Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Dangote Refinery Dismisses Fuel Re-Import Claims, Calls Allegations ‘Tissue of Lies’

By
Kazeem Busari
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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has strongly denied allegations that petroleum products refined at its Lagos facility are being exported to neighbouring countries and subsequently re-imported into Nigeria, describing the claims as baseless, economically illogical and contrary to its business objectives.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the refinery said it was compelled to address what it described as a growing web of falsehoods despite its longstanding policy of not responding to unverified allegations.

The company maintained that reports suggesting refined products are shipped from the Dangote Refinery to Lomé, Togo, before being re-imported into Nigeria lack factual and commercial basis. According to the refinery, such a practice would directly contradict its core objective of strengthening its position as a leading supplier of petroleum products to the Nigerian market.

“A key objective of Dangote Refinery is to maintain and strengthen its position as a leading supplier of petroleum products to the Nigerian market,” the statement said, adding that facilitating imports that compete with its own production would be inconsistent with that goal.

The refinery also argued that the economics of the alleged arrangement do not support such a trade pattern. It estimated that the logistics cost of transporting products from its facility to Lomé and then back into Nigeria would amount to approximately $82 to $90 per metric ton, making the transaction commercially unattractive.

“These additional costs would significantly erode margins and make such transactions commercially unattractive,” the refinery stated. It further noted that it does not offer export discounts large enough to offset those costs or create arbitrage opportunities between export and domestic markets.

Dangote Refinery stressed that there is no commercial incentive for a producer to incur extra shipping, storage, financing and handling costs only for products to return and compete in its largest market.

Addressing concerns about transparency, the company said it maintains detailed records of all product sales, including lifting locations, nominated vessels, counterparties and destination declarations where applicable. It added that suggestions that it knowingly facilitates re-importation are inconsistent with contractual restrictions imposed on buyers and the refinery’s compliance procedures.

The company further pointed to its long-standing public position advocating reduced dependence on imported petroleum products, arguing that any action encouraging re-importation would undermine local refining, place pressure on foreign exchange reserves and weaken Nigeria’s industrial development efforts.

“Dangote Refinery has consistently advocated for eliminating Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products,” the statement said. “There is neither a strategic rationale nor a commercial incentive for Dangote Refinery to facilitate exports to neighbouring markets for subsequent re-importation into Nigeria.”

The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions within Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector over fuel supply chains, import dependence and the role of the multi-billion-dollar refinery in reshaping the country’s energy landscape. Since commencing operations, the refinery has positioned itself as a key player in efforts to boost domestic refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.

Reaffirming its position, the management insisted that the allegations are unsupported by trade economics, contractual arrangements, product traceability mechanisms and the refinery’s established commitment to strengthening domestic refining.

The company concluded that the claims remain inconsistent with both commercial realities and its publicly stated mission of enhancing Nigeria’s energy security and reducing dependence on imported fuel.

Deschamps Leaves France World Cup Camp After Mother’s Death

By
Kazeem Busari
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Deschamps

France head coach Didier Deschamps will miss the national team’s upcoming World Cup preparations and their final Group I fixture against Norway after the death of his mother, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Tuesday.

In a statement released by the FFF, the federation confirmed that Deschamps received the news of his mother’s passing on Tuesday morning and will immediately return to France to attend her funeral.

As a result, the 57-year-old manager will be absent from training sessions leading up to Friday’s crucial World Cup clash against Norway and will not be on the bench for the match, scheduled for 9 p.m. local time.

The federation said that, in agreement with FFF president Philippe Diallo, Deschamps has temporarily handed responsibility for the national team to his long-serving assistant, Guy Stéphan, who will oversee preparations and lead the team during the encounter.

“Didier Deschamps will not be able to lead training sessions ahead of the Norway-France match. He will also not be present on the bench on Friday for the last match of the Bleus in Group I,” the federation said in its statement.

The FFF added that the decision was reached after consultations between Deschamps and Diallo, who is currently with the French delegation at the team’s World Cup base camp in the United States.

“In agreement with Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, who is present at the France team’s base camp for the World Cup in the United States, Didier Deschamps has entrusted responsibility to his assistant, Guy Stéphan, to lead the group until his return,” the statement read.

The federation also expressed its condolences and support for the World Cup-winning coach and his family during the difficult period.

“In this extremely painful moment, we wish the coach and his family much courage and assure them of the support of everyone at the Federation,” the FFF stated.

Deschamps, one of the most successful coaches in French football history, has led Les Bleus since 2012, guiding the team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and several major tournament finals. His temporary absence comes as France prepare to conclude their Group I campaign at the ongoing World Cup in the United States.

