NUGLOW MOURNS COMRADE EMMANUEL UGBOAJA: THE IRREPRESSIBLE WORKING CLASS SOLDIER

NUGLOW MOURNS NLC GENERAL SECRETARY EMMANUEL UGBOAJA, BALOGUN RECOUNTS YEARS OF COMRADESHIP

The National Union of Gaming and Lottery Workers (NUGLOW) has mourned the death of the General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, describing him as an “irrepressible working-class soldier” whose contribution to Nigeria's labour and democratic struggles would not be forgotten.

In a tribute signed by the Deputy General Secretary of NUGLOW, Comrade Wale Balogun, the union described Ugboaja's death as a major loss not only to organised labour but also to Nigeria's broader democratic, civil society and progressive movements.

Balogun said his relationship with Ugboaja dated back many years, long before the latter became General Secretary of the NLC.

He recalled that their paths first crossed when he was the General Secretary of the Coalition of Oodua Self-Determination Groups, the then left component of the Oodua self-determination movement.

According to him, they subsequently worked together when he became the Publicity Secretary of the Joint Action Forum (JAF), now Joint Action Front, the civil society component of the Labour and Civil Society Coalition (LASCO), during the tenure of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as President of the NLC.

Balogun recalled that the coalition brought together some of the most committed forces in Nigeria's labour, civil society and democratic struggles.

He specifically remembered the leadership of LASCO at the time, including Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti as Convener, Comrade Chima Ubani as Secretary, Ngozi Nwere as Treasurer and Comrade Segun Sango as Mobilisation Secretary.

He said Ugboaja belonged to a generation of comrades who understood that the struggle of Nigerian workers could not be separated from the broader struggle of the Nigerian people for justice, democracy and social transformation.

BALOGUN RECOUNTS CHIMA UBANI REMEMBRANCE AND ABUJA PROTEST

Balogun also recounted one of his most memorable experiences involving Ugboaja, which was connected with the remembrance of the late activist and democratic campaigner, Comrade Chima Ubani.

He recalled that Chima Ubani died on September 21, 2005, alongside Vanguard Deputy Photo Editor Tunji Oyeleru, in a motor accident around Potiskum, Yobe State, while returning from a labour protest.

Five years later, on September 21, 2010, members of the progressive movement gathered at Allen Roundabout, Ikeja, Lagos, to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Ubani's death.

Balogun said he travelled from Osogbo to Lagos for the commemoration and the subsequent mobilisation towards Abuja.

According to him, some comrades from Lagos Mainland, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and Osun State College of Education, Ilesha, were at risk of being left behind as other comrades prepared to join the NLC/TUC mobilisation in Abuja.

He said rather than join the entourage led by Comrade Abiodun Aremu Aremson and Comrade Olawale Salami, popularly known as Don, he decided to remain behind and seek assistance for the stranded comrades.

“I called Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja and Comrade Owei Lakemfa and appealed to them to intervene,” Balogun recalled.

He said Ugboaja immediately responded by asking him to secure at least two buses to convey the comrades to Abuja, while Owei Lakemfa undertook responsibility for paying for the buses.

“That was Emmanuel Ugboaja,” Balogun said, describing the late labour leader as a comrade who responded whenever solidarity was required.

The events that followed in Abuja on September 22, 2011, according to Balogun, remain permanently engraved in his memory.

He recalled that workers and their allies took to the streets of Abuja during the NLC/TUC protest against the Federal Government's privatisation programme, with NLC President Abdulwaheed Omar and TUC President Peter Esele among the labour leaders at the centre of the mobilisation.

Balogun said the comrades who travelled to Abuja in the two buses secured through the intervention of Ugboaja and Lakemfa became central to the unfolding events of that historic day.

“We championed and masterminded the efforts that secured the release of Comrades Waheed Omar and Peter Esele, who had been cornered and were at risk of arrest by the FCT Commissioner of Police,” he recalled.

He added that the group also led the charge that ultimately made their entry into the National Assembly possible that day.

