Category: Nigeria

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Tinubu unveils 2025 Easter pilgrimage, as Uzodimma sponsors 1,000 to Israel, Jordan

No fewer than 1,000 Christian pilgrims on Wednesday departed Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo, for a Holy Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, flagged off the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission’s 2025 delayed Easter pilgrimage.

Tinubu, who described pilgrimage as “a spiritual journey of faith”, cautioned the travellers against absconding.

The president further described it as a “platform for moral transformation and spiritual rebirth.”

While noting that prayer remained a sustaining force for Nigeria, he reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting religious harmony in the country.

Tinubu said: “I, therefore, urge you to ensure you return with your batch at the end of your pilgrimage so that you can join forces with the government to build an egalitarian society where no man is oppressed.

“It is equally germane to reiterate that NCPC, under the leadership of Bishop Stephen Adegbite, has put all mechanisms in place to check abscondment.

“It will interest you to know that the Commission, in all its pilgrimages from December last year to date, has been able to achieve almost zero abscondment, so be warned,” he stressed.

Tinubu emphasised that the theme of the exercise, “Pilgrimage of Renewed Hope for Total Restoration,” aligned with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which sought to improve the quality of life of all Nigerians.

He acknowledged that some governments’ policies had been tough on citizens, but assured Nigerians that “there will certainly be light at the end of the dark tunnel.”

Tinubu said his achievements in youth empowerment, infrastructure, education, and security, as well as the reductions in insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry, could be traced to the resolve to restore peace in troubled areas.

The President also lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma’s spiritual commitment and sponsorship of 1,000 Christian pilgrims this year, just as he did in 2023.

In a remark, Uzodimma thanked the President for taking a keen interest in the physical and spiritual well-being of the Nigerian citizens and for his commitment to a better country.

The governor admonished the pilgrims to see the exercise as an opportunity to seek the face of God, pray for the state and the country.

“We will work against any abuse. As you journey to the Holy lands, carry Nigeria in your heart, pray for peace, prosperity, unity, and the President for additional wisdom and guidance,” he said.

Also speaking, Gov. Alex Otti of Abia, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Caleb Ajagba, urged the pilgrims not to see the trip as a mere tourist exercise.

Otti encouraged them to ask themselves the question of why they wanted to go on pilgrimage rather than see it as any other journey.

Earlier, Adegbite thanked Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, First Lady, Sen. Remi Tinubu, Uzodimma and Akume for their commitment towards the spiritual upliftment of the Nigerian citizens.

He commended Uzodimma for sponsoring the pilgrims, describing him as “a wonderful governor, leader par excellence, great man by all standards, beacon of hope for Imo, Pilgrimage and Nigeria.”

The NCPC boss also joined in urging the pilgrims to see the trip as purely a spiritual one and apply themselves accordingly.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that prayers were offered for the body of Christ, peace in Nigeria and the Middle East, a successful pilgrimage, and for the president, the governors, and Nigerian leaders. (Punch)

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Ex-NDDC boss hails Tinubu for honouring Ogoni 13

A former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Joy Nunieh, has praised President Bola Tinubu for recognising the Ogoni 13, describing it as a long-overdue step toward justice and reconciliation in the Niger Delta.

PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu has conferred national honours on four additional slain Ogoni leaders, sometimes referred to as the Ogoni 4, bringing the total honoured to Ogoni 13.

Speaking on Arise TV on Thursday, Nunieh recalled that while the Federal Government previously honoured the Ogoni 9 executed under the Abacha regime, the four others, making up the Ogoni 13, were left out.

“Yes, it is. We have called for this for a very long time that the Ogoni 13 should be honoured and when the Ogoni 9 were honoured we were happy, but of course it was incomplete without the Ogoni 4,” she said.

She expressed gratitude that the recognition has finally come, calling it a sign of good governance.

“Yes, it is. We have called for this for a very long time that the Ogoni 13 should be honoured and when the Ogoni 9 were honoured we were happy but of course it was incomplete without the Ogoni 4 and so today we’re very grateful that the Ogoni 13 have been honoured.”

Nunieh, however, urged the Federal Government to go further by issuing a national apology, similar to what she said Australia did for its aboriginal population.

