Lucky Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Ondo state governorship election, says he is willing to concede defeat if the poll is free and fair.

Speaking with journalists after casting his vote at polling unit 05, Igbo ward 4, Obenla in Ilaje LGA of the state, Aiyedatiwa said he would accept defeat if the election is not marred by fraud.

He said reports from his aides showed that the election has been largely peaceful in some other units of the state.

“If the outcome of the poll does not favour my party (APC), as long as we did not receive any report that it (poll) was fraudulent in any way. Why not? We will accept defeat,” he said.

“But if we notice any practices and non-compliance of the procedures. The only thing is to go to the tribunal to challenge that. By and large, if it goes that way, I will accept the outcome of the election.”

Earlier, Aiyedatiwa said he is poised to win the contest due to his track record in office.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a “transparent” conduct of the poll.

“For INEC, they have been transparent with the whole process. I went through the process myself. They are adhering to the (election) process,” he said.

He also praised security operatives for ensuring a peaceful exercise across the state.

Patrick Akpoguma, a 28-year-old suspected internet fraudster, has confessed to engaging in multiple types of fraud, including romance scams, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, and more. He revealed that his decision to embrace fraud stemmed from a desire to avoid traditional employment.

“I turned to fraud, didn’t want to work for salary,” Akpoguma stated during an interview at the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos. According to the suspect, his reluctance to work for a salary led him to turn to fraudulent activities three years ago, a decision that has since earned him over $500,000.

The suspect, a mechanical engineering graduate, claims to have used his ill-gotten wealth to purchase two properties—one in Lagos and another in Edo State—and a GLE Benz worth ₦100 million.

Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Adegoke Fayoade confirmed that the investigation into Akpoguma began on 7th November 2024, following reports from residents of Chevron Drive, Lekki, where the suspect resides. Akpoguma was found to be involved in a variety of scams, including impersonating high-profile individuals online to trick victims into providing loans via Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency transactions.

AIG Fayoade revealed that Akpoguma’s primary modus operandi involved posing as Colonel Matt Herbert, a U.S. Army officer on a peacekeeping mission in Iran, and Adam Taggart, a renowned cryptocurrency expert.

In addition, Akpoguma went to great lengths to make his impersonations more convincing, even creating a fake Instagram account under the name ‘Adam Taggart’ and purchasing a silicone face mask for $11,200 to mimic his target’s appearance.

In an unexpected development, Akpoguma offered a bribe to the police in a bid to avoid arrest. On 12th November 2024, he offered $100,000 (approximately ₦174 million), which was accepted and documented as evidence.

AIG Fayoade confirmed that the investigation is now complete and that Akpoguma will be arraigned in court. This case highlights the increasingly sophisticated methods used by internet fraudsters and the growing problem of financial crime in Nigeria.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa, candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Ondo governorship election, says he is poised to win the contest due to his record in office.

The incumbent governor voted at polling unit 05, Igbo ward 4, Obenla in Ilaje LGA.

Speaking to journalists after casting his vote, Aiyedatiwa commended security operatives for ensuring a peaceful exercise.

He said the election has been seamlessly executed across the state.

“I want to believe that victory will come my way. I have just cast my vote here in my unit 05 Ilaje LGA of Ondo state,” Aiyedatiwa said.

“Here in my unit, the community has been calm and peaceful, and the turnout is very encouraging and I want to believe that the same situation will be at the other locations across the state.

“It’s peaceful here, I believe it should be peaceful in other locations.

“I want to commend the security agencies, police, civil defence, military, they have heavily deployed to be able to attend to any security threat.

“Ondo state has been adjudged to be one of the most safe and peaceful states in Nigeria and we have been having our elections in a peaceful environment and this very one will not be different.

“The citizens, they are law abiding. They know what they want and who they want. I believe the election will be very, very peaceful, credible.

“I went through the whole process of accreditation before casting my vote and I believe the INEC will do the same at every location.

“So, I want to believe that the process will be very, very transparent, credible, and I hope to see many of them.”

Aiyedatiwa urged residents to come out and exercise their franchise without fear or favour.

Speaking on his chances, the governor said he is in pole position to win the contest.

The APC candidate added that he was the only contender who traversed the 18 LGAs to solicit votes.

“Well, I believe with what we have done in the last 10 months, the populace, the voters, like I said, they know who they want and I believe I will win this election because of the work that I have done in the last 10 months,” he added.