“This was more than an act of participation; it was a decisive intervention by comrades who had travelled to Abuja in solidarity with the workers' struggle and were determined that neither intimidation nor police repression would prevent the protest from reaching its intended destination,” he said.

Balogun recalled that it was in the heat of the struggle, while moving through the streets of Abuja towards the National Assembly, that he composed the song:

“When people take over street,
When workers take over street,
Police and soldiers go run away,
When people take over street.”

According to him, the song became a reflection of the spirit of workers and ordinary Nigerians who refused to surrender their streets or their rights to oppressive power.

He said Ugboaja understood that “the street belongs to the people whenever power refuses to listen to the people.”

THE UYO RAIN SCHOOL MEMORY

Balogun also recalled another memorable encounter with Ugboaja during the NLC Rain School in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

He said he travelled to Uyo to represent the National Union of Gaming and Lottery Workers (NUGLOW) at the 20th NLC Rain School, held from July 15–19, 2024, at the Workers' Solidarity Centre, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The theme of the 2024 Rain School was “Workers' Education and the Future of Work.”

Balogun said NUGLOW was unable to meet its financial obligations to the NLC at the time, a situation which could ordinarily have prevented his accreditation and participation in the programme.

However, he said Ugboaja intervened.

“Because of his intervention, I was accredited and allowed to participate fully in the programme,” he recalled.

Balogun said the intervention demonstrated the personal qualities of the late NLC General Secretary.

“For Emmanuel, comradeship was not a slogan. Solidarity was not a speech. The working class was not merely an abstract political expression,” he said.

According to him, Ugboaja understood that movements are built by recognising comrades, supporting them and ensuring that nobody is unnecessarily excluded from the struggle.

‘NUGLOW WILL SURELY MISS UGBOAJA’

Balogun said NUGLOW would surely miss Ugboaja, whom he described as a labour leader who understood the language of struggle and appreciated the inseparable relationship between organised labour and civil society.

“We will miss the comrade who understood the language of struggle.

“We will miss the labour leader who appreciated the inseparable relationship between organised labour and civil society.

“We will miss the man who could be reached when comrades needed intervention.

“We will miss a soldier of the working class who spent decades in the labour movement and eventually rose to become the General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress,” he said.

“But above all, we will miss Emmanuel the Comrade.”

Balogun said although another person would eventually occupy the office of NLC General Secretary and the labour movement would continue, the memories of Ugboaja's comradeship, solidarity and commitment to struggle would remain.

He said Ugboaja's generation inherited a Nigeria confronted by dictatorship, exploitation, poverty, inequality and assaults on democratic freedoms, adding that they fought, organised, mobilised, marched and confronted power.

“The struggle remains unfinished,” Balogun declared.

He said the Nigerian working class remains exploited, the Nigerian people remain oppressed, poverty continues to stalk the land and the fundamental question of social justice remains unanswered.

According to him, the best tribute to Ugboaja would therefore not be merely to mourn him but to continue the struggle for workers' rights, against exploitation and oppression, and for democracy and social justice.

“The best tribute we can pay to Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja is not merely to mourn him. It is to continue the struggle,” he said.

Balogun said the labour movement must continue the struggle for a Nigeria where the wealth produced by workers serves humanity rather than a privileged few.

He described Ugboaja as one of the long line of comrades who contributed their lives to the struggle before passing the baton to another generation.

“We shall carry it.

“We shall not surrender it.

“We shall not betray the sacrifices of those who came before us,” he declared.

Concluding his tribute, Balogun said:

**“Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, you fought your battles. You stood with your comrades. You served the working class. You contributed your own chapter to the history of struggle.

“Rest on in power, Comrade.

“Rest on, irrepressible working-class soldier.

“Aluta Continua!

“Victoria Ascerta!

“The struggle continues!”**

Comrade Wale Balogun
Deputy General Secretary
National Union of Gaming and Lottery Workers (NUGLOW)

BOLA AUDU APPLAUDS ENITAN’S APPOINTMENT AS HEAD OF CIVIL SERVICE OF THE FEDERATION

Bola Audu Congratulates Enitan on Appointment as Head of Civil Service of the Federation

LAGOS — The National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Comrade Innocent Bola Audu, Ph.D., FCNA, FCTI, has congratulated Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan on his appointment as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF).

