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In a major political twist that has sent ripples across the national political landscape, the leadership caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has officially adopted and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a closed-door leadership caucus meeting held yesterday at the Government House, Osogbo. The meeting, which drew the attendance of top PDP leaders, office holders, and political heavyweights across the state, reviewed the political atmosphere in Osun and recent developments regarding Governor Ademola Adeleke’s alleged defection rumours.

According to the communiqué, the decision was reached after widespread consultations with traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, civil servants, market leaders, and other grassroots stakeholders across the 30 local government areas of the state.

The caucus declared that while Governor Adeleke continues to enjoy unwavering popularity and loyalty within the PDP, the decision to endorse President Tinubu was informed by Osun’s cultural and ancestral ties to the President, who hails originally from the state.

“The PDP in Osun State recognizes the fact that Osun State is the ancestral home of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which makes the President the son of Osun State. Therefore, the PDP in Osun State hereby adopts and endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election,” the communiqué read.

The caucus further reaffirmed its commitment to the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke in 2026, stating that the governor remains the most popular and acceptable political figure in the state.

Despite the swirling rumours of defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the communiqué clarified that the idea did not originate from the governor and that both PDP and APC members in the state have expressed mixed reactions. The document described hostility from certain APC factions towards Governor Adeleke and noted that most PDP members in Osun were only willing to follow Adeleke out of loyalty and affection, not out of ideological alignment.

The communiqué concluded by calling on Governor Adeleke and all PDP members in Osun to remain within the party and continue to work for its success.

Among the 28 signatories to the resolution were Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, Senate and House leaders, as well as party elders and national figures including Senator Oluwole Alabi, Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuf, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, Dr. Muyiwa Oladimeji, and Prof. Wale Oladipo.

The endorsement of President Tinubu by a PDP state structure is expected to generate strong reactions from both the ruling APC and the national PDP leadership in the coming days.

The Ondo State Police Command has unravelled a chilling plot involving the kidnap, rape, and murder of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), masterminded by none other than their landlord. The shocking revelation was made public during a press briefing by the Commissioner of Police, who outlined several recent breakthroughs recorded by the Command in its ongoing operations to combat crime across the State.

According to the police, the case involving the murdered students—25-year-old Abah John Friday and 19-year-old Okah Andrel Eloho—began as a missing persons report submitted by their family’s legal representatives, G.O. Omoedu & Co., on June 24, 2025. The victims, who had been missing since June 20, were last seen leaving their residence in Akungba. Prompted by the complaint, detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit deployed forensic tracking tools which led them to Lagos, where an iPhone 14 Pro Max belonging to one of the victims was traced to Computer Village, Ikeja.

There, officers arrested one Abdul Mohammed Mubarak, 38, who confessed to buying the device from a man named Ojo Michael. Michael was apprehended in Aramoko-Ekiti, where he was found in possession of the victims’ Lexus RX 350. Under interrogation, Michael revealed the full horror of the crime: he and his accomplices had abducted the victims on the instruction of Oladele Femi, the landlord of Abah John. During their captivity, the sum of ₦800,000 was transferred from the victims’ account. Michael also admitted to raping the female victim, who, upon recognizing him, was executed along with her friend in a bid to conceal the identities of the perpetrators.

The corpses were disposed of at separate locations between Agbado and Ode-Ekiti. Acting on Michael’s confession, police arrested the landlord, Oladele Femi, who confirmed he had orchestrated the plot. He also aided in recovering the body of the female victim from a bush near Ode-Ekiti. Efforts are ongoing to locate the male victim’s remains, believed to have been dumped in a river. The case, described as one of the most disturbing in recent history, underscores the terrifying consequences of betrayal and greed.

In the same press briefing, the Commissioner highlighted other recent operations carried out by the Command, affirming its commitment to protecting lives and property across Ondo State. Among the notable successes was the arrest of two suspects involved in a car theft syndicate. On July 6, 2025, detectives in Ore intercepted a stolen white LT bus carrying yoghurt products and arrested Jimoh Abdulmumuni and Jeremiah Lebe Igwe. Abdulmumuni, who was the driver of the vehicle, confessed to stealing it from his employer in Lagos.