“I want to say that I was the only candidate that covered the entire 18 local governments during the campaign period.”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed disapproval of the improper application of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in Nigerian elections, particularly during the 2023 polls.

Obasanjo observed that the issues encountered were not due to the technology itself but rather the result of intentional human interference.

The former President made these remarks while delivering a significant keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University on November 15, 2024, where he highlighted the persistent leadership crisis in Nigeria and advocated for comprehensive reforms to tackle the nation’s governance issues.

In his address, themed “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” Obasanjo revisited Chinua Achebe’s enduring assertion in The Trouble with Nigeria: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”

He cited the insights of political scientists who have pointed out that bribery, intimidation, and violence are factors that allow unqualified individuals to rise to leadership roles.

Obasanjo urged the establishment of a governance framework that emphasizes integrity, competence, and the education of voters.

Referring to the 2023 elections as “a travesty,” he proposed several measures aimed at restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes.

He underscored the necessity for legal reforms to enhance electoral laws, administrative changes to ensure the credibility of electoral officials, and technological protections to secure election results.

Obasanjo advocated for stricter ballot security, precise voter registration, and improved cybersecurity measures to avert electoral manipulation.

He also highlighted the critical need to prevent electoral violence and maintain the integrity of voting infrastructure, which should be validated through transparent and internationally monitored testing procedures.

Obasanjo emphasized the necessity of revitalizing education as a cornerstone for democratic engagement and effective leadership, referencing Nelson Mandela’s statement that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

He reiterated Achebe’s assertion that a viable democracy depends on an informed electorate and ethically sound leaders.

In his closing remarks, Obasanjo cautioned against the dangers of complacency, calling on both Nigerians and the international community to confront the nation’s leadership and governance challenges directly. He characterized Nigeria as too significant to fail, underscoring its vital contribution to the stability and prosperity of Africa.

Reflecting on Achebe’s insights, he contended that the failure of leadership is the fundamental issue behind Nigeria’s difficulties, exacerbated by systemic threats such as electoral malpractice, terrorism, and pervasive corruption.

Obasanjo voiced his apprehension regarding the nation’s economic downturn, pointing out that Nigeria’s GDP had plummeted from $510 billion in 2014 to $199 billion in 2024, as reported by the International Monetary Fund.

In contrast to this decline, he highlighted his administration’s accomplishments, noting that Nigeria’s GDP growth averaged 6.59% during his time in office, reaching a peak of 15.3% in 2002.

He attributed this economic progress to reforms in sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and pensions, along with debt relief efforts, all executed under a capable team’s leadership.

The widow of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Mariya, has pledged her eternal love to her late husband.

Mariya also reminisced on the connection she shared with her husband of nearly 17 years, describing their relationship as one built on friendship, love, and unwavering support.

In an emotional tribute to her late husband, included in the burial programme pamphlet, Mariya Lagbaja reflected on their time together.

PUNCH Online reported that Lagbaja passed away on November 5 and was buried on Friday, November 15.

Though she acknowledged that their time was cut short, she expressed gratitude for the moments they shared, which she said she would always treasure.

“Meeting you over 17 years ago left an indelible mark on my life. Our friendship stood the test of time and meant the world to me. We shared a bond that was meant to last a lifetime. Though this was cut short, I treasure every moment with you, my shining light,” she wrote.

Mariya recounted their journey, which began on December 29, 2007, the day they vowed to spend their lives together.

She described her late husband as a man who loved, cared for, and devoted himself to her, calling him her strength and source of joy.

She also pledged to love Lagbaja forever, vowing to hold on to their cherished memories and the enduring bond they shared.

She said, “On the 29th of December, 2007, we chose each other for a lifelong journey. But death has taken away the man who loved, cared for, and cherished me with all he had. You carried me when no one was watching, you wiped my tears when I could not hold them back, and your shoulder was my strength to face the world.

“You brought so much beauty and joy to my life. In a world of ordinary moments, you created extraordinary happiness for me. As I look back on how great, amiable, kind, compassionate, generous, and adorable you were to me, I make bold to say that my love for you is forever.

“I will hold our memories, time, moments spent together so dear to my heart and cherish them throughout my lifetime because your love and support were my rock and guiding force always. If only you could hear me now. I love you infinitely.”

Mariya described Lagbaja as the spiritual leader of their home, adding that he inspired her and their children to love and serve God wholeheartedly.