Enitan’s appointment was made by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

In a congratulatory message issued by the Office of the National President of ASCSN, Bola-Audu described the appointment as well-deserved, noting that it was a recognition of Enitan’s distinguished career in the Nigerian Public Service, wealth of experience, professionalism, administrative competence and commitment to the ideals of an efficient and responsive public service.

The ASCSN President expressed confidence that the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation would bring his experience, strategic insight and leadership capacity to bear on the ongoing reforms of the Federal Civil Service.

He also commended President Tinubu for finding Enitan worthy of the important national responsibility, as well as for what he described as the administration’s continued efforts to strengthen government institutions and reposition the Nigerian Public Service for greater efficiency, professionalism, accountability and improved service delivery.

“On behalf of the leadership and entire membership of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, I warmly congratulate Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan on this well-deserved appointment.

“We are confident that, under your leadership, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation will continue to champion reforms that promote professionalism, staff welfare, productivity, innovation and effective service delivery.

“We assure you of our goodwill, cooperation and support as you assume this critical national responsibility. We pray that God grants you wisdom, strength and the courage required to succeed in this demanding assignment,” Bola-Audu stated.

The ASCSN National President further wished Enitan a successful tenure and called on public servants and other stakeholders to support the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in his efforts to build a more efficient, dynamic and citizen-centred Federal Civil Service.

He concluded by congratulating Enitan once again on what he described as a historic appointment and wished him success in his new national assignment.

Signed:
Strategic Media Group (SMG)
Office of the National President
Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN)

ASCSN Crisis Deepens as OHCSF Members Reject Proposed Election, Insist on Compliance With NICN Judgment

ASCSN Members Reject Proposed OHCSF Unit Election, Demand Compliance With NICN Judgment

By Staff Reporter
August 26, 2026

Members of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) Unit have rejected a proposed election allegedly being organised by Comrade Ameh Sylvester Abah, describing the exercise as unlawful and inconsistent with subsisting judgments of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).

The members, operating under the Concerned Members of the ASCSN OHCSF Unit and in coordination with the Strategic Media Group (SMG), said any election conducted outside the authority of the judicially affirmed National President, Comrade Innocent Bola-Audu, Ph.D., FCNA, FCTI, would be invalid.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the group urged security personnel within the Head of Service to remain vigilant against what it described as unauthorised activities that could potentially involve the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in a contempt-of-court situation.

Court judgment central to dispute

According to the group, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, in its judgment delivered on April 15, 2026, in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/169/2025, nullified parallel ASCSN elections conducted on August 12, 2024, describing them as illegal and fraudulent.

The group said the court instead affirmed the August 10, 2024 election that returned Comrade Bola-Audu for a second term, which it said runs until June 15, 2029.

It argued that any attempt to organise a parallel election at the OHCSF Unit level would therefore be inconsistent with the court's decision and the ASCSN Constitution.

Warning to organisers

The members also called on Comrade Ameh Sylvester Abah, whom they described as the expired Chairman of the OHCSF Unit, to desist from activities capable of circumventing the authority of the court.

They further cited a ₦70 million damages award reportedly made by the NICN against associates of Abah, identified as Shehu Mohammed and Joshua Apebo, over what the group described as acts of wilful disobedience and disdain for the law.

The group warned that proceeding with an unauthorised election could expose those involved to further legal and professional consequences.

'Judgment remains alive'

The statement also drew attention to proceedings of May 20, 2026, when, according to the group, the NICN struck out an application by the dissident faction seeking a stay of execution.

The members maintained that, by virtue of Section 47 of the National Industrial Court Act 2006, the judgment affirming Bola-Audu remains valid and enforceable despite any pending appeal.

On that basis, they argued that no individual or faction could lawfully convene meetings or elections outside the constitutional authority of the Association and the subsisting judicial pronouncements.

