The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has formally requested that individuals and observers alleging electoral misconduct during the recent Ekiti State governorship election provide concrete proof to support their claims. This directive, issued by the Force’s New Media Officer, Aliyu Giwa, was a direct response to a viral image posted by journalist Oseni Rufai that depicted two policewomen near a polling station in Ikere Local Government Area.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

While social media users accused the officers in the photo of assisting with “vote buying,” the NPF maintains a firm stance on the matter:

• Official Defense: Giwa asserted that the officers were merely performing their constitutional responsibility of maintaining security at the polling unit.

• Call for Evidence: Emphasizing that serious allegations should not rely on photographs alone, Giwa urged the public to submit substantial evidence for investigation, stating that “facts strengthen democracy, and assumptions weaken it”.

• Context of the Election: This controversy arose following the declaration of Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner. Governor Oyebanji secured re-election with 319,224 votes, surpassing rivals from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

• Official Position on Conduct: Despite reports of vote-buying allegations from opposition parties, the NPF, President Bola Tinubu, and the APC have characterized the election as a peaceful process, noting that security personnel were strategically deployed solely to ensure public order and safety.

President Bola Tinubu has formally extended his congratulations to Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji following his successful re-election this past Saturday. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the residents of Ekiti State for both their peaceful behavior during the voting process and their continued trust in Governor Oyebanji’s leadership.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Security and Electoral Praise: President Tinubu lauded the security agencies for their role in ensuring law and order remained intact throughout the election.

• Encouragement for INEC: The President urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain dedicated to facilitating peaceful, free, and fair elections, particularly as the nation looks ahead to the upcoming Osun governorship election in August and next year’s general elections.

• Recognition of Achievements: Tinubu acknowledged the progress made during the Governor’s first term through the “BAO agenda,” citing significant advancements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth employment, and rural development.

• A Mandate for Stability: The President interpreted this electoral victory as a strong endorsement of stability, continuity, and governance that prioritizes the needs of the people.

• Call for Unity: President Tinubu encouraged Governor Oyebanji to lead with magnanimity by including all citizens in his administration and urged opposing candidates to support the governor in moving the state forward.

• Federal Partnership: The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to collaborating with the Ekiti State Government to ensure the continued delivery of the dividends of democracy to the public.

In Ilorin, Kwara State, several filling stations have begun lowering their petrol pump prices, five days following a reduction in the gantry price at the Dangote Refinery. Market observations on Sunday revealed that stations such as NIPCO, Matrix, BOVAS, and Ranoil have adjusted their rates to between ₦1,250 and ₦1,280 per litre, down from the previous price of approximately ₦1,300 per litre.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Despite these adjustments at independent retailers, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) outlets have maintained their price at ₦1,295 per litre. Additionally, MRS stations supported by the Dangote Refinery lowered their price by ₦76 on Friday, bringing it to ₦1,241 per litre.

This downward trend in local pump prices follows the Dangote Refinery’s move to lower its gantry price to ₦1,175 per litre, prompted by a recent drop in global crude oil prices. As of the latest report, Brent crude was trading at about $80 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate was valued at $76 per barrel. Oil prices have experienced a minor rise following reports that Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, occurring shortly after a peace deal involving U.S. President Donald Trump.