The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has accused the state government of imposing restrictions on the use of billboards by the opposition ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

The party, in a statement by the chairman, Tajudeen Lawal on Friday, alleged that the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke had created an uneven playing field for political activities by directing the state’s signage regulatory agency to halt approval for APC campaign billboards in parts of the capital, Osogbo.

Lawal said the directive was targeted at the party and its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

According to the statement, “the state government allegedly instructed O’ Signage Agency not to approve the erection or pasting of APC billboards within Osogbo, particularly along the Akoda axis to the Osogbo City Stadium corridor, for a specified period leading to the election.”

The Osun APC chairman, while claiming that the decision amounted to a misuse of incumbency power, added that it was intended to restrict the campaign visibility of the APC candidate.

“The directive is oppressive, unlawful and aimed at stifling opposition activities,” he said.

The APC alleged that the state government had ordered the signage agency to identify owners of existing billboards across Osogbo and compensate them for up to three years per billboard, a move the party described as unusual and politically motivated.

Describing the development as undemocratic, the APC chairman said the party would resist the directive through lawful means.

He stated that the party believed the action was inconsistent with democratic principles and the right of political parties to campaign freely.

Referencing the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON, formerly known as APCON, the APC noted that the alleged directive was not in line with national advertising regulations governing political communication.

“We want to put all statutory security agencies on notice, including the Police, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to be aware of this development,” Lawal said in the statement.

The APC leadership called on the Adeleke administration to reconsider the alleged policy, urging the government to allow all political parties to operate on equal terms ahead of the election.

The party maintained that its governorship candidate would continue preparations for the poll, insisting that no administrative action would prevent participation in lawful campaign activities across the state.

Efforts to get the spokesperson of the Osun State Governor, Olawale Rasheed, to react to the allegation proved abortive as he was not responding to calls made to his phone number.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has said the recent wave of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has vindicated former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and the G-5 governors who were previously labelled as traitors.

Speaking during an interview on TVC, Fayose said, “Most of the governors that jumped did so in their own interest, what they felt would secure their future and their people. I wouldn’t blame them.”

He disclosed that he had earlier warned PDP leaders about looming challenges within the party.

“When the roof started sinking, I came out and spoke. I told Sẹ́un Okinbaloye that the PDP would face a lot of challenges,” he stated.

Fayose said Wike was open about grievances within the party, particularly regarding agreements reached with the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, which he claimed were not honoured.

“Governor Wike did not hide anything. He openly said that what Atiku agreed with them was not done. He fought that cause and he did not fight alone,” Fayose said.

He added that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other members of the G-5 alliance stood firm, noting that they engaged the president on several occasions.

According to Fayose, although many Nigerians initially branded the G-5 governors as traitors, recent events have changed perceptions.

“Many people saw the G-5 governors as traitors. But if you sit back now, the presidential candidate of the PDP has left, the vice-presidential candidate has left, governors and senators have left,” he said.

Fayose concluded that the mass defections show that Wike had foreseen the crisis earlier than others.

“That means Wike has been vindicated. What they never saw, Wike saw earlier on,” he said.

Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has said the Federal Government will operate a single budget from March 2026.

Agbese disclosed this on Friday in an interview with journalists in Abuja, stating that the repeal and re-enactment of both budgets would ensure a coherent and predictable funding structure.

He said the repeal and re-enactment of the budget is intended to align the nation’s budgeting system with global and international best practices.

According to him, it would also ensure transparency and accountability at all levels and lessen the burden of oversight during implementation.

“By adopting a single budget after 31 March 2026, the executive will be able to execute the budget without much hassle. When there is a single funding system, it becomes easier to manage cash flow and ensure timely releases,” he said.

The deputy spokesperson of the Green Chamber also praised President Tinubu for promising budget discipline and economic stability.

Agbese added that the parliament is committed to reforms that would strengthen public finance management, improve service delivery, and restore public confidence in the budgeting process.

DAILY POST reports that the Federal Government has faced significant challenges in executing the 2024 and 2025 budgets, resulting in the operation of multiple appropriations within a single fiscal year.

It is recalled that on Tuesday, the National Assembly, at the request of President Tinubu, repealed and re-enacted the 2024 and 2025 budgets.