Demands to ASCSN stakeholders

The Concerned Members consequently demanded the immediate suspension of all proposed electoral activities by Abah pending compliance with the April 15 and May 20, 2026 court proceedings.

They also called for strict adherence to the constitutional organs of the Association and what they referred to as the "Architecture of Integrity."

The group further advised the management of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to deal only with the Comrade Caleb Boboi-led Caretaker Committee in matters concerning the welfare of members, pending the resolution of the leadership dispute.

The members urged ASCSN members to remain law-abiding and vigilant against what they described as attempts by "judgment debtors" to fragment the Association for personal interests.

'ASCSN is one'

Concluding the statement, the group declared that the ASCSN remained one association and urged members not to allow internal ambitions to undermine its institutional stability.

"Aluta Continua! Victoria Ascerta!" the statement concluded.

The statement was signed by the Strategic Media Group on behalf of the Concerned Members of the ASCSN OHCSF Unit.

Goke Omigbodun, Toyin Falade, Dr. Akintola Najmud-deen Akinjide and Hon. Ayoade Raimi Baale among candidates to fly SDP flags

Afenifere-Backed SDP Candidates Emerge as Torchbearers for Oyo and Osun in 2027 Elections

Goke Omigbodun, Toyin Falade, Dr. Akintola Najmud-deen Akinjide and Hon. Ayoade Raimi Baale among candidates to fly SDP flags

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is strengthening its political structure in the South West ahead of the 2027 general elections, with prominent grassroots politicians and candidates emerging to carry the party's banner in various senatorial and federal constituencies.

The development is coming amid growing support for the party from influential Yoruba socio-political stakeholders, including the Afenifere group under the leadership of Oba Olaitan, which has adopted and expressed support for the SDP.

Among the party's notable candidates are Goke Omigbodun, Toyin Falade, Dr. Akintola Najmud-deen Akinjide and Hon. Ayoade Raimi Baale, whose emergence is expected to further strengthen the party's electoral presence across the region.

Speaking while accepting the party's mandate as the SDP candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Ayoade Raimi Baale expressed appreciation to the party leadership and members for the confidence reposed in him.

Baale acknowledged that he emerged from among several highly qualified party members who were capable of representing the district, describing his emergence as a responsibility rather than a privilege to be taken for granted.

He pledged to work with party leaders, members and other aspirants towards victory, stressing that his experience as a grassroots politician would be brought to bear on the campaign.

A major component of his legislative agenda, he disclosed, would be the pursuit of the creation of Ibadan State, which he described as an urgent and desirable project deserving national attention.

According to him, Ibadan's historical importance as the former capital of the Western Region makes the demand for state creation more than a local agitation.

Baale argued that Ibadan remains the only former regional capital of pre- and post-independence Nigeria whose metropolitan territory has not been granted state status, noting that Kaduna and Enugu, which served as the capitals of the Northern and Eastern Regions respectively, had subsequently become states.

He therefore pledged that, if elected, he would work with other legislators and stakeholders to advance the Ibadan State creation agenda.

While describing the proposed Ibadan State as his "star project," Baale said his legislative priorities would also include initiatives capable of improving the welfare and economic opportunities of constituents through effective legislation and constructive engagement with stakeholders.

He called on SDP members across the South West to unite and work for the success of the party, recalling that the SDP is not a new political platform and has previously produced governors and legislators at both state and national levels.

Baale also paid tribute to the SDP National and Oyo State leader, Rt. Hon. Mulikat Adeola Akande, whom he described as an indefatigable, committed, visionary and focused leader.

He commended her sacrifices and contributions towards building the party in Oyo State and pledged that her efforts would not be in vain.

He equally acknowledged the support of the Afenifere group under Oba Olaitan, describing the group's adoption of and support for the SDP as a development that the party would not take for granted.

Meanwhile, the party's campaign message is also taking shape in Ife Federal Constituency, where Dr. Akintola Najmud-deen Akinjide, the SDP candidate for the House of Representatives, has formally commenced his campaign.

