Adeleke Endorsed Tinubu to Continue Destroying Nigeria - Sowore

 

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, over his renewed endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

Sowore’s reaction followed Adeleke’s declaration that he remained committed to supporting Tinubu for a second term after the Osun State governorship election.

Adeleke had earlier expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for what he described as a free and fair election, before reaffirming his endorsement of the President ahead of the 2027 presidential poll.

Reacting in a post on X, Sowore accused the Osun governor of backing what he described as a failed administration.

“Governor @AAdeleke_01 has endorsed the failed Tinubu @officialABAT presidency to continue its mission of destroying Nigeria beyond 2027,” Sowore wrote.

The AAC presidential candidate also alleged that the political relationship between the Adeleke and Tinubu families was largely motivated by personal and political interests.

“At the end of the day, the Adelekes and the Tinubus are looking out for their own personal and political interests, watching each other’s backs, protecting their political fortunes, and safeguarding their loot.”

Sowore further connected Adeleke’s endorsement to the violence recorded during the Osun governorship election, expressing sympathy for those who lost their lives during the electoral process.

“I feel sorry for the nearly 50 people whose lives were wasted in election violence during the #OsunDecides, all so these corrupt political families could prove how much they love and protect one another,” he added.

The AAC candidate also criticised Davido, who has been a prominent supporter of his uncle, Governor Adeleke, during the Osun political contest.

Sowore referred to the singer as a “political scion” of the Adeleke family and suggested that Davido could eventually return to his previous political associations.

“Even their lousy political scion, @davido, will soon return to his vomit, the #CityBoys that’s assuming he ever truly left it in the first place.”

Sowore’s comments add to a series of heated political exchanges surrounding the aftermath of the Osun governorship election, which saw Adeleke secure another term in office.

While Adeleke has now reaffirmed his support for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential ambition, Sowore remains one of the President’s outspoken critics and is expected to continue campaigning against the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 election.

The development also highlights the shifting political alliances emerging ahead of 2027, with politicians and political parties positioning themselves for what is expected to be a closely contested presidential election.

“Agreement Is Agreement” - Keyamo Hails Adeleke for Endorsing Tinubu’s Re-election

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has praised Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, following the governor’s renewed endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 presidential election.

Adeleke, who was re-elected as Osun State governor in the August 15 governorship election, expressed appreciation to Tinubu for what he described as a free and fair election.

“I must deeply appreciate the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for a free and fair election,” Adeleke said.

The governor subsequently reaffirmed his earlier decision to support Tinubu’s bid for another term in office.

“I hereby reaffirm my earlier endorsement of him for a second term in the 2027 presidential election,” Adeleke added.

Reacting to the governor’s statement, Keyamo thanked Adeleke for what he described as his “public and unequivocal endorsement” of Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Keyamo also praised the Osun governor, describing him as a man of integrity and honour.

“Thank you, Governor Ademola Adeleke, for the public and unequivocal endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 Presidential Election. You are a man of integrity and honour,” Keyamo wrote.

He concluded his message with a phrase that quickly drew attention online:

“Agreement is agreement.”

Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu has remained a significant political development, particularly following his re-election under the Accord Party and the broader realignment of political forces ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The governor had previously declared his support for Tinubu despite belonging to a different political camp at the state level.

His latest statement indicates that he intends to maintain that position as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election begin to gather momentum.

Tinubu Urges Peaceful Osun Election, Says Every Vote Must Count

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on residents of Osun State to participate peacefully in Saturday’s governorship election, urging all stakeholders to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

In a statement ahead of the August 15 poll, Tinubu called on political parties, security agencies, electoral officials and voters to play their part in ensuring a peaceful, transparent, free and fair election.

The President said he had directed the Inspector-General of Police and the heads of security agencies deployed to Osun to ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials and election materials throughout the election.

He stressed that no Nigerian should be prevented from exercising their constitutional right to vote because of fear, intimidation or violence.

“Every citizen must be able to exercise his or her right to vote without fear, intimidation or violence. There must be no room for anyone seeking to disrupt the process or undermine the peace of Osun State,” Tinubu said.

The President also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the election professionally and with integrity, stressing the importance of ensuring that every lawful vote is properly recorded.

“Every vote must count. Every lawful vote must be properly recorded,” he said.

Tinubu described the Osun governorship election as the final off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections, saying it provides INEC with another opportunity to demonstrate its preparedness and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

The President appealed directly to Osun residents to come out and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully, while respecting the choices of other voters.

He reminded voters that elections should be about ideas and service rather than violence.

“Elections are contests of ideas and service, and should never cost the life of any Nigerian,” he said.

Tinubu said the Federal Government had put measures in place to support a peaceful election and reiterated that the responsibility of government was to protect both the electoral process and the people.