“And of course we asked for a national apology like it’s been done in Australia. President Rudd did that apologising to the aborigines there and so that’s what we’re asking for but today is the first step and we now see that President Tinubu has shown good governance by taking this bold step which nobody had ever done since the crisis and we’re eternally grateful for that,” she said.

The execution of the Ogoni 9, including environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, in November 1995 drew global condemnation and remains one of Nigeria’s darkest chapters.

PUNCH Online reports that earlier in June 2025, President Tinubu granted posthumous national honours and a full presidential pardon to Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other members of the Ogoni 9, nearly 30 years after their execution. (Punch)

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Ekiti communities urge Oyebanji’s action on road, museum

Two communities in Ekiti State, Ise Ekiti in Ise/Orun Local Government Area and Ijesa Isu in Ikole Local Government Area, have called on Governor Biodun Oyebanji to fulfil promises made to them.

For Ise Ekiti, the demand centres on the construction of a world-class Olowe Museum in honour of the late master carver, Olowe of Ise.

Meanwhile, residents of Ijesa Isu are pressing for the rehabilitation of the Iluomoba–Ijesa Isu–Ikole Road.

In a letter made available to PUNCH Online on Wednesday, and signed by its National Secretary, Patrick Abayomi, the Ten O’s Club of Ise Ekiti urged the governor to implement the museum project.

According to the letter dated September 18, 2025, he said that the museum was part of the governor’s effort “to preserve the legacies of internationally renowned carver popularly called Olowe of Ise Ekiti”.

Abayomi added, “It is of our collective appeal to Your Excellency to please, fulfil the promise made to Ise people on the ultra-modern Museum which will contribute largely to the development of the town, educate the people historically and bring revenue by visitors who shall be visiting on tourism purposes.

“It is our urgent appeal that Your Excellency listen to our demand for the implementation (kick off) of the awarded contract. We strongly believe that the second tenure of the governor will make the completion of the Museum.

“Your administration has been a tremendous one ever since you assumed office as the governor of Ekiti State, and your act of governance can never be underestimated. Furthermore, we appreciate Your Excellency on the construction of the drainage channel across waterways in the town and other projects.”

Olowe, an Ise Ekiti-based sculptor, whose works litter several museums in America and Europe, died in 1934.

Recall that Oyebanji, in 2023, announced plans by his administration to build a world-class museum in Ise Ekiti to preserve the late sculptor’s legacy, saying his government would collaborate with the Ise Ekiti community and other stakeholders in turning Olowe’s residence into an internationally recognised centre of attraction.

Also speaking during a chat with journalists at Ijesa Isu on Wednesday, the Regent of the community, Princess Omobolaji Adeniyi, appealed to the governor to hasten the fulfilment of his promise to rehabilitate the road.

She said, “The state government has assured us that reconstruction work will soon commence on the road. I can assure my people that our governor is a talk-and-do governor. He has assured us that he would do something about the road, so we are really hoping that, soon, something will be done in that direction.

“This is an agrarian community, our farmers need to transport their goods from here to other neighbouring towns and transit to and from this community with ease. We are really hoping that the government will come to our aid soon. I am hoping that the road will be done very soon.”

Governor Oyebanji, who recently restated his administration’s commitment to road development, highlighted several completed projects, including the Ekiti Ring Road, Isinbode–Ara–Ikole, Itapa–Ijelu, Ikogosi–Igbara Odo, Ikere–Igbara Odo, Ikere–Ilawe, and Ikere–Ise roads.

He also disclosed that more than 132 kilometres of rural roads were being built under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project in partnership with the World Bank. (Punch)

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Six in police custody for abducting Lagos business partner

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested six yet-to-be-identified men for allegedly abducting their business partner in the Lekki area of the state.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the victim, identified by his nickname Senator, was kidnapped and held for three days following a business dispute.

A police source who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday said the arrest was made on Friday morning.

According to the source, a complaint was lodged by the family of the victim over his whereabouts, leading to a search by the police.

The source said, “The victim’s family reported the case of a missing person at the police station. He was said to have stepped out on Tuesday but did not return home. This made the police launch a search for his whereabouts. It was in the process that he was traced through his phone to an apartment in Lekki. A team of detectives was mobilised to the location where he victim was found.”

