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Ekiti election: Tinubu warns Fayemi, Olusola, others ahead of poll
Bola Tinubu, a National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has urged all candidates and stakeholders involved in the Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State to shun violence and mischief that could jeopardize the successful conduct of the election.
Tinubu harped on the need for stakeholders to be committed to a peaceful and transparent election on Saturday so as to uphold the nation’s democracy.
In a statement he signed, the former Lagos State Governor urged political leaders and other leaders of thought to speak to their subjects and followers on the need to be peaceful, orderly and respectful of other party adherents at the polls.
He warned followers of various parties against wrongful thinking, urging them to think aright and only commit themselves to a free, fair and transparent election.
The statement reads, “For the utmost benefit of the people of Ekiti, this election must be a peaceful event, free and fair and devoid of any hint of violence or intimidation.
“The anxiety expressed in some quarters and even by some concerned traditional rulers and leaders in Ekiti about the imminent poll has come to my attention.
“I particularly note the call for a peaceful and transparent poll by the consultative body of eminent elders and leaders in Ekiti, Igbimo Ure Ekiti (IUE).
“Given the high respect we all must have for the place and the wise counsel of our traditional rulers and other notable leaders, it would be remiss of us to ignore their words.
“Thus, those of us who have influence within any of the contending political parties or within the society, in general, must also lend their voice to the call for peace and calm.
“Let the will of the people prevail. In a democratic setting, there can be no greater justice or victory than this. I urge the electorate in Ekiti to exercise their civic responsibility by voting without fear or trepidation. Be vigilant but orderly and respectful of all others even the partisans of the other parties.
“We must allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) discharge its responsibility fairly and objectively with nothing to hide and with transparency in all its doings. Above all, this is the time for the candidates to show their true love of the people.
“These candidates say they want to lead the people to a better place. Well, let them begin now by leading their followers away from any hint of violence or mischief. Let the candidates clearly and publicly declare that they condone no misbehaviour and that they will respect the free and democratic will of the people come what may.
“This is the essence of leadership-putting the welfare of the people above your own-. Let he who wishes to be the next governor begin now by eschewing violence and disorder.
“In the end, an election is a contest of competing personalities and ideas regarding the progress of the state, not the destruction of it. Thus, the election is not a conflict of arms or a call for war. It is a matter of determining, among the candidates, whose ideas are best for the state. This cannot be done by wrongful fighting.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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