Tension rose in Akure on Monday as women and youth members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) staged a protest against the party’s revised list of candidates for the 2026 general elections.

The demonstrators, who marched through major roads in the state capital, accused the APC National Working Committee (NWC) of altering the authentic results of the direct primaries conducted across Ondo’s 203 wards. Their chants and placards carried strong messages: “No to Abuja Result,” “Let Our Votes Count,” and “We No Go Gree.”

The protest escalated when the convoy of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was blocked along Oba Adesida Road. Security operatives quickly intervened to clear the way, but the incident underscored the depth of anger among party members.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Seun Osamaye, joined the protest, describing the circulated list as “fake.” She insisted that the names did not reflect the mandate of the people. “We know those who won the primaries. What is being circulated is a distortion. We reject it,” she told journalists.

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Youth leaders also voiced their frustration. Mr. Bright Ojo, one of the coordinators, labelled the changes a “democratic coup.” He alleged that aspirants who lost the primaries were being imposed on the people through the appeal process. “This is not democracy. The people voted, and their votes must stand,” he said.

The controversy stems from the APC NWC’s post-primary review, which produced sweeping substitutions in Ondo State. Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN) replaced Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti as the candidate for Ondo Central, while Senator Olajide Ipinsagba took over the Ondo North ticket from Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye. Hon. Wale Kekemeke retained Ondo South.

In the House of Representatives contests, six constituencies saw changes, with Donald Ojogo, Festus Akingbaso, Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, Okunjimi Odimayo, Michael Akintomide, and Festus Adefiranye emerging as candidates after the appeal process.

These substitutions have made Ondo one of the most affected states in the APC’s nationwide review, overturning several constituency outcomes and sparking widespread discontent.

The protesters appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, expressing confidence in his commitment to fairness and justice. “We believe in the President’s leadership. He must ensure that the will of the people is not subverted,” Osamaye said.

Party insiders note that the protest reflects deeper divisions within the APC in Ondo, where grassroots members feel sidelined by decisions taken at the national level. Analysts warn that if unresolved, the crisis could weaken the party’s cohesion ahead of the elections.

Despite assurances from the NWC that the appeal process was transparent, the protest signals growing distrust among members who insist that their votes were disregarded.

For now, the APC in Ondo faces a test of unity. Whether the leadership can reconcile the differences and restore confidence will determine the party’s strength in the coming polls.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested an armed robbery suspect in Uyo and recovered a locally fabricated firearm during a late-night operation.

Police spokesperson DSP Timfon John confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Monday. She explained that the suspect was apprehended during a stop-and-search operation around the Mayflower axis on Oron Road, Uyo.

The operation followed a distress call received at about 10:30 p.m. on June 27 from a resident of Ikot Okubo, reporting suspected armed robbers’ activities in the area.

John said police personnel quickly mobilised to cordon off and comb the affected area, working in collaboration with community members.

“In the process, a suspect was apprehended. A medium-sized locally fabricated firearm was found in his possession,” she stated.

Other members of the gang fled upon sighting the police, prompting the command to launch a manhunt to track down the fleeing suspects.

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The police spokesperson noted that a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the suspect’s level of involvement in the alleged criminal activities. She added that the probe would also help identify and dismantle the wider criminal network.

“The investigation will enable the police to establish the suspect’s role and uncover the extent of the group’s operations,” she said.

John assured residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the state. She urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to strengthen the fight against crime.

“The command will sustain its campaign against criminality. We encourage citizens to provide intelligence that can help us act swiftly and effectively,” she added.

The arrest highlights the importance of community-police collaboration in tackling insecurity. Akwa Ibom, like many states, has faced challenges with armed robbery and cult-related violence, making proactive policing and public cooperation critical to maintaining safety.

Security analysts note that the recovery of locally fabricated firearms underscores the need for tighter control of illegal weapons and stronger surveillance in urban centres.

The Akwa Ibom Police Command’s swift response and arrest demonstrate its resolve to curb armed robbery in Uyo. With investigations ongoing and a manhunt launched for fleeing suspects, authorities say they are determined to dismantle criminal networks threatening public safety.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State has formally presented Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination forms to its governorship and National Assembly candidates, marking a key step in the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Governor Muhammadu Yahaya presided over the brief ceremony at the Government House, Gombe, where the forms were handed to the party’s flag bearers. The event signified the conclusion of APC’s direct primaries and the commencement of the legal process of submitting candidates’ details to INEC.

According to the Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Misilli, the presentation confirmed the candidates as the party’s duly nominated representatives for the elections.

The governorship candidate, Dr. Jamilu Isiyaku Gwamna, received his nomination form after emerging victorious in the party’s primary election.

Senatorial candidates also received their forms:

Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for Gombe North

Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Ahmed Deba for Gombe Central

House of Representatives candidates included Usman Kumo (Akko), Ali Isa JC (Balanga/Billiri), Fatima Bello (Kaltungo/Shongom), Inuwa Garba (Yamaltu/Deba), Sadam Bello (Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye), and Jamilu Shabewa (Dukku/Nafada).

Governor Yahaya congratulated the candidates, describing their emergence as a reflection of confidence reposed in them by party members. He urged them to view their nomination as a call to responsibility and service.

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“The issuance of these nomination forms marks the completion of our party’s internal nomination process and the commencement of the legal process for submission to INEC in line with the Electoral Act and the Commission’s guidelines,” he said.

He reminded the candidates to complete all required documentation and ensure compliance with INEC’s Candidate Nomination Portal.

Yahaya emphasised the importance of unity and discipline as the party moves into the next phase of electioneering. He urged candidates to sustain grassroots mobilisation and maintain cohesion within the party.

“As we move into the next phase of the electoral process, I urge you to remain focused, disciplined and united. Cohesion within our party and sustained grassroots engagement will be critical to our success,” he said.

The governor expressed confidence in the capacity of the candidates to deliver effective representation. He described Dr. Gwamna and the National Assembly candidates as experienced and credible leaders capable of advancing the aspirations of Gombe people.

“I have every confidence that our governorship candidate and all our National Assembly candidates have the experience, capacity and credibility to represent the aspirations of the people of Gombe State with distinction,” Yahaya stated.

The presentation of nomination forms in Gombe underscores APC’s readiness for the 2027 elections. With its candidates now officially recognised, the party enters the next stage of the electoral process, focusing on documentation, compliance, and mobilisation ahead of submission to INEC.