Another source who was aware of the development but pleaded anonymity told our correspondent on Sunday that the men subjected the victim to maltreatment during his stay in their captivity.

“His phone was seized, and money was withdrawn from his bank account. During interrogation, we discovered that they had transacted some business together, and the outcome of the business did not favour the suspects. Out of frustration, they decided to abduct him as a way of recovering their money,” the source added.

Although the nature of the business was not disclosed, the source, who is also a police officer, said the investigation was ongoing, adding that the suspects would be charged after interrogation.

In a video seen by PUNCH Metro, the suspects were seen being handcuffed after they were rounded up by the detectives.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said she was not aware of the incident.

“I will contact the police division in the area to find out and get back to you,” she added. She had yet to revert to PUNCH Metro as of the time of filing this report

Kidnap-for-ransom cases have been on the rise in the country over the years. Security experts, however, warned that some disputes among business partners now escalate into criminal abductions.

PUNCH Metro reported in August that a 32-year-old painter, Chigozie Clement, was arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly abducting his customer’s seven-year-old son in the Ketu Alapere area of the state.

The suspect allegedly lured the child away from his home and later contacted the victim’s mother to demand a ransom of N7m for the boy’s release.

Detectives later trailed the painter to the Ijegun area of the state, where he was arrested, while the boy was rescued in the process. (Punch)

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Jubilant crowd welcomes Natasha at N’Assembly as she resumes

A video circulating on social media on Tuesday captured a jubilant crowd of supporters accompanying Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan back to the National Assembly as she resumed her legislative duties following months of suspension.

In the footage, the Kogi Central lawmaker was seen walking surrounded by cheering supporters. A man was also heard offering prayers for her, to which she responded, “Amen.”

PUNCH Online reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan resumed her duties shortly after regaining access to her office in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, which was unsealed by the Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji.

Upon resumption, the senator, who had been suspended, remained resolute, stating she had “no apology to tender.”

She said, “In retrospect, it is actually amazing how much we have had to pay in the past six months, from the unjust suspension to the recall. But we survived the recall, blackmail, and that crazy lady on Facebook.

“It is amazing what we had to endure, and I give God Almighty the glory and my deepest appreciation to the people of Kogi Central and Nigerians at large. To my husband, I love you dearly. I pray all men support their wives in the same manner you have supported me.

“In everything, sometimes it is good to push the institution to the test. We cannot cower in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than us. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. He is not the governor of this place…

“It is so unfortunate that we will have a National Assembly run by such a dictator. It is totally unacceptable.”

The video of her return has been widely shared on social media, with commenters praising her resilience and the warm welcome from her supporters. (Punch)

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Tinubu, Shettima, govs celebrate First Lady at 65

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday led tributes as his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, clocked 65, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima, governors, lawmakers and prominent Nigerians extolling her as a symbol of strength, compassion, and service to the nation.

In a moving midnight tribute, the President described his wife as his confidant, counsellor, and steady anchor through decades of political struggle and public service.

“As you celebrate your 65th birthday today, I honour not only the love of my life, but also a woman whose quiet strength and enduring grace have been my steadying anchor,” Tinubu wrote.

He praised her sacrifices during years of political exile and leadership challenges, adding that her support amounted to national service.

“Nigeria owes you more than many will ever know,” he said.

The First Lady had earlier announced that she would dedicate her birthday to raising funds for the completion of Nigeria’s long-delayed National Library project in Abuja.

She urged well-wishers to donate to an “Oluremi@65 Education Fund”.

Vice-President Shettima, in his message, lauded Mrs Tinubu as a “symbol of womanhood, strength, and compassion,” describing her as a mother of the nation whose quiet resilience has touched millions.

 “When the history of this administration is written, her name will be inscribed in gold,” he said.

From the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin, joined in the celebration.

Akpabio hailed the First Lady as “a pillar of love and strength to her husband, the less privileged and the nation at large,” while Barau described her as a patriot whose contributions to nation-building have spanned decades—from her New Era Foundation in Lagos to her 12 years in the Senate and now through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

State governors also paid glowing tributes.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called her “a great ambassador of our dear state,” praising her philanthropy and public service.

Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji said she remained “a special gift to the nation and a pillar of support to the President.”