Another suspect, Agent Oluwatobi, was arrested for robbing one Michael Eghaji of his mobile phone at a hotel in Ore. The victim’s prompt report and cooperation led to a quick investigation and arrest of the suspect, while his accomplices remain at large. Similarly, in Supare Akoko, one Abu Kehinde was rescued from kidnappers after escaping from captivity. The operation was coordinated by the Divisional Police Officer and local hunters following a report from the victim’s family.

Read More: Ondo’s Youngest Commissioner Assumes Office

In a separate development, police rescued a 17-year-old 100-level student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Orowole Laughter, who had gone missing on June 25. Investigations revealed that she was lured by one Iretomiwa Festus, a fellow student, under false pretences for a ritual purpose. Acting swiftly, police arrested Ayomide Emmanuel Luli at a bank in Akure where the victim, under duress, was attempting to withdraw money sent as bait. Luli’s arrest led to the apprehension of Festus, who confessed to taking the girl to an Ogboni cultist in Ilesha. The cultist, Chief Awe Akinyemi, admitted the girl was marked for initiation and that the ritual was performed by another suspect still at large. Ritual marks were found on her hand, and a white cloth used during the rite was recovered. The victim is currently undergoing medical and psychological care.

In Owo, operatives apprehended a suspected member of the Eiye Confraternity, Owolabi Tobiloba, who had assaulted a student during exams at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic. He confessed to his membership and claimed to have been initiated in 2020. Investigations are ongoing to arrest his fellow cultists.

Also, a major vehicle theft ring was dismantled by the Command’s SWAT team, resulting in the arrest of ten suspects across Ondo, Lagos, Edo, and Ekiti states. Several vehicles were recovered, including a Toyota Corolla. One of the suspects, Paul Niwa, was identified as a link between the syndicate and potential buyers. He admitted to receiving proceeds from stolen cars, while efforts continue to recover more stolen vehicles.

The Commissioner also confirmed that a 12-year-old defilement case involving a community chief has been thoroughly investigated and formally charged to court by the Gender Department.

In another major development, police foiled a cultist-led plot to violently disrupt the Students’ Union Government elections at the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji. Acting on intelligence, officers arrested Muhammed Taofeeq, a 28-year-old fugitive and member of the proscribed Alora Confraternity. He had been linked to multiple violent crimes, including the recent attack at Template Club and Bar in Ondo. Investigations confirmed that he was planning a large-scale assault before and during the election to instil fear and influence outcomes. His arrest has helped dismantle what was shaping up to be a dangerous assault on student democracy.

The Commissioner of Police commended the dedication and professionalism of officers across the Command and praised the continued cooperation of the public. He stated that the successes recorded in the past few weeks were the result of strategic deployment of forensic tools, real-time surveillance, digital tracking, and inter-agency coordination. He emphasized that while some suspects remain at large, relentless efforts are ongoing to ensure justice is served.

He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by reporting suspicious activity to the nearest police station. “These achievements are proof that with community support and strategic policing, Ondo State can and will remain safe,” the Commissioner said, vowing that the Command will not relent in its duty to protect lives and uphold the rule of law.

The Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Ondo State Chapter, has heaped praises on the Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for fulfilling his promises to the people of the state, especially in the area of inclusive governance and youth engagement.

In a statement signed by Ambassador Eric Ajayi, Clerk and Director of Media and Publicity of the Assembly, the Speaker of the 4th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Isaiah Oyawale, described the governor’s recent appointments as a clear testament to his commitment to excellence, competence and youth representation in government. According to him, the appointment of technocrats, tested hands and grassroots youth comrades into the new cabinet speaks volumes of the governor’s sincerity and vision for a greater Ondo State.

Oyawale noted that since assuming office, Governor Aiyedatiwa has consistently taken bold steps in the interest of the Sunshine State and has lived up to expectations by opening up the governance space to capable young people who have been part of the struggle and are deeply connected to the realities of the masses. He emphasized that these new commissioners, many of whom are seasoned achievers in the public and private sectors, have all it takes to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

The Speaker further congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by hitting the ground running in their respective ministries. He also expressed optimism that their appointment will translate into effective service delivery and youth-driven transformation in various sectors of the state’s economy.

