The national leadership of the Accord Party has accused opposition elements in Osun State of sponsoring what it described as a “charade” aimed at hijacking the party ahead of the 2026 governorship election, following the conduct of a disputed parallel primary in the state.

The National Publicity Secretary of Accord, Joseph Omorogbe, stated this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.

While emphasising that the exercise was illegal and unauthorised, Omorogbe claimed the parallel primary in Osun was staged by some fun-seeking fellows making a mockery of the nation’s democracy.”

He said, “Those behind the exercise were sponsored by some opposition figures in the state who are jittery of the emergence of the action Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Ademola Adeleke, as the flag bearer of Accord.”

The party spokesman noted that the alleged attempt to create confusion was short-lived, as the Independent National Electoral Commission promptly distanced itself from the exercise.

“The sham those political hirelings staged to hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public has been swiftly disowned by the Independent National Electoral Commission as null, void, and of no effect in the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

“Accord will not dissipate energy responding to frivolities from jokers and political nomads roaming the democratic space in search of elusive greener pastures,” Omorogbe said.

According to him, they were happy the electoral umpire made it clear that the commission was “not aware of the kangaroo exercise aimed at confusing the state that has been peaceful, stable, and safe for citizens since Adeleke assumed office.”

Reaffirming the party’s support for Governor Ademola Adeleke, the spokesman said the governor remained focused on governance rather than political intrigues.

“As a compassionate leader, Governor Adeleke is focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the good people of Osun State and will not be distracted by the antics of the main opposition party in the state,” he said.

He described Adeleke as “a man of the people and the only leader citizens trust and followed him to Accord, the platform that will protect their interests and well-being.”

Omorogbe concluded with a call for unity, urging members and supporters to “remain in one accord for unity, stability, security, and prosperity.”

The statement comes barely 24 hours after INEC publicly disowned a factional governorship primary reportedly conducted by a group claiming to be members of the Accord Party in Osun State.

On Sunday, the faction was said to have held a primary election in Osogbo, the state capital, which reportedly produced Bamigbola Clement as its candidate for the August 8, 2026, governorship election.

The exercise reportedly featured the accreditation of delegates and the presence of armed police operatives at the venue.

Bamigbola, who was presented as the sole aspirant, confirmed his emergence, saying, “It is true. We had our primary, and I emerged as the consensus candidate.”

However, INEC swiftly distanced itself from the exercise.

The PUNCH reported the commission’s Public Relations Officer in Osun State, Musa Olurode, as saying the electoral body was only aware of one Accord Party primary.

“We have monitored the only Accord Party primary a few days ago. The report has been submitted. INEC is not aware of any other party’s primary,” Olurode said.

INEC had monitored the earlier Accord primary held last Wednesday in Osogbo, where Governor Ademola Adeleke emerged unopposed as the party’s candidate for the 2026 poll.

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says Nigerians should not doubt President Bola Tinubu’s genuine intentions for a safer, united and prosperous country.

The Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, said this at the third edition of the party‘s “Christmas Carol and Nine Lessons” on Sunday evening.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the programme, tagged “Prince of Peace (Omo Alade Alafia),” was held at the party’s secretariat in Ogba area of the state.

Ojelabi, who urged Nigerians to reaffirm their unbreakable spirit in the face of challenges, said the President’s intentions remained genuine and beyond doubt.

“We acknowledge with gratitude and commend the good intentions of President Bola Tinubu to make Nigeria a safer and more prosperous place for everyone to live without fear and intimidation.

“We appreciate his commitment to national unity, economic revitalisation and the welfare of every Nigerian.

“His intentions truly inspire us to redouble our efforts for Lagos and the nation,” Ojelabi said.

He added that the Lagos APC leadership,  led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is committed to the security of lives and property in the state.

“Lagos is safe and will continue to be safe, a safe haven for all residents, visitors and tourists,” Ojelabi said.

He urged citizens to play their part to make the country great and reclaim its position in the comity of nations.

