A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kenneth Okonkwo, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his defence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting the electoral body has not done enough to prove its neutrality.

The President made the remarks on Tuesday while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by its President, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso, at the State House in Abuja. During the meeting, Tinubu dismissed concerns about INEC’s impartiality, maintaining that the commission is neutral and suggesting that critics were merely “afraid of their own shadows.”

Reacting during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Okonkwo accused the President of speaking on behalf of the electoral commission instead of addressing public concerns about its credibility.

“It is very sad. Any country that has a president who has morphed into the chief spokesperson of INEC is in trouble,” he said.

Okonkwo argued that INEC has not earned the confidence of Nigerians, pointing to unresolved issues surrounding the 2023 general election.

He said, “You can imagine President Tinubu telling the whole world that INEC is neutral. The same Tinubu who, during the 2015 campaign, said they would form a parallel government if INEC rigged the election.

“The same people who were once critical of INEC are now saying INEC is neutral. An INEC that recorded a technical glitch in 2023 and has not satisfactorily explained it to Nigerians cannot simply be declared neutral. We are urging INEC to be neutral; as of today, it is not.”

Okonkwo, who also serves as a spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 elections, said the President’s record in office, particularly in the areas of security and governance, could make re-election difficult.

According to him, Tinubu should consider stepping down after completing his first term rather than seeking another mandate.

“Tinubu should not even allow the election to hold; he should resign and go in peace,” he said.

Commenting on the recent Court of Appeal judgment that overturned an earlier ruling directing INEC to deregister the ADC and four other political parties, Okonkwo claimed the party had successfully resisted attempts to undermine its existence through the courts.

“I had boasted that ADC does not have any legal challenge because we know the only challenge it has is the APC trying to use some instruments in the judiciary to litigate us out of existence. We resisted them, and they are failing and falling like a pack of cards,” he said.

Okonkwo further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of trying to weaken Nigeria’s democracy and frustrate opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He described the APC as “a scourge” on the country’s democratic system, alleging that the party was using various strategies to limit the ability of opposition parties to organise, mobilise supporters and campaign effectively ahead of the next election cycle.

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, alongside five others during an operation carried out at a property linked to the state official in Osogbo.

According to the police, the operation followed intelligence reports that suspected members of a criminal gang were hiding in the Oroki Estate area of the state capital.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the command disclosed that one of those arrested was Oladele Abiodun, popularly known as “Ashipa,” a suspect reportedly on the police watchlist over alleged involvement in serious crimes, including murder.

The six individuals arrested were identified as Hon. Igbalaye Teslim, 47; Akande Taiwo, 60; Oladele Abiodun, 38; Adeyemo Lukman, 45; Olaoye Muftau, 50; and Aderemi Musliu, 40.

Ojelabi said officers recovered several items from the premises, including ₦4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two voter cards, and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

The police said all recovered items have been secured for forensic analysis and further investigation.

“The operation also led to the arrest of the following suspects: Hon Igbalaye Teslim ‘m’ 47years, One Akande Taiwo ‘m’ 60years, Oladele Abiodun ‘m’ 38years, Adeyemo Lukman ‘m’ 45years, Olaoye Muftau ‘m’ 50years, Aderemi Musliu ‘m’ 40years.

“During the operation, officers recovered exhibits comprising cash sum of four million eight hundred and ten thousand, five hundred naira (N4,810,500), one Dynabook laptop, one photocopy machine, one printer, two Voter’s Cards and a voter register for Wards 1-15.

“These exhibits have been secured and are currently in police custody for detailed forensic examination and further investigation,” the statement said.

The command stated that the discovery of the cash and voter register has raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.

According to the police, investigations are focusing on allegations that may include vote-buying under Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, criminal conspiracy, harbouring or concealing a wanted suspect, as well as any additional offences that may emerge during the investigation.

“The recovery of the cash and the register containing voters’ details raises serious concerns regarding possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.

“While investigations are still ongoing, the facts presently available disclose reasonable grounds to investigate the commission of offences, which may include:

“Bribery of voters (vote-buying), contrary to Section 121 of the Electoral Act, 2022, arising from the alleged distribution of money or other inducements to registered voters for the purpose of influencing their voting decisions.

