meaningfully to sustainable development.


The latest grant adds to UNIOSUN’s growing record of research achievements and externally funded projects, further reinforcing the institution’s commitment to research excellence, innovation, evidence-based policymaking and global academic engagement.

Dr Adufe

A lecturer in the Department of Public Health, Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Dr Iyanuoluwa Adufe, has won a research grant from the African Centre for Development Impact (ACDI) under its 2026 Research Grant Competition.

Dr Adufe’s research proposal, titled “The BRIDGE Trial: A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Co-Created One Health Behavioural Intervention to Improve Antimicrobial Stewardship in Nigeria,” was selected for funding following a highly competitive review process involving local and international experts.


In a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, the grant was made possible through the generous support of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and is intended to support a high-quality, policy-relevant impact evaluation that will generate evidence to strengthen policymaking and development practice in Africa.


The project, which will run from August 17, 2026, to July 31, 2027, is expected to generate evidence that will contribute to improved antimicrobial stewardship in Nigeria while strengthening collaboration between researchers and policymakers.


According to the award letter signed by the Executive Director of ACDI, Professor Charles Teye Amoatey, Dr Adufe’s project is expected to contribute to the growing body of rigorous, policy-relevant research required to promote evidence-informed decision-making across Africa. The organisation also indicated that the researcher would join its network of African researchers committed to generating evidence for improved development practice and public policy.


As part of the grant requirements, Dr Adufe and her research team are expected to provide quarterly progress updates and a final technical and financial report. The research is also expected to result in at least one scholarly publication, while its findings will be presented to relevant decision-makers at a dedicated dissemination forum.


Reacting to the achievement, the Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, congratulated Dr Adufe, describing the grant as another demonstration of the quality of research being undertaken by academics at the University.


Professor Adebooye said the achievement underscored the University’s commitment to promoting research that addresses pressing societal challenges and generates practical solutions capable of influencing policy and improving the lives of citizens.


He noted that the success further strengthened UNIOSUN’s growing profile as a research-driven institution whose academics are successfully competing for prestigious research grants and contributing to critical national and continental discourse.


The Vice-Chancellor commended Dr Adufe for her research excellence and urged other members of the University community to pursue innovative, interdisciplinary and impact-driven research capable of attracting international funding and contributing meaningfully to sustainable development.


The latest grant adds to UNIOSUN’s growing record of research achievements and externally funded projects, further reinforcing the institution’s commitment to research excellence, innovation, evidence-based policymaking and global academic engagement.

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Osun 2026 Election: The Demystification of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

Osun 2026 Election: The Demystification of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

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Ogbeni Aregbesola 

Former Governor. Former Minister. Former Commissioner. Former best friend & confidant of President BAT GCFR. And now, a full-time opposition member of the ADC, a staunch political opponent of the APC  & everything it represents & also Governor Adeleke too.


But politics, ultimately, is not about titles, history, proximity or mythology. Politics is about numbers. And when the numbers come, they have a rather unforgiving way of stripping away the mystique.


If there is one thing the recent governorship election in Osun State has exposed, it is the uncomfortable truth about the supposed political weight of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the former Commissioner for Works in Lagos, 2-term Governor of Osun State & former Minister of Interior under the APC-led administration of PMB.


For years, Aregbesola has been spoken of, & has spoken of himself, as one of the formidable political forces in Osun &, by extension, one of the major political players in the Southwest. But the ballot box has now had its say.


And from what the ballot box has told us, Ogbeni Rauf may have been a political heavyweight in the imagination of many, but the evidence before us suggests something considerably less imposing: a paperweight or in fact, a no weight at all! Chai!!! 


That is not an insult. It is an electoral diagnosis. And the numbers are there for everyone to interrogate. So, how did the great political machine perform? Consider this.


Aregbesola is not some newcomer to Osun politics. He governed the state for 8 years. He was once regarded as one of the strongest political figures in the state. He was a major political ally of President Tinubu. He has a reputation for having a formidable support base, particularly within the Ijesa axis of the state, where he hails from.


He has now thrown his considerable political reputation behind the African Democratic Congress, ADC.


And for this election, the party’s candidate was no political lightweight either. Rt. Hon. Najeem Folasayo Salaam, former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly & a former member of the House of Representatives, was the ADC candidate.


If Aregbesola's much-advertised political weight is as substantial as it has been projected, this should have been the moment to demonstrate it.


Instead, Salaam finished a distant third with a paltry 17,180 votes.


The Accord Party's Senator Ademola Adeleke (incumbent Governor, won with 511,067 votes, while the APC's Bola Oyebamiji came 2nd with 444,815 votes. The winning margin was therefore a staggering 66,252 votes.


That is not a minor electoral gap. That is an electoral canyon. And it becomes even more revealing when one begins to dissect where these votes actually came from.


The Ijesa question


Aregbesola is an Ijesa man. The Ijesa bloc is therefore one of the natural places where one would expect his political influence to be most visible. But what happened?


In the 6 local government areas that make up the major Ijesa concentration, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Obokun, Oriade, Atakunmosa East & Atakunmosa West, the numbers tell a story that is difficult to explain away. Accord Party: 77,193 votes. APC: 79,920 votes. ADC: 2,351 votes.


Let that sink in.


In the very political territory from which one of the supposed Southwest's most prominent ADC figures hails, the ADC could only muster 2,351 votes across 6 local governments hmmmmm... 


Two thousand, three hundred & fifty-one.


For a political structure that has been portrayed as formidable, that number is not merely disappointing. It is devastatingly revealing. And it gets even more interesting.


Even Aregbesola's own Ilesa political territory did not exactly rise to the occasion for the ADC.


At his own polling unit in Ilesa, the reported figures were APC 256, Accord 43 and ADC 13. Thirteen.


Sometimes, politics does not need a long speech to make its point. A ballot paper can say it in three numbers.


And then came Ejigbo


The ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, is from Ejigbo LG. Surely, if anywhere was going to be an ADC fortress, this should have been it. Yet Ejigbo Local Government gave Salaam only 5,053 votes.


Accord Party received 18,458.

APC received 16,195.


In other words, both of the 2 leading parties comfortably defeated the ADC in the very local government from which its candidate hails.


The supposed fortress was breached from within. And that is precisely why the result becomes bigger than Najeem Salaam.


It raises a much more fundamental question about the political structure supposedly standing behind him.


Because candidates do not manufacture 17,180 votes out of thin air. They are the product of structures, personalities, mobilisation, loyalty & political influence.


And when all of those are put to the test, the ballot box tells us what actually exists, not what has been said to exist.


Adeleke's Ede fortress


Now look at the other side of the equation.


Governor Ademola Adeleke did not merely win Osun. He demonstrated the power of his own political base.


In Ede North which is his paternal base, the Governor polled 35,427 votes. In Ede South, he polled another 26,188.


That gives him a combined 61,615 votes from the 2 Ede local governments alone.


The APC managed 10,283 in Ede North & 6,219 in Ede South, a combined 16,502. That's a margin of 46,113. It's so obvious where the votes which propelled him to victory came from then. 


ADC? Just 697. The contrast is almost brutal.


Adeleke's Ede delivered. Aregbesola's ADC did not.


And perhaps this is one of the most important lessons of this election: Political mythology may create headlines, but political structures produce votes.


Then came Ife


The APC's reconciliation with Senator Iyiola Omisore was another major political calculation in this election. But did it produce the expected electoral dividend?


The results suggest otherwise.


In the 4 Ife local governments, Accord won 3.


Ife North: Accord 13,879; APC 9,613.


Ife Central: Accord 21,171; APC 15,913.


Ife East: Accord 27,201; APC 18,600.


In Ife South, APC narrowly prevailed with 14,678, against Accord's 13,507. By just an inconsequential 1,171 votes which didn't count for much in the overall.


Overall, Accord polled 75,758 votes across the 4 Ife local governments, while APC managed 58,804.


ADC? A mere 2,305 votes. Again, the numbers refuse to cooperate with the mythology.


Then came Irewole


Bola Oyebamiji, the APC candidate, demonstrated that political candidates can also have formidable local structures.


In his Irewole Local Government, he polled 29,972 votes, against Accord's 10,934.


ADC?v275 votes.


Two hundred & seventy-five. The numbers keep speaking. And they are becoming increasingly difficult to silence.


The Senatorial Districts tell an even bigger story


Perhaps the most compelling way to examine this election is not merely through individual local governments but through the 3 senatorial districts in the state.


Osun has 3 senatorial districts, each comprising 10 local governments.


And Accord Party won all 3 senatorial districts. In Osun Central, Accord polled 169,164 votes, against APC's 162,094 and ADC's 4,472.


In Osun East, Accord polled 152,951, against APC's 138,724 & ADC's 4,656.


In Osun West, Accord polled a remarkable 188,952, against APC's 143,997 & ADC's 8,052.


Again, look closely at that last figure.


The biggest margin of victory came from Osun West, the same senatorial district from which the 3 major contestants emerged. And Adeleke did not merely win there. He danced home. He actually breakdanced! Chai!!! 


The aggregate numbers across the 3 senatorial districts tell the story even more forcefully:


Accord: 511,067

APC: 444,815

ADC: 17,180


There is almost something poetic about the disparity.


The ADC, with all the political noise & pedigree surrounding it in Osun, could not even get to twenty thousand votes in an election where the 2 leading parties were battling in the hundreds of thousands.


So, what exactly has Osun 2026 demystified? It has not demystified Rauf Aregbesola as a man. It has not erased his history.


It has not taken away the fact that he was a 2-term Governor. It has not erased his years as a major political figure in Lagos or his tenure as Minister of Interior.


And certainly, it does not erase his former proximity to President Tinubu.


But it has done something more important. It has subjected the mythology of his current political influence to the coldest & most objective test available in politics: the ballot box. And the ballot box has returned a rather humbling verdict.


Perhaps Ogbeni Rauf is not the political heavyweight many imagined him to be.


Perhaps his political influence today is considerably smaller than his reputation.


Perhaps he has mistaken historical relevance for contemporary electoral strength.


Or perhaps, more simply, he has overestimated the number of people who are still willing to follow him politically.


Whatever the explanation, Osun 2026 has provided the 1st hard empirical evidence with which the question can be seriously examined.


And the evidence is not flattering. But there is an even bigger question. What does all of this mean for 2027?


That is where this becomes considerably more interesting.


Can the ADC, under Aregbesola's leadership, suddenly transform 17,180 votes in Osun into a meaningful presidential-election structure across the Southwest?


Can a party that could only manage 2,351 votes across the 6 major Ijesa LGAs suddenly become a serious electoral force?


Can a former Speaker from his own political camp poll only 5,053 votes in his own Ejigbo, while Accord polled 18,458 & APC 16,195, & still claim a formidable grassroots machine?


These are not questions of sentiment. They are questions of arithmetic. And politics, especially electoral politics, has a brutal relationship with arithmetic.


But there is another intriguing dimension.


Governor Ademola Adeleke has publicly demonstrated support & cordiality towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.


Yet in Osun, he has now defeated the APC candidate by a whopping 66,252 votes.


That tells us something important about Nigerian politics.


Local political allegiance & presidential political allegiance do not always travel together.


A politician can oppose the APC at the state level & still maintain a working relationship with the President at the federal level.


Adeleke's Osun victory therefore should not automatically be interpreted as a presidential referendum on Tinubu.


Neither should it be dismissed as irrelevant to 2027.


Rather, it raises a much more fascinating question: If Ademola Adeleke can command 511,067 votes in Osun while maintaining a publicly cordial relationship with President Tinubu, what happens when the presidential contest arrives?


And perhaps even more importantly: Where will the political energy that currently belongs to Adeleke's formidable Osun structure ultimately flow?


That is the question the political class should be asking.


Not merely who won Osun. Not merely who lost.


But what the numbers have revealed about who actually commands people, structures & loyalty when the rubber meets the road.


Because Nigerian politics has always had its legends. Its godfathers. Its kingmakers. Its strongmen. Its political juggernauts.


And, sometimes, its carefully cultivated myths.