In his message to the people of Ife, Akinjide said his political journey was a call to service rooted in the needs and aspirations of both indigenes and non-indigenes of the territory.

Quoting the Yoruba maxim, "Ilé là ti ń kéṣọ̀ ròde," he stressed that effective representation at the National Assembly must begin with a proper understanding of the challenges facing the people at home.

Akinjide identified the completion of abandoned federal projects, strengthening of traditional institutions, preservation of cultural heritage, advancement of social welfare and creation of opportunities for young people through employment, skills development and support as key areas of his proposed representation.

He called on the people of Ife to join him in building a constituency that works for all.

The emergence of Baale, Akinjide and other SDP candidates, including Goke Omigbodun and Toyin Falade, is being viewed by party supporters as part of a broader effort to combine grassroots mobilisation, experienced political leadership and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

With the growing involvement of traditional and socio-political stakeholders and the party's renewed emphasis on grassroots organisation, the SDP appears set to intensify its campaign to expand its electoral foothold across the South West.

The party's leadership has continued to call for unity among its members and candidates, with emphasis on collective mobilisation, organisation and coordination as the basis for translating the party's growing political structures into electoral success in 2027.

Disability Group Congratulates Governor Adeleke, Appeals for Welfare Support for Aged Persons with Disabilities

Lagos State — August 17, 2026

An organisation representing people living with disabilities, alongside its patrons and matrons, has congratulated Chief Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun State, on his re-election to office.

The group expressed its appreciation to Governor Adeleke for the confidence reposed in him by the people of Osun State and prayed that God would grant him wisdom, strength, good health and the grace to continue serving the people successfully.

The organisation also congratulated and appreciated the Ooni of Ife, the Ataoja of Osogbo Land, the Owa of Ijesha Land, the Timi of Ede and other traditional leaders for their roles and prayers towards the peace, progress and development of Osun State.

In a special appeal to the Governor, the organisation drew attention to the difficult living conditions of aged persons with disabilities across Osun State, the South-West and Nigeria at large.

According to the group, it is unfortunate that many elderly persons living with disabilities are compelled to beg on the streets, at bus stops and other public places because they have little or no means of livelihood.

The organisation therefore appealed to Governor Adeleke to consider establishing a comprehensive support programme for vulnerable and aged persons living with disabilities across the state.

It proposed regular welfare assistance, food support, healthcare services, accommodation and a ₦30,000 monthly payroll/support package through their respective local governments, alongside other basic necessities that could help improve their standard of living.

The group noted that such intervention would go a long way towards restoring dignity, improving the quality of life and providing hope for elderly persons living with disabilities who are currently struggling to survive.

The statement was signed by Kehinde Oshilaja on behalf of the organisation.

The patrons and matrons listed in the congratulatory message include Chief Awodiran Agboola, Alhaji Olarewaju Sodiq, Chief Oyeyefa Agboola, Chief Mrs. Funsho Adeogun, Apostolic Mother Olatunbosun, Sheikh Razaq Bello, Alhaji Ibrahim Alaba Oshinaya and Hon. Ganiu Ogunremi Shofolahan.

The organisation once again congratulated Governor Adeleke and wished him a successful, peaceful and impactful tenure in office.

OSUN HAS SPOKEN: THE PEOPLE’S MANDATE MUST NOT BE MORTGAGED

Mẹkunnu Kọya congratulates Adeleke, warns against betraying the people’s mandate

By Comrade Wale Balogun

Mẹkunnu Kọya has commended the resilience, courage and democratic determination of the people of Osun State who, despite enormous pressure, inducements, intimidation and other obstacles to a free, fair and transparent electoral process, stood firmly by their right to choose the candidate they wanted as their Governor.

Osun people have spoken, and their mandate must stand.

The movement warmly congratulates Governor Ademola Adeleke on his re-election and urges him to regard the victory not merely as a personal political triumph, but as a solemn mandate entrusted to him by the people of Osun State.