Assistant coach Guy Stéphan, a trusted member of Deschamps’ technical staff for more than a decade, is expected to take charge of team affairs until the head coach returns following the funeral.

France’s match against Norway on Friday will proceed as scheduled, with the French squad seeking to maintain momentum in the tournament while rallying around their absent coach during a period of personal grief.

https://x.com/arojinle1/status/2069473474125365736/video/1

DSS Denies Role in Sowore’s Remand, Orders Internal Probe

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Sowore in court on Monday.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has defended its role in the ongoing prosecution of human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) leader, Omoyele Sowore, insisting that the circumstances leading to his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre were strictly the result of court proceedings and not actions taken by the agency.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the DSS said it had taken note of public concerns surrounding events at the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 22, 2026, which culminated in Sowore’s remand. The Service also disclosed that its Director-General had ordered an immediate investigation into allegations involving DSS operatives during an incident that occurred after the court session.

The agency expressed concern over scenes showing what it described as Sowore’s altercation with a correctional official and a “seeming scuffle” involving DSS operatives. According to the DSS, “Although at the end of the saga, he curiously opted for a DSS vehicle instead of that of the Correctional Service, the Director General has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged conduct of Service operatives involved in the incident.”

Providing its account of the case, the DSS said the legal dispute originated from a social media post made by Sowore on August 25, 2025, in which he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” while reacting to remarks the President reportedly made during a visit to Brazil.

According to the Service, Sowore had written: “this criminal actually went to Brazil to state that there is NO MORE CORRUPTION in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly.”

Rather than immediately arresting the activist, the DSS said it first sought a non-coercive resolution. “The Service, in a letter dated 4th September, 2025 demanded a retraction within one week. This is in line with the practice of the current DG-DSS to resolve such issues without use of force, failure to which it may resort to judicial interpretation,” the statement said.

The agency cited several previous cases to support its claim of adherence to legal processes, including its court action against the proposed shadow government initiative led by Professor Pat Utomi, as well as disputes involving media organisations over reports concerning alleged DSS operations at the Lagos State House of Assembly and the National Assembly Complex.

The DSS further noted that it eventually filed charges against Sowore under Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/481/2025, seeking what it described as a judicial interpretation of whether his comments amounted to cyberbullying and unlawful disparagement of the President.

The Service stressed that it did not oppose Sowore’s release when he was initially granted bail on self-recognition by the court. “The public may wish to note that, Sowore was granted bail on self-recognition even without a surety at the commencement of the trial, a position the Service did not oppose and even Sowore applauded the development,” it stated.

The DSS maintained that the activist’s bail revocation and subsequent detention were consequences of judicial decisions rather than any action by the agency. “From the foregoing, it is clear the issues that led to his bail revocation and subsequent remand were entirely premised on the court processes, as the Service neither arrested nor opposed his bail,” the statement added.

 

Ronaldo Makes World Cup History with Brace as Portugal Thrash Uzbekistan 5-0

By
Agency Report
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Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name even deeper into football history on Tuesday, becoming the first player ever to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments as Portugal cruised to a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.

The 41-year-old captain delivered a vintage performance, scoring twice to lead Portugal to their first win of the tournament and silence critics who questioned his form following a 1-1 draw against Congo in their opening match. Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute, finishing confidently from a João Cancelo cross before celebrating with teammates on the touchline.

He struck again in the 39th minute when he latched onto a pass from Bruno Fernandes and fired a right-footed effort inside the near post to make it 3-0. The two goals earned Ronaldo the Man of the Match award and added another remarkable milestone to a career already packed with records.

With the brace, Ronaldo became the only player to score in six separate World Cup editions, having previously found the net in the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Earlier this year, he and Lionel Messi became the first male footballers to feature in six World Cups, but Ronaldo now stands alone in scoring in every tournament appearance after Messi failed to score during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The Portuguese icon’s latest goals also took his World Cup tally to 10, surpassing Portuguese legend Eusébio as Portugal’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament. Ronaldo’s international goals record also stretched to an astonishing 145 goals for his country, further extending a mark that already ranks as the highest in men’s international football history.

His achievement places him among the oldest goalscorers in World Cup history. Only Roger Milla, who scored at the age of 42 during the 1994 tournament in the United States, remains older than Ronaldo when finding the net on football’s biggest stage.

The landmark performance comes at a time when Ronaldo’s future at international level remains a topic of discussion. Widely expected to be competing in his final World Cup, the veteran forward has once again demonstrated his enduring quality and ability to deliver on the grandest occasions.