It also extended the implementation timeline of the 2025 budget through March 2026 to ensure fiscal alignment and continuity of public expenditure.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has stated that, in close coordination with the Government of the United States of America, it successfully conducted precision strike operations against two major Islamic State ISIS terrorist enclaves located within the Bauni Forest axis of Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

A statement signed by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, said intelligence confirmed that these locations were being used as assembly and staging grounds by foreign ISIS elements infiltrating Nigeria from the Sahel region, in collaboration with local affiliates, to plan and execute large-scale terrorist attacks within Nigerian territory.

The minister stated that the precision strike operations were executed between 00:12 hours and 01:30 hours on Friday, 26 December 2025, following explicit approval by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and that the operation was carried out under established command and control structures, with the full involvement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and under the supervision of the Honourable Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff.

“The strikes were launched from maritime platforms domiciled in the Gulf of Guinea, after extensive intelligence gathering, operational planning, and reconnaissance,” the statement said.

“A total of 16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed using MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial platforms, successfully neutralising the targeted ISIS elements attempting to penetrate Nigeria from the Sahel corridor.

“During the course of the operation, debris from expended munitions fell in Jabo, Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and in Offa, Kwara State, near the premises of a hotel. No civilian casualties were recorded in either location, and relevant authorities promptly secured the affected areas.”

The Federal Government of Nigeria reiterated its unwavering resolve to confront, degrade, and eliminate terrorist threats, particularly those posed by transnational extremist networks seeking to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and security. Nigeria remains fully aligned with its strategic partners and Friends of Nigeria in executing coordinated actions aimed at ensuring lasting peace, border security, and regional stability.

The Federal Government assured all Nigerians that it remains firmly in control of the national security architecture and is fully committed to the protection of lives and property. Citizens are urged to remain calm and vigilant as decisive actions continue against all terrorist groups threatening the nation.

Residents of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State have confirmed aerial attacks on locations believed to be hideouts of the Lakurawa armed group in the area.

A local government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent that the strikes occurred late at night in parts of Tangaza.

“The attacks happened between 10 p.m. and midnight at Warriya and Alkasim villages,” the official said.

Residents told Zagazola, the targeted locations were suspected to be camps used by members of the Lakurawa group, which has been linked to repeated security incidents in the area.

The official said authorities were still assessing the impact of the strikes and had yet to determine whether there were civilian casualties.

“As of now, we are yet to ascertain the full extent of the attack, including possible casualties. Security operatives are expected to visit the affected areas in the morning to verify what happened,” he said.

Residents said the strikes caused fear and tension in surrounding communities, with many people staying indoors throughout the night.

There has been no official statement from security agencies regarding the operation or the identity of those who carried out the strikes.

Tangaza Local Government Area has in recent times experienced security challenges linked to armed groups operating in remote parts of the area.

Former Vice President? Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately enforce the Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments, warning that continued delay undermines the Constitution.

The apex court, in a unanimous judgment delivered in July 2024, held that it is unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds allocated to local government areas. The court also ruled that the use of caretaker committees places local councils under state control, in violation of the 1999 Constitution.

Speaking at the weekend during the 15th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu had urged governors to comply with the ruling, warning that failure to do so could compel him to issue an Executive Order to ensure direct allocations from the Federation Account to local governments.

Reacting via social media, Atiku accused the President of politicising the judgment and failing to take decisive action to enforce it.

“At this point, there is no need for threats of Executive Orders,” Atiku said.

“All the President needs to do is instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation to enforce the judgment immediately. Anything short of this is a failure of leadership.”

The former vice president, an African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, alleged that Tinubu’s inaction was deliberate and politically motivated.

“Your refusal to act is a calculated political move—using obedience to the law as a bargaining chip to force opposition governors into the APC and to keep governors within your party firmly under your control,” Atiku wrote.

He further stated that, “In doing so, you have reduced the Constitution to a tool of convenience and governance to partisan bargaining. Supreme Court judgments are final, not optional.”

Atiku warned that continued refusal to enforce the ruling amounts to a breach of constitutional duty.

