Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Truck Accident Blocks Oshodi-Apapa Road as Driver, Assistant Escape Scene
Police evacuate vehicles after container truck falls near Afariogun, Oshodi, causing heavy gridlock and diversions
Police evacuate vehicles after container truck falls near Afariogun, Oshodi, causing heavy gridlock and diversions
A 40-foot container truck lost control and fell near the Afariogun intersection along the Oshodi-Murtala Muhammed Airport Road in Lagos on Thursday morning, forcing motorists to take alternative routes and causing major traffic congestion. The incident occurred around 7:00 a.m. along the busy Oshodi-Apapa axis, with the truck’s driver and his assistant fleeing the scene immediately after the crash.
Eyewitnesses said the truck, bearing registration number Abuja RBC 560 XE, was travelling at high speed when the driver attempted to brake at an intersection close to the flyover. The truck toppled over, blocking much of the expressway and affecting traffic flow towards Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Two cars following behind collided as a result of the sudden accident, but their occupants escaped unhurt, reportedly because they were moving at low speed.
The incident led to significant delays for commuters, with traffic diverted through Toyota-Apakun Bridge as police officers and emergency responders worked to clear the obstruction. Many travellers heading for flights at the airport experienced extended journey times, while others were left stranded in the ensuing gridlock. Residents and business owners in Oshodi expressed concern over repeated road safety issues involving articulated vehicles along this corridor.
According to eyewitness accounts, emergency services arrived more than an hour after the accident took place. The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that all affected vehicles were eventually removed from the road to restore normal traffic flow. No casualties were reported as at press time.
Stakeholders have called for stricter enforcement of speed limits and enhanced monitoring of heavy-duty vehicles operating within Lagos metropolis. Authorities are yet to comment on measures to apprehend the absconded driver and assistant or prevent further incidents on this critical transport route.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti INEC Begins Collation of 2026 Governorship Election Results Across State LGAs
Electoral commission commences official announcement of results as parties and observers monitor voting outcomes in Ado-Ekiti
Electoral commission commences official announcement of results as parties and observers monitor voting outcomes in Ado-Ekiti
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the collation of results for the 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, with officials gathering figures from polling units across the state’s sixteen local government areas on Saturday. The exercise is taking place at the state collation centre in Ado-Ekiti under tight security.
According to INEC officials, results from most polling units began arriving at the various local government collation centres shortly after voting ended earlier in the day. Party agents, election observers, and journalists are present at the collation venues to monitor proceedings as electoral officers announce unit-by-unit vote tallies. As at press time, results from several local governments have been forwarded to the state headquarters for final collation.
The Ekiti governorship poll is seen as a critical test of electoral credibility in the South-West region ahead of national elections. The major political parties—All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and others—fielded candidates amid heightened anticipation among residents. The outcome will determine who succeeds the incumbent and shape political alignments ahead of 2027 general elections.
INEC officials said they are committed to transparency in the collation process, urging all stakeholders to maintain peace. Security agencies were deployed across key locations to forestall any disruption. The APC and PDP expressed optimism about their prospects, while some civil society groups called for calm as counting continued.
The commission is expected to announce official results for each LGA before declaring a winner at the state level. As at Saturday evening, collation was ongoing with final figures yet to be released. Stakeholders have been advised to await INEC’s declaration for credible outcomes.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti ADC Governorship Candidate Hails High Turnout, Alleges Malpractices in 2026 Polls
Opposition candidate raises concerns over irregularities as observers report robust voter participation across Ekiti State
Opposition candidate raises concerns over irregularities as observers report robust voter participation across Ekiti State
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate has described voter turnout in Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election as impressive, but expressed worries over alleged cases of electoral malpractice in several polling units. The election, which held across all local government areas of the South-West state on 20 June 2026, attracted large crowds according to party agents and independent observers present at multiple centres.
Reports from various wards indicated early arrival of officials and prompt commencement of voting, with many residents seen queuing as early as 7 a.m. However, the ADC candidate claimed that despite the enthusiasm shown by voters, the process was marred by incidents of ballot box snatching and voter intimidation. He said these irregularities occurred mainly in areas considered strongholds for opposition parties.
The conduct of the poll is seen as a critical test for Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections. Ekiti State, located in the South-West geopolitical zone, has often been cited for high political engagement and competitive races between major parties like APC and PDP. Analysts say credible elections in states like Ekiti are vital for public confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
While commending security agencies for their visible presence at strategic points, the ADC candidate insisted that isolated breaches must be investigated to uphold the integrity of the results. “We acknowledge INEC’s effort to improve logistics this time, but reports from our agents show that some actors attempted to disrupt voting where they felt threatened,” he stated during a briefing after polls closed.
INEC officials have yet to issue a comprehensive statement on alleged malpractices. Final collation of results is ongoing at the state headquarters in Ado-Ekiti. Stakeholders are calling on authorities to address complaints promptly and ensure that legitimate votes count towards determining the next Governor of Ekiti State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti 98-Year-Old Voter Says Awolowo Inspired Political Participation During Governorship Election
Elderly resident joins June 20 poll in Ekiti State, citing legacy of late Obafemi Awolowo as driving force
Elderly resident joins June 20 poll in Ekiti State, citing legacy of late Obafemi Awolowo as driving force
A 98-year-old voter from Ekiti State has revealed that the enduring influence of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo motivated his sustained involvement in Nigeria’s political process, as residents cast their ballots during the governorship election held across the state on Saturday, 20 June.
The nonagenarian, who participated in voting at his polling unit, said his decision to remain active in politics was rooted in the values and vision championed by Awolowo, a key figure in Nigeria’s post-independence era and former Premier of Western Region. The elderly voter joined hundreds of others at the polling centre, demonstrating commitment to civic duty despite his advanced age.
His statement highlights the ongoing relevance of historical leaders in shaping political consciousness among older generations in South-West Nigeria. Many voters in Ekiti cited Awolowo’s policies on education and social welfare as foundational for their continued engagement with electoral processes, particularly as the state faces debates on development and governance standards.
As voting progressed under close supervision by electoral officials and security agencies, observers noted high turnout among senior citizens. Some party agents commended elders like the 98-year-old for setting an example for youth. However, there were also concerns about accessibility challenges faced by aged voters at some polling units.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to announce official results within days. Political analysts say the enthusiasm of older voters underscores calls for greater inclusion and recognition of their role in Nigeria’s democracy.