She said, “As the spiritual leader of our home, you taught us to love Jesus and serve him in spirit and truth. At all times, you always sing and dance so joyfully in the presence of God, regardless of your status and this gives me the hope and assurance that you are in a better place, doing just the same with the host of heaven. You were truly our pastor and our priest, and I have no doubt that you are watching over us, my guardian Angel. “

She said despite his busy schedule, Lagbaja was a dedicated father who created time for his children.

Mariya said, “A true and dedicated father you were. The job never gave you enough time to spend with the family or share in the milestones of the children, but those short moments we spent together can never be taken away from us. At every opportunity, you created time for Emmanuel and Dara.

“You looked at their school work, solved mathematical problems or just simply played with them. To us, you are our hero and you will never be forgotten. Your legacy lives on in our children and they promise to make you proud.”

Mariya said her husband fought a good fight to the very end, wondering who would now ask her about the latest trends, call her “Boss,” or hug her every morning before heading to work.

She said, “On the 5th of November, as I looked at you lying there on that bed, I knew you had fought the good fight to the very end. Though you are gone, you will surely be missed by your loved ones, all who knew you, and the countless lives you touched. For me and our children, you will always be in our hearts.”

She continued, “Who will ask me, ‘What is the latest?’ Who will call me, ‘The Boss?’ Who will give me that morning hug before heading off to work?

“I will surely miss all these and so much more, my Jump Master. My leader, my friend, my husband, our father, my hero, my love and God’s General, I salute you. Till we meet to part no more, sleep on Daddy!.”

Alice Loksha, a nurse abducted by ISWAP terrorists, has regained freedom after six years in captivity.

She was abducted alongside two other female health workers on March 1, 2018, while working at a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) facility in Rann, Kala Balge LGA of Borno state.

Speaking with journalists at Maimalari cantonment, Maiduguri, on Friday, Kenneth Chigbu, deputy theatre commander of the joint task force (JTF) Operation Hadin Kai, said Loksha was found in Geidam, Yobe state, on October 24.

He said the 42-year-old nurse had been subjected to forced marriages with two ISWAP commanders and endured dire conditions before her eventual escape.

“She was initially taken to Tumbuma, where she was held for two days,” Chigbu said.

“From there, she was relocated to Kwalleram where she spent seven months and was forced into marriage with a terrorist leader named Abu Umar.

“The marriage led to the birth of a son, Muhammad. All this happened before Abu Umar was eliminated during a gunfight with troops in 2022.

“During that fight, he was found dead, and it was alleged that his colleagues had actually eliminated him.

“Ms Alice Loksha was again forced into another marriage to another ISWAP commander named Abu Simak in 2022 before the latter was banished by his fellow terrorists to Dogon Chukwu camp.

“It was from Dogon Chukwu that she managed to escape through the Diffa axis  to Geidam on October 24, 2024, where she reported to troops of the Joint Task Force on October 29, 2024.

“She has since been subjected to medical evaluation and other humanitarian support.”

FAYINA, SISTER OF LATE SOLDIER, ALSO RESCUED

Chigbu also confirmed the escape of Fayina Ali, younger sister of late Samuel Andrew, an army officer who served under the 212 Battalion.

He said Fayina was abducted by ISWAP terrorists on October 19, 2022, while travelling to Maiduguri to process the death benefits of her late brother.

“Since then, she was held captive at Kangarwa enclave for nine months before she was taken to Tumbuma, where she remained for four years under one of the terrorist leaders, Muhammad Sheikh,” he said. 

“She was later taken back to Kangaruwa, where she stayed for another year before her eventual escape.”

Both women were received on behalf of the Borno state government by Zuwaira Gambo, the state’s commissioner of women affairs and social development.

Gambo assured the military that both women would receive adequate care.

“The women will undergo psychosocial support and rehabilitation before being handed over to their families for integration,” she said.

Toke Makinwa, Nollywood actress, has expressed her desire to remarry.

The 40-year-old said marriage is one of the most beautiful institutions despite its challenges.

She spoke in a recent podcast interview with British-Nigerian media personality, Madame Joyce.

She said, “People always think I hate men or a feminist who bashes men. I have been married before and marriage is one of the most beautiful institutions.

“I see marriage like the relationship between siblings. If your siblings come to visit, the first couple of days are exciting. You guys wear matching pyjamas, sleep in the same bed, and catch up on all the lost years or lost moments. By the third day, it’s like, ‘Close my f*cking door. Who wore my shoes? Where are my earrings? Please, when are you going back to your house? Please, I am tired.’ And that was how I saw it.