The outcome of the election has demonstrated once again that a determined and united people cannot be permanently defeated by political power, money, intimidation or the machinery of government.

A Congratulation with a Warning

Our congratulatory message to Governor Adeleke comes with a clear and unequivocal warning: he must not betray the confidence that Osun voters have reposed in him.

Governor Adeleke must resist the temptation to substitute the collective interest and democratic will of Osun people with personal political calculations, including any political arrangement or alignment designed to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Whatever political understanding may exist between individuals, the mandate belongs to the people.

Osun voters did not give Governor Adeleke a blank cheque to negotiate away their democratic preferences. They voted in an election in which the APC and the political order it represents faced a strong rejection across significant sections of the electorate.

The Governor must therefore understand that the people who voted for him did so for their own interests, aspirations and future—not as an endorsement of any political bargain that may ultimately undermine those interests.

If Governor Adeleke truly understands the message of this election, he must protect the people from policies and political arrangements that deepen their hardship and must never mortgage the Osun mandate for personal political expediency.

The People Resisted Power, Money and Intimidation

Mẹkunnu Kọya particularly commends Osun voters for resisting the enormous political machinery deployed during the election.

The intimidating presence of APC governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives and other political heavyweights was not enough to substitute political power for the free will of the electorate.

Reports and observations concerning vote-buying, material inducement and attempts to reduce voters to commodities in a political marketplace were deeply troubling. Yiaga Africa, while stating that the official results were consistent with its independent statistical estimates, also raised concerns about vote-buying, voter inducement and gaps in electoral technology.

Yet, despite these pressures, the people demonstrated that poverty may be exploited temporarily, but the conscience of a people cannot be permanently purchased.

This is one of the most important lessons of the Osun election. Money may influence some votes, intimidation may frighten some citizens and political power may create fear, but none of these can permanently extinguish the determination of a people to choose their government.

The ADC and Aregbesola's Grassroots Strategy

Mẹkunnu Kọya equally commends the African Democratic Congress (ADC), its candidate and its leader in Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for the strategic political role played during the election.

To many discerning observers, Aregbesola remains one of the most experienced grassroots political strategists in the South-West. His understanding of grassroots mobilisation and community-based politics remains a factor that cannot be dismissed in assessing the outcome of the election.

The election has demonstrated that political structures built around genuine grassroots engagement can significantly influence electoral outcomes, irrespective of the size of the political machinery deployed against them.

Mẹkunnu Kọya therefore rejects any attempt by a political dynasty to appropriate the victory of the people or rewrite the history of what transpired before, during and after the election.

The re-election of Governor Adeleke was influenced by several factors—including voter dissatisfaction, opposition to the APC, the intervention and mobilisation of other political actors, grassroots dynamics and the determination of the electorate. It would therefore be historically inaccurate to attribute the outcome exclusively to the performance or electoral sagacity of any single individual.

INEC Must Answer the IReV Question

Mẹkunnu Kọya calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission under Professor Joash Amupitan to treat the Osun election as a serious warning and a learning point ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The interruption in the uploading of polling-unit results to the IReV portal during the election raises legitimate questions that INEC must answer openly and satisfactorily.

Yiaga Africa specifically questioned the prolonged interruption involving the uploading of results from 3,292 polling units, saying that it raised concerns about transparency and public confidence in the results-management process.

We therefore ask:

Why was there an interruption in the electronic transmission of results at such a critical moment?

What caused the interruption?

Who authorised it?

What safeguards were put in place during the period to ensure that no result could be compromised?

These are not questions that INEC should dismiss. They are questions arising from the legitimate expectations of Nigerians that modern electoral technology must strengthen—not weaken—transparency.

The fact that the official results subsequently fell within Yiaga Africa's independently projected ranges is reassuring, but it does not remove the need for INEC to provide a clear technical explanation of the interruption and ensure that such an occurrence cannot undermine confidence in the 2027 elections.

Professor Amupitan Must Not Fail Nigerians

Professor Joash Amupitan has a historic responsibility.