Chelle Set for New Super Eagles Deal, to Take Charge of Nigeria’s U-23 Team

By
Kazeem Busari
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Eric Chelle

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is set to sign a new contract that will keep him in charge of Nigeria’s senior national team beyond 2026 after the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reached an agreement on improved terms for the Malian tactician.

The breakthrough was achieved during a high-level meeting between officials of the NSC and the NFF in Abuja on Tuesday, where the future direction of Nigeria’s national football teams was discussed. The agreement ends months of uncertainty surrounding Chelle’s future following protracted negotiations over a contract extension.

Chelle, whose initial two-year deal was due to expire at the end of 2026, had been engaged in talks with football authorities over a new agreement after reportedly changing representatives during negotiations. The discussions centred on improved remuneration and conditions for his technical crew.

Under the new arrangement, the 47-year-old coach is expected to see his monthly salary rise significantly from $50,000 to $100,000. In addition, the NSC and NFF have agreed to assume responsibility for the salaries and welfare of his assistants, relieving him of the obligation to fund members of his backroom staff from his earnings.

NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko confirmed that both parties had reached a consensus on the new terms and expressed confidence that the revised package would strengthen the coach’s commitment to Nigerian football.

“We have reached new terms with the coach about his new remuneration. We are also going to take care of his assistants, and there are other benchmarks that we have put on the table, and I’m sure the coach will be very excited about it,” Dikko said after the meeting.

Beyond retaining his role with the three-time African champions, Chelle has also been handed an additional responsibility in what is being described as a groundbreaking move in Nigerian football administration. The NSC and NFF agreed that the Super Eagles coach will simultaneously oversee Nigeria’s U-23 national team as preparations begin for the men’s football event at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

According to Dikko, the decision is aimed at creating a seamless pathway for young talents progressing from the U-23 setup into the senior national team.

“With the NFF, we also agreed that the coach will take care of the U-23 national team because we have young players coming into the Super Eagles within that age bracket,” Dikko explained.

“So, Eric Chelle and his team, plus other people who will support them, will handle the project. The objective is not to give the coach more work but to start building for the future.”

The move represents a significant shift in the management of Nigeria’s national teams and is expected to foster greater continuity in player development. Several emerging stars currently within the U-23 age bracket are being viewed as future Super Eagles regulars, making the integration of both teams a strategic priority.

Chelle’s stock has risen considerably since guiding Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. His leadership and tactical approach have earned him the confidence of football authorities, who see him as a key figure in the country’s long-term football development plans.

CBN Senior Tennis Championship: Abua, Bassey Crowned National Champions in Abuja

By
Kazeem Busari
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Nigeria’s top-ranked male tennis player, Canice Abua, and rising teenage star Etoro Bassey emerged as the new champions of the prestigious 47th Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Tennis Championship after impressive victories in the men’s and women’s singles finals in Abuja.

The championship, which concluded on June 20 at the National Tennis Centre, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, showcased some of Nigeria’s finest tennis talents and underlined the growing strength of the sport in the country.

Abua produced a commanding performance in the men’s singles final, overpowering defending champion Michael Emmanuel in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, to secure his maiden CBN Senior Tennis Championship title. The victory marked a significant milestone in the career of the nation’s number one-ranked player, who demonstrated superior consistency and composure throughout the tournament.

In the women’s category, 18-year-old Etoro Bassey delivered one of the standout performances of the championship. The young prospect showed remarkable determination by rallying from a set down to defeat Success Ogunjobi and claim her first senior national title. Her triumph is being viewed as a major breakthrough and a sign of the emergence of a new generation of talent in Nigerian tennis.

The championship attracted leading players from across the country and once again highlighted the importance of sustained investment in both grassroots and elite-level sports development. The tournament remains one of Nigeria’s longest-running and most respected tennis competitions, serving as a key platform for talent discovery and athlete development.

NFF Debunks Ashley Plumptre WAFCON Exclusion Claim, Warns Against Social Media Misinformation

By
Kazeem Busari
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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed as false a viral social media report alleging that Super Falcons defender Ashley Plumptre complained about being excluded from Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), urging journalists and the public to verify information before sharing it.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the football governing body expressed concern over the continued spread of unverified stories on social media platforms and renewed its appeal to media organisations, journalists and content creators to fact-check reports before amplifying them.

According to the NFF, the latest misinformation originated from what it described as an internet scammer who posted a fabricated report on Facebook claiming that Plumptre had lamented her omission from the Super Falcons team expected to defend Nigeria’s title at the 14th edition of WAFCON in Morocco.

The federation stressed that the report was entirely false and clarified that the player had not made any such statement.

