1. Adeleke Leads Osun Governorship Race as Collation Advances Across 30 LGAs
Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party maintained a strong lead in the Osun State governorship election as the Independent National Electoral Commission continued the official collation of results early Sunday. Provisional figures from polling units and announced results from several local government areas placed Adeleke ahead of All Progressives Congress candidate Bola Oyebamiji, with African Democratic Congress candidate Najeem Salaam trailing in third place.
The race remained subject to the final declaration by the state returning officer, but Adeleke recorded strong margins in areas including Osogbo and Ede North. EU observers and domestic monitors reported some security incidents and logistical challenges during the election, while party agents closely followed the collation process.
2. Nigeria, United States Conclude Talks to Deepen Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
Nigeria and the United States have concluded high-level talks in Washington aimed at strengthening military cooperation and the joint fight against terrorism. The Nigerian delegation, led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, discussed intelligence sharing, protection of vulnerable communities, prosecution of terror suspects and measures against terrorism financing.
The talks also reviewed Nigeria’s Country of Particular Concern designation and cooperation on internally displaced persons, police recruitment and defence relations. Further military-level discussions continued at the Pentagon as both countries reaffirmed their commitment to closer security collaboration.
3. Defence Headquarters Confirms Compromise of Official X Account in Cyberattack
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that its official X account was compromised following an unauthorised access attempt. Director of Defence Information Maj. Gen. Samaila Uba said technical measures had been activated to secure the account and restore full control.
The military warned Nigerians to disregard suspicious posts from the account, after hackers reportedly used the platform to promote cryptocurrency scam content to its nearly one million followers. Nigerians were advised to rely on the military’s verified Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms for official updates.
4. Petrol Depot Prices Fall Nationwide After Dangote Refinery Cuts Rates
Petrol depot prices have fallen across major Nigerian markets following a reduction in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit by Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Private depots in Lagos, Warri and other distribution centres subsequently adjusted their prices as marketers responded to the lower refinery rate.
The development could eventually lead to lower pump prices for motorists once existing stocks bought at higher rates are cleared. Industry observers linked the reduction to improved supply and growing competition in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market.
5. SEC Restricts Capital Market Dealings with North Korea and Iran
The Securities and Exchange Commission has directed capital market operators to terminate correspondent banking relationships and restrict transactions involving financial institutions linked to North Korea and Iran. The directive also requires enhanced due diligence for transactions connected to Myanmar.
The order, which takes immediate effect, is based on Financial Action Task Force guidance and Nigeria’s anti-money laundering regulations. Capital market operators that fail to comply risk regulatory sanctions, including fines or suspension.
6. Gunmen Abduct Passengers on Benue Highway as Police Rescue Five
Gunmen have attacked a commercial bus travelling from Enugu to Abuja along the Ankpechi-Omutele axis in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, shooting the driver and abducting several passengers. Police said five victims, including a child, were later rescued after security operatives exchanged gunfire with the attackers.
Nine other passengers remained in captivity as security agencies intensified efforts to locate them. One of the rescued victims was treated for a gunshot wound, while police urged residents and motorists to provide useful information that could assist the rescue operation.
7. NFF Sets Up Committee to Investigate Super Falcons’ World Cup Failure
The Nigeria Football Federation has constituted a fact-finding committee to investigate the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The panel, chaired by former NFF General Secretary Ambassador Fanny Amun, includes former players and football officials such as Desire Oparanozie, Ladan Bosso and Mutiu Adepoju.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify is the first since the women’s World Cup began in 1991. The Super Falcons were eliminated by South Africa after their earlier quarter-final exit from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, prompting the NFF to seek explanations and recommendations for future improvement.
8. Universal Insurance Secures N7.1 Billion Equity Deal to Meet NAICOM Requirement
Universal Insurance Plc has entered into a binding agreement with FPNG Co-Nvest Limited for a N7.128 billion equity investment through private placement. If completed, FPNG will become the insurer’s majority shareholder with a 50.1 per cent stake.
The deal is expected to strengthen the company’s capital base and help it meet the revised minimum capital requirements of the National Insurance Commission. Regulatory approvals from NAICOM and other relevant authorities are still required before completion.
9. Yobe Floods and Storms Kill 11, Affect More Than 34,500 Residents
At least 11 people have died while more than 34,500 residents have been affected by floods, heavy rainfall and tropical windstorms across 15 local government areas of Yobe State since May. The state emergency management agency said hundreds of people were injured, while thousands of households suffered damage.
Several houses and shelters were destroyed, with some residents forced to relocate. Government agencies, humanitarian organisations and other partners have continued relief efforts as assessments and emergency responses remain ongoing during the rainy season.
10. Security Incidents Reported as Osun Election Results Continue to Emerge
The Osun governorship election recorded several security incidents, including reported shootings, disruptions at polling units and alleged attempts by thugs to invade some collation centres. Observers and party agents also raised concerns over delayed voting, technological challenges and alleged interference in parts of the state.
Security agencies maintained their presence as INEC continued uploading results and collating figures from the state’s 30 local government areas. The incidents are expected to form part of the wider assessment of the conduct of the election as the final result is awaited.