The 2027 election will be considerably more consequential than the Osun governorship election. Any perception that INEC is favouring one political party or candidate could have grave consequences for Nigeria's democracy.

The INEC leadership must therefore demonstrate, in both words and actions, that its allegiance is exclusively to the Nigerian Constitution, the electoral law and the Nigerian people.

One man, one vote must mean one man, one vote.

The vote of the poorest Nigerian must carry exactly the same weight as the vote of the richest politician.

Oyebamiji Should Accept the People's Verdict

Mẹkunnu Kọya calls on Mr. Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji to demonstrate statesmanship and accept the outcome of the election in good faith.

Every candidate has the constitutional right to seek judicial redress where genuine grounds exist. But the judiciary must never become a substitute for the electorate.

If there are legitimate electoral grievances, they should be presented before the appropriate judicial forum with credible evidence. But the people of Osun must not be asked to accept through litigation what they rejected at the ballot box.

The fundamental principle must remain:

The people's vote and mandate must count.

Threats, Intimidation and Incitement Must Be Investigated

Mẹkunnu Kọya calls on the relevant law-enforcement agencies to investigate credible allegations of threats, intimidation and inflammatory statements made before and during the election.

Where verifiable video, audio or other evidence exists against individuals alleged to have threatened voters or encouraged violence, the appropriate authorities must investigate and, where criminal liability is established, prosecute them in accordance with the law.

We specifically call for the investigation of the conduct and utterances attributed to Senator Fadahunsi, Ero Arike and others whose actions or public statements have been alleged to undermine the electoral process.

No politician—whether a senator, governor, party leader or grassroots actor—should be above the law.

Justice cannot be selective.

Free Popoola Alabi and End Political Persecution

Mẹkunnu Kọya is equally concerned about the continued detention of Popoola Alabi, a House of Representatives candidate for Ilesha and a member of Governor Adeleke's political circle.

Popoola Alabi was arrested and detained through what we regard as the political machination of Senator Fadahunsi, who sees him as a political threat.

We demand his immediate release if there is no legitimate criminal basis for his continued detention.

If there are genuine allegations against him, let them be openly stated and subjected to due process before a competent court. Political opponents must not be arrested, detained or persecuted simply because their political activities threaten the interests of powerful individuals.

Indeed, those against whom there is credible and verifiable evidence of threats against voters or attempts to undermine the electoral process should be investigated with the same urgency and seriousness.

The law must not be used as a weapon against political opponents while those accused of threatening the democratic process walk freely.

The Osun Message and the 2027 Warning

The Osun election is more than a governorship contest.

It is a warning to those who believe that federal power can permanently overpower the people.

It is a warning to politicians who believe that poverty has reduced Nigerians to political commodities.

It is a warning to those who believe intimidation can replace persuasion.

It is a warning to electoral institutions that Nigerians are watching.

And it is a warning to every political party preparing for 2027 that the Nigerian people are increasingly conscious of the power of their votes.

Mẹkunnu Kọya therefore calls on Governor Ademola Adeleke to cherish the mandate he has received, govern inclusively, protect the interests of all Osun citizens and resist every pressure to mortgage the state's democratic will for personal political calculations.

Osun belongs to its people—not to Adeleke, not to Oyetola, not to Tinubu, not to APC, not to any political dynasty and not to any individual.

The people have spoken.

The political class must listen.

A people determined and united cannot be defeated.

The mandate of the people must stand.

One man, one vote.

One people, one mandate.

Osun shall not be politically mortgaged.

Signed:
Comrade Wale Balogun
For Mẹkunnu Kọya

Dr. Tony Orunkoya, Esq. and Others Facilitate the Formal Collapse and Assimilation of TSM into RTIFN

2027: Tinubu Support Groups Strengthen Alliance as TSM Collapses Structure into RTIFN

The National Executive Council of Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria (RTIFN), led by its Director-General, Hon. Ahmed Bala, has received the leadership and members of the Tinubu Solidarity Movement (TSM), following the decision of the organisation to collapse its structure and membership into RTIFN ahead of the 2027 general election.