He concluded with a call for unity and collective responsibility, adding that Ondo State must rise to its full glory through collaboration, dedication and visionary leadership.

The Youth Assembly reaffirmed its unflinching support for the administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa, praying for continued peace, progress and prosperity for Ondo State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Amid growing speculations about the possible defection of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Forum of Special Advisers to the Governor has declared its unflinching loyalty and support for his leadership, regardless of his political affiliation.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Forum’s Chairman and Special Adviser on Public Health, Dr. Adekunle Akindele, the advisers unanimously pledged to stand with the Governor and continue to support his administration’s developmental agenda for the state.

“As the news of Governor Adeleke defecting from PDP continues to spread, we, the Forum of Special Advisers to the Governor, wish to state categorically that we stand by the Governor,” Dr. Akindele stated.

He disclosed that the forum held a recent meeting where members reached a consensus to remain committed to Governor Adeleke and his governance vision, even if he decides to switch parties.

“Our loyalty and support remain with Governor Adeleke, regardless of whichever party he decides to join. Our commitment is to serve the people of Osun State in the various capacities we’ve been appointed to, and this we will continue to do with full dedication,” the statement read.

The Forum further reaffirmed its dedication to the “Imole Project,” the Governor’s signature development blueprint, pledging sustained support through 2030.

Political observers see the statement as a strong signal of consolidation within the Governor’s inner circle, at a time when uncertainty clouds Osun’s political landscape.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has dismissed speculations of any ongoing merger or coalition talks with other political parties, asserting that the party remains strong, united, and focused on its mission to rescue and rebuild Nigeria through credible elections.

In a joint statement issued and signed by prominent leaders of the party across different organs — including members of the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee, party leadership in the State Assembly, and the 2024 gubernatorial candidate — the PDP leadership reassured loyal members, supporters, and the people of Ondo State that the party has not entered into any coalition or alignment with any political group at either the national or state level.

According to the statement, recent media narratives and political movements by certain individuals have caused unnecessary anxiety and raised questions in the minds of some party faithful. However, the leadership described the PDP in Ondo State as “strong, focused, and unshaken,” with its eyes firmly set on the ultimate goal of returning to power and delivering good governance.

“The strength of our Party does not lie in mere headlines or temporary alignments; it lies in the loyalty of our members, the consistency of our vision, and the power of our grassroots connections,” the statement read.

The party leadership called on those who may have been misled into believing that the PDP was part of any coalition to rethink their stance and retrace their political steps, affirming that the PDP remains the most credible and structured political platform in Ondo State.

While acknowledging that the political season often brings distractions and waves of uncertainty — especially for those unsure of their convictions — the statement urged party members not to waver but to recommit to the cause. “This is the time to organize, mobilise, and energise our bases as we prepare for the crucial tasks ahead,” it added.

The party acknowledged the ongoing national discussions about coalitions and third-force movements but insisted that such developments were not unusual in Nigeria’s political history. However, it advised members to remain vigilant, discerning, and loyal to the PDP’s people-centred ideals, noting that many of the new political movements lacked clear ideological direction and could not match the PDP’s tested structures and legacy.

“The PDP shall in due course make its future plans known to the public through its statutory organs,” the statement assured.

Emphasising the deep-rooted presence of the PDP across the State, the leaders reminded stakeholders that the party’s structures remain intact and active in all 203 wards and 18 local government areas. They further confirmed that party programmes, engagements, and mobilisation efforts are ongoing and uninterrupted, with preparations for the forthcoming elections already fully underway.

“We are not retreating. We are not relenting. We are rebuilding,” they declared.

To loyal members who may feel disillusioned by defections or emerging alliances, the statement offered encouragement, warning against being enticed by surface-level political glamour. “Not all that glitters is gold,” the party noted, adding that history has shown that loyalty to a just cause ultimately brings the greatest reward.

The statement specifically called on youths, women, elders, and stakeholders across Ondo State to remain resolute, urging them not to allow uncertainty to undermine their political convictions. The PDP, they said, remains the surest platform to deliver the Nigeria and Ondo State of everyone’s dreams.