He maintained that the ultimate decision belongs to the people of Osun State and urged all political actors to respect the outcome of the election, regardless of which candidate emerges victorious.

“Whatever that decision may be, it must be respected,” the President said.

The Osun governorship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 15, with voters expected to choose the governor who will lead the state for the next four years.

Tinubu Hails Rescue of 308 Kidnap Victims in Kwara, Niger

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 308 Nigerians who were kidnapped in separate attacks across Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as a major victory in the country’s fight against terrorism and banditry.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed during a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

The statement disclosed that 163 of the rescued victims were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while the remaining 145 victims were kidnapped in Niger State.

Security operatives reportedly located the victims inside the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State, where they were rescued during what the Presidency described as the largest same-day rescue operation ever conducted by Nigeria’s joint security agencies.

President Tinubu praised the military, intelligence agencies and police for what he called their courage, professionalism and effective collaboration in securing the release of the victims.

“The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services. I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives,” the President said.

The rescued victims are currently receiving first aid and medical attention at the medical facility in Wawa Cantonment before being reunited with their families.

The Presidency said that after medical examinations are completed, the victims will be handed over to the governments of Kwara and Niger states for rehabilitation, psychosocial support and family reunification.

While celebrating the successful operation, Tinubu stressed that more work remains to be done in tackling insecurity across the country.

He directed security agencies to immediately strengthen early warning systems, improve intelligence gathering at the community level and enhance rapid response capabilities to prevent future attacks.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace across Nigeria, insisting that government would continue investing in security operations aimed at protecting lives and dismantling criminal networks responsible for kidnappings and violent attacks.

Kidnapping for ransom remains one of Nigeria’s major security challenges, particularly in parts of the North Central and North West regions, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted rural communities, travellers and schools.

The latest rescue operation is expected to boost confidence in ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat terrorism, banditry and organised criminal activities across the country.

Tinubu Approves Up to 80% Salary Increase for Armed Forces Personnel

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new salary structure for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, with personnel set to receive pay increases ranging from 30 to 80 per cent beginning September 1, 2026.

The salary adjustment, announced by the Presidency on Tuesday, will benefit approximately 250,000 military personnel across various ranks and formations.

Under the new package, officers from the rank of Brigadier-General to General will receive a 30 per cent increase in their salaries. Officers from the rank of Colonel down to Warrant Officer are to benefit from a 50 per cent salary adjustment, while personnel from Private to Staff Sergeant will receive the highest increase of 80 per cent.

The new wage structure will raise the Federal Government’s annual salary expenditure on the armed forces from about ₦660 billion to approximately ₦924 billion, representing one of the largest military welfare packages approved in recent years.

President Tinubu said the decision reflects his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel who continue to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges across the country.

According to the President, members of the armed forces deserve better support considering the sacrifices they make in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protecting citizens.

“The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation,” Tinubu said.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernising the military through increased investment in weapons, equipment and advanced technology needed to strengthen national security operations.

“Our administration will continue to prioritise troop welfare and modernise the armed forces by providing the weapons and technological tools needed to discharge their duties,” he added.

Tinubu maintained that security remains central to national development, stressing that no country can achieve sustainable progress without guaranteeing the safety of lives and property.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue deploying military and other law enforcement resources to combat criminal activities and restore peace across the country.

The President also urged military personnel to see the salary increase as a demonstration of the government’s appreciation for their service and dedication.

“I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation,” he said.

The salary review comes amid ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen troop morale and enhance operational effectiveness as security agencies intensify operations against insurgents, bandits and other criminal groups across Nigeria.

The new salary structure is expected to take effect nationwide from September 1, 2026.

Tinubu Should Return to Primary School, Let Serious People Contest — Sowore

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has renewed his criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, questioning his educational qualifications and urging him to abandon his 2027 presidential ambition in favour of what he described as “serious candidates.”

Sowore made the remarks on Monday while addressing journalists after appearing in court over his ongoing trial linked to his description of President Tinubu as a “criminal.”

Commenting on the recently released list of presidential candidates, Sowore noted that the AAC emerged as one of the parties that successfully submitted a presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

“Yesterday, the list of presidential candidates was released. We are number two on the list, the African Action Congress,” he said.

According to Sowore, only 19 political parties submitted presidential candidates, while he alleged that some parties either failed to submit candidates or nominated individuals who would not eventually participate in the election.

Turning his attention to President Tinubu, Sowore revisited long-standing controversies surrounding the President’s academic credentials.

He alleged that Tinubu did not attend primary or secondary school and criticised the documents submitted in support of the President’s educational qualifications.