The development took place on August 11, 2026, when a delegation of TSM, led by its National Secretary, Engr. Gold Azikiwe, visited the RTIFN headquarters in Abuja. Engr. Azikiwe also represented the National Chairman and Chairman of the TSM Governing Council, Dr. Ishaq Osagie-Eweka.

Speaking during the meeting, Engr. Azikiwe said TSM had carefully monitored the activities and achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, as well as the mobilisation efforts of RTIFN.

He said the organisation was impressed by what it described as the achievements of the Tinubu administration and the grassroots activities of RTIFN in support of the President’s 2027 re-election bid.

“Our organisation is impressed with the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu so far. We have also monitored the impressive activities of RTIFN with respect to the support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027, which is also the core purpose of TSM,” Engr. Azikiwe said.

He disclosed that the national body of TSM had unanimously resolved to integrate its structure and membership into RTIFN.

“The National body of TSM unanimously voted that TSM should collapse its structure and members into RTIFN. That is why we are here today at the RTIFN headquarters in Abuja,” he stated.

Engr. Azikiwe further pledged the commitment of the former TSM members to working with RTIFN under its leadership.

“We shall work in synergy with RTIFN under its leadership to ensure the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027,” he assured.

The TSM delegation included Princess Barbara Inyang, Director of Operations and Welfare, representing Delta State; Miss Bimbo Akingbemila, Ondo State Representative; Mr. Fabulous Ikpechukwu Okafor, TSM Coordinator, Anambra State; Mr. Kennedy Raphael Ahupa, TSM Coordinator, Cross River State; Mr. Hunkolo Afiyo; Mr. Bello Attahir, representing Adamawa State; Prince Akintunde Ogunseinde; Hon. Adedayo Adeyemi, representing Ogun State, and other representatives from Abuja, Bauchi, Edo, Kano, Sokoto, Akwa Ibom, Yola, Nasarawa, Lagos and Plateau States.

RTIFN Welcomes TSM

Responding to the delegation, RTIFN Director-General, Hon. Ahmed Bala, welcomed the TSM leadership and members into the organisation.

“We welcome TSM into RTIFN. You are now part of this family, and you will be recognised as members of RTIFN. All hands must be on deck to achieve our objective,” Hon. Bala said.

The RTIFN Director-General also commended the TSM leadership for the decision and urged the newly integrated members to bring their experience, networks and grassroots structures to bear on the collective objective of the organisation.

Hon. Bala was accompanied at the meeting by the Deputy Director-General, Mr. Zack Orji; National Secretary, Amb. Audu Eleojo Obaje; Director, Townhall and Special Duties, Hon. Farida Deborah Ibrahim; South-East Zonal Coordinator and Director of Organisational Improvement, Hon. Johnbosco Onunkwo; National Youth Leader, Comrade Umar Faruk; National Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Musa Abdulrahaman; and National Legal Adviser, Dr. Tony Orunkoya, Esq.

Dr. Orunkoya played a key role in facilitating the formal collapse and assimilation of TSM into RTIFN.

TSM UK Also Joins RTIFN

The latest development follows a similar move by TSM UK, led by Comrade Nelson Aigberomwan, which earlier collapsed its structure and membership into RTIFN UK in London.

The letter conveying the decision of TSM UK was received by Hon. Temitope Onifade, National Director of Performance Evaluation, RTIFN UK, alongside other RTIFN members in the United Kingdom.

The document, which was transmitted from London through RTIFN National Legal Adviser, Dr. Tony Orunkoya, was subsequently presented formally to the RTIFN Director-General, Hon. Ahmed Bala.

The successive integration of support groups into RTIFN represents what the organisation describes as growing confidence in its grassroots mobilisation strategy and its campaign to build broader support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The development also signals an emerging effort among pro-Tinubu support groups to consolidate their structures, networks and membership under a coordinated platform as preparations for the 2027 election gather momentum.

Musa Abdulrahaman
National Director, Media and Publicity, RTIFN