NFF Director of Competitions, Ruth David, moved swiftly to debunk the claim, pointing out that Plumptre does not operate a Facebook account and has previously warned the public about impersonators using her identity online.

“This is totally false. Last year, Ashley Plumptre made a video in which she categorically said that she is NOT on Facebook; that some fellows are impersonating her and that she has tried several times to bring down the page without success,” David said.

She further noted that the situation remains unchanged, warning football fans and media practitioners against relying on content posted through fake accounts.

“Nothing has changed about her absence from Facebook; the player is not on Facebook and nobody should believe anything that emanates from the cloned account,” she added.

The NFF said the incident highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age and reiterated the importance of responsible journalism, particularly as anticipation builds ahead of the 2026 WAFCON tournament scheduled to hold in Morocco from July 25 to August 16.

The federation emphasized that journalists and members of the public should always seek confirmation from official channels before publishing or sharing sensitive reports involving national team players and officials.

 

Tinubu Sends State Police Constitution Amendment Bill to Senate

By
Kazeem Busari
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police, a landmark proposal that could fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s security architecture and decentralise policing responsibilities across the federation.

The proposed legislation, contained in a communication dated June 15, 2026, was read during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who described the initiative as a crucial step toward addressing Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.

According to President Tinubu, the bill seeks to create a legal framework for a dual policing system that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force. The President noted that the proposed constitutional amendment forms part of broader efforts by his administration to strengthen security, improve community policing and enhance the protection of lives and property nationwide.

The move comes amid growing calls from governors, lawmakers and security experts for the decentralisation of policing powers to enable state governments to respond more effectively to local security threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence.

Following the presentation of the bill, Senate President Akpabio referred it to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review and directed the panel to report back to the chamber on Wednesday for further legislative consideration.

Akpabio stressed the importance of community-based security structures, arguing that local authorities and communities are often better positioned to identify suspicious activities and emerging threats before they escalate.

“You will know when foreigners infiltrate Nigeria and alert security agencies so they can react proactively rather than reactively,” Akpabio said during plenary.

The Senate President explained that the proposed state police framework would be implemented through a phased process involving constitutional amendments and subsequent enabling legislation.

“We will do it in two phases through alteration and an Act of Parliament. There will be a lot of safeguards; let us come and do this important task. It is extremely important that we come tomorrow,” he stated.

Akpabio also disclosed that state governments had indicated their readiness to consider the proposal once transmitted to their respective Houses of Assembly, expressing optimism that the reform would receive broad national support.

The Senate leadership underscored the urgency of the constitutional amendment, with lawmakers urged to attend the next sitting where deliberations on the bill are expected to intensify.

Speaking on the significance of the vote, the Senate leader reminded members that constitutional amendments require broad consensus across party and regional lines.

“We need a minimum of two-thirds of members to vote on constitutional alterations. The issue of state police is non-partisan and cuts across geopolitical zones and interests,” he said.

The latest development follows the Senate’s passage of an executive bill on state police for second reading earlier this month. According to Akpabio, the fresh Constitution Alteration Bill transmitted by President Tinubu is intended to provide the constitutional foundation necessary for the establishment and operation of state-controlled police services.

The proposal also aligns with Tinubu’s repeated calls for constitutional reforms aimed at granting states a greater role in securing their territories. In February, the President urged the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to accommodate state police, describing the reform as a necessary response to evolving security threats across the country.

During his Democracy Day address earlier this month, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to confront insecurity, declaring that terrorists, bandits and their sponsors would face the full weight of the law.

The President revealed that more than 13,000 terrorists had been neutralised within the previous year and said terrorism-related fatalities had declined significantly compared to earlier periods. However, he acknowledged that the continued captivity of some abducted schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states remained a painful reminder of the country’s ongoing security challenges.

The Senate is expected to reconvene for an emergency plenary session as lawmakers move to advance what many observers regard as one of the most far-reaching security reforms in Nigeria’s democratic history.

 

Police Bust Suspected Cult Network in Ondo, Arrest Six, Recover Weapons and Charms

By
Kazeem Busari
-

The Ondo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on cultism and violent crime, arresting six suspected cultists and recovering weapons, charms and other incriminating items during a coordinated intelligence-led operation in the Akoko area of the state.

The operation, carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS) in the early hours of June 16, 2026, targeted suspected cult activities in Akungba and Iwaro Akoko communities following actionable intelligence gathered by security agencies.

According to the police, the operation was launched after credible reports indicated the presence and activities of suspected members of unlawful confraternities operating within the affected communities. Acting on the intelligence, SACS operatives moved swiftly to identified locations and successfully apprehended six suspects.

