Like the corrupt and perennially lazy workman blaming his tools, the camp of the drowning Ogun East senator, Gbenga Daniel, has not ceased bellyaching over their principal’s failed 2027 re-election bid. The latest excuse—that Governor Dapo Abiodun is behind the failure of Daniel’s state creation gambit—is an afterthought cooked up to pacify bruised political egos.

In a treatise titled “Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Stalled Dream of Ijebu-Remo State,” with the rider “Senate Triumph Sabotaged in the House,” Victor Ojelabi, publisher of the blog Freelanews, piles up allegations against the Ogun State governor, accusing him of truncating the state creation initiative by allegedly influencing Ogun APC lawmakers in the House of Representatives.

Seeking to avoid the burden of proving his claims, Ojelabi repeatedly deploys words such as “allegedly” and “reportedly” while presenting speculation as fact. According to him, “Governor Dapo Abiodun stands accused of single-handedly sabotaging the creation of Ijebu-Remo State, a move that could have transformed the region into a booming economic powerhouse.” He further claims, without presenting any verifiable evidence, that Senator Daniel had “reportedly secured a staggering 75 signatures from distinguished senators, pushing the Ijebu-Remo State Creation Bill with determination and strategic brilliance.” Yet, he fails to explain how such an allegedly persuasive legislator could not secure corresponding support in the House of Representatives.

Even if one agrees, for the sake of argument, that 75 signatures constitute a significant political endorsement, it still stretches logic beyond reasonable limits to suggest that a proposal capable of attracting such support in one chamber would inexplicably fail to secure meaningful traction in the other solely because of Governor Abiodun. Rather than casting the governor in a bad light, this narrative raises questions about the seriousness and preparedness of those who now claim to be the sole proponents of the proposal.

A serious advocate of state creation would ordinarily prioritise painstaking consultations and broad-based support across both chambers of the National Assembly. Failing to secure such support while blaming others for the outcome reveals a troubling lack of political homework.

Losers will always search for excuses, and it cannot be plainer that these characters have struggled to come to terms with the loss of a senatorial ticket they apparently considered their birthright. They have accused virtually everyone of conspiracy, including President Bola Tinubu—the same political leader on whose behalf they once floated a “BAT-OGD” movement—alleging collusion with Governor Abiodun to edge their principal out of the 2027 race.

In their eagerness to shift blame, they conveniently forget that agitation for state creation predates the current controversy by decades. Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, no new state has been created in Nigeria. Even attempts to create additional local government councils have often resulted in prolonged constitutional and political disputes. Nigerians need only recall the challenges encountered during efforts to create additional local governments in Lagos State in the early years of the Fourth Republic.

The reason is simple: the Nigerian Constitution deliberately makes state creation one of the most difficult political exercises imaginable. It is designed that way because creating a state is not merely a matter of drawing a new boundary on a map; it is a fundamental restructuring of the federation. Section 8 of the Constitution imposes a maze of requirements involving elected representatives from affected areas, local government councils, State Houses of Assembly, the National Assembly, and the electorate itself through a referendum. Every stage presents a hurdle capable of terminating the process.

Indeed, the Constitution practically requires a national consensus before any new state can emerge. The proposal must survive multiple veto points, any one of which can kill it. That is why state creation remains one of the rarest constitutional exercises in the federation. It is easier to campaign for a new state than to create one.

Beyond the constitutional requirements lie even more daunting political realities. Every new state changes the distribution of federal revenue, legislative representation, ministerial appointments, and access to federal institutions. Inevitably, every proposal produces winners and losers. Those who stand to lose influence or resources naturally oppose it.

Approving one new state would also open the floodgates to dozens of similar demands across the federation. This is precisely why state creation has remained largely theoretical since 1999. In recent constitution review exercises, agitators demanded dozens of new states from different regions. If one is granted today, proponents of all the others would insist on equal treatment tomorrow. In Oyo State, there are agitations for Ibadan State and New Oyo State. In Lagos, there are demands for Lagoon State. Similar agitations exist across the federation. The question then becomes: if every region wants its own state, where does it end?

There is also the inconvenient economic reality that many of the existing 36 states struggle to survive without monthly federal allocations. Most generate insufficient internal revenue to sustain themselves. Creating more states means more governors, more commissioners, more assemblies, more bureaucracies, and more recurrent expenditure. At a time when the national conversation is about economic efficiency and reducing the cost of governance, many policymakers view additional states as a financial burden rather than a solution.