“Persistently refusing to enforce one is a direct breach of the Constitution and a violation of the oath you swore to Nigerians,” he said.

Concluding, the former vice president cautioned that history would judge the present administration harshly over the matter.

“Your continued inaction sends a clear message that political control matters more than constitutional duty. History will not forget this moment. Nigerians will not either,” he added.

Six members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly have defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing deep internal crises within the PDP and what they described as poor governance in the state.

The lawmakers announced their decision on Thursday through separate letters addressed to the Speaker of the House.

Those who defected are Bashar Aliyu Gummi (Gummi I), Nasiru Abdullahi Maru (Maru North), Bashir Abubakar Masama (Bukkuyum North), Bashir Bello (Bungudu West), Amiru Ahmad Keta (Tsafe West), and Muktar Nasir Kaura (Kaura North).

In their letters, titled “Notice of Resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC)”, the lawmakers said persistent crises within the PDP forced their decision.

They said the crises had resulted in factional leadership within the party.

One of the letters read: “I write to formally inform the Honourable Speaker and Honourable Members of this Honourable House of my decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to lingering and unresolved crises in my party, which have resulted in factional leadership.”

The lawmakers said their defection was in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

They cited Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which allows a lawmaker to defect if there is a division within their political party.

They also accused the PDP-led government in Zamfara State, under Governor Dauda Lawal, of poor leadership.

According to them, the administration has failed to adequately address insecurity in the state and has not fulfilled its campaign promises.

Another part of the letters read: “My decision is in line with Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and is also based on the poor leadership of Governor Dauda Lawal, particularly his failure to address security challenges and fulfil campaign promises.”

Former lawmaker, senator Shehu Sani, has reacted to reports of United States military strikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West, saying foreign powers cannot permanently handle the country’s security challenges.

Sani made the remarks on Friday via his X handle while responding to a post by the United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, which indicated that the strikes were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

According to him, if the reported strikes were indeed a joint operation with Nigerian security agencies, then such action was justifiable, given the threat posed by terrorist groups in the region.

He described terrorists operating in parts of northern Nigeria as “cancerous cells,” stressing that they survive through violence and should be confronted decisively.

Sani also dismissed narratives suggesting that terrorist attacks target only one religious group, describing such claims as false and misleading.

He said: “If actually, the military strikes against the terrorists targets in the North Western part of Nigeria were a joint operation with the ‘Nigerian Authorities’ as posted by the US AFRICOM on their verified X handle, then it’s a conscionable action.

“Terrorists have become cancerous cells in our part of the country.They live by the sword.The narrative that the evil terrorists only targets one faith, remains absolutely false and misleading.

“Again, the ultimate security and peace in our country lies with ourselves and not with the US or any foreign power. They can complimentarily or unilaterally strike, but they can’t eternally fight our battles.”

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and rancour-free transfer of power at the end of his tenure in 2027.

The governor gave the assurance on Thursday while addressing worshippers during the Christmas service at St James’ Anglican Church in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.

Abiodun said his government is determined to set a new standard in the state’s political history by handing over to a successor peacefully, without disputes or tension.

According to him, his administration intends to conclude its tenure on a strong note and oversee what he described as a landmark transition in Ogun State.

“As we approach 2027, we will finish well and finish strong, and by God’s grace, hand over successfully to a successor.

“It will be the first peaceful transition in Ogun’s 50-year history. I will attend my send-forth and also the swearing-in of my successor,” he said.

The governor attributed his confidence to what he described as the steady growth of the state’s economy and the people-centred policies implemented by his administration.

He noted that Ogun State’s economy has expanded significantly since he assumed office, largely driven by increased industrial activities and investment inflows.

“Our economy has grown almost five times from what we met. New factories and industries are springing up across the state,” Abiodun stated.

The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as focused leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the federal government’s policies are already yielding positive results.

Reflecting on the significance of the Christmas season, Abiodun said the celebration goes beyond festivity, urging residents to embrace love, peace and compassion, particularly towards the less privileged.

“Christmas is about loving your neighbour as yourself. There is no greater gift than God giving us Jesus,” he said.

He further advised residents to celebrate responsibly, cautioning against excessive alcohol consumption and encouraging moderation.