But every 4 years, the ballot box comes along to ask one brutally simple question:


“Show me your followers.” In Osun 2026, the ballot box asked Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola that question.


And, at least from the numbers before us, the answer was surprisingly small.


Very, very small. That may well be the real story of Osun 2026.


Not simply the victory of Ademola Adeleke. Not simply the defeat of Bola Oyebamiji aka AMBO.


Not simply the spectacular underperformance of Najeem Salaam.


But the demystification of Ogbeni Rauf. The legend has met the numbers. And the numbers, as they say, do not lie.




Abiola Olatunde Aloba,

Ijesa by paternal blood. 

Ijebu Ode blue blood by maternal connection. 



Ogbeni Aregbesola 

Former Governor. Former Minister. Former Commissioner. Former best friend & confidant of President BAT GCFR. And now, a full-time opposition member of the ADC, a staunch political opponent of the APC  & everything it represents & also Governor Adeleke too.


But politics, ultimately, is not about titles, history, proximity or mythology. Politics is about numbers. And when the numbers come, they have a rather unforgiving way of stripping away the mystique.


If there is one thing the recent governorship election in Osun State has exposed, it is the uncomfortable truth about the supposed political weight of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the former Commissioner for Works in Lagos, 2-term Governor of Osun State & former Minister of Interior under the APC-led administration of PMB.


For years, Aregbesola has been spoken of, & has spoken of himself, as one of the formidable political forces in Osun &, by extension, one of the major political players in the Southwest. But the ballot box has now had its say.


And from what the ballot box has told us, Ogbeni Rauf may have been a political heavyweight in the imagination of many, but the evidence before us suggests something considerably less imposing: a paperweight or in fact, a no weight at all! Chai!!! 


That is not an insult. It is an electoral diagnosis. And the numbers are there for everyone to interrogate. So, how did the great political machine perform? Consider this.


Aregbesola is not some newcomer to Osun politics. He governed the state for 8 years. He was once regarded as one of the strongest political figures in the state. He was a major political ally of President Tinubu. He has a reputation for having a formidable support base, particularly within the Ijesa axis of the state, where he hails from.


He has now thrown his considerable political reputation behind the African Democratic Congress, ADC.


And for this election, the party’s candidate was no political lightweight either. Rt. Hon. Najeem Folasayo Salaam, former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly & a former member of the House of Representatives, was the ADC candidate.


If Aregbesola's much-advertised political weight is as substantial as it has been projected, this should have been the moment to demonstrate it.


Instead, Salaam finished a distant third with a paltry 17,180 votes.


The Accord Party's Senator Ademola Adeleke (incumbent Governor, won with 511,067 votes, while the APC's Bola Oyebamiji came 2nd with 444,815 votes. The winning margin was therefore a staggering 66,252 votes.


That is not a minor electoral gap. That is an electoral canyon. And it becomes even more revealing when one begins to dissect where these votes actually came from.


The Ijesa question


Aregbesola is an Ijesa man. The Ijesa bloc is therefore one of the natural places where one would expect his political influence to be most visible. But what happened?


In the 6 local government areas that make up the major Ijesa concentration, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Obokun, Oriade, Atakunmosa East & Atakunmosa West, the numbers tell a story that is difficult to explain away. Accord Party: 77,193 votes. APC: 79,920 votes. ADC: 2,351 votes.


Let that sink in.


In the very political territory from which one of the supposed Southwest's most prominent ADC figures hails, the ADC could only muster 2,351 votes across 6 local governments hmmmmm... 


Two thousand, three hundred & fifty-one.


For a political structure that has been portrayed as formidable, that number is not merely disappointing. It is devastatingly revealing. And it gets even more interesting.


Even Aregbesola's own Ilesa political territory did not exactly rise to the occasion for the ADC.


At his own polling unit in Ilesa, the reported figures were APC 256, Accord 43 and ADC 13. Thirteen.


Sometimes, politics does not need a long speech to make its point. A ballot paper can say it in three numbers.


And then came Ejigbo


The ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, is from Ejigbo LG. Surely, if anywhere was going to be an ADC fortress, this should have been it. Yet Ejigbo Local Government gave Salaam only 5,053 votes.


Accord Party received 18,458.

APC received 16,195.


In other words, both of the 2 leading parties comfortably defeated the ADC in the very local government from which its candidate hails.


The supposed fortress was breached from within. And that is precisely why the result becomes bigger than Najeem Salaam.


It raises a much more fundamental question about the political structure supposedly standing behind him.


Because candidates do not manufacture 17,180 votes out of thin air. They are the product of structures, personalities, mobilisation, loyalty & political influence.


And when all of those are put to the test, the ballot box tells us what actually exists, not what has been said to exist.


Adeleke's Ede fortress


Now look at the other side of the equation.


Governor Ademola Adeleke did not merely win Osun. He demonstrated the power of his own political base.


In Ede North which is his paternal base, the Governor polled 35,427 votes. In Ede South, he polled another 26,188.


That gives him a combined 61,615 votes from the 2 Ede local governments alone.


The APC managed 10,283 in Ede North & 6,219 in Ede South, a combined 16,502. That's a margin of 46,113. It's so obvious where the votes which propelled him to victory came from then. 


ADC? Just 697. The contrast is almost brutal.


Adeleke's Ede delivered. Aregbesola's ADC did not.


And perhaps this is one of the most important lessons of this election: Political mythology may create headlines, but political structures produce votes.


Then came Ife


The APC's reconciliation with Senator Iyiola Omisore was another major political calculation in this election. But did it produce the expected electoral dividend?


The results suggest otherwise.


In the 4 Ife local governments, Accord won 3.


Ife North: Accord 13,879; APC 9,613.


Ife Central: Accord 21,171; APC 15,913.


Ife East: Accord 27,201; APC 18,600.


In Ife South, APC narrowly prevailed with 14,678, against Accord's 13,507. By just an inconsequential 1,171 votes which didn't count for much in the overall.


Overall, Accord polled 75,758 votes across the 4 Ife local governments, while APC managed 58,804.


ADC? A mere 2,305 votes. Again, the numbers refuse to cooperate with the mythology.


Then came Irewole


Bola Oyebamiji, the APC candidate, demonstrated that political candidates can also have formidable local structures.


In his Irewole Local Government, he polled 29,972 votes, against Accord's 10,934.


ADC?v275 votes.


Two hundred & seventy-five. The numbers keep speaking. And they are becoming increasingly difficult to silence.


The Senatorial Districts tell an even bigger story


Perhaps the most compelling way to examine this election is not merely through individual local governments but through the 3 senatorial districts in the state.


Osun has 3 senatorial districts, each comprising 10 local governments.


And Accord Party won all 3 senatorial districts. In Osun Central, Accord polled 169,164 votes, against APC's 162,094 and ADC's 4,472.


In Osun East, Accord polled 152,951, against APC's 138,724 & ADC's 4,656.


In Osun West, Accord polled a remarkable 188,952, against APC's 143,997 & ADC's 8,052.


Again, look closely at that last figure.


The biggest margin of victory came from Osun West, the same senatorial district from which the 3 major contestants emerged. And Adeleke did not merely win there. He danced home. He actually breakdanced! Chai!!! 


The aggregate numbers across the 3 senatorial districts tell the story even more forcefully:


Accord: 511,067

APC: 444,815

ADC: 17,180


There is almost something poetic about the disparity.


The ADC, with all the political noise & pedigree surrounding it in Osun, could not even get to twenty thousand votes in an election where the 2 leading parties were battling in the hundreds of thousands.


So, what exactly has Osun 2026 demystified? It has not demystified Rauf Aregbesola as a man. It has not erased his history.


It has not taken away the fact that he was a 2-term Governor. It has not erased his years as a major political figure in Lagos or his tenure as Minister of Interior.


And certainly, it does not erase his former proximity to President Tinubu.


But it has done something more important. It has subjected the mythology of his current political influence to the coldest & most objective test available in politics: the ballot box. And the ballot box has returned a rather humbling verdict.


Perhaps Ogbeni Rauf is not the political heavyweight many imagined him to be.


Perhaps his political influence today is considerably smaller than his reputation.


Perhaps he has mistaken historical relevance for contemporary electoral strength.


Or perhaps, more simply, he has overestimated the number of people who are still willing to follow him politically.


Whatever the explanation, Osun 2026 has provided the 1st hard empirical evidence with which the question can be seriously examined.


And the evidence is not flattering. But there is an even bigger question. What does all of this mean for 2027?


That is where this becomes considerably more interesting.


Can the ADC, under Aregbesola's leadership, suddenly transform 17,180 votes in Osun into a meaningful presidential-election structure across the Southwest?


Can a party that could only manage 2,351 votes across the 6 major Ijesa LGAs suddenly become a serious electoral force?


Can a former Speaker from his own political camp poll only 5,053 votes in his own Ejigbo, while Accord polled 18,458 & APC 16,195, & still claim a formidable grassroots machine?


These are not questions of sentiment. They are questions of arithmetic. And politics, especially electoral politics, has a brutal relationship with arithmetic.


But there is another intriguing dimension.


Governor Ademola Adeleke has publicly demonstrated support & cordiality towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.


Yet in Osun, he has now defeated the APC candidate by a whopping 66,252 votes.


That tells us something important about Nigerian politics.


Local political allegiance & presidential political allegiance do not always travel together.


A politician can oppose the APC at the state level & still maintain a working relationship with the President at the federal level.


Adeleke's Osun victory therefore should not automatically be interpreted as a presidential referendum on Tinubu.


Neither should it be dismissed as irrelevant to 2027.


Rather, it raises a much more fascinating question: If Ademola Adeleke can command 511,067 votes in Osun while maintaining a publicly cordial relationship with President Tinubu, what happens when the presidential contest arrives?


And perhaps even more importantly: Where will the political energy that currently belongs to Adeleke's formidable Osun structure ultimately flow?


That is the question the political class should be asking.


Not merely who won Osun. Not merely who lost.


But what the numbers have revealed about who actually commands people, structures & loyalty when the rubber meets the road.


Because Nigerian politics has always had its legends. Its godfathers. Its kingmakers. Its strongmen. Its political juggernauts.


And, sometimes, its carefully cultivated myths.


But every 4 years, the ballot box comes along to ask one brutally simple question:


“Show me your followers.” In Osun 2026, the ballot box asked Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola that question.


And, at least from the numbers before us, the answer was surprisingly small.


Very, very small. That may well be the real story of Osun 2026.


Not simply the victory of Ademola Adeleke. Not simply the defeat of Bola Oyebamiji aka AMBO.


Not simply the spectacular underperformance of Najeem Salaam.


But the demystification of Ogbeni Rauf. The legend has met the numbers. And the numbers, as they say, do not lie.




Abiola Olatunde Aloba,

Ijesa by paternal blood. 

Ijebu Ode blue blood by maternal connection. 



Tags:

Osun’s 2026 verdict and what it means for Nigeria’s opposition

Osun’s 2026 verdict and what it means for Nigeria’s opposition

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BITTER PILLS; THRILLING RECOVERY, DRIZZLING PERFORMANCE



Politics in Nigeria rarely comes without bitterness. In Osun State, the August 15, 2026 governorship election served another dose.


Governor Ademola Adeleke has emerged victorious, weathering what his camp described as political intimidation and the weight of federal might deployed against him. It is a win that feels less like a stroll and more like a trek through thorns — hence the _bitter pills_. But the recovery has been thrilling, and the performance, though uneven in places, has been drizzling steadily enough to convince voters to grant him a second term. 


The Battle Against the Odds

Adeleke’s re-election bid was never framed as business as usual. Running this time on the platform of the Accord Party, after leaving the PDP amid national crisis, he faced the APC’s Bola Oyebamiji and ADC’s Dr. Najeem Salaam in what observers called another highly competitive contest. 


In the run-up, Adeleke himself alleged killings of party members and called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the police to act professionally and impartially. He described 2025 as “a challenging year due to external constraints” and warned against “beating drums of war” ahead of the poll. 


