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Ashiru to APC members: Ignore false narratives on Kwara South senate primary election

Published

3 weeks ago

May 20, 2026

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru representing Kwara South, has expressed dismay that desperate politicians are twisting the facts about the just concluded senate primaries, noting that people of Offa came out massively for him

The Senator in a statement by his Legislative Aide, Olaitan Adeyanju, made available to journalists in ilorin therefore urged APC members and the general public to remain calm and not be distracted by coordinated attempts to manufacture false narratives around the primary process, stressing that the truth cannot be buried, and the voice of the grassroots cannot be permanently silenced.

The statement reads: “We have watched with concern the deliberate attempts by some desperate political actors to twist the narrative surrounding the APC primary election in Offa Local Government.

“It is both surprising and disappointing that individuals who are fully aware of the true mood and outcome of the exercise are now engaging in premature celebrations and coordinated propaganda in a bid to mislead the public and create confusion within the party.”

It added that, “ordinarily, we would have ignored the noise and propaganda being pushed in some quarters, but for the sake of truth, party unity, and integrity of our democratic process, it has become necessary to set the records straight.

“First and foremost, Senator Lola Ashiru did not lose Offa Local Government. The overwhelming show of solidarity, support, and political presence witnessed across Offa during the primary process clearly demonstrated where the loyalty of party members and grassroots supporters truly lies.”

It further stated that, “What happened in Offa was beyond an ordinary primary election; it became a massive rally of confidence in the leadership, accessibility, and long-standing political relationship Senator Ashiru has built with the people over the years.

“As we speak, there has been no universally accepted and transparently coordinated announcement of final results across all levels of the exercise. Yet, in an unusual display of desperation, multiple aspirants have hurriedly proclaimed themselves winners in an attempt to create false public perception and stampede party stakeholders into accepting questionable narratives.

“It is unfortunate that Hajia Farida Dankaka, rather than allowing due process and party mechanisms to run their course, has continued to engage in premature victory projections and divisive political theatrics. This pattern of desperation has become increasingly obvious to genuine APC members across Kwara South.

“No amount of propaganda, media manipulation, or political conspiracy can erase the trust and goodwill Senator Lola Ashiru enjoys among the people. His political relevance was not built overnight, nor is it sustained by intimidation or imposition. It is rooted in years of consistency, accessibility, loyalty to party structures, and commitment to grassroots development.”

The statement also pointed out that,”those seeking to diminish Senator Ashiru’s standing should first focus on addressing the lingering questions and public controversies surrounding their own records in public office.

“It is a known fact that when Hajia Farida Dankaka served as Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), and during her tenure there were reports of controversies, criticisms, and petitions surrounding her operations and her leadership attracted critics, including scrutiny from lawmakers.

“Leadership positions, especially one as sensitive as representation at the Senate, require credibility, maturity, and the ability to unite stakeholders not endless political hostility and divisive ambition.

“Kwara South deserves leadership that inspires confidence, builds bridges, and strengthens party unity, not politics driven by bitterness, desperation, and personal vendettas.

“We therefore urge APC members and the general public to remain calm and not be distracted by coordinated attempts to manufacture false narratives around the primary process. The truth cannot be buried, and the voice of the grassroots cannot be permanently silenced.

“Senator Lola Ashiru remains committed to the peace, unity, and progress of the APC and the continued development of Kwara South.”the statement concluded.

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Kaduna Government Allegedly Orders Activist’s Arrest Over Anti-APC Remarks

Published

1 day ago

June 10, 2026

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

The Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani has allegedly ordered the arrest of political activist Zamani Musa, popularly known as Mycah Dangata, following comments in which he urged residents to vote against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to sources familiar with the matter, Dangata was reportedly arrested after publicly campaigning against the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sani. He was also said to have called on Kaduna residents to reject all APC candidates in future elections.

Sources told SaharaReporters that the activist’s arrest followed the circulation of a video he recorded shortly after the APC primaries. In the video, Dangata allegedly declared support for the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) and former Senator Danjuma Laah, while advocating for a power shift to Southern Kaduna.

A source claimed that Dangata was arrested by Operation Fushin Kaduna, a security outfit established by the state government in collaboration with the Kaduna State Police Command and other security agencies to combat banditry, kidnapping, and illegal arms trafficking.

