Nigeria News (Standard)
INEC Seeks Court Stay on Deregistration of Five Parties in Abuja, Boosts Atiku, Adeleke Hopes
Electoral body challenges Abuja court order as PDP leaders await final decision affecting opposition alliance strength
Electoral body challenges Abuja court order as PDP leaders await final decision affecting opposition alliance strength
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has applied for a stay of execution on a recent Federal High Court order in Abuja that directed the deregistration of five political parties. The move, announced on Tuesday, comes as top opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke watch developments closely, given the potential impact on their political strategies.
According to filings, INEC is contesting the court’s ruling which mandates it to remove the affected parties from its register. The commission’s legal team submitted its request for a suspension of the deregistration order pending determination of an appeal it has lodged against the judgment. No further details were provided on the identities of the five parties involved or their current electoral standing.
The dispute follows ongoing controversies over the legal requirements for political party existence and participation in elections. In recent years, INEC has repeatedly clashed with smaller parties and their supporters over guidelines that stipulate minimum electoral performance thresholds. Observers say these cases have implications for future coalition-building among opposition blocs, especially as aggrieved PDP stalwarts like Atiku and Adeleke seek to consolidate support ahead of coming national polls.
INEC officials argue that deregistration is necessary to maintain an efficient ballot and prevent what they describe as ‘ballot paper congestion.’ However, affected party representatives insist that the commission’s actions undermine multiparty democracy and disenfranchise Nigerians who support alternative platforms. The Federal High Court’s latest order adds another layer of uncertainty to Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of key elections.
A ruling in favour of INEC could see immediate removal of the five parties from all official lists, while a stay would allow them to continue operating until final judgment is reached. Political analysts note that the outcome may shape how major opposition candidates like Atiku and Adeleke approach alliances with smaller groups in future contests.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Trump Criticises Israel’s Lebanon Campaign, Calls for Restraint in Ongoing Conflict
Former US President urges Israeli government to reconsider military approach as regional tensions escalate
Former US President urges Israeli government to reconsider military approach as regional tensions escalate
Former United States President Donald Trump has criticised Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon, urging the Israeli government to exercise restraint as the conflict continues to escalate. Trump made the remarks on Tuesday, highlighting concerns over the humanitarian and political fallout from Israel’s operations across its northern border.
The criticism comes amid renewed hostilities between Israel and armed groups based in Lebanon, with reports of cross-border strikes and rising casualties. Trump’s comments mark a departure from his previous stance of unwavering support for Israel during his time in office, signalling a shift as violence threatens to destabilise the wider Middle East region.
Observers say Trump’s intervention could influence international response to the conflict, especially given his continued influence within Republican Party circles ahead of upcoming US elections. The situation in Lebanon has drawn global attention, with several governments and humanitarian agencies warning that further escalation may lead to a wider crisis affecting millions in the region.
While Israeli authorities have defended their actions as necessary for national security, critics argue that sustained military operations risk undermining prospects for long-term stability. As at Tuesday, there has been no formal response from the Israeli government to Trump’s remarks. Regional analysts predict that pressure from both Western leaders and Arab states may intensify calls for de-escalation in the coming days.
The international community is closely monitoring developments, with diplomatic channels expected to be activated to prevent further deterioration. Stakeholders warn that without meaningful dialogue, the situation could have lasting implications for peace and security across the Middle East.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ijebu Ode Hosts Ojude Oba 2026, Orijin Powers Cultural Showcase and Creative Expression
Annual festival in Ogun State features Orijinal Village, live performances and bold displays of Yoruba heritage
Annual festival in Ogun State features Orijinal Village, live performances and bold displays of Yoruba heritage
Ojude Oba festival drew thousands of culture enthusiasts to Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Monday as the 2026 edition unfolded with colourful processions, traditional regalia and a heightened focus on creative expression, supported by beverage brand Orijin. The event, held at the palace grounds, highlighted the vibrancy of Yoruba heritage through dance, music and fashion.
This year’s celebration saw the introduction of the ‘Orijinal Village’, where visitors immersed themselves in displays of art and tradition. The area featured creator moments and live performances that brought a new dimension to the festival, allowing both locals and tourists to engage with indigenous customs in real time. Attendees participated in various activities designed to honour ancestral values while embracing modern interpretations of culture.
Ojude Oba has long served as a platform for Ijebu descendants to pay homage to their king, the Awujale of Ijebuland, and to celebrate communal identity. The 2026 edition stood out for its emphasis on individuality within collective tradition, with many participants using fashion and performance as vehicles for self-expression. Organisers said the collaboration with Orijin aimed at “transforming the event into a living celebration that bridges history and contemporary creativity.”
Speaking at the event, festival coordinators emphasised that Ojude Oba is not only about cultural preservation but also about evolution. “Every year we see new forms of expression,” a lead organiser stated. “This year’s Orijinal Village has given our people another avenue to showcase what it means to be Ijebu in today’s Nigeria.”
The success of this year’s festival has sparked calls among stakeholders for continued corporate partnerships to further expand Ojude Oba’s reach and impact. Many believe that such collaborations can help sustain local traditions while appealing to new audiences across Nigeria and beyond.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ondo Government Inaugurates 17-Man Committee to Boost School Security Amid Rising Attacks
Stakeholders urge installation of CCTV, perimeter fencing and emergency lines as state moves to safeguard students
Stakeholders urge installation of CCTV, perimeter fencing and emergency lines as state moves to safeguard students
Ondo State Government has inaugurated a 17-man steering committee to implement the Safe Schools Programme, a federal initiative aimed at protecting students and teachers from attacks and kidnappings across educational institutions in the state. The committee was unveiled on Monday at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology’s Conference Hall in Akure, the state capital.
The newly inaugurated committee brings together representatives from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and members of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA). According to government officials, this coordinated approach became necessary due to persistent threats targeting schools in Ondo State and other parts of the South-West.
Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, who will chair the committee, said during the inauguration that recent incidents have made it urgent to reinforce school security. “We cannot allow insecurity to threaten our children’s future. The committee must provide direction and coordinate efforts among all stakeholders,” Ajibefun stated at the event.
Other stakeholders present at the inauguration called for immediate steps such as installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in schools, constructing perimeter fencing around school premises and establishing dedicated emergency response lines. They maintained that these measures would help detect intruders early and improve response times during emergencies.
The Safe Schools Programme forms part of broader efforts by both federal and state governments to address increasing cases of abductions and violence in educational institutions nationwide. The Ondo State Government said it will support the committee with necessary resources to enable swift implementation of its recommendations. Further details on timelines for new security installations were not disclosed as at press time.
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