A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to concentrate on delivering free, fair and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said the integrity of the electoral process remains vital to Nigeria’s democracy.

Okechukwu dismissed allegations by opposition parties that INEC operates in favour of the ruling APC, maintaining that the party’s electoral successes have been achieved through democratic legitimacy rather than institutional bias. He stressed that the commission should remain independent and committed to credible polls.

The former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) argued that the APC has nothing to gain from a compromised electoral process, adding that transparent elections would strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions and ensure that the will of the people prevails.

He also encouraged political parties and stakeholders to support peaceful campaigns and respect electoral laws, noting that credible elections are essential for national stability and democratic consolidation.

Okechukwu concluded by urging INEC to remain focused on its constitutional responsibilities and resist political pressure as preparations for the 2027 polls gather pace.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the August 15 Osun State election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has urged residents to keep their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) safe and resist any attempt to sell them ahead of the poll.

Speaking during a campaign rally in the Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-Otin Federal Constituency, Oyebamiji encouraged newly registered voters to collect their PVCs from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing that the voter card remains the most important tool for participating in the democratic process.

He described the PVC as the electorate’s “power” and “licence” to choose their leaders, warning residents against selling their votes or allowing anyone to influence their electoral choices through financial inducement.

Oyebamiji also assured voters that they would be free to cast their ballots without intimidation, warning that security agencies would take decisive action against anyone attempting to harass or disrupt the electoral process. He urged residents not to be discouraged by rumours of possible violence, insisting that they should come out peacefully and exercise their civic rights.

The APC candidate further promised inclusive governance if elected, pledging to prioritise agriculture, education, healthcare, commerce, and infrastructure while ensuring balanced development across all parts of Osun State.

Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala has described his previous criticisms of President Bola Tinubu as “baseless” in the context of current realities, insisting that the remarks were not lies but are no longer relevant to ongoing national discussions.
Bwala made the statement on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he engaged in a heated exchange with host Seun Okinbaloye over comments he made about Tinubu before becoming part of the administration.
The presidential aide expressed frustration that attention continued to focus on his past remarks rather than issues affecting Nigerians.
“The first person that started asking me this question was you, and you have done that more than five times. Are you not tired?” Bwala asked, describing the comments as “completely inconsequential to what is happening.”
He argued that public discussions should instead focus on key national issues, including the economy, education, security and recent developments surrounding claims that United States President Donald Trump commended Tinubu’s efforts in tackling insecurity.
“We have taken almost 10 minutes on this. Nigerian people want to hear tonight what is happening to their lives. They want to know what is happening with their economy, with their education, and most importantly, with security,” he said.
Bwala said the Tinubu administration had recorded progress, particularly through improved cooperation among security agencies.
“We have made substantial progress. It is the first time in Nigeria’s history that the leadership of President Bola Tinubu has brought about very strong collaboration,” he stated.
When asked whether describing his former comments as “baseless” meant they were false, Bwala clarified that he was not admitting to lying.
“They are not lies. They are baseless. Not important for conversation,” he said.
The presidential aide also accused the interviewer of giving undue attention to opposition narratives while failing to apply the same scrutiny to issues involving opposition figures.
“I’m trying my best not to be aggressive about it, but you’re riding on the opposition’s back horse,” Bwala added.