The suspects and the weapons retrieved from them. Photo: X | Ondo State Police Command

The suspects were identified as Damilare Kayode, 30; Adejoro Godwin, 30; Adedapo Ogunro, 36; Chisom Okechukwu, 21; Ademulegun Imisi, 26; and Odugunle Bukola, 21.

Preliminary investigations by the command allegedly linked the suspects to cult-related activities within the Akoko axis, an area where security agencies have intensified efforts to curb the activities of violent criminal groups and unlawful secret societies.

During a thorough search conducted after the arrests, police operatives recovered five battle axes, a jackknife, several criminal charms and items believed to be associated with cult activities. The recovered exhibits also included confraternity paraphernalia such as boots, yellow singlets and face caps allegedly used by members of the group.

Police authorities said the recovered items have been secured as exhibits and will form part of the evidence in the ongoing investigation.

The Command described the operation as a significant success in its campaign to dismantle criminal networks before they can carry out acts capable of threatening public peace and safety.

Investigators are currently analysing intelligence obtained during the operation to identify additional suspects and uncover the full scope of the group’s activities within and beyond the affected communities.

Confirming the development, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, commended the professionalism and dedication displayed by the operatives involved in the operation.

The police chief also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to implementing the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on the suppression of cultism, violent crimes and other criminal activities across the country.

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police assured residents that the command would continue to intensify intelligence-led policing, strategic raids and visibility patrols aimed at denying criminal elements safe havens anywhere in Ondo State.

He further called on members of the public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to maintain security and public order.

Police authorities disclosed that investigations are still ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the inquiry.

 

UK Congratulates Oyebanji on Ekiti Re-Election

By
Laziz Olatunde
-
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji

The British High Commission in Abuja has congratulated Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji on his re-election in the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State governorship election, while raising concerns over incidents of vote trading, party agent interference and technical challenges observed during the poll.

In a statement issued on June 22, 2026, the British High Commission commended voters in Ekiti State for their participation and commitment to the democratic process, describing the election as largely peaceful and orderly.

The mission stated: “The British High Commission in Abuja congratulates the voters in Ekiti State for their participation in the Governorship election held on 20 June 2026 and for their commitment to exercise their democratic rights. We also offer our congratulations to Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his re-election.”

The Commission also praised the conduct of the election by Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and other stakeholders, noting that the Ekiti poll was the first major electoral test under the Electoral Act 2026 and its accompanying guidelines.

According to the statement, British observers engaged with key stakeholders, including police authorities and INEC officials, before the election to assess the implementation of the new legal framework.

The High Commission said its observers witnessed positive collaboration between election officials and security personnel on election day, which contributed significantly to maintaining peace across polling units.

“On the day of the election, our observers witnessed positive collaboration between INEC officials and security agencies which played an important role in ensuring voting was mostly peaceful,” the statement said.

Despite the positive assessment, the Commission identified several areas of concern. It noted that while vulnerable voters were prioritised at some polling units, many voting centres remained physically inaccessible to persons living with disabilities.

The statement said, “While our team noted the prioritisation of vulnerable voters at several polling units, which is commendable, the physical location and set-up of most polling units visited were inaccessible to voters with disabilities.”

The British mission urged election stakeholders to improve accessibility ahead of future elections, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The observers also reported operational challenges involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), saying delays experienced in some polling units slowed down the voting process and could affect public confidence in electoral technology.

“Our observers also noted delays to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) at some polling units, which slowed down voting. Technical issues risk undermining voter confidence in electoral systems and can discourage turnout,” the statement added.

More significantly, the High Commission expressed concern over cases of vote buying and interference by party agents during the election, warning that such practices threaten the credibility of the democratic process.

“Our observation team were concerned to see instances of vote trading and interference by party agents at polling units visited. Vote trading erodes public confidence and undermines the democratic process. We call on all actors to take urgent steps to address this corrosive practice,” it stated.

Looking ahead to the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, the British High Commission urged INEC, security agencies and political actors to draw lessons from the Ekiti experience and strengthen electoral safeguards.

The Commission further stressed the importance of credible elections as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, noting that the integrity of future polls will be crucial for public trust in democratic institutions and Nigeria’s leadership role across Africa.

“As Nigeria looks towards the 2027 general elections, our partnership remains as important as ever. The credibility of the next elections will be vital – for public confidence in democratic institutions, for Nigeria’s continued progress, and for its leadership role across Africa,” the statement said.

The United Kingdom also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic development through collaboration with government institutions, civil society groups and election stakeholders.

The statement concluded by once again congratulating Governor Oyebanji on his victory and expressing optimism about strengthening ties between the UK and Ekiti State in the years ahead.

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