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Nigeria News (Standard)

Ekiti Accord Party Denies Governorship Candidate Withdrew for PDP Ahead of 2026 Poll

Party officials in Ekiti State dismiss reports of alliance, insist their candidate remains in the governorship race

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2 days ago

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Party officials in Ekiti State dismiss reports of alliance, insist their candidate remains in the governorship race

The Accord Party in Ekiti State has refuted claims circulating on Thursday that its governorship candidate has stepped down in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2026 governorship election. The party, speaking from Ado-Ekiti, maintained that it is fully committed to contesting the election and has not entered any agreement to withdraw or endorse another party’s candidate.

Reports earlier in the day had suggested that Accord’s flagbearer was set to align with the PDP as part of a broader opposition coalition strategy. However, party leaders described such reports as unfounded and misleading, assuring supporters that their campaign remains active. “Accord is still very much in this race and our candidate has not stepped down for anybody,” a senior party official said.

The speculation comes amid heightened political activity in Ekiti State as parties position themselves for what is expected to be a tightly contested poll in the South-West state. The PDP and All Progressives Congress (APC) have been seeking alliances with smaller parties as they strategise for victory. Analysts say such rumours can unsettle smaller parties’ supporters and affect voter confidence if not addressed promptly.

Reacting to the development, Accord Party executives urged members and stakeholders to disregard any contrary information unless communicated through official party channels. “Our members should remain focused on our campaign activities,” another official added, reiterating that only decisions ratified by national or state executives would be binding.

With nominations ongoing and political alliances still forming, all eyes remain on how the final candidate lists will shape up before the election. Accord Party says it will continue grassroots mobilisation across Ekiti’s sixteen local government areas as it prepares for formal campaign activities later this year.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/888769-ekitidecides2026-accord-denies-governorship-candidate-stepped-down-for-pdp.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Secures Re-Election in 2026 Polls Amid Low Voter Turnout

Oyebanji’s victory cements APC’s hold on Ekiti; opposition parties question conduct, call for review of electoral process

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29 minutes ago

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June 21, 2026

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Oyebanji’s victory cements APC’s hold on Ekiti; opposition parties question conduct, call for review of electoral process

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has emerged victorious in the 2026 governorship election held across the state on Saturday, securing a second term in office under the All Progressives Congress (APC). The election, which took place in all 16 local government areas of the South-West state, was characterised by low voter turnout and heightened security presence.

Collation of results from polling units and wards was concluded late Saturday night, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announcing Oyebanji as winner after he garnered the highest number of valid votes. The APC candidate’s margin over his closest rivals was described by observers as significant, consolidating his party’s grip on the state’s political landscape.

This victory is seen as a major boost for the APC ahead of the next general elections, given Ekiti’s strategic position in the South-West zone. Political analysts note that Oyebanji’s performance in his first term—especially in infrastructure development and public sector reforms—played a key role in swaying voters. However, several opposition parties have raised concerns about aspects of the electoral process, citing alleged irregularities and urging INEC to address complaints submitted by their agents.

In his post-election remarks, Governor Oyebanji thanked Ekiti people for renewed confidence in his leadership. “I am grateful for this mandate and will continue to prioritise development and good governance,” he stated after receiving his certificate of return from INEC officials. The PDP and Labour Party, meanwhile, issued statements contesting some results and calling for a review. “We are compiling evidence of alleged irregularities observed by our members across several LGAs,” a PDP spokesperson said.

The outcome is expected to shape political alignments in Ekiti ahead of national elections. INEC has pledged to review petitions submitted within the legal window while security agencies advised citizens to remain calm as the process moves forward.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/889512-ekitidecides2026-how-oyebanji-won-his-re-election.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

House Minority Caucus Appoints Afam Ogene as Spokesperson in Abuja Shakeup

Appointment comes as opposition seeks stronger voice ahead of critical legislative debates in National Assembly

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39 minutes ago

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June 21, 2026

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Appointment comes as opposition seeks stronger voice ahead of critical legislative debates in National Assembly

The Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives has appointed Afam Ogene, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State, as its new spokesperson. The announcement was made on Sunday in Abuja, marking a significant move by opposition lawmakers to strengthen their communication strategy ahead of key legislative sessions.

The decision to appoint Ogene was reached during a meeting of Minority Caucus members, who resolved that improved coordination and public engagement were needed as the National Assembly enters a period expected to be marked by high-stakes debates on national issues. The selection signals the caucus’s intent to project a more unified front in interactions with both the media and the Nigerian public.

Ogene’s appointment comes at a time when opposition parties are under increased pressure to hold government accountable and articulate alternative policy proposals. As spokesperson, he is expected to serve as the primary liaison for all official communications from the caucus, including responses to legislative developments and government pronouncements.

While no official statement has been released by Ogene following his appointment, sources within the Minority Caucus indicated that he will begin his duties immediately, starting with briefings on upcoming legislative priorities. The caucus leadership said it expects Ogene’s experience and familiarity with parliamentary procedures to help sharpen opposition messaging in the House.

The Minority Caucus has also hinted at further appointments and strategic planning sessions aimed at consolidating its position ahead of anticipated debates on budget allocations, electoral reforms, and other pressing national matters.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889515-minority-caucus-appoints-afam-ogene-as-spokesperson.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Reps Minority Caucus Accuses House Spokesperson of Misrepresenting Executive Defence in Abuja

Opposition lawmakers challenge official narrative, demand clarification on House of Representatives’ position over executive matters

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1 hour ago

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June 21, 2026

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Opposition lawmakers challenge official narrative, demand clarification on House of Representatives’ position over executive matters

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has accused the official spokesperson of the lower chamber of misrepresenting the House’s position on executive defence matters. The development unfolded in Abuja on Sunday, 21 June 2026, as opposition lawmakers publicly questioned recent statements attributed to the House’s spokesperson regarding the legislature’s stance on issues involving the executive arm of government.

According to details made available, members of the Minority Caucus raised concerns that comments by the spokesperson did not accurately reflect deliberations or decisions taken by the broader House. They insisted that such statements risked misleading Nigerians and misrepresenting the position of elected representatives, particularly regarding oversight functions and defence of executive actions.

This dispute comes at a time when relations between Nigeria’s National Assembly and the presidency have drawn increased public scrutiny. Many observers see robust legislative oversight as critical for deepening democratic accountability, especially amid ongoing debates over checks and balances between arms of government.

The Minority Caucus called for greater transparency and adherence to established procedures when communicating official positions. “We urge all principal officers to ensure their public statements are in line with resolutions reached during plenary and reflect consensus among lawmakers,” a member stated during a briefing in Abuja.

As at press time, no formal response had been issued by the House spokesperson or other principal officers. The Minority Caucus urged Speaker Tajudeen Abbas (APC, Kaduna) to intervene and clarify the official position of the House on executive-related matters moving forward. This incident is likely to intensify discussions about internal communication protocols within Nigeria’s federal legislature.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889513-minority-caucus-accuses-reps-spokesperson-of-misrepresenting-house-in-executive-defence.html

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