Yet the governor leaned on what he called people-centred governance and visible projects across the state. His campaign council, inaugurated in Osogbo, promised grassroots mobilisation “at the wards and local government level”. The message was simple: performance over propaganda, calculated inauguration of projects in virtually all constituencies to force out his admirers and non admirers particularly amongst the traditional rulers to a reelection campaign laced with an appealing projects


“If this election is free and fair, I will win,” Adeleke said on the campaign trail. With less than 15 days to go, he declared “NO SHAKING, Imole is coming back”. Analysts also noted his long-standing relationship with civil servants, artisans and trade groups as assets. 


Labour Party: The Missed Opportunity

While Adeleke was consolidating, the Labour Party was bleeding internally as a blissful opportunity were being lost in the process


The 2023 and 2024 political realignments created an opening. Several disrupted and evicted incumbent Governors of the PDP, frustrated by internal wrangling at the national level, looked for new platforms. Labour Party, with its post-2023 momentum, should have been the natural refuge. Instead, internal squabbles, factionalism, and lack of structure turned it into a waiting room with no exit.


The result: most of those PDP governors and heavyweights either returned to mend fences, moved to APC, or sat out. Labour Party failed to harvest them. What could have been a national expansion became a period of self-inflicted losses.


In Osun, that void mattered. Without a credible third-force structure, the contest narrowed to Accord, APC and ADC. Labour’s absence meant there was no serious alternative to absorb protest votes or disgruntled PDP structures. Adeleke would have preferred Labour Party at the time he was shopping for a platform and ultimately have added immensely to our structure, unfortunately the harvest slipped out.


Drizzling Performance, Thrilling Recovery

Adeleke’s first term was defined by infrastructure, welfare programs, and a deliberate effort to be seen and felt in the grassroots. Critics argued about concentration of projects around Ede, but supporters point to the “difference that purposeful, people-centred governance can make”. 


He nearly became a politically stagnated orphan at a period in time, it was rumoured that powers that be denied him an appointment for a meeting but communicated him through a first class Yoruba king that he should go and join the ruling party, every attempt made by him to compromise was negated by Baba Kukuru, Esu lehin APC who loudly drum it to his ears that he will have to queue as the ticket will not be offered to him, that's a bitter pill to swallow. He encouraged himself further his search for another platform and landed in ACCORD PARTY, accordingly he became a man to celebrate today.


The recovery is thrilling because it came after 2022, when Adeleke defeated an incumbent with federal backing. To do it again in 2026, this time outside PDP, suggests a personal brand that transcends party lines. If re-elected, he would become only the second governor in Osun’s history to secure a second term. 


But the performance is still “drizzling” — steady, but not yet a downpour. Expectations on jobs, security, and inclusive development remain high, especially with rising insecurity flagged as a factor in 2026. 


*Time to Rethink and Recover Lost Ground*

Two lessons stand out.


1. For incumbents: People will reward delivery, even under pressure. Adeleke’s confidence came from pointing to tangible records, not just party structure. “_This team is heading to victory_,” he told his campaign council.


2. For the opposition: Labour Party’s failure to organize and accommodate displaced political forces was costly. The window to rethink is now. Without internal discipline, ideology, and structure, it risks remaining a movement of moments rather than a party of government. Many see the party as a transactional platform as many who did not toil in the party had managed to position themselves and political stooges in positions of power, ready for harvest in most states. Should this trend continue, we shall suffer existential threats and consequences 


Osun 2026 reminds us that Nigerian voters are watching. They will swallow bitter pills if the recovery feels real. They will ignore loud noise if the performance is only drizzling.


The question now is not just who won Osun. It is whether other parties — especially our own Labour Party — will learn fast enough to recover the grounds they lost, recreate a bigger platform for ideological opposition and alternatives before 2027 comes calling.


© Apagun Olaolu Samuel 

Chairman, Labour Party Ogun State 

egberunsaamu2206@gmail.com

BITTER PILLS; THRILLING RECOVERY, DRIZZLING PERFORMANCE



Politics in Nigeria rarely comes without bitterness. In Osun State, the August 15, 2026 governorship election served another dose.


Governor Ademola Adeleke has emerged victorious, weathering what his camp described as political intimidation and the weight of federal might deployed against him. It is a win that feels less like a stroll and more like a trek through thorns — hence the _bitter pills_. But the recovery has been thrilling, and the performance, though uneven in places, has been drizzling steadily enough to convince voters to grant him a second term. 


The Battle Against the Odds

Adeleke’s re-election bid was never framed as business as usual. Running this time on the platform of the Accord Party, after leaving the PDP amid national crisis, he faced the APC’s Bola Oyebamiji and ADC’s Dr. Najeem Salaam in what observers called another highly competitive contest. 


In the run-up, Adeleke himself alleged killings of party members and called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the police to act professionally and impartially. He described 2025 as “a challenging year due to external constraints” and warned against “beating drums of war” ahead of the poll. 


Yet the governor leaned on what he called people-centred governance and visible projects across the state. His campaign council, inaugurated in Osogbo, promised grassroots mobilisation “at the wards and local government level”. The message was simple: performance over propaganda, calculated inauguration of projects in virtually all constituencies to force out his admirers and non admirers particularly amongst the traditional rulers to a reelection campaign laced with an appealing projects


“If this election is free and fair, I will win,” Adeleke said on the campaign trail. With less than 15 days to go, he declared “NO SHAKING, Imole is coming back”. Analysts also noted his long-standing relationship with civil servants, artisans and trade groups as assets. 


Labour Party: The Missed Opportunity

While Adeleke was consolidating, the Labour Party was bleeding internally as a blissful opportunity were being lost in the process


The 2023 and 2024 political realignments created an opening. Several disrupted and evicted incumbent Governors of the PDP, frustrated by internal wrangling at the national level, looked for new platforms. Labour Party, with its post-2023 momentum, should have been the natural refuge. Instead, internal squabbles, factionalism, and lack of structure turned it into a waiting room with no exit.


The result: most of those PDP governors and heavyweights either returned to mend fences, moved to APC, or sat out. Labour Party failed to harvest them. What could have been a national expansion became a period of self-inflicted losses.


In Osun, that void mattered. Without a credible third-force structure, the contest narrowed to Accord, APC and ADC. Labour’s absence meant there was no serious alternative to absorb protest votes or disgruntled PDP structures. Adeleke would have preferred Labour Party at the time he was shopping for a platform and ultimately have added immensely to our structure, unfortunately the harvest slipped out.


Drizzling Performance, Thrilling Recovery

Adeleke’s first term was defined by infrastructure, welfare programs, and a deliberate effort to be seen and felt in the grassroots. Critics argued about concentration of projects around Ede, but supporters point to the “difference that purposeful, people-centred governance can make”. 


He nearly became a politically stagnated orphan at a period in time, it was rumoured that powers that be denied him an appointment for a meeting but communicated him through a first class Yoruba king that he should go and join the ruling party, every attempt made by him to compromise was negated by Baba Kukuru, Esu lehin APC who loudly drum it to his ears that he will have to queue as the ticket will not be offered to him, that's a bitter pill to swallow. He encouraged himself further his search for another platform and landed in ACCORD PARTY, accordingly he became a man to celebrate today.


The recovery is thrilling because it came after 2022, when Adeleke defeated an incumbent with federal backing. To do it again in 2026, this time outside PDP, suggests a personal brand that transcends party lines. If re-elected, he would become only the second governor in Osun’s history to secure a second term. 


But the performance is still “drizzling” — steady, but not yet a downpour. Expectations on jobs, security, and inclusive development remain high, especially with rising insecurity flagged as a factor in 2026. 


*Time to Rethink and Recover Lost Ground*

Two lessons stand out.


1. For incumbents: People will reward delivery, even under pressure. Adeleke’s confidence came from pointing to tangible records, not just party structure. “_This team is heading to victory_,” he told his campaign council.


2. For the opposition: Labour Party’s failure to organize and accommodate displaced political forces was costly. The window to rethink is now. Without internal discipline, ideology, and structure, it risks remaining a movement of moments rather than a party of government. Many see the party as a transactional platform as many who did not toil in the party had managed to position themselves and political stooges in positions of power, ready for harvest in most states. Should this trend continue, we shall suffer existential threats and consequences 


Osun 2026 reminds us that Nigerian voters are watching. They will swallow bitter pills if the recovery feels real. They will ignore loud noise if the performance is only drizzling.


The question now is not just who won Osun. It is whether other parties — especially our own Labour Party — will learn fast enough to recover the grounds they lost, recreate a bigger platform for ideological opposition and alternatives before 2027 comes calling.


© Apagun Olaolu Samuel 

Chairman, Labour Party Ogun State 

egberunsaamu2206@gmail.com

Tags:

OSUN GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: LET THE PEOPLE’S MANDATE STAND

OSUN GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION: LET THE PEOPLE’S MANDATE STAND

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Osun voters have spoken; INEC must resist every attempt to manipulate the outcome

Mẹkunnu Kọya,



Osogbo, The Mẹkunnu Kọya movement has commended the largely peaceful conduct of Osun voters during today’s governorship election, despite isolated reports of intimidation, violence, vote-buying and other electoral infractions.


The movement noted that incidents including the reported forceful dispersal of voters, alleged carting away of ballot papers, the attack in Ejigbo, the reported assault on the ADC governorship candidate and the alleged intimidation of Alhaja Sekinat Temilade, an aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke, did not deter the people from exercising their democratic rights.

Mẹkunnu Kọya observed that Osun voters had demonstrated remarkable courage and determination, particularly in the face of reported vote-buying ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 in some areas.


The movement, however, warned that the relative peace maintained during voting must not be destroyed at the collation stage through manipulation of the electoral process.


It expressed concern over reports that some duly accredited party agents and returning officers were allegedly prevented from accessing collation centres, stressing that such actions could create unnecessary tension and suspicion.


Mẹkunnu Kọya therefore strongly condemned any attempt to manufacture an inconclusive election as a political strategy to alter the outcome or impose an unpopular candidate rejected by the electorate.


The movement called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resist every form of political pressure and complete the collation and declaration process transparently, impartially and in accordance with the law.


It stressed that there must be “no midnight abracadabra, no manufactured inconclusiveness, no selective cancellation of results and no manipulation designed to favour an anointed candidate.”


Mẹkunnu Kọya also appealed to security agencies, political parties and all electoral stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility, while urging Osun voters to remain peaceful but vigilant until the final result is declared.


The movement emphasized that voters must protect their mandate through lawful and democratic means, declaring: “Osun voters have spoken with their votes. Let their votes be counted. Let their votes be heard. Let their mandate stand.”


According to Mẹkunnu Kọya, Osun people know whom they voted for, while Nigerians and the international community are watching the collation and declaration process.

It warned that any declaration that fails to reflect the genuine mandate expressed at the polling units would further undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process and should be challenged through all lawful democratic means.


The movement concluded with a direct appeal to INEC: “INEC must not disappoint the people of Osun. The electoral umpire must allow the people’s will, not political pressure, to determine the outcome of this election.”


OSUN HAS SPOKEN. LET THE PEOPLE’S VOICE BE RESPECTED.


Mẹkunnu Kọya Blog

15 August 2026

Osun voters have spoken; INEC must resist every attempt to manipulate the outcome

Mẹkunnu Kọya,



Osogbo, The Mẹkunnu Kọya movement has commended the largely peaceful conduct of Osun voters during today’s governorship election, despite isolated reports of intimidation, violence, vote-buying and other electoral infractions.


The movement noted that incidents including the reported forceful dispersal of voters, alleged carting away of ballot papers, the attack in Ejigbo, the reported assault on the ADC governorship candidate and the alleged intimidation of Alhaja Sekinat Temilade, an aide to Governor Ademola Adeleke, did not deter the people from exercising their democratic rights.

Mẹkunnu Kọya observed that Osun voters had demonstrated remarkable courage and determination, particularly in the face of reported vote-buying ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000 in some areas.


The movement, however, warned that the relative peace maintained during voting must not be destroyed at the collation stage through manipulation of the electoral process.