Speaking on the Christmas carol, Ojelabi said the theme “Prince of Peace, Omo Alade Alafia” recognised the special place of Jesus Christ in creation.

He described Jesus as “a true prince and an embodiment of peace.”

According to him, in the true spirit of devotion that Christmas embodies, the event was organised to celebrate Christ.

He said the carol was a reminder of the importance of religious leadership in the pursuit of peace and prosperity for communities, states and the nation.

“As we share in the joy and reflection of this season, I hope we can find a common ground in the universal messages of love, humility and service that the Christmas story inspires.

“Let us love one another more and show greater enthusiasm for our country. Let us eschew all forms of bitterness, hatred and violence.

“Let us collectively resolve to make Lagos and Nigeria brighter, safer and more prosperous,” he said.

Also speaking, Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, noted that the state had enjoyed peace for the past 25 years, urging residents to prioritise peace above all.

Sanwo-Olu said, “APC stands as a shining star of progress. We must use this season to share love among ourselves.

“For us in Lagos and the APC, peace has always been our cornerstone, irrespective of political affiliations. Let us use the Christmas season to strengthen our unity.”

Thanking Tinubu for his commitment to peace and unity, Sanwo-Olu called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to peaceful coexistence.

In his goodwill message, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader, who read from  John 11:39, urged Nigerians to remove anything capable of inhibiting their progress and that of the nation.

Bamidele said, “Carol is a time to come together and celebrate God. It is not just a ritual; it is a moment to appreciate God.

“As we celebrate Christmas, let us continue to remember the reason for the season, which is Jesus and what He stands for.

“Before you say or do anything, always ask yourself: what would Jesus do? Life will be better if we always ask ourselves this question.

“Jesus asked us to take away the stones, which represent sin and evil impeding our progress.”

NAN reports that religious and political leaders, including Rev. Esther Ajayi, founder of the Love of Christ Generation Church (C&S), and the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibironke Sanwo-Olu, took turns to read the carol’s nine lessons.

Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, and Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), offered special prayers for Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Nigeria and the state.

The event drew a large crowd of APC members, leaders, as well as religious and traditional leaders.

Different church choirs and gospel artistes added spice to the programme with thrilling performances.

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The former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed as false a viral claim alleging that he stated which region of the country should produce the President in 2027.

Reports making the rounds on social media claimed that the African Democratic Congress chieftain stated that it is the turn of the South to produce the president in 2027.

The reports also suggested that El-Rufai may be backing the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, instead of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement issued on Monday via his official X handle, El-Rufai described the trending report as “untrue” despite its wide circulation.

He clarified that at no time did he make such remarks in any of his speeches, media interviews or on his verified social media platforms.

“My attention has been drawn to a trending fake news item alleging that I specified which region of the country should produce the president in 2027.

“This claim is untrue, despite its virality. I did not make such a statement in any of my speeches, interviews or social media posts. I maintain verifiable social media platforms where I speak my mind and express my personal views directly.

“It is also wrong and improper to attribute to me opinion articles written by other authors, even when I share such articles on my platforms as contributions to the national conversation.

“These clarifications are crucial as we confront both irresponsible politicking and the deliberate misuse of social media for the spread of fake news.

“The wilful attribution to me of claims I did not make by fake news platforms is no justification for treating such platforms with any seriousness.”

He urged media professionals and the public to always verify information before publication or sharing, warning that society suffers when media leaders and influencers fail in this responsibility.

El-Rufai also called on all stakeholders to act responsibly in order to curb the spread of fake news and irresponsible politicking.

“In this age of turmoil and falsehood, the obligation to verify information before posting or publishing has become more important than ever. In this instance, it appears that some senior editors ignored this duty.

“Society stands to lose when media leaders align with the most irresponsible actors on social media in what can only be described as the unedifying Olympics of fiction and fakery. Everyone must live up to their responsibility.

“I wish to reiterate that no views should be attributed to me unless I have explicitly expressed them on my official social media platforms or during interviews with reputable media organisations,” the statement added.

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