“There were days when I would rush home to tell my ex-husband everything I had been through. And there were days when I woke up in the morning, I said, ‘God, you must hate me for me to marry this idiot. This is not life; this must be hell.’ That was how I saw it. And it didn’t work out many years ago. But I still fancy the institution. I do want to get married again.

“It hasn’t happened yet. I’m not ruling it out. I am just taking my time. Maybe it’s not God’s time yet. Whenever he is ready, I just hope I am not wrinkled [laughs].”

Toke Makinwa was previously married to businessman, Maje Ayida. They got married in 2014, but their marriage ended in 2017.

Recently there were reports that she has tied the knot with with her rumoured longtime partner, Farouk Umar.

But the actress swiftly debunked the rumours, claiming they were just “besties” and that the alleged wedding ceremony was her thanksgiving event.

Human rights lawyer, Effiong Inibehe, has advised the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to withdraw from defending the government of President Bola Tinubu.

Effiong Inibehe said this while reacting to Pastor Adeboye’s statement that God’s intervention through his prayers saved naira from falling to ₦10,000 per US dollar.

Adeboye also praised President Tinubu for removing fuel subsidy which he said was the root of the country’s financial problem.

In his reaction to the RCCG Pastor’s words, Inibehe advised him to “retire and go home“.

He accused Adeboye of deceiving Nigerians by stating the government stopped paying for subsidy.

“Pastor Enoch Adeboye should retire and go home. His controversial statements on the state of the nation offends the sensibilities of right thinking members of the society.

“In life, it is always better to know when to exit the stage. The fact that Adeboye is holding brief for this incompetent and oppressive government is a mockery of Christianity.

“Many people in our country have stopped going to Church due to the sickening hypocrisy and connivance of these religious leaders,” he said.

Inibehe continued, “Tinubu has paid billions in fuel subsidy, contrary to his public statements.

“Tinubu’s government has not addressed the rot and corruption in the oil sector. We are not all naive and gullible.

“It is preposterous for Adeboye to say that it is his prayers that has made the Naira not to depreciate further. Prayers do not have any effect on the exchange rate. Exchange rate is determined by economic and monetary policies, and the productivity of a country.

“Adeboye has been praying for decades for Nigeria and Nigerian politicians and things haven’t improved. It is either his prayers are not working or God is not listening to him.

“Some of the most corrupt and evil politicians and political leaders in our country today are disciples and followers of Pastor Adeboye.“

Daniel Anidugbe, the famous Nigerian singer, who is popularly known as Kizz Daniel, has announced that he would be going on sabbatical after his next EP.

The singer said he would not release why song till 2026, after his upcoming EP, ‘Uncle K’, drops on November 29, 2024.

“After this I no dey drop anything again until 2026,” he wrote on his X handle on Friday.

Following the announcement, fans have been pleading with him not to embark on sabbatical, saying they would miss his music.

Kizz Daniel has established himself as the one of the most consistent artistes in Nigeria since his debut in 2016 with the hit song, ‘Woju’.

He has released five studio albums and dozens of hit songs since gaining prominence.

Yiaga Africa, a civil society organisation (CSO), says some politicians have been inducing voters with money, food items, and fertilisers during the Ondo governorship election.

Speaking on Arise TV on Saturday, Paul James, Yiaga Africa’s election programme manager, implored security agencies to monitor vote buying activities and apprehend offenders.

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to collaborate with security personnel to safeguard the integrity of the election.

“We saw glimpses of vote buying in the buildup to the election, where politicians, in their usual theatrics, were giving voters between N2,000 and N5,000 at campaign rallies. There was also the usual distribution of food items,” he said.

“At some point in October, we observed politicians distributing fertilisers to farmers. It’s challenging to draw the line between palliatives and vote buying, especially during the buildup to elections.

“What we fear is that political public campaigns commenced late, most of the campaigns didn’t start until the middle of October.

“We were apprehensive that they may be saving up resources to buy votes on election day.

“We have called out to the anti-graft agencies and the Nigeria police to keep an eye on the process and ensure that people involved in nefarious activities are apprehended and brought to book.

“We don’t want them to territorialise the conversation. We have seen instances when these things happen in public and security officers say they can’t do anything until INEC asks them to.

“We expect the officers to be professional in the discharge of their duties.”

Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Abbas Mimiko of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), are the frontrunners in the election.