“Criminal conspiracy, where two or more persons are found to have agreed to commit an unlawful act.

“Harbouring or concealing a wanted criminal, where any individual is found to have knowingly sheltered or assisted a fugitive from justice.

“Any other offences that may be disclosed upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation,” the police stated.

The command noted that the allegations carry significant implications for public safety, the justice system and the integrity of the electoral process.

Investigators are also working to determine the source and intended use of the recovered funds, identify everyone connected to the seized materials and establish the full scope of any criminal activities.

The police reiterated that no one is above the law, regardless of political office or affiliation, and assured the public that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Residents were urged to remain calm, obey the law and continue providing credible information that could support efforts to combat crime and protect the integrity of the electoral process in the state.

Accord Party Alleges Intimidation

Meanwhile, the Accord Party has condemned the arrests, describing them as acts of intimidation and unlawful detention ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, called for the immediate redeployment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, accusing him of orchestrating what he described as unlawful arrests of Accord Party members.

Olajengbesi alleged that 86 people, including party candidates and government officials, had been arrested.

“In the last two, three days, over 86 members of the Accord Party have been arrested for no reason. These people were arrested and brought by road to Abuja and are being detained here unnecessarily,” he said.

“We have met with the leadership of the police and they cannot provide any explanation to us. There is no petition against them. These people have committed no offence. The Commissioner of Police in Osun State is completely compromised.”

He argued that the arrests could undermine confidence in the forthcoming governorship election and called for a level playing field for all political parties.

“There is a need for us to have a free, impartial election, an election where people can freely express their will. Just now I have been informed the SSG of Osun State has been arrested for no reason because he was sensitising his people about the election,” he added.

The police, however, maintained that the operation was intelligence-driven and conducted in line with their constitutional responsibility to investigate alleged criminal activities without fear or favour.

President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other prominent Nigerians have called for renewed commitment to national unity, patriotism and peaceful coexistence as Abia State commemorated the 60th memorial anniversary of Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.

The appeal was made in Umuahia, Abia State, during a memorial ceremony held in honour of the late military leader, who was assassinated on July 29, 1966. The leaders urged Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of the nation’s history and work together to build a more united, peaceful and prosperous country.

Representing President Tinubu at the event, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a courageous and disciplined military officer who assumed leadership during one of Nigeria’s most difficult periods.

He noted that although the late Head of State’s time in office was short, his commitment to preserving national unity, restoring stability and protecting the country’s territorial integrity remains an example for future generations.

The President said the ideals of patriotism, discipline, integrity and selfless service demonstrated by Aguiyi-Ironsi continue to be relevant to Nigeria’s development and encouraged Nigerians to see the country’s diversity as a source of strength.

He also praised Governor Alex Otti for what he described as visionary leadership and effective governance in Abia State.

Governor Otti said the memorial was not only an opportunity to honour a fallen national leader but also a reminder of the importance of unity, sacrifice and merit in nation-building.

According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s willingness to give his life for the country should inspire both leaders and citizens to prioritise national interest above ethnic or personal considerations.

He added that appointments in his administration are based on competence and integrity rather than state of origin, insisting that Nigeria would benefit more by embracing unity.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Chief of Army Staff General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd) and former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a patriotic Nigerian whose sacrifice deserves lasting recognition.

They commended the Abia State Government for preserving the nation’s history and encouraged Nigerians to continue promoting peace, unity and selfless service.

Presenting the citation of the late military leader, his daughter, Mrs. Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi, said the memorial was organised to preserve the legacy of a leader who made the ultimate sacrifice for Nigeria’s unity, rather than reopen old divisions.

She urged present and future leaders to uphold justice, accountability, discipline and the collective good in governance and nation-building.

The event featured prayers and the consecration of Aguiyi-Ironsi’s tomb by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony led by the President’s representative, Governor Alex Otti, representatives of other state governments, Dame Patience Jonathan and other dignitaries.

The ceremony attracted serving and former public office holders, military officers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community and the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, who all paid tribute to the late Head of State’s contributions to national unity and Nigeria’s development.