Kogi’s Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo branded her “an Amazon and a source of inspiration to millions,” while Delta’s Governor Sheriff Oborevwori commended her empowerment programmes as “a beacon of hope for vulnerable citizens.”

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, though of the opposition PDP, joined the chorus of praise, describing Mrs Tinubu as “an incredible woman of unimaginable importance” who championed women’s rights during her three terms in the Senate.

Other political figures, including Kano NNPP chieftain Musa Kwankwaso and NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji, also showered encomiums, calling her a virtuous woman of integrity and humility.

Born on September 21, 1960, Oluremi Tinubu first came into national prominence as Lagos State First Lady (1999–2007), where she established the New Era Foundation.

She later represented Lagos Central in the Senate for 12 years before becoming Nigeria’s First Lady in May 2023.

Over the years, she has tied her advocacy to education, women’s empowerment and youth development, most recently through her Renewed Hope Initiative, which has launched programmes to support widows, empower small-scale farmers, and provide scholarships and food palliatives to families. (Punch)

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Lagos Afriland Towers fire: Death toll hits 10, as Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Obasa, Obi, others mourn

Following the devastating inferno that gutted Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island on Tuesday, six additional victims were confirmed dead yesterday, after the initial four persons on the fateful day.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2025 election, Peter Obi, had in separate messages, expressed their condolences to family members, management of Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, United Bank for Africa, UBA, and United Capital Plc over unfortunate incident.

The latest six casualties were employees of United Capital Plc, a financial and investment services firm, situated on the third and fourth floors of the building.

Meanwhile, Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, in a statement earlier, confirmed 10 persons dead.

In her response, titled; “Update on the report of fire incident at Afrialand Towers Broad Street, Lagos,” simply stated, “Further investigation with the Afriland team however, revealed that 10 adults male including female were confirmed dead afterwards.”

Recall that the management and staff of FIRS, had earlier in a statement on Wednesday, by the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, confirmed the death of four staff members to include: Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager) and Mr Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).

One of the deceased, Jatto, it was gathered was in the office on the fateful day to hand over officially to his successor after been redeployed to another branch when the tragedy claimed his life.

The raging fire it was gathered by emergency agencies, originated in the inverter room located in the basement of the building while smoke spread across multiple floors and engulfed the structure, trapping occupants in the process.

“It is with a heavy heart that FIRS announces the tragic loss of four of its staff members during the fire incident at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday.

“FIRS is one of the tenants occupying the Towers with our Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office housed on the sixth and seventh floors.

“Our Security and Safety officials quickly mobilized and contacted the fire service as soon as they were alerted. On getting to the scene, thick dark smoke was already billowing out of the building.

“The Management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow over the development. They offer their condolences to the grieving families and are in touch with the families of our departed colleagues whose commitment to excellence, dedication and professionalism were never in doubt. We will provide all the necessary support at this trying time.

“We are working in collaboration with all relevant agencies in Lagos to get to the root cause of the unfortunate incident. While this is going on, we will be reviewing safety measures across FIRS offices in both rented and owned buildings nationwide,” the statement reads.

However, statement by United Capital Plc yesterday, reports came in from another affected firm management, confirming the loss of six members of staff to the tragic incident, raising the total death toll to 10 so far.

A statement by United Capital Plc, made available to the media yesterday confirmed six of its staff dead in the incident.

The statement read in part; “It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers, as well as provide all the support we can to them during this most difficult time.

“We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity. We thank the emergency services and all those who responded for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.

President Tinubu in a statement by his Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, called for more caution, training, and alertness to avert future occurrences.

Tinubu extended his condolences to the management and staff of Afriland Properties Limited, the FIRS, UBA, and particularly those who lost loved ones in the inferno, and the injured who are currently receiving medical attention.

He commended the emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, first aiders, medical personnel, and members of the public for their quick intervention with their deep sense of responsibility during the evacuation operations.

Tinubu prayed that God Almighty will receive the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to the injured.

Sanwo-Olu who described the tragedy as “unfortunate,” expressed shock over the ugly incident that claimed the lives of people and the destruction of properties.

The Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, in a statement issued on Thursday, said: “It is with a heavy heart that I received news of the fire outbreak. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the management and staff of all the organisations that lost their loved ones in the ugly incident. I wish the injured persons a speedy recovery.”

He pledged the government’s continued support for further prevention and arrest of such ugly incidents.