It expressed concern over reports that some duly accredited party agents and returning officers were allegedly prevented from accessing collation centres, stressing that such actions could create unnecessary tension and suspicion.


Mẹkunnu Kọya therefore strongly condemned any attempt to manufacture an inconclusive election as a political strategy to alter the outcome or impose an unpopular candidate rejected by the electorate.


The movement called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resist every form of political pressure and complete the collation and declaration process transparently, impartially and in accordance with the law.


It stressed that there must be “no midnight abracadabra, no manufactured inconclusiveness, no selective cancellation of results and no manipulation designed to favour an anointed candidate.”


Mẹkunnu Kọya also appealed to security agencies, political parties and all electoral stakeholders to exercise restraint and responsibility, while urging Osun voters to remain peaceful but vigilant until the final result is declared.


The movement emphasized that voters must protect their mandate through lawful and democratic means, declaring: “Osun voters have spoken with their votes. Let their votes be counted. Let their votes be heard. Let their mandate stand.”


According to Mẹkunnu Kọya, Osun people know whom they voted for, while Nigerians and the international community are watching the collation and declaration process.

It warned that any declaration that fails to reflect the genuine mandate expressed at the polling units would further undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process and should be challenged through all lawful democratic means.


The movement concluded with a direct appeal to INEC: “INEC must not disappoint the people of Osun. The electoral umpire must allow the people’s will, not political pressure, to determine the outcome of this election.”


OSUN HAS SPOKEN. LET THE PEOPLE’S VOICE BE RESPECTED.


Mẹkunnu Kọya Blog

15 August 2026

Tags:

#OsunDecide: Mẹkunnu Kọya Raises Alarm Over Intimidation, Vote-Buying in Osogbo

#OsunDecide: Mẹkunnu Kọya Raises Alarm Over Intimidation, Vote-Buying in Osogbo

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Osogbo, August 15, 2026



The Mẹkunnu Kọya movement has raised the alarm over alleged voter intimidation, vote-buying and illegal voting in parts of Osogbo and Olorunda as the Osun governorship election continues.


Reports reaching the movement indicate that individuals are moving around with registers of names written in exercise books, allegedly as part of a new method of coordinating vote-buying. One of the reported locations is Polling Unit 025, Ataoja E, Registration Area Code EC30(A).


There are also reports that suspected political thugs have chased away voters believed to be supporters of the ADC and Accord parties at Ward 5, Unit 20, Freedom Park, as well as around Central Mosque, Kaka Isale Aro, Osogbo.


Mẹkunnu Kọya said similar incidents are being reported across several wards in Osogbo and Olorunda, with allegations that some known and unknown security operatives are either conniving with the perpetrators or failing to prevent the intimidation.


The movement also alleged that political mercenaries imported from neighbouring states are being deployed around polling units, with some allegedly using codes to gain access to voting despite not being legitimate voters. It further alleged that opposition party agents attempting to challenge such irregularities are being intimidated or driven away.


According to Mẹkunnu Kọya, the unfolding developments reinforce its earlier warning that the electoral process could be manipulated to produce a predetermined outcome in favour of a particular candidate.


The movement has called on INEC, security agencies, accredited observers and all stakeholders to act immediately to protect voters, enforce the electoral rules and prevent illegal voting and intimidation.

Mẹkunnu Kọya insists that the people of Osun must be allowed to freely exercise their franchise and that the final result must reflect the genuine will of the electorate.

Osogbo, August 15, 2026



The Mẹkunnu Kọya movement has raised the alarm over alleged voter intimidation, vote-buying and illegal voting in parts of Osogbo and Olorunda as the Osun governorship election continues.


Reports reaching the movement indicate that individuals are moving around with registers of names written in exercise books, allegedly as part of a new method of coordinating vote-buying. One of the reported locations is Polling Unit 025, Ataoja E, Registration Area Code EC30(A).


There are also reports that suspected political thugs have chased away voters believed to be supporters of the ADC and Accord parties at Ward 5, Unit 20, Freedom Park, as well as around Central Mosque, Kaka Isale Aro, Osogbo.


Mẹkunnu Kọya said similar incidents are being reported across several wards in Osogbo and Olorunda, with allegations that some known and unknown security operatives are either conniving with the perpetrators or failing to prevent the intimidation.


The movement also alleged that political mercenaries imported from neighbouring states are being deployed around polling units, with some allegedly using codes to gain access to voting despite not being legitimate voters. It further alleged that opposition party agents attempting to challenge such irregularities are being intimidated or driven away.


According to Mẹkunnu Kọya, the unfolding developments reinforce its earlier warning that the electoral process could be manipulated to produce a predetermined outcome in favour of a particular candidate.


The movement has called on INEC, security agencies, accredited observers and all stakeholders to act immediately to protect voters, enforce the electoral rules and prevent illegal voting and intimidation.

Mẹkunnu Kọya insists that the people of Osun must be allowed to freely exercise their franchise and that the final result must reflect the genuine will of the electorate.

Tags:

IRAN: Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until end of Trump's term in 2029, unless America accepts all of Iran's demands

IRAN: Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until end of Trump's term in 2029, unless America accepts all of Iran's demands

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Iran on Monday declares the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until 2029, the end of Trump's term, unless Trump accepts all of Iran's demands, according to a senior Iranian source and Majid Shakeri, advisor to Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf.

Tehran has reportedly slammed the door on future negotiations with the Trump administration — saying it will simply wait until Trump’s term ends in January 2029.

Iran's demands in the US surrender document remain unchanged, $300 billion in compensation, the release of up to $100 billion in frozen assets, lifting all sanctions, US troop withdrawal from the entire region, an end to the naval blockade, and accepting transit fees on every ship.

Persian authorities flatly ruled out any future negotiations with the Washington administration, declaring it will wait out Trump's term until January 20, 2029. "Trump will not reach an agreement with us. We will accompany him until his term ends," Majid Shakeri, advisor to Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf says.


Shakeri adds "the path to victory is neither fighting nor a deal, it is managing the process of neither war nor peace, up to the point of victory. Publicly confirming negotiations with the US is sheer folly. The winning approach is denial, ambiguity, and strategic patience."


Unless Trump accepts all of Iran's conditions in the US surrender document, the Strait of Hormuz stays closed until 2029.


Countering Tehran, US President Donald Trump said Monday he is demanding that Iran compensate Americans harmed in attacks he blamed on Tehran and separately pay the families of Iranian protesters killed by the Islamic Republic, ordering the issue raised in all future talks.

Writing on Truth Social, American leader said his demand came after Iranian representatives sought compensation for damage sustained during the five-month military conflict, an issue he said had not previously been raised in negotiations.




Trump said the United States would in turn seek compensation for Americans killed or wounded in conflicts he blamed on Iran, including attacks involving roadside bombs during the period when Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani oversaw Iran’s regional operations.

He also said compensation should be paid to the families of Iranian protesters killed by the Islamic Republic, adding that “hundreds of thousands” had been killed over the past 50 years and 52,000 in the past five months.


Trump is reportedly preparing to walk away with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz but Tehran is more than ready to punish the US President for the unprovoked aggression against the Islamic Republic.

As Persia is emerging stronger from the war, IRGC has announced new Advances in its Missile Capabilities.

Iran's ballistic missiles are now capable of Altering their Trajectory to Evade Enemy Defense Systems. Even if a Missile has a Specific Target, that target can be Changed Mid-Flight, and a Secondary Target can be assigned to it.

Iran has singlehandedly end the America's superpower era. All the US military bases in the Persian Gulf region were totally damaged by the Iran's ballistic missiles barrages.




Iran on Monday declares the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until 2029, the end of Trump's term, unless Trump accepts all of Iran's demands, according to a senior Iranian source and Majid Shakeri, advisor to Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf.

Tehran has reportedly slammed the door on future negotiations with the Trump administration — saying it will simply wait until Trump’s term ends in January 2029.

Iran's demands in the US surrender document remain unchanged, $300 billion in compensation, the release of up to $100 billion in frozen assets, lifting all sanctions, US troop withdrawal from the entire region, an end to the naval blockade, and accepting transit fees on every ship.

Persian authorities flatly ruled out any future negotiations with the Washington administration, declaring it will wait out Trump's term until January 20, 2029. "Trump will not reach an agreement with us. We will accompany him until his term ends," Majid Shakeri, advisor to Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf says.


Shakeri adds "the path to victory is neither fighting nor a deal, it is managing the process of neither war nor peace, up to the point of victory. Publicly confirming negotiations with the US is sheer folly. The winning approach is denial, ambiguity, and strategic patience."


Unless Trump accepts all of Iran's conditions in the US surrender document, the Strait of Hormuz stays closed until 2029.


Countering Tehran, US President Donald Trump said Monday he is demanding that Iran compensate Americans harmed in attacks he blamed on Tehran and separately pay the families of Iranian protesters killed by the Islamic Republic, ordering the issue raised in all future talks.

Writing on Truth Social, American leader said his demand came after Iranian representatives sought compensation for damage sustained during the five-month military conflict, an issue he said had not previously been raised in negotiations.




Trump said the United States would in turn seek compensation for Americans killed or wounded in conflicts he blamed on Iran, including attacks involving roadside bombs during the period when Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani oversaw Iran’s regional operations.

He also said compensation should be paid to the families of Iranian protesters killed by the Islamic Republic, adding that “hundreds of thousands” had been killed over the past 50 years and 52,000 in the past five months.


Trump is reportedly preparing to walk away with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz but Tehran is more than ready to punish the US President for the unprovoked aggression against the Islamic Republic.

As Persia is emerging stronger from the war, IRGC has announced new Advances in its Missile Capabilities.

Iran's ballistic missiles are now capable of Altering their Trajectory to Evade Enemy Defense Systems. Even if a Missile has a Specific Target, that target can be Changed Mid-Flight, and a Secondary Target can be assigned to it.

Iran has singlehandedly end the America's superpower era. All the US military bases in the Persian Gulf region were totally damaged by the Iran's ballistic missiles barrages.
Tags:

PRESS STATEMENT — STOP THE BLOODSHED: NIGERIAN STUDENTS ARE UNDER SIEGE, WE DEMAND IMMEDIATE ACTION TO SECURE OUR CAMPUSES, HOSTELS — CSYR

PRESS STATEMENT — STOP THE BLOODSHED: NIGERIAN STUDENTS ARE UNDER SIEGE, WE DEMAND IMMEDIATE ACTION TO SECURE OUR CAMPUSES, HOSTELS — CSYR

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CAMPAIGN FOR STUDENTS’ AND YOUTH’S RIGHTS (CSYR)



The Campaign for Students and Youth Rights (CSYR) is alarmed and outraged by the wave of armed robbery and kidnapping attacks that have swept through Nigerian tertiary institutions in recent weeks, most recently at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA), Nasarawa State.


These are not isolated incidents. They are the latest chapters in a long, painful pattern of insecurity that Nigerian students and working people have been forced to endure for years, with little sign that the institutions and authorities responsible for their protection are treating the crisis with the urgency it demands.



At about 2:00 a.m., it was reported that armed men carrying machetes and knives invaded the female hostel at ATBU's Gubi Campus, forcing entry into more than ten rooms. Students were terrorised in their own beds, and over fifty mobile phones and other valuables were stolen. This is not the first time such an attack has occurred at ATBU, as students report that similar incidents have recurred over the years without lasting solutions.


In Lafia, three female 100-level students of FULAFIA were reportedly abducted from their off-campus lodge on a Saturday night, weeks after a separate incident in which five students were kidnapped and only one was reportedly rescued. With examinations approaching, students are left to study under the weight of fear rather than focus on their education.


CSYR holds that no student anywhere in Nigeria should have to choose between pursuing an education and staying alive. A university hostel is meant to be a place of rest and safety, not a hunting ground for armed criminals. The recurrence of these attacks, at ATBU and elsewhere, is proof that promises of "improved security" without accountability and sustained investment mean nothing to the students living through the terror.


We reject the normalization of this violence. We reject the silence that often follows these incidents once the news cycle moves on. Students are not statistics; they are human beings with families, dreams, and a right to safety guaranteed to them as citizens.