“He was arrested by Operation Fushin Kaduna, the state security outfit composed of policemen,” the source alleged.

Another source suggested that Dangata may have drawn the government’s displeasure after comparing Governor Sani unfavourably with former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Activist Criticises Governor Sani

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, Dangata, speaking in Hausa, criticised Governor Sani’s leadership style and political decisions. He praised El-Rufai, arguing that the former governor adopted a more people-centred approach to governance.

According to Dangata, El-Rufai allowed communities greater freedom in choosing their preferred candidates, whereas he accused the current administration of imposing candidates on local communities.

He further urged residents to unite politically against the APC, stating that those concerned about Kaduna State’s future should work together to defeat the ruling party at all levels of government.

“We should vote out Asiwaju (President Tinubu), vote out Uba Sani, and vote out every candidate presented by the APC,” he said.

Dangata described the alleged imposition of candidates as inconsistent with democratic principles and argued that residents should collectively oppose what he characterised as undemocratic practices.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Government and security authorities had not publicly responded to the allegations surrounding the activist’s arrest.

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One Killed, Several Houses Burnt as Suspected Militias Attack Benue Community

Published

1 day ago

June 10, 2026

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

Suspected militia members have attacked a community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, killing one person and setting several houses ablaze before fleeing the area.

According to reports, troops operating under Sector 1, in collaboration with personnel of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, responded to a distress call at approximately 8:30 a.m. on June 4 following an attack on residents of Mbasa community in Utange Council Ward.

Security operatives swiftly deployed to the area but found that the assailants had already escaped before their arrival.

A preliminary assessment revealed that one resident lost his life during the attack, while several homes were destroyed by fire allegedly set by the attackers.

During a search of the scene, security personnel recovered two empty 7.62mm special ammunition cartridges, suggesting that firearms were used in carrying out the assault.

The victim’s body was later evacuated by family members for burial in accordance with local customs and traditions.

Military authorities stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the attack. They also confirmed that security presence has been strengthened in the area to prevent further violence and reassure residents of their safety.

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EFCC Arraigns Husband, Wife for N1bn Fraud in Ado-Ekiti

Published

1 day ago

June 10, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a self-styled native doctor, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo, and his wife, Awolegan Omolola Omotola, for an alleged contract scam to the tune of N1,098,961,500 (One Billion, Ninety Eight Million, Six Hundred and Ninety-one Thousand, Five Hundred Naira Only).

The couple were arraigned before Justice Abubakar Usman of the Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti on a six-count charge bordering of obtaining money by false pretence and retention of proceeds of crime contrary to Section 17(a) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.

Taiwo and Omotola ran into trouble when a widow, Anazia Colina Kenechukwu, a proprietor of a private school in Delta State, petitioned the EFCC alleging that the first defendant, Taiwo, approached her to finance a road construction contract purportedly awarded to him by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

Kenechukwu further alleged that a total sum of N1,980,000,000.00 (One Billion, Nine Hundred and Eighty Million Naira Only) was paid into Taiwo’s account domiciled with Access Bank Plc.

Investigation further revealed that the couple invested the proceeds of the illicit activities in the acquisition of two properties in Ado-Ekiti, namely: Town Tavern Lounge, located at No. 1, Ikere Road, off Florence Court School, Ado-Ekiti, and a four-bedroom bungalow located on Florence Court, Irewolede Estate, Ado-Ekiti

The Commission had on Monday, May 25, 2026 secured the interim attachment of the two properties.

Count 2 of the charge reads:
“That you, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo and Awolegan Omolola Omotola, sometime between January 2024 and November 2025, in Ilorin within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N1,098,961,500.00 (One Billion, Ninety-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-One Thousand, Five Hundred Naira) from one Anazia Colina Kenechukwu, which was paid to you through Olorunbukunmi Taiwo’s account number 0027303340 domiciled with Access Bank Plc, by falsely representing that same would be used to execute a road construction contract awarded to you by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADobobEC), a pretence you knew to be false, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them.

Following their pleas, counsel to the EFCC, Sesan Ola, prayed the court to fix a date for trial and order the remand of the defendants.

Justice Usman adjourned the matter until Thursday, June 11, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, and commencement of trial. The judge also ordered the remand of the defendants in the EFCC custody.