“As a Party, we must remind ourselves that the PDP is not just a political party—it is a movement of hope, of democracy, and of purposeful governance,” the statement read.

The party concluded by calling on members to remain actively involved in party activities and prepare themselves for the tasks ahead, stressing that “victory belongs to those who persevere.”

“Together, we shall prevail,” they affirmed.

The statement was jointly signed by:

* Sen. Dr. Bode Olajumoke, Life Member, Board of Trustees

* Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Board of Trustees Member

* H.E. Agboola Alfred Ajayi, 2024 PDP Governorship Candidate

* Hon. Barr. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary and NEC Member

* Engr. Clement Faboyede, National Executive Committee Member

* Hon. Olajide Oguntodu, Minority Leader, Ondo State House of Assembly

* Pastor Ladi Omotehinse, Chairman, Ondo State Forum of PDP LG Chairmen

* Rt. Hon. Chief Bakkita Bello, PhD, Chairman, Caretaker Committee

* Barr. Oluseye Olujimi, Secretary, Caretaker Committee

…vows mass action over anti-labour moves, warns FG on rising poverty, insecurity

The Nigeria Labour Congress has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over what it describes as deepening hardship, escalating insecurity, and blatant constitutional violations that continue to endanger the welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens.

In a communiqué released at the end of its Central Working Committee meeting held on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, the Congress said the country is fast descending into a socio-economic abyss, with workers and their families bearing the brunt of a broken system.

Signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, the communiqué described the current economic situation as catastrophic, citing multidimensional poverty, soaring inflation, unaffordable food prices, crippling transport costs, and diminishing real wages as clear indicators that Nigerians have been deeply abandoned. The NLC accused the political class of being more focused on early political permutations ahead of the 2027 elections than addressing the urgent needs of suffering citizens.

The Labour body expressed strong reservations about the ongoing constitutional review process, warning that attempts to remove labour issues from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List would be met with fierce resistance. It described such moves as an assault on Nigerian workers and called on all workers across the country to mobilise and begin picketing the offices of any National Assembly member found to be supporting the agenda. The Congress insisted that the review exercise must not be reduced to a political ritual but should instead tackle structural imbalances, enforce genuine fiscal federalism, and reform Nigeria’s flawed leadership recruitment process. It also called for the strengthening of the country’s electoral institutions to ensure that future elections reflect the true will of the people and not the result of vote-buying, rigging, or elite manipulation.

On national security, the CWC expressed outrage over the deteriorating state of safety across the country. The union cited shocking figures indicating that nearly 700,000 lives have been lost within a year due to insecurity, a toll more befitting a country at war. The NLC said the situation has made it impossible for farmers to access their lands and warned that food scarcity and famine now loom large. It called on the Federal Government and security agencies to abandon what it described as talk shops and empty promises and act decisively to restore order and public confidence.

The union also took a swipe at the Federal Government over the controversial withholding and diversion of local government allocations in Osun State. According to the communiqué, the funds meant for democratically elected councils were blocked through the alleged collusion of the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Minister of Finance, and the Central Bank of Nigeria. The NLC described the act as unconstitutional, a direct violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, and a breach of a valid Court of Appeal ruling that affirms the legitimacy of the current local government administrations in Osun. It demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the withheld funds and warned that failure to comply within a reasonable timeframe would trigger decisive action from the union.

The Congress did not spare some employers either, accusing them of violating workers’ rights by coercing employees into joining specific trade unions in breach of the Trade Union Act 2005 and relevant ILO conventions. It described the practice as an egregious abuse of authority and called on all affected affiliate unions to resist such unlawful actions. The NLC directed them to mobilise and picket any employer engaging in such practices and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers.

On the matter of transportation, the NLC acknowledged the recent donation of Compressed Natural Gas buses by the Federal Government but stressed that the gesture would mean little without a rapid and widespread rollout of CNG infrastructure across the country. It urged the government to act swiftly to reduce the cost of transportation and ease inflationary pressures on struggling households.

In conclusion, the NLC vowed to intensify engagements with all tiers of government to demand immediate policy interventions to alleviate the economic pain of Nigerian citizens. The Congress reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending democracy, promoting economic justice, and safeguarding the rights of all Nigerian workers.