CSYR calls on university managements, state governments, and federal security agencies to immediately and visibly deploy adequate security personnel to all hostels and lodges, on campus and in student-populated communities off campus, with round-the-clock patrols, particularly during high-risk night hours.


We call on the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institutions to call congress of students to immediately address this situation and create an independent security committee of the union.


The CSYR call on the FG, State governments of the affected schools, and security personnel to secure the unconditional and safe release of the FULAFIA students, including those in Borno and elsewhere currently in captivity, and provide regular, transparent updates to their families and the student body on the efforts being made.


There is an urgent need to establish functional perimeter security at all hostels. There should be proper fencing, adequate lighting, CCTV coverage, and controlled access points, backed by real maintenance and monitoring, and not just paper policy.


An independent, transparent investigation into the ATBU hostel invasion and the FULAFIA abductions must be conducted, and the findings and remedial actions made public.


Functional, well-publicized emergency response channels such as accessible hotlines and rapid-response units that students can reach instantly during a crisis, with a demonstrated commitment to response time, must be established.


There should be provision of psychosocial support to survivors and witnesses of these attacks, recognizing the trauma inflicted extends beyond the material losses suffered.


Regular joint security briefings involving the student leadership, university management, local security agencies, and representatives from the host communities should be held, so that safety planning is not carried out in isolation from the people it is meant to protect.


CSYR stands in full solidarity with the students of ATBU's Gubi Campus and FULAFIA, and with every Nigerian student who has ever had to sleep in fear on the campus that was supposed to be their second home. We commend the courage of students who have continued to speak out, organize, and demand better treatment and protection, even in the face of trauma.


We call on NANS, NUNS, students' related bodies, left and progressive organisations, and civil society to join in this fight for a free and safe environment for students, staff, informal workers and the university community at large. An injury to one is an injury to all. The call for the collective protection of students' and working people's lives across Nigeria is our duty.


We will not relent until Nigerian campuses are made genuinely safe for the young people who fill them. Students came to learn and not to fight for their lives.


Signed by:

Campaign for Students’ and Youth’s Rights (CSYR)

Bestman Michael

National Coordinator

CAMPAIGN FOR STUDENTS’ AND YOUTH’S RIGHTS (CSYR)



The Campaign for Students and Youth Rights (CSYR) is alarmed and outraged by the wave of armed robbery and kidnapping attacks that have swept through Nigerian tertiary institutions in recent weeks, most recently at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA), Nasarawa State.


These are not isolated incidents. They are the latest chapters in a long, painful pattern of insecurity that Nigerian students and working people have been forced to endure for years, with little sign that the institutions and authorities responsible for their protection are treating the crisis with the urgency it demands.



At about 2:00 a.m., it was reported that armed men carrying machetes and knives invaded the female hostel at ATBU's Gubi Campus, forcing entry into more than ten rooms. Students were terrorised in their own beds, and over fifty mobile phones and other valuables were stolen. This is not the first time such an attack has occurred at ATBU, as students report that similar incidents have recurred over the years without lasting solutions.


In Lafia, three female 100-level students of FULAFIA were reportedly abducted from their off-campus lodge on a Saturday night, weeks after a separate incident in which five students were kidnapped and only one was reportedly rescued. With examinations approaching, students are left to study under the weight of fear rather than focus on their education.


CSYR holds that no student anywhere in Nigeria should have to choose between pursuing an education and staying alive. A university hostel is meant to be a place of rest and safety, not a hunting ground for armed criminals. The recurrence of these attacks, at ATBU and elsewhere, is proof that promises of "improved security" without accountability and sustained investment mean nothing to the students living through the terror.


We reject the normalization of this violence. We reject the silence that often follows these incidents once the news cycle moves on. Students are not statistics; they are human beings with families, dreams, and a right to safety guaranteed to them as citizens.


CSYR calls on university managements, state governments, and federal security agencies to immediately and visibly deploy adequate security personnel to all hostels and lodges, on campus and in student-populated communities off campus, with round-the-clock patrols, particularly during high-risk night hours.


We call on the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the institutions to call congress of students to immediately address this situation and create an independent security committee of the union.


The CSYR call on the FG, State governments of the affected schools, and security personnel to secure the unconditional and safe release of the FULAFIA students, including those in Borno and elsewhere currently in captivity, and provide regular, transparent updates to their families and the student body on the efforts being made.


There is an urgent need to establish functional perimeter security at all hostels. There should be proper fencing, adequate lighting, CCTV coverage, and controlled access points, backed by real maintenance and monitoring, and not just paper policy.


An independent, transparent investigation into the ATBU hostel invasion and the FULAFIA abductions must be conducted, and the findings and remedial actions made public.


Functional, well-publicized emergency response channels such as accessible hotlines and rapid-response units that students can reach instantly during a crisis, with a demonstrated commitment to response time, must be established.


There should be provision of psychosocial support to survivors and witnesses of these attacks, recognizing the trauma inflicted extends beyond the material losses suffered.


Regular joint security briefings involving the student leadership, university management, local security agencies, and representatives from the host communities should be held, so that safety planning is not carried out in isolation from the people it is meant to protect.


CSYR stands in full solidarity with the students of ATBU's Gubi Campus and FULAFIA, and with every Nigerian student who has ever had to sleep in fear on the campus that was supposed to be their second home. We commend the courage of students who have continued to speak out, organize, and demand better treatment and protection, even in the face of trauma.


We call on NANS, NUNS, students' related bodies, left and progressive organisations, and civil society to join in this fight for a free and safe environment for students, staff, informal workers and the university community at large. An injury to one is an injury to all. The call for the collective protection of students' and working people's lives across Nigeria is our duty.


We will not relent until Nigerian campuses are made genuinely safe for the young people who fill them. Students came to learn and not to fight for their lives.


Signed by:

Campaign for Students’ and Youth’s Rights (CSYR)

Bestman Michael

National Coordinator

Tags:

Oriire school children Abduction: Why Governor Seyi Makinde Inaugurates a Judicial Commission of Inquiry

Oriire school children Abduction: Why Governor Seyi Makinde Inaugurates a Judicial Commission of Inquiry

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The Governor f Oyo State Engr. Seyi Makinde on Friday inaugurated a judicial panel of inquiry into the Oriire school children and teachers abduction.

Today, we inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Oriire Abduction. As I said in my remarks during the inauguration, the assignment of this Commission is to establish the facts, identify any institutional or operational lapses, recommend measures that will strengthen the protection of our schools and communities, and help ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.




44 teachers and children kidnapped in three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire LGA were released on July 10 after 56 days in captivity of the bandit terrorists.

Seyi Makinde while speaking in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the inauguration of an 8-man Judicial Conmission of Inquiry into the Abduction, affirmed that accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence.

"Let me again appreciate the distinguished men and women who have agreed to serve on this Commission and wish them wisdom and success on this important assignment."

The Eight members committee include:

•⁠ ⁠Hon Justice M. A. O. Owoade, JCA (Retd) – Chairman

•⁠ ⁠Prof Jibrin Ibrahim

•⁠ ⁠Mrs Ayo Obe

•⁠ ⁠AIG Ngozi Onadeko (Retd)

•⁠ ⁠Barr. Abimbola Orogade

•⁠ ⁠Maj. Gen. S. N. Muazu (Retd)

•⁠ ⁠Mr Folorinsho Osunrayi (Director DSS – Retd)

The Secretary of this Commission of Inquiry is Barr (Mrs) Olamide Sandra Tella.



According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Makinde emphasis that the call was about “ensuring that every lesson is learnt, and every question that deserves an answer is answered.”


“So it was for this reason that I called on the international community to support an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.


Mr Makinde added that the government’s duty did not end with the victims’ rescue, “though rescue brings relief, truth brings closure.”


“This judicial commission of inquiry represents our commitment to that responsibility,” he said.

The governor explained that the commission’s assignment was to establish the facts, identify any institutional or operational lapses, and recommend measures that will strengthen the protection of schools and communities.


“And help to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again,” he said.


Mr Makinde had called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies to examine the circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.


He said while the victims had regained their freedom, the circumstances surrounding the incident were “sufficiently grave and unusual” to warrant an independent review.


Mr Makinde said the incident raised questions that require independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.

He made the call in a statewide broadcast hours after the Nigerian military formally handed over the rescued pupils and teachers to the state government following their release after 56 days in captivity.


The Oyo State House of Assembly threw its weight behind Mr Makinde’s call for the independent international investigation into the abduction.


However, the Nigerian Senate rejected the governor’s request for foreign intervention in the matter, arguing that the incident was a domestic security matter that should be handled within Nigeria.

At the inaguration of the judicial commission of inquiry on the abduction on Friday, Mr Makinde charged all members of the commission to bring their decades of experience, integrity, and public service to bear on the assignment before them.


He also advised them to let their work “be guided only by the evidence, the law, and the public interest.


“The people of our state, and indeed Nigerians, expect nothing less than an impartial, credible process,” he said.


The governor, who gave the commission four weeks to complete the assignment, urged members to feel free to come back to him if they require additional time to ensure that “no stone is left unturned.”


He promised to provide every support required for the commission to carry out its assignment independently and professionally.


Mr Makinde also called on individuals, institutions, and relevant agencies to cooperate fully by making available any information that would assist the commission in arriving at the truth.


Speaking with journalists shortly after the inauguration, the commission’s chairman, retired Justice Mojeed Owoade, pledged that the commission would carry out the assignment with all sense of responsibility.


Mr Owoade added that transparency and diligence to uncover the truth would be the commission’s watchwords.



In a country where insecurity is ravaging inform of Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, banditry and kidnapping gangs making lives and properties of the citizens unsecured with the State apparatus in terms of both political and security operatives remained deliberately ineffective, Oyo State Governor is doing the right thing.


What do you think?




Photos from the event :


7




The Governor f Oyo State Engr. Seyi Makinde on Friday inaugurated a judicial panel of inquiry into the Oriire school children and teachers abduction.

Today, we inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Oriire Abduction. As I said in my remarks during the inauguration, the assignment of this Commission is to establish the facts, identify any institutional or operational lapses, recommend measures that will strengthen the protection of our schools and communities, and help ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.




44 teachers and children kidnapped in three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire LGA were released on July 10 after 56 days in captivity of the bandit terrorists.

Seyi Makinde while speaking in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the inauguration of an 8-man Judicial Conmission of Inquiry into the Abduction, affirmed that accountability and reform restore public confidence and help prevent a recurrence.

"Let me again appreciate the distinguished men and women who have agreed to serve on this Commission and wish them wisdom and success on this important assignment."

The Eight members committee include:

•⁠ ⁠Hon Justice M. A. O. Owoade, JCA (Retd) – Chairman

•⁠ ⁠Prof Jibrin Ibrahim

•⁠ ⁠Mrs Ayo Obe

•⁠ ⁠AIG Ngozi Onadeko (Retd)

•⁠ ⁠Barr. Abimbola Orogade

•⁠ ⁠Maj. Gen. S. N. Muazu (Retd)

•⁠ ⁠Mr Folorinsho Osunrayi (Director DSS – Retd)

The Secretary of this Commission of Inquiry is Barr (Mrs) Olamide Sandra Tella.



According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Makinde emphasis that the call was about “ensuring that every lesson is learnt, and every question that deserves an answer is answered.”


“So it was for this reason that I called on the international community to support an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.


Mr Makinde added that the government’s duty did not end with the victims’ rescue, “though rescue brings relief, truth brings closure.”


“This judicial commission of inquiry represents our commitment to that responsibility,” he said.

The governor explained that the commission’s assignment was to establish the facts, identify any institutional or operational lapses, and recommend measures that will strengthen the protection of schools and communities.


“And help to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again,” he said.


Mr Makinde had called on the United Nations and other international human rights and accountability bodies to examine the circumstances surrounding the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.


He said while the victims had regained their freedom, the circumstances surrounding the incident were “sufficiently grave and unusual” to warrant an independent review.


Mr Makinde said the incident raised questions that require independent scrutiny beyond Nigeria’s domestic institutions.