Obi mourns

“I like to sincerely extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all the families and companies affected by the tragic fire, as well as the traders at Mandilas Market and adjoining plazas along Taiwo Street, Lagos Island, whose stores were engulfed in the fire. It is deeply heartbreaking that valued lives and livelihoods were lost in this devastating incident.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in its reaction, raised alarm over the recent spate of devastating fires in Lagos and called for probe. (Vanguard)

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Tinubu returns to Abuja after vacation in Europe

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday returned to Abuja after concluding his annual working vacation in Europe.

Tinubu arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and was received by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule.

Also at the airport were his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the President’s return in a statement issued on Monday.

He said Tinubu concluded his work vacation ahead of schedule and would resume official duties on Tuesday.

The President departed Nigeria on September 4 for France, intending to split his annual holiday between France and the United Kingdom.

During his stay in Paris, Tinubu held a private luncheon with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.

Both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and pledged to strengthen partnerships for mutual prosperity and global stability. (Channels)

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Military to establish world-class museum in Abuja

The Nigerian military is set to immortalise its history and honour fallen heroes with the establishment of a world-class Armed Forces Museum in Abuja.

The proposed facility will occupy about 10 acres of land in the Federal Capital Territory and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026.

Also, the museum will not only preserve artefacts and records of military service but also generate jobs for veterans and civilians, create sustainable revenue through tourism and corporate partnerships, and provide immersive multilingual educational experiences for schools nationwide.

Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Defence Headquarters and Empower 54 Africa Initiative on Wednesday, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the project as a legacy initiative designed to preserve Nigeria’s military heritage and ensure that the sacrifices of service members are never forgotten.

“Museums are vital custodians of national memory. We want a museum that restores Nigeria to a global standard, serves as a pride to our service members and families, and ensures that the sacrifices of our heroes are never forgotten,” Musa said.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, explained that a multidisciplinary steering committee had been constituted to ensure the project meets international standards.

The committee includes representatives from the military services and heritage preservation experts.

“After extensive research and due diligence, we selected Empower 54 as our strategic partner for implementation. Their proven project management capabilities and experience in building sustainable partnerships are key to delivering a world-class facility within the specified timelines,” Bankole said.

He added that the museum, to be known as the Armed Forces Museum, was chosen from three proposed names, reflecting the unity of the services under one national identity.

Nigeria’s Armed Forces have played a central role in the country’s history since its independence in 1960.

From peacekeeping operations across Africa to major engagements in the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), counter-insurgency campaigns against Boko Haram and ISWAP, and ongoing efforts to stabilise communities affected by banditry, the military has consistently been at the heart of national security and regional peace.

Despite this legacy, Nigeria has lacked a centralised, modern museum that documents these contributions in line with global practice.

Countries like the United States, Britain, and South Africa already boast military museums that serve as both educational centres and tourist attractions, preserving artefacts, oral histories, and stories of valour for future generations.

The proposed Armed Forces Museum is expected to consolidate these efforts under one roof, creating a unified national institution. (Punch)

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INEC recognises David Mark-led ADC leadership

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday officially recognised the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress.

This development followed a period of internal restructuring within the party, which culminated in the emergence of new national officers aimed at repositioning the ADC ahead of future electoral contests.

Alongside Mark, other principal officers now officially acknowledged by INEC include Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Professor Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.

With this formal endorsement, the ADC leadership is expected to commence a nationwide reconciliation and mobilisation effort, as the party seeks to strengthen its presence across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The leadership transition began on July 2, when outgoing National Chairman Ralph Nwosu announced the appointment of David Mark as interim chairman and Aregbesola as interim secretary.

Nwosu said the previous leadership had voluntarily stepped down to allow for fresh direction and leadership.

However, the process was delayed due to improper documentation from the Excos. INEC had yet to update its records at the time, still listing Nwosu and Said Abdullahi as National Chairman and Secretary, respectively. Other listed officers included Kelvin Alagoa (Treasurer), Ifeyinwa Ntima (Financial Secretary), and Barr. Ujunwa Onwuasoeze (Legal Adviser).

As per INEC regulations, parties must submit formal documentation—including resolutions, verified signatures, and evidence of due process in order for leadership changes to be recognised. (Punch)