Former minister says President Tinubu’s campaign tune is ‘obsolete’, expresses confidence in ADC’s prospects for 2026 poll

Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has expressed strong optimism about the chances of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, while dismissing a recent campaign song supporting President Bola Tinubu as outdated. Aregbesola made these remarks in Ekiti on Thursday, June 18, during a meeting with party supporters and stakeholders ahead of the state’s critical poll.

Aregbesola told ADC members that the party is well-positioned to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other major parties in Ekiti State come 2026. He argued that the political landscape has shifted significantly since the last election, and urged party loyalists to remain united and focused on grassroots mobilisation. “The era when songs or slogans alone determined victory is gone. What we need now is real engagement with the people,” Aregbesola said.

His comments followed a widely circulated support song praising President Tinubu and his administration, which some APC stalwarts had used to rally voters. Aregbesola dismissed this approach as ‘obsolete,’ insisting that voters now demand substance over rhetoric. The former minister maintained that ADC’s message would resonate more with ordinary citizens seeking change from established political blocs.

Aregbesola further called on ADC members to intensify their efforts in reaching out to communities across all sixteen local government areas of Ekiti State. He emphasised unity among party ranks as key to breaking what he described as “the dominance of old parties” in the South-West zone.

With campaign activities expected to intensify in the coming months, political observers say Aregbesola’s open support for ADC could reshape alliances ahead of the 2026 governorship race. As at press time, APC officials had not responded publicly to his comments.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/888706-ekitidecides2026-aregbesola-optimistic-of-adcs-victory-dismisses-tinubus-support-song-as-obsolete.html

Afrobeats star renews contract with leading label after acclaimed project, targets more collaborations and global reach

Nigerian singer Rybeena has renewed his partnership with Dapper Music & Entertainment at a signing ceremony held in Lagos on Monday, 15 June 2026, setting the stage for the release of his highly anticipated ‘Mr Bee Deluxe’ album later this year. The move follows a successful two-year collaboration that has seen the artist rise rapidly within the country’s competitive music landscape.

The new agreement, formalised at Dapper Music’s headquarters, comes on the heels of Rybeena’s critically acclaimed ‘Mr Bee’ project, which was ranked as the ninth best album of 2025 by Pulse Nigeria. The original body of work drew widespread praise for blending contemporary Afrobeats with collaborations featuring Joeboy, Shoday, and Fuji legend Dr. Saheed Osupa.

Rybeena’s renewed commitment to Dapper Music underscores the label’s growing influence in Nigeria’s music sector. The company currently commands about 8 percent of national music streams and records over one billion annual plays across its catalogue. Industry observers say such partnerships are crucial as Nigerian artistes seek greater global exposure and creative freedom within established distribution networks.

Damilola “Dapper” Akinwunmi, Group CEO of Dapper Group, expressed optimism about Rybeena’s prospects in a statement after the signing. “Rybeena has done in two years what takes most artistes far longer, and this new deal is us putting real weight behind where he is headed. We are not in the business of managing names; we are in the business of building careers. With everything lined up to drop this year, the proof is about to speak for itself,” Akinwunmi said.

Rybeena also reflected on his journey so far with Dapper Music. “People talk about what a label is when things get loud. For me, it’s simple: Dapper backed me, built with me, and I’m staying to finish what we started. This year is proof. The ‘Mr Bee’ deluxe is just the opening,” he stated at the event.

With new releases planned under the renewed partnership and ‘Mr Bee Deluxe’ already generating buzz among fans, stakeholders expect Rybeena to further expand his audience both locally and internationally throughout 2026.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/rybeena-set-for-stellar-year-with-mr-bee-deluxe-reaffirms-long-term-commitment-to-dapper-music-and-entertainment-2026061815005920455

Federal High Court rules against application to restrain police arrest, case linked to charges involving ABC Transport founder’s family

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday dismissed an application by the daughter of ABC Transport founder, Frank Nneji, seeking to stop her arrest over cyberstalking allegations. The ruling, delivered on 18 June, rejected the request for an order restraining the Nigeria Police from detaining her in relation to ongoing investigations.

The applicant had approached the court, requesting interim protection against what she described as imminent arrest and detention by law enforcement authorities. The case is reportedly tied to allegations of cyberstalking, though specific details of the complaint were not disclosed in open court. The presiding judge ruled that the application lacked merit and refused to grant the sought injunction.

This development comes as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to tackle cyber-related offences across Nigeria. Legal observers note that cyberstalking and related offences are increasingly featuring in Nigerian courts due to the rise of digital communication disputes among private citizens and public figures. For many Nigerians, the case highlights growing concerns about online conduct and its legal consequences.

While ruling on the matter, the court stated that it would not interfere with police investigative powers unless clear evidence of rights violation was established. The police have not issued a formal statement regarding next steps in their investigation. Efforts to reach representatives of Frank Nneji’s family were unsuccessful as at press time.

The next phase is expected to see police continue their inquiries into the allegations. Legal experts suggest that unless a higher court intervenes, law enforcement is free to proceed with any lawful action in line with due process.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/888699-cyberstalking-allegations-abc-transport-founder-frank-nnejis-daughter-loses-bid-to-stop-arrest.html