He made the call in a statewide broadcast hours after the Nigerian military formally handed over the rescued pupils and teachers to the state government following their release after 56 days in captivity.


The Oyo State House of Assembly threw its weight behind Mr Makinde’s call for the independent international investigation into the abduction.


However, the Nigerian Senate rejected the governor’s request for foreign intervention in the matter, arguing that the incident was a domestic security matter that should be handled within Nigeria.

At the inaguration of the judicial commission of inquiry on the abduction on Friday, Mr Makinde charged all members of the commission to bring their decades of experience, integrity, and public service to bear on the assignment before them.


He also advised them to let their work “be guided only by the evidence, the law, and the public interest.


“The people of our state, and indeed Nigerians, expect nothing less than an impartial, credible process,” he said.


The governor, who gave the commission four weeks to complete the assignment, urged members to feel free to come back to him if they require additional time to ensure that “no stone is left unturned.”


He promised to provide every support required for the commission to carry out its assignment independently and professionally.


Mr Makinde also called on individuals, institutions, and relevant agencies to cooperate fully by making available any information that would assist the commission in arriving at the truth.


Speaking with journalists shortly after the inauguration, the commission’s chairman, retired Justice Mojeed Owoade, pledged that the commission would carry out the assignment with all sense of responsibility.


Mr Owoade added that transparency and diligence to uncover the truth would be the commission’s watchwords.



In a country where insecurity is ravaging inform of Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, banditry and kidnapping gangs making lives and properties of the citizens unsecured with the State apparatus in terms of both political and security operatives remained deliberately ineffective, Oyo State Governor is doing the right thing.


What do you think?




Photos from the event :


7



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Saudi Arabia hosts Chiefs of Staff from 43 countries, EU to discuss Riyadh’s initiative to establish a Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance

Saudi Arabia hosts Chiefs of Staff from 43 countries, EU to discuss Riyadh’s initiative to establish a Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance

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Do not involve your countries in a war that is not yours — Yemeni Armed Forces issues warning to the Saudi Coalition members 



The kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Friday hosted a meeting of Chiefs of Staff and representatives from 43 countries and the European Union to discuss Riyadh’s initiative to establish a Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance.


The Saudi initiative aims to protect international maritime routes and counter threats targeting global commercial shipping and navigation.


The meeting discussed the alliance’s founding arrangements, including Saudi Arabia serving as the founding and leading nation.


Fourteen participating countries, including Egypt and Turkey, expressed support for the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance initiative


Yemeni Armed Forces issues warning to the Saudi Coalition members 


To the countries that have declared their alliance with the Saudi enemy and whose names were mentioned within the coalition and aggression against Yemen:


We clarify that the decision to impose a transit ban only included Saudi ships, in response to the brutal aggression that targeted our country.


Accordingly, we warn these countries against engaging in or participating in protecting Saudi ships or supporting their operations, and against dragging their countries into a confrontation that has nothing to do with them.


Any direct participation in protecting or supporting Saudi ships, as stated in the statement, will render the ships of those countries subject to the expansion of the ban decision to include them.


This is a final warning and a clear message: Do not involve your countries in a war that is not yours.


The Red Sea is not an open arena for those who wish to escalate, and any new step will be met with corresponding steps.

Do not involve your countries in a war that is not yours — Yemeni Armed Forces issues warning to the Saudi Coalition members 



The kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Friday hosted a meeting of Chiefs of Staff and representatives from 43 countries and the European Union to discuss Riyadh’s initiative to establish a Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance.


The Saudi initiative aims to protect international maritime routes and counter threats targeting global commercial shipping and navigation.


The meeting discussed the alliance’s founding arrangements, including Saudi Arabia serving as the founding and leading nation.


Fourteen participating countries, including Egypt and Turkey, expressed support for the Multinational Maritime Defense Alliance initiative


Yemeni Armed Forces issues warning to the Saudi Coalition members 


To the countries that have declared their alliance with the Saudi enemy and whose names were mentioned within the coalition and aggression against Yemen:


We clarify that the decision to impose a transit ban only included Saudi ships, in response to the brutal aggression that targeted our country.


Accordingly, we warn these countries against engaging in or participating in protecting Saudi ships or supporting their operations, and against dragging their countries into a confrontation that has nothing to do with them.


Any direct participation in protecting or supporting Saudi ships, as stated in the statement, will render the ships of those countries subject to the expansion of the ban decision to include them.


This is a final warning and a clear message: Do not involve your countries in a war that is not yours.


The Red Sea is not an open arena for those who wish to escalate, and any new step will be met with corresponding steps.

Tags:

TASS: Colombian Fighters Now Nearly Half of Ukraine’s Foreign Contingent,

TASS: Colombian Fighters Now Nearly Half of Ukraine’s Foreign Contingent,

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Russian defence sources, cited by TASS, have reported that Colombian nationals now make up almost half of Ukraine’s estimated 16,500 foreign fighters—more than 7,000 people.


  They say many Western volunteers and contractors from the US, UK, Germany, Canada and elsewhere left after late 2025 and were replaced by lower-cost recruits from Latin America, especially Colombia.

Other sources confirmed that there were recruits from some African countries too.


Russian defence sources, cited by TASS, have reported that Colombian nationals now make up almost half of Ukraine’s estimated 16,500 foreign fighters—more than 7,000 people.


  They say many Western volunteers and contractors from the US, UK, Germany, Canada and elsewhere left after late 2025 and were replaced by lower-cost recruits from Latin America, especially Colombia.

Other sources confirmed that there were recruits from some African countries too.

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Board of Peace: Hamas has Agreed to relinquishing all its weapons for Israel to withdraw from Gaza

Board of Peace: Hamas has Agreed to relinquishing all its weapons for Israel to withdraw from Gaza

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The report of the board of Peace for Gaza confirmed that Hamas has Agreed to relinquish all of its weapons and for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza.

The Reports: 

The Board of Peace and the mediating countries of Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States today are pleased to announce that Hamas has agreed to a detailed Roadmap for implementing the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire.


The agreement concludes months of intensive, good faith negotiations to advance President Donald J. Trump's vision for establishing new governance, security, humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and economic recovery in Gaza as set out in the Comprehensive Peace Plan and U.N. Security Council Resolution 2803.


The Roadmap represents a historic breakthrough. For the first time, Hamas officially has committed to an actionable plan for relinquishing all its weapons, which will be followed by Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

It holds the promise of delivering significant benefits to the people of Gaza, who have waited for too long for a better future, and security to the people of Israel.


Our focus now turns to implementation. The Board of Peace has worked closely with the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). It will soon begin a phased transition toward full authority, backed by the International Stabilization Force (ISF), and will accelerate implementation of the rule of law, security, and humanitarian improvement in Gaza

 



A Roadmap for Completing the Implementation of President Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan in Gaza




Principles:




1. All parties reaffirm their commitment to President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to achieve peace in Gaza, which constitutes, together with the UN Security Council Resolution no. 2803 (2025), the agreed upon international framework guiding the implementation of this process. Through this process, the parties aim at ending the cycle of destruction, securing the complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip, restoring normal life, enabling Palestinian governance, reconstruction, security, recovery and economic development, rehabilitating damaged sectors and facilitate launching a credible political path that achieves self-determination and Statehood.




2. Israel shall fully complete, without delay, all remaining commitments under Sharm Sheikh Protocol, particularly the cessation of military operations as detailed in annex (1). Hamas and the Palestinian factions shall complete the cessation of all military operations in accordance with Sharm Sheikh Protocol and the Peace Plan. In parallel, the timetable and implementation mechanisms of this Roadmap (“Implementation of Phase 2”) shall be prepared within 14 days after all parties approve the Roadmap, which could be extended by a decision by the International Verification Committee (IVC). Upon the completion of the timetable and implementation mechanisms, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) shall enter the Strip and start to assume its responsibilities. The IVC, that shall be established by the Board of Peace (BoP), comprising representatives from the guarantors, BoP and the International Stabilization Force (ISF), shall certify that both parties fulfill their commitments under the Roadmap before proceeding to the implementation of Phase 2.




3. Progression from one phase to the following one shall be contingent on the verified completion of the commitments of the previous phase. This verification shall be done by the IVC, which shall also observe any violations by either party through an enhanced monitoring mechanism.




4. Hamas and other factions agree that all civilian governance and security functions in Gaza shall be handed over to NCAG in accordance with President Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan in Gaza. They also assert that NCAG shall enjoy full independence in carrying out its responsibilities and that the factions shall not interfere in NCAG affairs during the transitional period, in accordance with UNSC Resolution 2803 (2025).




5. Upon fully assuming its responsibilities in Gaza, NCAG shall maintain the continuity of civilian institutions and public services.




All civil servants shall be treated lawfully, fairly and with dignity with respect to their rights. Those whose services are terminated or who are retired during the transitional period shall receive their rights in accordance with the Palestinian law.




With international support, NCAG shall carry out a comprehensive audit of the financial and administrative affairs in Gaza, and protect, recover and administer public assets and resources.




NCAG shall seek to assess the legitimate commitments to suppliers, contractors and other parties – up to a total amount of no more than $400M USD - and address them.




The implementation of these measures will be undertaken gradually, within three years, in accordance with priorities determined by the NCAG.




Any unresolved financial rights, liabilities or claims shall be addressed within the context of a wider national process later, and in accordance with the relevant Palestinian law


The report of the board of Peace for Gaza confirmed that Hamas has Agreed to relinquish all of its weapons and for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza.

The Reports: 

The Board of Peace and the mediating countries of Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye, and the United States today are pleased to announce that Hamas has agreed to a detailed Roadmap for implementing the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire.


The agreement concludes months of intensive, good faith negotiations to advance President Donald J. Trump's vision for establishing new governance, security, humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and economic recovery in Gaza as set out in the Comprehensive Peace Plan and U.N. Security Council Resolution 2803.


The Roadmap represents a historic breakthrough. For the first time, Hamas officially has committed to an actionable plan for relinquishing all its weapons, which will be followed by Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

It holds the promise of delivering significant benefits to the people of Gaza, who have waited for too long for a better future, and security to the people of Israel.


Our focus now turns to implementation. The Board of Peace has worked closely with the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). It will soon begin a phased transition toward full authority, backed by the International Stabilization Force (ISF), and will accelerate implementation of the rule of law, security, and humanitarian improvement in Gaza

 



A Roadmap for Completing the Implementation of President Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan in Gaza




Principles:




1. All parties reaffirm their commitment to President Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to achieve peace in Gaza, which constitutes, together with the UN Security Council Resolution no. 2803 (2025), the agreed upon international framework guiding the implementation of this process. Through this process, the parties aim at ending the cycle of destruction, securing the complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip, restoring normal life, enabling Palestinian governance, reconstruction, security, recovery and economic development, rehabilitating damaged sectors and facilitate launching a credible political path that achieves self-determination and Statehood.




2. Israel shall fully complete, without delay, all remaining commitments under Sharm Sheikh Protocol, particularly the cessation of military operations as detailed in annex (1). Hamas and the Palestinian factions shall complete the cessation of all military operations in accordance with Sharm Sheikh Protocol and the Peace Plan. In parallel, the timetable and implementation mechanisms of this Roadmap (“Implementation of Phase 2”) shall be prepared within 14 days after all parties approve the Roadmap, which could be extended by a decision by the International Verification Committee (IVC). Upon the completion of the timetable and implementation mechanisms, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) shall enter the Strip and start to assume its responsibilities. The IVC, that shall be established by the Board of Peace (BoP), comprising representatives from the guarantors, BoP and the International Stabilization Force (ISF), shall certify that both parties fulfill their commitments under the Roadmap before proceeding to the implementation of Phase 2.




3. Progression from one phase to the following one shall be contingent on the verified completion of the commitments of the previous phase. This verification shall be done by the IVC, which shall also observe any violations by either party through an enhanced monitoring mechanism.




4. Hamas and other factions agree that all civilian governance and security functions in Gaza shall be handed over to NCAG in accordance with President Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan in Gaza. They also assert that NCAG shall enjoy full independence in carrying out its responsibilities and that the factions shall not interfere in NCAG affairs during the transitional period, in accordance with UNSC Resolution 2803 (2025).