“The presidential candidate of the APC did not go to primary school or secondary school. He only presented one paper from Chicago State University, which was different from the one presented in 1999,” Sowore claimed.

He then suggested that the President should take advantage of adult education programmes.

“It is not too late to take advantage of adult education. He should go back to primary school and secondary school, even if it is online,” he said.

Drawing a comparison with a former minister who completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) after being appointed into office, Sowore argued that there should be no shame in returning to school.

He maintained that President Tinubu should step aside and allow what he described as more qualified candidates to contest the presidency.

Sowore also used the opportunity to mobilise support for the Take It Back Movement’s planned nationwide protest scheduled for August 5, tagged RevolutionNow 5.0.

According to him, the annual protest is intended to draw attention to what he described as worsening governance, economic hardship and constitutional challenges facing Nigeria.

“We are asking Nigerians to understand the precarious constitutional situation. These guys have come to destroy your country. We are the only ones standing between them and the final annihilation of Nigerian people,” he said.

Sowore added that the RevolutionNow campaign, which began in 2019, remains focused on demanding political and economic reforms in Nigeria.

The Presidency has repeatedly defended President Tinubu’s academic records, while Nigerian courts have previously ruled on legal disputes relating to his educational credentials.

“Buhari Left N75tn Debt, Tinubu Has Added About N80tn More” — Senator Aliero Raises Concern Over Nigeria’s Rising Debt

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Adamu Aliero, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s rising public debt, stating that the current administration inherited about ₦75 trillion in debt and has since added nearly ₦80 trillion through fresh borrowings.

The Kebbi Central lawmaker made the remarks while speaking on the implementation of the 2026 national budget, warning that despite the increasing debt profile, the country’s budget performance remains below expectations.

According to Aliero, Nigeria’s growing debt burden should be a source of concern for both the government and citizens.

“What I’m saying is in the public domain. It’s not anything hidden,” the senator said.

“When this government came in, it inherited, I think, over ₦75 trillion. Now it has added almost ₦75 trillion to ₦83 trillion in borrowing.”

He noted that despite the additional borrowing, the level of budget implementation has not met the expectations of lawmakers.

“And despite this budget implementation, it’s nowhere near where we want it to be,” Aliero said.

The senator aligned his concerns with earlier observations made by the Senate Chief Whip, who had also questioned the pace of budget execution.

He further disclosed that implementation of the 2026 Appropriation Act has yet to fully commence, months after it was signed into law.

“We have not even started implementing the 2026 budget,” he added.

Aliero’s comments come amid ongoing debates over the Federal Government’s borrowing strategy, with economists and financial analysts urging the government to ensure that loans are tied to productive investments capable of stimulating economic growth and generating revenue.

The Tinubu administration has consistently defended its borrowing policy, arguing that loans are necessary to finance critical infrastructure, bridge funding gaps and support economic reforms inherited from previous administrations.

However, critics have repeatedly warned that Nigeria’s rising debt servicing obligations could reduce the funds available for key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure and social development.

The latest remarks by the senator are expected to fuel fresh discussions within the National Assembly over fiscal discipline, budget implementation and the country’s long-term debt sustainability.

After 56 Days in Captivity, Tinubu Reveals How Abducted Oyo Pupils and Teachers Were Finally Rescued

President Bola Tinubu has expressed relief and joy following the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted from the Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, commending Nigeria’s security agencies for ending more than seven weeks of uncertainty for the victims and their families.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the military, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force for conducting what he described as a coordinated intelligence-led operation that secured the victims’ freedom after 56 days in captivity.

According to the Presidency, the operation resulted in the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers, while several others were neutralised during the rescue mission. The government also maintained that the victims were rescued without collateral damage.

President Tinubu described the operation as a significant victory against criminal elements, noting that it brought an end to a tense standoff that had kept the nation anxiously awaiting the safe return of the schoolchildren and their teachers.

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” the President said.

The President acknowledged the emotional pain endured by the rescued children, their teachers, their families and Nigerians throughout the period of their captivity, describing the ordeal as deeply distressing.

He also pledged that those responsible for the abduction would face justice, including accountability for the killing of Mr. Oyedokun, who was reportedly murdered by the kidnappers during the incident.

“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr. Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” Tinubu stated.

The President commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with federal security agencies throughout the rescue operation, saying the partnership contributed significantly to the successful outcome.

He further urged the state government to strengthen security around schools to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

As part of the Federal Government’s response, President Tinubu directed emergency management agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide immediate medical care, trauma support and other relief services for the rescued children and their teachers.

The rescue marks the end of a 56-day ordeal that attracted nationwide concern and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect schools from criminal attacks.

Security agencies are expected to provide a detailed account of the rescue operation and the arrests in the coming days.