Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has been re-elected as Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council.

Adeniyi’s re-election reflects the confidence of member administrations in his leadership and comes as the WCO continues efforts to strengthen international customs cooperation, facilitate global trade, and combat cross-border crimes.

As Chairperson of the Council, Adeniyi will continue to oversee discussions on key customs policies, trade facilitation, border security, digital transformation, and capacity building among the organization’s member countries.

Reacting to his re-election, the Nigeria Customs Service described the development as a significant milestone for both the service and the country, noting that it highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in international customs administration.

The service also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting efficient customs operations, improving revenue collection, facilitating legitimate trade, and enhancing collaboration with customs administrations worldwide.

The World Customs Organization, headquartered in Brussels, brings together customs administrations from across the globe to develop international standards and strengthen cooperation in customs and border management.

Uba Sani has defended Nigeria’s judiciary, arguing that many politicians currently criticising the courts had previously benefited from judicial rulings.

The Kaduna State governor said it was inconsistent for political actors to praise the judiciary when judgments favour them but question its credibility when decisions go against their interests.

According to Sani, respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary is essential to sustaining Nigeria’s democratic system. He urged political leaders and their supporters to allow the courts to perform their constitutional responsibilities without undue pressure or intimidation.

The governor stressed that while judicial decisions may be subject to appeal through established legal processes, public confidence in the justice system should not be undermined by selective criticism.

He also called on politicians to place national interest above partisan considerations, noting that strong democratic institutions are built on respect for due process and the separation of powers.

Sani reaffirmed his support for an independent judiciary, describing it as a critical pillar of democracy and a vital safeguard for justice and the protection of citizens’ rights.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress winner of the 2026 Ekiti State governorship election after a sweeping victory across all 16 local government areas of the state.

INEC Returning Officer, Professor Adenike Oladiji, announced the result in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday, confirming that Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Wole Oluyede of the PDP, who secured 40,543 votes. ADC candidate Dare Bejide came third with 12,872 votes.

The victory makes Oyebanji the first incumbent governor in Ekiti State’s history to secure re-election while in office.

Final Results

APC – 319,224 votes

PDP – 40,543 votes

ADC – 12,872 votes

LP – 276 votes

ADP – 1,269 votes

According to INEC, the election recorded over 383,000 accredited voters from a registered voter population of nearly one million across the state.

Oyebanji dominated the poll in all 16 local government areas, posting particularly strong performances in Ado-Ekiti, Ijero, Ekiti West, Irepodun/Ifelodun, and Ikole LGAs.

The election was closely monitored by political parties, observers, and security agencies, with the outcome reinforcing the APC’s hold on power in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.