There is also the question of timing. At a period when many Nigerians are questioning the sustainability of the existing federal structure and calling for stronger economic viability among states, the creation of additional administrative units is bound to attract intense scrutiny. Any serious advocate of state creation must first answer the question of viability before seeking constitutional approval.

State creation also raises contentious issues relating to boundaries, ownership of resources, traditional institutions, and ethnic identity. Communities that appear united in agitation often become divided when questions arise about the location of a capital city, the sharing of assets, or political dominance within the proposed state. History has shown that such disagreements can derail even the most enthusiastic campaigns.

Against this backdrop, the attempt to blame Governor Abiodun for the failure of the Ijebu State creation proposal is not merely dishonest; it is absurd. If presidents, elder statesmen, constitutional conferences, influential regional blocs, and determined agitators have failed to create a state in nearly three decades, how exactly was Senator Daniel expecting to achieve this constitutional miracle? More importantly, why did a man who allegedly conquered the Senate fail to secure corresponding support in the House of Representatives?

The more plausible explanation is that the state creation campaign was never conceived as a serious constitutional project. It was a political slogan designed to generate excitement and sympathy ahead of the APC primary cycle. It was intended to create the illusion of a historic mission rather than deliver a constitutionally attainable objective.

The timing of the agitation raises legitimate questions. Aspirations for statehood are usually long-term, multi-generational projects pursued consistently across political cycles. They are not typically activated only when an incumbent office-holder faces a difficult re-election contest. That coincidence alone invites scrutiny.

If sincere agitators for new states have not succeeded since 1999, how could a senator who appeared to be using the state creation gambit to bolster his re-election prospects succeed? In the Senate, Gbenga Daniel is not among the most influential voices. He is not among the senators whose interventions regularly shape national discourse. By contrast, on virtually any issue in the polity, Nigerians know where senators such as Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume stand because their views are frequently heard. When last did the Nigerian public hear Senator Daniel take a defining position on a major national issue?

The man has been busy fighting his state government instead of giving the people of Ogun East quality representation. To reduce the failure of Ijebu State creation to Governor Abiodun’s alleged lack of support is to ignore the possibility that the project itself lacked the broad political and constitutional backing necessary for success.

Besides, how logical is it for a sitting governor to preside over the dissolution of the very state he was elected to govern? And if Daniel were truly sincere about this cause, why did he not vigorously champion it throughout his eight years as governor? Why did the agitation suddenly become urgent when his political future became uncertain? Does it mean that Ijebu State can only be created if it aligns with Daniel’s personal ambition?

Perhaps the greatest irony is that a politician whose political positioning has frequently evolved with prevailing circumstances now seeks to present himself as the unquestioned custodian of a movement rooted in history, identity, and collective heritage. Questions of identity are sensitive matters, and those whose political trajectory has frequently invited debate should exercise caution before appropriating a people’s aspiration as a personal political project.

While the people of Ijebu and Remo have every democratic right to agitate for a new state, such agitation cannot be tied to the political survival of any single individual. Besides, Ojelabi shot himself in the foot by claiming that his principal is agitating for a so-called Ijebu-Remo State when the agitation has historically been about Ijebu State. If you are going to defend Ijebu State, do so without opportunistically redefining it. The sudden attempt to rebrand the agitation only raises further questions about sincerity, clarity of purpose, and motive.

The truth remains stubborn. The Constitution—not Governor Abiodun—is the greatest obstacle to state creation in Nigeria. The sooner Daniel and his sympathisers come to terms with that reality, the sooner they can stop manufacturing conspiracies to explain what was, from the outset, a politically convenient but constitutionally improbable project. State creation is not achieved through press statements, sponsored articles, or election-season sloganeering. It requires consensus, credibility, and constitutional compliance—three commodities that appear to have been in short supply throughout this ill-fated adventure.

Bakare leads a youth advocacy group in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Olohundare Jimoh, on Wednesday, carried out an on-the-spot security inspection at Pan-Atlantic University in Lekki following the circulation of a viral video showing two masked individuals emerging from a forested area near the institution.

The visit, which was conducted alongside operational officers of the Lagos State Police Command, formed part of efforts to assess the security situation around the university and reassure students, staff and parents of ongoing safety measures.

During the inspection, the police commissioner met with the management of the institution and emphasised the need to strengthen security arrangements within and around the campus to prevent possible threats.

Jimoh advised the university authorities on practical strategies to improve security while warning against actions that could compromise existing safety structures.

According to a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Command, the commissioner stressed the importance of proactive security measures, particularly in the areas of perimeter surveillance, access control and cooperation with relevant security agencies.

