NEWS
INEC Rejects N40bn Budgetary Allocation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the N40 billion budget allocated to it, deeming the amount insufficient for its operations.
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu presented INEC’s proposed budget of N89 billion during a Senate Committee meeting chaired by Alli Sharafadeen Abiodun on Thursday.
Prof Yakubu clarified in the meeting that the N40bn would only suffice for the commission’s personnel costs, and would be inadequate for the financial requirements of the commission in 2024, which supports over 15,000 employees.
The INEC boss highlighted that due to the Federal Government’s 40 percent peculiar allowance and increased Duty Tour Allowance (DTA) for its staff nationwide, the commission’s wage bill reached N36.5 billion.
Subtracting this from the allocated N40 billion would leave almost no funds for capital, electoral expenses, and overhead costs.
He cautioned that this shortfall might endanger the 2024 off-season governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, as well as the National Assembly bye-elections in Ebonyi South and Yobe East senatorial districts.
The INEC boss also pointed out that other constituency elections at risk of being affected include Akoko North East/Akoko North West Federal Constituency in Ondo State; Yauri/Shanga/Ngaski Federal Constituency in Kebbi State; Isa/Sabon Birni Federal Constituency in Sokoto State, and Khana II State Constituency in Rivers State.
Mahmood said: “Our first priority is staff welfare; it goes beyond that, but it is a matter of human rights. But associated with the payment of salaries are the social contributions, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), group life insurance, employees compensation scheme and so on. When we pay salaries and social contributions, there is nothing for any other activity again, including the forthcoming governorship elections coming up next year in Edo and Ondo states.
“We also do electoral activities in February next year in which parties will commence the primaries for the governorship elections, and we have to be there to monitor the primaries. We have to do continuous voter registration, and make the cards available long before the elections, and there’s no provision for that. The Ondo primary will begin in April, and there’s no provision for that.
“By the time you talk about the DTA as provided by circular and you convert it to Naira and kobo, it crashes, given the exchange rate.
“So, under the overhead, we pay for all these, including issues like diesel for our generators because sometimes, we are almost always on generator not only in our conferences but also in our ICT server room.
“As a substitute to the inadequate N40 billion, the INEC chairman submitted another expenditure proposal of N89 billion, which was tagged as the actual need of the commission.
“We have submitted proposal C, which shows that we actually need N89 billion. So as I said, our budget for 2023 is practically N68 billion, so the difference actually is N21 billion, not N49 billion, and we have given a breakdown on how we intend to spend the money.” he added
NEWS
Gunmen Kill Ex-Ogun State Broadcaster, Security Guard in Early Morning Attack
Gunmen have killed a former staff member of Ogun State Television, Mrs. Kitan Oyesiku, popularly known as “Aunty Kitan,” alongside her security guard in a violent early morning attack in Agodo community along the Abeokuta–Siun–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, threw residents of the area into panic and mourning as news of the killings spread across the community.
The victims were reportedly attacked inside their residence by unknown armed men who stormed the compound and carried out the operation before fleeing the scene.
SEE MORE: Midnight Horror in Kaduna: Gunmen Kill Nine, Injure 11 in Fresh Community Attack
The security guard on duty was also killed during the invasion.
The attack took place within the Abeokuta axis of Abeokuta, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.
The bodies of the deceased have since been deposited at the morgue of the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta.
As of press time, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, while security agencies are expected to launch a full-scale investigation into the incident.
An anonymous source who spoke on the development said the incident was discovered after concerned church members went to check on the deceased when she failed to appear at church service.
The source said: “They had come around to check on Mrs Oyesiku when they did not see her in the church. On getting to her residence, they found out that the security officer had been killed, and they later also saw that the assailants had also killed Mrs Oyesiku. That was how they raised the alarm in the community.”
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an official statement would be issued after preliminary investigations.
Mrs. Oyesiku, a former broadcaster with the state-owned television station, was well known in media circles before her retirement.
Her death has sparked grief among colleagues, friends, and residents across Ogun State, as calls mount for improved security in the area.
NEWS
Ekiti 2026: Tinubu Hails Oyebanji, Demands Cooperation from Opposition Parties
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on his re-election, describing the outcome of the governorship election as a clear affirmation of the people’s trust in continuity, stability, and development-focused leadership.
Tinubu also called on opposition parties in the state to accept the results of the election and work with the re-elected governor to strengthen governance and accelerate development across Ekiti.
His message was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the official declaration of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission).
ALSO READ: Ekiti Poll Shock: ADC Candidate Loses Home Ward to Oyebanji
The president said the victory represents a strong endorsement of Oyebanji’s performance during his first term in office, noting that the people of Ekiti have reaffirmed their confidence in his leadership.
He urged the governor to remain humble in victory and ensure inclusive governance that carries all stakeholders along in the next phase of administration.
“President Tinubu urges Governor Oyebanji to remain magnanimous in victory and to carry all Ekiti people along as he consolidates on his achievements in the next four years,” the statement read.
Tinubu further appealed to candidates who participated in the election to prioritize peace and unity, stressing the importance of collaboration in moving the state forward.
He noted that the election outcome should mark the beginning of broader cooperation among political actors in Ekiti rather than division.
According to him, Oyebanji’s first term witnessed notable progress in key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and rural development under the BAO agenda.
The president described the renewed mandate as a reflection of voters’ confidence in stability and continuity of governance.
“The renewed mandate is therefore a clear vote of confidence in continuity, stability, and people-centred governance,” Tinubu stated.
He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with the Ekiti State Government to deepen development and ensure the delivery of democratic dividends under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu praised the conduct of voters during the election, describing the process as largely peaceful, and commended security agencies for maintaining order throughout the exercise.
Meanwhile, Biodun Oyebanji was officially declared winner of the poll after securing 319,224 votes across all 16 local government areas of the state.
The victory makes him the first governor in the history of Ekiti State to win consecutive re-election, marking a significant milestone in the state’s political history.
International News
“He Failed Badly” — Trump Says Starmer Will Step Down as UK PM
U.S. President Donald Trump has predicted that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will step down from office, accusing the Labour leader of failing on two critical issues — immigration and energy policy.
Trump made the remarks on Sunday in a post on his Truth Social platform, where he claimed Starmer’s leadership had fallen short in addressing challenges facing the United Kingdom.
SEE MORE:New US Strike on Iran Sends Oil Prices Soaring as Middle East Tensions Escalate
“Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of The United Kingdom,” Trump wrote. “He failed badly on two very important subjects — IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well!”
The U.S. president did not provide any evidence to support his claim, nor did he reveal the basis for his prediction that Starmer would leave office.
Starmer, who leads the Labour Party, became Prime Minister after securing victory in the UK’s general election.
Since taking office, his government has faced criticism over a range of issues, including migration policies, energy security, and the cost-of-living challenges confronting many Britons.
Trump’s comments come as debates over immigration and energy continue to dominate political discussions in the UK.
However, there has been no official statement from Starmer, his office, or the British government suggesting that he plans to resign.
As of the time of filing this report, Starmer remains in office and continues to lead the government despite the claims made by the American president.