5. Upon fully assuming its responsibilities in Gaza, NCAG shall maintain the continuity of civilian institutions and public services.




All civil servants shall be treated lawfully, fairly and with dignity with respect to their rights. Those whose services are terminated or who are retired during the transitional period shall receive their rights in accordance with the Palestinian law.




With international support, NCAG shall carry out a comprehensive audit of the financial and administrative affairs in Gaza, and protect, recover and administer public assets and resources.




NCAG shall seek to assess the legitimate commitments to suppliers, contractors and other parties – up to a total amount of no more than $400M USD - and address them.




The implementation of these measures will be undertaken gradually, within three years, in accordance with priorities determined by the NCAG.




Any unresolved financial rights, liabilities or claims shall be addressed within the context of a wider national process later, and in accordance with the relevant Palestinian law

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Iran's IRGC claims they destroyed three F-35 jets, Donald Trump becomes agitated, lost his temper

Iran's IRGC claims they destroyed three F-35 jets, Donald Trump becomes agitated, lost his temper

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In response to the attack on two residential homes on Qeshm Island, IRGC Aerospace Force fighters attacked the deployment ramp and maintenance hangar of the American enemy's F-35 fighter jets at Al-Azraq airbase in Jordan with several ballistic missiles.

Three F-35 aircraft were completely destroyed, significant damage was inflicted on three others, and several enemy officers along with technical and maintenance personnel were also killed. US Military denied it.

It also claimed to have struck the US Ali al-Salem airbase in Kuwait, destroying 2 drone hangars and a fuel tank serving military aircraft and helicopters.

IRGC confirmed that three members of Islamic forces were killed during US operation.

Tehran has consistently maintained that Iran neither request nor required ceasefire with the United States.

US President Donald Trump reportedly lost his temper during a security meeting, shouting and cursing out of frustration over the military options presented to him and the lack of progress toward a deal with Iran – NBC.

Iran may not send negotiators to Pakistan or Qatar, sources closed the Iranian Supreme leader said.

Citing a US official and people familiar with the matter, NBC News reported on Wednesday that Trump “exploded” during a recent meeting with his top national security officials “yelling expletives” to express his frustration over the lack of progress in the war.

The official said that despite public displays of satisfaction with how the military assault is going, neither the US president nor his aides are pleased with the status quo in the war.

Trump’s aides cannot agree on a path forward, the official added. “After all this time, there is no unity.”

Meanwhile, two other people familiar with the White House discussions said that Trump has become increasingly frustrated with Tehran-Washington negotiations.

“The president is exasperated,” a Trump ally who has spoken with Trump in recent weeks said.

“I don’t think he believed it was going to be this difficult to get the Iranians to agree to a deal. There was not a real strategy for how long or what they should do to get to the endpoint,” the Trump ally noted. “He did not intend this to be a long, drawn-out war.”

However, Iran intensifies diplomacy with other countries within and outside the Gulf region to deny United States of military use of their bases for aggression against Tehran.


Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos held a phone call on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.

Araghchi stressed the need to prevent any misuse of foreign bases in Cyprus for acts of aggression against Iran, citing the UN General Assembly's Definition of Aggression (Resolution 3314), which classifies providing territory for aggression against a third state as an act of aggression itself .

The Cypriot FM reaffirmed his country's commitment to the UN Charter and international law, stating that Cyprus has secured assurances from the UK that its bases on the island will not be used against any country, including Iran .

Iran promised retaliatory attacks against any military base used to attack Tehran in any country. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Jordan are all witnessing Iranian ballistic missiles in the US military bases in their countries .


According to the Iran's foreign ministry,  Araghchi had also protested to his Bulgarian counterpart, Velislava Petrova-Chamova, over what Tehran described as Bulgaria's decision to allow the United States to station military aircraft at Bezmer Air Base in support of operations against Iran.

 Araghchi told Bulgarian FM that the reported decision was "condemnable, unacceptable and contrary to the traditional friendly relations between the two countries," and urged Sofia to reconsider it.

In response to the attack on two residential homes on Qeshm Island, IRGC Aerospace Force fighters attacked the deployment ramp and maintenance hangar of the American enemy's F-35 fighter jets at Al-Azraq airbase in Jordan with several ballistic missiles.

Three F-35 aircraft were completely destroyed, significant damage was inflicted on three others, and several enemy officers along with technical and maintenance personnel were also killed. US Military denied it.

It also claimed to have struck the US Ali al-Salem airbase in Kuwait, destroying 2 drone hangars and a fuel tank serving military aircraft and helicopters.

IRGC confirmed that three members of Islamic forces were killed during US operation.

Tehran has consistently maintained that Iran neither request nor required ceasefire with the United States.

US President Donald Trump reportedly lost his temper during a security meeting, shouting and cursing out of frustration over the military options presented to him and the lack of progress toward a deal with Iran – NBC.

Iran may not send negotiators to Pakistan or Qatar, sources closed the Iranian Supreme leader said.

Citing a US official and people familiar with the matter, NBC News reported on Wednesday that Trump “exploded” during a recent meeting with his top national security officials “yelling expletives” to express his frustration over the lack of progress in the war.

The official said that despite public displays of satisfaction with how the military assault is going, neither the US president nor his aides are pleased with the status quo in the war.

Trump’s aides cannot agree on a path forward, the official added. “After all this time, there is no unity.”

Meanwhile, two other people familiar with the White House discussions said that Trump has become increasingly frustrated with Tehran-Washington negotiations.

“The president is exasperated,” a Trump ally who has spoken with Trump in recent weeks said.

“I don’t think he believed it was going to be this difficult to get the Iranians to agree to a deal. There was not a real strategy for how long or what they should do to get to the endpoint,” the Trump ally noted. “He did not intend this to be a long, drawn-out war.”

However, Iran intensifies diplomacy with other countries within and outside the Gulf region to deny United States of military use of their bases for aggression against Tehran.


Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos held a phone call on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.

Araghchi stressed the need to prevent any misuse of foreign bases in Cyprus for acts of aggression against Iran, citing the UN General Assembly's Definition of Aggression (Resolution 3314), which classifies providing territory for aggression against a third state as an act of aggression itself .

The Cypriot FM reaffirmed his country's commitment to the UN Charter and international law, stating that Cyprus has secured assurances from the UK that its bases on the island will not be used against any country, including Iran .

Iran promised retaliatory attacks against any military base used to attack Tehran in any country. Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Jordan are all witnessing Iranian ballistic missiles in the US military bases in their countries .


According to the Iran's foreign ministry,  Araghchi had also protested to his Bulgarian counterpart, Velislava Petrova-Chamova, over what Tehran described as Bulgaria's decision to allow the United States to station military aircraft at Bezmer Air Base in support of operations against Iran.

 Araghchi told Bulgarian FM that the reported decision was "condemnable, unacceptable and contrary to the traditional friendly relations between the two countries," and urged Sofia to reconsider it.
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ESCALATIONS IN MIDDLE EAST: Tehran has no plans to send a delegation to Pakistan or Qatar for negotiations with US

ESCALATIONS IN MIDDLE EAST: Tehran has no plans to send a delegation to Pakistan or Qatar for negotiations with US

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US military launched an attack on an empty
 sports hall in the city of Farashband,
Fars Province, southern Iran.


Iran has no plans to send a delegation to Pakistan or Qatar for negotiations, Nour News, which is close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, reported on Thursday, citing an official.


The official denied that US-Iran talks would resume in Geneva, Doha or Islamabad.


“Recent US Treasury action complicated the relatively successful talks between Iran and Oman,” the official was quoted as saying.


Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in Thursday US-Iran talks are ongoing to help restore stability, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

Islamabad urged both sides to resolve tensions through dialogue and diplomacy, reaffirming its support for a peaceful solution.

The comments come as regional tensions remain high after the US launched fresh strikes on Iranian-linked targets following attacks on American forces.


US military in the middle east launches new wave of strikes on Iran, the centcom hits residential building on Qeshm Island on Wednesday.

"U.S. forces began launching strikes against Iran at 8 p.m. ET today. The strikes are a powerful response to yesterday's attempted Iranian attacks on U.S. forces based in the Middle East." CENTCOM said in a statement.

CENTCOM confirms new strikes, calling it a "powerful response" to Iran's attempted attacks on US forces.


What was hit: Qeshm Island — residential area struck, search and rescue teams working to free 2 people trapped under rubble

Bushehr was also targeted. According to the report, US strikes caused a short power outage in Qeshm by damaging the grid.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards threatened countries assisting the United States with a “harsh response” unless they changed their conduct, according to a statement issued on Thursday.


The IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as long as the US continued making threats and intervening in maritime movements in the region.


It said two oil tankers attempted to leave through what it called an unsafe route south of the strait on Wednesday night under the direction of US aircraft. Both vessels turned back after a major fire broke out aboard one of them, the IRGC said, without providing evidence.


IRGC-affiliated Fars News reported on Thursday that a Qatari LNG carrier passed through the Strait of Hormuz with Iran’s permission, the first such shipment in three weeks.


The vessel transmitted tracking data and used a route designated by Iran, passing without incident and continuing toward international waters, the report said.

As CENTCOM is firing HIMARS missiles from Kuwait to targets in Iran. In response, more Iranians are demanding the full destruction of the Kuwaiti regime for its ongoing aggression and slaughter of Iranians just as it helped Saddam do in the 1980s. According to a report from an Iranian official.

According to AFP report citing Kuwait’s military source, an Iranian strike hit a Chinese firm’s building in northern Kuwait Thursday morning, killing a worker.

A report also has it that following the failure of US air defenses to intercept Iranian missiles, air navigation data shows that German and French military aircraft have headed to US bases in Jordan to assist American forces in intercepting Iranian attacks. This is a clear message of NATO allies readiness to directly involve to help the US in the war against Iran as Britain has already offered it's airbase assets for operations against Tehran.

The US Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $58.6bn to produce PAC-3 Patriot Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors, marking one of the largest munitions contracts in recent years, reports Reuters. The US has been in shortage of interceptors and weapons. Hence clamouring for ceasefire.

Citing three sources familiar with recent Pentagon data and a new report by outside analysts, CNN reports that the US military's weapons stockpiles, including its inventory of crucial air defense missiles, remain severely depleted following a major flare up of the war with Iran in recent weeks.

America says it is closely watching for any attempts by Russia or China to send weapons to Iran.

This comes amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions and recent public warnings from President Trump against such transfers.


Israel has said the US is preparing for something "bigger than anything we have seen before" in the war on Iran, a senior Israeli security official tells Channel 15.


The official adds the US is preparing for a large-scale unprecedented operation against Iran, not just a single isolated response, with Israeli defense circles saying the US is approaching a major counter-response.


However, on the Strait of Hormuz debacles, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined a long-term vision in which the Strait of Hormuz would lose much of its strategic importance by redirecting regional energy exports through alternative pipeline networks.


According to this concept, energy could be transported from the Gulf to the Red Sea, then across Israel to Mediterranean ports, creating a new export corridor that reduces reliance on Hormuz as a global chokepoint.


Supporters of this view argue that such infrastructure would transform Israel from being primarily a strategic ally into an indispensable energy transit hub. They contend that once major oil and gas flows depend on this route, protecting Israel would become increasingly tied to broader economic and energy security interests.


The argument also draws parallels with recent U.S. defense initiatives, suggesting that deeper integration through defense manufacturing, intelligence cooperation, and critical infrastructure creates relationships that are progressively more difficult to reverse. In this interpretation, the combination of military, intelligence, and energy ties strengthens the long-term strategic partnership by making disengagement increasingly costly.

US military launched an attack on an empty
 sports hall in the city of Farashband,
Fars Province, southern Iran.


Iran has no plans to send a delegation to Pakistan or Qatar for negotiations, Nour News, which is close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, reported on Thursday, citing an official.


The official denied that US-Iran talks would resume in Geneva, Doha or Islamabad.