As part of efforts to enhance security operations around the institution and neighbouring communities, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund has deployed surveillance drones to support law enforcement activities in the area.

The police said the drone deployment, facilitated by the Lagos State Government, is expected to improve aerial monitoring, intelligence gathering and crime prevention efforts within the Lekki axis.

Speaking during the visit, Jimoh reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

He assured the management, students, staff and parents of Pan-Atlantic University of the police’s readiness to respond promptly to security concerns and maintain a safe environment for academic and lawful activities.

The commissioner also urged the institution to sustain close collaboration with security agencies and remain vigilant against emerging security threats.

“The Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property across Lagos State,” he stated, while encouraging members of the university community to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

The Lagos State Police Command further reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and security across the state and urged residents to remain alert and provide timely information to law enforcement authorities.

Residents were also encouraged to make use of the command’s emergency lines to report suspicious movements and security-related incidents.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has vowed to continue with a defamation lawsuit against a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo over allegations of corruption during the party’s primary elections.

Obi made the vow on Tuesday during  an exclusive interview on Nevon Media hosted by Oseni Rufai.

Recall that the Nollywood veteran-turned politician had appeared on a national television and claimed that House of Representatives aspirants were coerced into paying a N10 million bribe under Obi’s watch to secure tickets.

The lawyer claimed that the aspirant privately described the former governor as the leader of the extortion scheme, stating that Peter Obi is the head, stomach, and feet of the criminal gang.

Okonkwo accused Obi handpicking candidates who did not win or participate in the primaries at a hotel in Abuja.

Reacting during the interview, Obi said, “The issue of taking Kenneth Okonkwo to court wouldn’t have arisen if he had stopped at those allegations. But he claimed he still has more he would expose about me in the future.

“So I am very happy to take him to court so that he can expose me publicly, alongside other Nigerians. If any of them has any criminal allegations against me, they should bring it to court.”

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has introduced a new anti-defection policy requiring candidates seeking elective offices on its platform to sign legal documents committing to vacate their positions if they leave the party after winning elections.

The development was disclosed during a ceremony held at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, where party officials unveiled indemnity and affidavit forms for aspirants and candidates ahead of future elections.

According to the National Chairman of the party, Moses Cleopas, the policy will apply to candidates contesting presidential, governorship, National Assembly and other elective positions under the NDC platform.

Cleopas said the decision was aimed at strengthening party discipline and preventing situations where politicians secure electoral victories on a party platform and later defect to another political party.

“In our last NEC meeting, a motion was moved, supported and adopted, establishing that when we take over government, people elected on the platform of our party must respect the party’s instrument,” he said.

The chairman stated that the party was determined to protect its electoral mandates and preserve what he described as the principle of party supremacy.

“One thing we have come to observe is that in the present polity, when people contest elections and win under political parties, they become gods. And within the period they ought to serve, they will, on one minor excuse, dump the platform and perhaps move to the ruling party,” he added.

Cleopas cited experiences from previous election cycles, noting that some opposition parties lost several elected members after elections despite securing victories on their platforms.

“A very typical example that we have all seen in the last three years is the Labour Party, where so many individuals won elections under the platform of the party. Now, we are in another election cycle. Go and check their history. How many of the people who won elections under the Labour Party and were inaugurated are still members of the party?” he said.

He stressed that membership of the party remains voluntary but insisted that anyone seeking elective office under the NDC must agree to abide by its internal regulations.

“If you want to contest an election under the platform of the NDC, you are free to come. Nobody is forcing you. But when you come, you should know that there are certain rules by which we, as a political party, guide our members,” Cleopas stated.

Also speaking, the party’s National Legal Adviser, Reuben Egwuaba, defended the policy, arguing that political parties operate as voluntary associations governed by rules accepted by members.

“A political party is just like a club, church or mosque where there are rules and regulations. That is why the 1999 Constitution, under Section 222, states that a candidate of a political party is merely an agent of the party,” he said.

He maintained that electoral mandates belong to political parties rather than individual candidates.

“So, if you are privileged to win an election after clinching the party ticket, that does not mean the mandate belongs to you,” Egwuaba added.

The party said the affidavit and indemnity forms are intended to reinforce loyalty to the platform and ensure that elected officials remain committed to the party throughout their tenure.

The lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Oshiomhole, has denied he alleged that signatures of lawmakers were forged in the report that recommended the suspension of Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

This was contained in a statement he issues on Tuesday, noting that his comments during an interview on AIT were misrepresented.

