Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti Government, ADC Clash Over Access to State-Owned Property Ahead of 2026 Polls
Dispute erupts as African Democratic Congress accuses Ekiti authorities of denying party access to public facilities
Dispute erupts as African Democratic Congress accuses Ekiti authorities of denying party access to public facilities
A fresh political row has erupted in Ekiti State as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the state government of preventing its members from accessing state-owned properties ahead of the 2026 governorship election. The incident, which unfolded in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, has drawn sharp reactions from both the opposition party and government officials.
According to ADC representatives, party members were barred from using a government facility for a scheduled meeting, with officials allegedly citing new restrictions on political activities within state premises. The ADC described the move as an attempt to stifle opposition voices and tilt the political playing field in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The development comes as political activities intensify in Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria, with stakeholders preparing for what is expected to be a closely watched governorship poll in 2026. Access to public spaces for rallies and meetings has long been a contentious issue in Nigerian politics, often leading to accusations of bias by sitting governments against opposition parties.
Responding to the allegations, a spokesperson for the Ekiti State Government maintained that all political parties are subject to existing regulations governing the use of state-owned property. “There is no deliberate policy to deny any lawful group access. Every application is treated based on merit and security considerations,” the official stated.
ADC leaders have called on election observers and relevant agencies to monitor developments closely, warning that restrictions on opposition activities could undermine confidence in the upcoming polls. The Ekiti State chapter of the APC dismissed the claims as baseless and urged all parties to abide by established guidelines. With electioneering set to gather pace over coming months, political observers say how authorities handle access disputes could shape perceptions of fairness in Ekiti’s electoral process.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Court Sets Date to Hear Case Challenging Donald Duke’s Presidential Candidacy
Legal challenge targets former Cross River Governor’s eligibility; outcome may shape party nominations ahead of 2026 polls
Legal challenge targets former Cross River Governor’s eligibility; outcome may shape party nominations ahead of 2026 polls
A Nigerian court has scheduled a hearing for a lawsuit questioning the eligibility of former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, to contest for the presidency. The matter is set to be heard in Abuja on Sunday, 21 June 2026, following a formal challenge by aggrieved parties who argue that Duke does not meet certain legal requirements for presidential candidates.
The suit was filed by individuals seeking judicial interpretation of Duke’s qualifications, particularly in relation to constitutional provisions governing who can vie for Nigeria’s highest office. Court officials confirmed that all parties have been notified and are expected to present their arguments on the scheduled date.
This development comes at a crucial time as political activities intensify ahead of the 2026 general elections. With various political stakeholders and aspirants jostling for party tickets, the case has attracted significant attention among major parties, especially given Donald Duke’s profile as a former state governor and influential figure in the South-South geopolitical zone.
There has not yet been any official statement from Duke or his legal team regarding the lawsuit. Similarly, party representatives have declined to comment on the potential impact until after the court’s decision. Legal analysts say the outcome could set a precedent affecting future candidacies if the court clarifies or reinterprets key constitutional clauses.
The court is expected to rule on preliminary objections before proceeding to substantive arguments. Observers note that any decision may influence how political parties screen and clear aspirants for national offices as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Japan Defeats Tunisia 4–0 in 1000th FIFA World Cup Match, Sends North Africans Packing
Tunisia’s loss confirms their exit from the tournament as Japan celebrates milestone victory in group stage clash
Tunisia’s loss confirms their exit from the tournament as Japan celebrates milestone victory in group stage clash
Japan delivered a commanding performance on Sunday to defeat Tunisia 4–0 in a historic match marking the 1000th game in FIFA World Cup history. The encounter, which took place at an international venue, resulted in Tunisia crashing out of the competition at the group stage.
The Japanese team dominated proceedings from the first whistle, scoring four goals that left their North African opponents with no hope of advancing. The result means Japan secured a comfortable passage to the next round, while Tunisia were eliminated from the tournament after failing to secure enough points in their group fixtures.
This victory holds additional significance as it coincided with the milestone of the World Cup’s 1000th match, underlining Japan’s growing reputation on the global football stage. For Nigerian fans watching developments across Group G, Japan’s progress and Tunisia’s exit may influence potential knockout round matchups involving African sides.
No official statement was immediately available from Tunisian Football Federation representatives following the defeat. However, football analysts noted that Tunisia’s early exit reflects the increasing competitiveness of World Cup group stages. Tournament organisers celebrated the occasion by highlighting both teams’ contribution to football history.
With this win, Japan will look ahead to tougher challenges in the next phase of the competition. Meanwhile, Tunisian supporters expressed disappointment as hopes of progressing further were dashed by this emphatic loss.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kidnapped Family Regains Freedom in Oyo After Sunday Igboho Issues Two-Hour Ultimatum
Residents celebrate as victims, including pregnant woman and children, are released; police yet to confirm link to ultimatum
Residents celebrate as victims, including pregnant woman and children, are released; police yet to confirm link to ultimatum
A kidnapped family, comprising a pregnant woman, her children and a relative, was released late Wednesday in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, just hours after Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo (popularly known as Sunday Igboho) issued a two-hour ultimatum for their release. The victims returned home to jubilation from residents who had gathered anxiously following news of the abduction.
According to reports and videos circulating online, the family had been abducted earlier in the week, sparking outrage and fear among locals in Igboho. The situation escalated when Igboho—who hails from the area—released a video on social media accusing some residents of complicity and warning that he would not tolerate further insecurity. He stated that he was exercising restraint only because traditional rulers had appealed for calm. Igboho then gave an ultimatum of two hours for the kidnappers to release their captives or face unspecified consequences.
This incident comes amid heightened concern over repeated cases of kidnapping and killings in Oyo State and across the South-West geopolitical zone. Community leaders have repeatedly called on security agencies to address insecurity in rural areas. Sunday Igboho rose to national prominence in 2021 after leading campaigns against banditry and violent attacks targeting farming communities in Oyo and neighbouring states.
While videos shared online show residents singing and dancing as the victims arrived home, police authorities are yet to officially confirm whether their release was directly linked to Igboho’s ultimatum. The Oyo State Police Command has not issued a statement on arrests or ongoing investigations as at press time.
The development has triggered widespread reaction on social media, with many praising the swift return of the abductees while others urged government to intensify efforts at tackling insecurity. Some commentators have called for thorough investigation into the circumstances of the kidnapping and demanded that those responsible be brought to justice.
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