“Recent US Treasury action complicated the relatively successful talks between Iran and Oman,” the official was quoted as saying.


Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said in Thursday US-Iran talks are ongoing to help restore stability, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

Islamabad urged both sides to resolve tensions through dialogue and diplomacy, reaffirming its support for a peaceful solution.

The comments come as regional tensions remain high after the US launched fresh strikes on Iranian-linked targets following attacks on American forces.


US military in the middle east launches new wave of strikes on Iran, the centcom hits residential building on Qeshm Island on Wednesday.

"U.S. forces began launching strikes against Iran at 8 p.m. ET today. The strikes are a powerful response to yesterday's attempted Iranian attacks on U.S. forces based in the Middle East." CENTCOM said in a statement.

CENTCOM confirms new strikes, calling it a "powerful response" to Iran's attempted attacks on US forces.


What was hit: Qeshm Island — residential area struck, search and rescue teams working to free 2 people trapped under rubble

Bushehr was also targeted. According to the report, US strikes caused a short power outage in Qeshm by damaging the grid.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards threatened countries assisting the United States with a “harsh response” unless they changed their conduct, according to a statement issued on Thursday.


The IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as long as the US continued making threats and intervening in maritime movements in the region.


It said two oil tankers attempted to leave through what it called an unsafe route south of the strait on Wednesday night under the direction of US aircraft. Both vessels turned back after a major fire broke out aboard one of them, the IRGC said, without providing evidence.


IRGC-affiliated Fars News reported on Thursday that a Qatari LNG carrier passed through the Strait of Hormuz with Iran’s permission, the first such shipment in three weeks.


The vessel transmitted tracking data and used a route designated by Iran, passing without incident and continuing toward international waters, the report said.

As CENTCOM is firing HIMARS missiles from Kuwait to targets in Iran. In response, more Iranians are demanding the full destruction of the Kuwaiti regime for its ongoing aggression and slaughter of Iranians just as it helped Saddam do in the 1980s. According to a report from an Iranian official.

According to AFP report citing Kuwait’s military source, an Iranian strike hit a Chinese firm’s building in northern Kuwait Thursday morning, killing a worker.

A report also has it that following the failure of US air defenses to intercept Iranian missiles, air navigation data shows that German and French military aircraft have headed to US bases in Jordan to assist American forces in intercepting Iranian attacks. This is a clear message of NATO allies readiness to directly involve to help the US in the war against Iran as Britain has already offered it's airbase assets for operations against Tehran.

The US Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $58.6bn to produce PAC-3 Patriot Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors, marking one of the largest munitions contracts in recent years, reports Reuters. The US has been in shortage of interceptors and weapons. Hence clamouring for ceasefire.

Citing three sources familiar with recent Pentagon data and a new report by outside analysts, CNN reports that the US military's weapons stockpiles, including its inventory of crucial air defense missiles, remain severely depleted following a major flare up of the war with Iran in recent weeks.

America says it is closely watching for any attempts by Russia or China to send weapons to Iran.

This comes amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions and recent public warnings from President Trump against such transfers.


Israel has said the US is preparing for something "bigger than anything we have seen before" in the war on Iran, a senior Israeli security official tells Channel 15.


The official adds the US is preparing for a large-scale unprecedented operation against Iran, not just a single isolated response, with Israeli defense circles saying the US is approaching a major counter-response.


However, on the Strait of Hormuz debacles, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined a long-term vision in which the Strait of Hormuz would lose much of its strategic importance by redirecting regional energy exports through alternative pipeline networks.


According to this concept, energy could be transported from the Gulf to the Red Sea, then across Israel to Mediterranean ports, creating a new export corridor that reduces reliance on Hormuz as a global chokepoint.


Supporters of this view argue that such infrastructure would transform Israel from being primarily a strategic ally into an indispensable energy transit hub. They contend that once major oil and gas flows depend on this route, protecting Israel would become increasingly tied to broader economic and energy security interests.


The argument also draws parallels with recent U.S. defense initiatives, suggesting that deeper integration through defense manufacturing, intelligence cooperation, and critical infrastructure creates relationships that are progressively more difficult to reverse. In this interpretation, the combination of military, intelligence, and energy ties strengthens the long-term strategic partnership by making disengagement increasingly costly.

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Houthis considering imposing transit fees on commercial ships passing through Bab el-Mandeb Strait

Houthis considering imposing transit fees on commercial ships passing through Bab el-Mandeb Strait

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Yemen's Houthis are seriously considering imposing transit fees on commercial ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with Chinese vessels expected to be exempt, according to Reuters.


The proposal reportedly follows discussions with Iranian officials and comes days after the Houthis announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia.


Intelligence suggests the Houthis are formalizing control over Bab el-Mandeb — creating a permanent toll system modeled on Iran's Hormuz framework, with fees potentially paid in stablecoins or Chinese Yuan.

Yemen's Houthis are seriously considering imposing transit fees on commercial ships passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, with Chinese vessels expected to be exempt, according to Reuters.


The proposal reportedly follows discussions with Iranian officials and comes days after the Houthis announced a naval blockade targeting Saudi Arabia.


Intelligence suggests the Houthis are formalizing control over Bab el-Mandeb — creating a permanent toll system modeled on Iran's Hormuz framework, with fees potentially paid in stablecoins or Chinese Yuan.

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Iran's Foreign Ministry says Iranian, Omani deputy foreign ministers meet on Strait of Hormuz management

Iran's Foreign Ministry says Iranian, Omani deputy foreign ministers meet on Strait of Hormuz management

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Esmail Baghaei

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei announced that several rounds of talks between Iran and Oman were held in Tehran on Friday and Saturday at the level of deputy foreign ministers on the Strait of Hormuz management.

According to the reports, the two sides exchanged views on common principles and operational mechanisms for managing safe maritime transit in the Strait of Hormuz, respecting the sovereign rights of both coastal states .

Baghaei described the talks as "useful" with progress made. The Omani delegation left -Tehran on Saturday evening, but technical and political consultations continue .

Responding to a question on the strait's current status, Baghaei confirmed that "no change has occurred in the traffic situation".

He said "the talks were useful and progress was made" and "technical and political consultations" between the two sides are still ongoing.

Certain sources claimed that American troops stopped missiles strikes against Iran as a result of the Oman delegations that were in Tehran. However, the more reality may be that the US central command has run out of weapons and ammunition. US has consistently request for a Ceasefire in the past week that iran rejected.

Another sources confirmed that CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper recommended halting US strikes around the Strait of Hormuz, saying the campaign had reached the limit of its effectiveness, Axios reports, citing two sources familiar with the matter

 Cooper’s recommendation, alongside advice from other officials, influenced Trump’s decision to pause strikes against Iran on Friday

 Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine warned that interceptor shortages could hamper efforts to protect US forces in the region


Iran halted its attacks after the United States stopped its strikes for the past two nights, Iranian army spokesman said on Sunday.


“Americans stopped their attacks over the past two nights. Since our strategy has been entirely retaliatory, we also stopped our retaliatory operations,” Amir Akraminia said.


The spokesman also said US officials appeared divided and lacked a clear strategy, citing remarks by US President Donald Trump and the actions of US Central Command.

“The US strategy is unclear even to the country’s own officials. This is evident in the remarks of US officials, particularly the US president, as well as in the actions of US Central Command,” Akraminia said.


He warned that continued US strikes would expand the war, saying the conflict had already spread to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. That is where the Iranian proxy in Yemen are full operation against Saudi Arabia.

A US Senator Bernie Sanders called on the Trump administration to negotiate with Iran to end the war, saying talks were needed to “stop the killing” and limit economic damage.

“That’s what we’ve got to do: Sit down and negotiate, and let’s end this war,” the independent senator from Vermont said on CBS’s Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.


According to Al Arabiya source, Tehran has confirmed to Pakistan its readiness to continue negotiations with the US in Geneva, Doha or Islamabad, a source tells

Iran in a message to Pakistan said the negotiations must continue in accordance with the memorandum of understanding, according to the source

Iranians are seeking the resumption of talks first on the Strait of Hormuz, then on its frozen assets, and finally on its nuclear program, the source added.


The Persians also informed Pakistan that iran rejects the creation of a new corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, the source added
Esmail Baghaei

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei announced that several rounds of talks between Iran and Oman were held in Tehran on Friday and Saturday at the level of deputy foreign ministers on the Strait of Hormuz management.

According to the reports, the two sides exchanged views on common principles and operational mechanisms for managing safe maritime transit in the Strait of Hormuz, respecting the sovereign rights of both coastal states .

Baghaei described the talks as "useful" with progress made. The Omani delegation left -Tehran on Saturday evening, but technical and political consultations continue .

Responding to a question on the strait's current status, Baghaei confirmed that "no change has occurred in the traffic situation".

He said "the talks were useful and progress was made" and "technical and political consultations" between the two sides are still ongoing.

Certain sources claimed that American troops stopped missiles strikes against Iran as a result of the Oman delegations that were in Tehran. However, the more reality may be that the US central command has run out of weapons and ammunition. US has consistently request for a Ceasefire in the past week that iran rejected.

Another sources confirmed that CENTCOM chief Admiral Brad Cooper recommended halting US strikes around the Strait of Hormuz, saying the campaign had reached the limit of its effectiveness, Axios reports, citing two sources familiar with the matter

 Cooper’s recommendation, alongside advice from other officials, influenced Trump’s decision to pause strikes against Iran on Friday

 Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine warned that interceptor shortages could hamper efforts to protect US forces in the region


Iran halted its attacks after the United States stopped its strikes for the past two nights, Iranian army spokesman said on Sunday.


“Americans stopped their attacks over the past two nights. Since our strategy has been entirely retaliatory, we also stopped our retaliatory operations,” Amir Akraminia said.


The spokesman also said US officials appeared divided and lacked a clear strategy, citing remarks by US President Donald Trump and the actions of US Central Command.

“The US strategy is unclear even to the country’s own officials. This is evident in the remarks of US officials, particularly the US president, as well as in the actions of US Central Command,” Akraminia said.


He warned that continued US strikes would expand the war, saying the conflict had already spread to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. That is where the Iranian proxy in Yemen are full operation against Saudi Arabia.

A US Senator Bernie Sanders called on the Trump administration to negotiate with Iran to end the war, saying talks were needed to “stop the killing” and limit economic damage.

“That’s what we’ve got to do: Sit down and negotiate, and let’s end this war,” the independent senator from Vermont said on CBS’s Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.


According to Al Arabiya source, Tehran has confirmed to Pakistan its readiness to continue negotiations with the US in Geneva, Doha or Islamabad, a source tells

Iran in a message to Pakistan said the negotiations must continue in accordance with the memorandum of understanding, according to the source

Iranians are seeking the resumption of talks first on the Strait of Hormuz, then on its frozen assets, and finally on its nuclear program, the source added.


The Persians also informed Pakistan that iran rejects the creation of a new corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, the source added
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US imposes new tariffs of up to 12.5% on 60 trading partners over force labour

US imposes new tariffs of up to 12.5% on 60 trading partners over force labour

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By directives of President Donald Trump, the United States is imposing new Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies over what it calls failures to ban and enforce restrictions on imports of goods produced with forced labor, the US Trade Representative said.


The new duties will generally range from 10% to 12.5%, depending on whether the targeted economy has adopted or committed to adopt forced-labor import restrictions.


The measure applies to major US trading partners and is being introduced at President Donald Trump’s direction.


The additional duties are set to take effect on goods entering the US from July 24, 2026, with limited exemptions and a short transit exception for products alredy shipped.


By directives of President Donald Trump, the United States is imposing new Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies over what it calls failures to ban and enforce restrictions on imports of goods produced with forced labor, the US Trade Representative said.


The new duties will generally range from 10% to 12.5%, depending on whether the targeted economy has adopted or committed to adopt forced-labor import restrictions.


The measure applies to major US trading partners and is being introduced at President Donald Trump’s direction.


The additional duties are set to take effect on goods entering the US from July 24, 2026, with limited exemptions and a short transit exception for products alredy shipped.

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