Oshiomole denied that he ever claimed signatures of senators were forged.

He said that he only raised  issue that a senator who served on the committee had claimed that attendance signatures of some lawmakers were attached to the final report.

Recall that the Nigerian Senate denied allegations by Oshiomhole over Natasha’s issue, stating that it would look into it and take a stand.

According to Oshiomole in the statement, “The insinuation that I said signatures of Senators were forged is a complete misrepresentation of what I actually said

“The only comment I made is that one Senator, who is a member of the Committee, claimed’ that the signatures of attendance of some Senators were attached to the final report.

The Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Ardo Muhammad, has maintained that the individuals arrested in Okpokwu Local Government Area last week were innocent travellers and not kidnappers.

In a statement released on Tuesday in Makurdi, Muhammad alleged that the four Fulani men were on their way from Benue State to Onitsha to visit family members when they came under attack.

The incident followed reports that local youths had thwarted a kidnapping attempt in the area on Wednesday, rescuing five people allegedly held by suspected abductors.

Authorities later announced that three suspects were apprehended and handed over to the police, while another person reportedly escaped.

Confirming the development, Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area, Adah Inalegwu, said the suspected kidnappers abandoned their captives after being chased by vigilante youths.

He explained that three individuals were arrested the next day, but noted that security agencies had not yet established their connection to the alleged abduction.

“They are strangers in the community. It has not yet been confirmed if they were kidnappers, but they have been handed over to the police,” the chairman said.

However, Muhammad rejected claims linking the arrested men to kidnapping activities, insisting that they were merely travelling to see their relatives in Onitsha.

He said, “The four Fulani men arrested were travellers going from Benue State to Onitsha to visit their relatives. One of them managed to escape.

“The other three were severely beaten. One of them later died from his injuries at the scene, while the remaining two are currently receiving medical treatment.”

The MACBAN chairman urged security agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly, apprehend those responsible for the attack, and ensure justice is served.

He further dismissed allegations that the men were involved in criminal activities, arguing that they were targeted solely because they were Fulani travellers moving peacefully through the area.

The Edo State Government has demolished a building allegedly linked to cultism and ritual activities in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s media aide, Patrick Ebojele, on Tuesday,  another property was also sealed off in a renewed crackdown on crime and criminal networks.

Ebojele said the operation was carried out under “Operation Flush Out Kidnappers and Cultists”.

According to him, the operation involved the Edo State Security Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies under the supervision of senior security officials attached to the governor.

Secretary of the Edo State Security Squad, John Izegaegbe, said the intervention followed intelligence reports and field findings in the area.

Izegaegbe added that one of the sealed buildings in Ebhoijie-Uromi was linked to a disturbing discovery made in June.

“We are here on the order of Governor Monday Okpebholo, and, on getting here, we discovered that it is a ritual and murder case.

“It was further discovered, according to medical experts, that the body found in the building, which is the body of their gatekeeper, identified as Mildah Dalandi, had been decomposing for about one month in the apartment,” he said.

The state government reiterated that investigations were ongoing and assured residents that efforts to dismantle criminal networks across communities would continue.

The governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Taraba State, Professor Jerome Nyameh, has called for calm among party supporters following a Federal High Court judgment, insisting that the ruling has no bearing on the party’s political future or its participation in future elections.
In a statement aimed at addressing growing concerns within party ranks, Nyameh urged members and supporters not to panic or lose confidence in the party, stressing that the court’s decision represents only an early stage in an ongoing legal process.

“Don’t be discouraged by the Federal High Court judgment. ACCORD will be on the ballot in 2027,” he assured.

He explained that the judgment remains an initial ruling and subject to further judicial review, noting that Nigeria’s legal system provides additional layers of appeal, including the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.

According to him, “The Federal High Court is just a trial court. There is the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court.”

Nyameh maintained that the matter is far from concluded, expressing confidence that the party would pursue all available legal options to ensure justice is ultimately achieved.

He further reaffirmed that the Accord Party remains a viable political platform with established structures across the country, and continues to enjoy growing support.

The professor also urged supporters to remain law-abiding, united, and focused, encouraging sustained grassroots mobilisation despite what he described as temporary legal and political distractions. He added that preparations for future political engagements are ongoing and that the party’s internal cohesion remains strong.

Nyameh further referenced prominent figures within the party, including the governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, describing the Accord Party as a platform strengthened by credible and influential political actors.

He reassured supporters that the party leadership remains committed to maintaining its presence within Nigeria’s democratic space and is focused on strategic preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.