Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Akombo Aondona
2027: INEC unveils final list, 18 in race for presidency
Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections have entered a critical phase following the publication by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the final list of candidates for the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections, completing the commission’s candidate disclosure process ahead of the nationwide polls.
State police bill in limbo as assemblies await transmission
…Governors hold key to 24-state threshold Nigeria’s proposed state police system has gotten off to an uneven start, with several Houses of Assembly yet to receive the Constitution amendment bill from the National Assembly, while others that have received it are awaiting further procedural steps before opening debate. The fate of state police now rests with the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
Sani demands independent judicial of inquiry into Niger NSCDC deaths
…Alleges government, influential interests aiding illegal mining Yusuf Sani Yabagi, national chairman of the Action Democratic Party, ADP, has called for an independent judicial of inquiry into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State.
INEC: Gombe, Kano, Bauchi, Delta by-elections test-run for 2027
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described Saturday’s by-elections in Gombe, Kano, Bauchi and Delta states as a critical test of Nigeria’s electoral systems ahead of the 2027 general elections. Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman, said the four legislative polls offered the commission an opportunity to assess its logistics, technology and field operations while identifying areas requiring improvement ahead of the nationwide elections.
Keyamo: Nigerians will fact-check Obi claim by claim in 2027
…Minister fires fresh salvo as Anambra debt controversy deepens Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has declared that Nigerians will subject Peter Obi’s claims to tougher scrutiny ahead of the 2027 presidential election, accusing the former Anambra governor of escaping adequate fact-checking during the 2023 campaign.
Cost of politics, media blackout dim women’s chances, GSAI warns on women’s 2027 fortunes
Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI) has warned that the rising cost of politics and poor media visibility may further dim women’s chances of winning elective offices in the 2027 general elections.
NLC demands emergency measures as petrol hits N1,430
…Ajaero seeks wage awards, naira-priced crude for local refineries, bigger fuel reserves The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the latest surge in petrol prices, warning that rising pump costs are deepening the economic hardship confronting households and businesses across the country.
Peter Obi warns frontline healthcare deficit threatens economic stability
The primary healthcare system in Nigeria faces a deepening crisis that extends well beyond failing infrastructure, according to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Citing recent assessments across 16 states, Obi noted that 97 per cent of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) fail to meet national staffing standards. The figure should not be viewed in isolation.
NDC raises alarm over attack on members in Enugu, accuses APC of sponsoring thugs
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned an alleged attack on its members during a grassroots meeting in Obuoffia Ward, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, accusing suspected state-backed political thugs of disrupting its activities. The opposition party said the incident was an attempt to intimidate its members and undermine its constitutional right to peaceful political association ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ex-INEC commissioner, Okoye: Cyberattacks hit platforms during 2023 election
Festus Okoye, a former national commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says the commission’s digital platforms came under “all sorts of cyberattacks” during the 2023 presidential election. Okoye disclosed this in an interview on Deep Insights, a podcast hosted by Austin Agbonsuremi.
2027: Obi’s academic records face fresh legal scrutiny
…Three suits seek access to WAEC, UNN, NYSC records The academic credentials of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), are facing fresh legal scrutiny following three suits filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking access to records held by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Ortom backs Obi, accuses Tinubu over Benue blockade
…Former Benue governor visits Obi in Abuja, says restriction on presidential candidate’s movement is unacceptable Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has thrown his political weight behind Peter Obi, accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the controversial circumstances surrounding the Labour Party’s former presidential candidate’s recent movement in Benue State.
INEC: Tinubu, Atiku, Obi lead 18-candidate field for 2027 presidency
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2027 general election, formally setting the stage for a contest involving 18 political parties.
Trump signals possible end to US-Iran war, oil prices set to fall
US President Donald Trump has signalled that the conflict between the United States and Iran could be nearing an end, raising expectations of easing geopolitical tensions and a potential decline in global oil prices. Trump, speaking in Ireland, said the war could end soon and predicted that crude prices would fall once the conflict is brought to a close.
US lobbying firm takes Tinubu drug-trafficking allegations to Congress
A US-based policy advisory and lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, says it briefed members of the US Congress and senior state officials during the Republican National Midterm Convention on longstanding allegations linking Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to a heroin-trafficking investigation dating to the 1980s and early 1990s.
25 years after 9/11, Peter Obi calls for global peace, unity
Peter Obi, Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC presidential candidate and Former Anambra State governor, has called for greater global unity, compassion and respect for human life as the world commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. Obi, who is currently in New York, said he participated in prayers and a remembrance service to honour the thousands of innocent people who lost their lives in the attacks.
FRSC, Stakeholders demand an end to overloading, urge Tinubu to declare ‘overloading is gone’
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s transportation sector have launched a national campaign to end vehicle overloading and unsafe loading practices, warning that the menace poses a serious threat to lives, road infrastructure, logistics and the nation’s economy.
Benue bloodbath: NDC raises alarm over Peter Obi’s Benue blockade, demands probe into Yelwata visit
…Party condemns alleged attack by suspected thugs, says obstruction of visit to massacre victims is unacceptable The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the reported obstruction of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during his visit to Benue State to commiserate with victims and families affected by the killings in Yelwata community.
2027: Parties battle for nationwide spread, more votes
Political parties are intensifying efforts to expand their national structures, grow membership and secure wider voter support ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the battle for nationwide spread becomes increasingly critical to their presidential ambitions.
Thugs block Obi from Yelwata Massacre site in Benue, trigger fresh political tension
The planned visit of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), to Yelwata in Benue State was disrupted on Tuesday after alleged thugs reportedly blocked his convoy from accessing the community where hundreds of people were killed in a recent attack.
NDC denies illegal payments, favouritism in 2027 candidate selection process
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has denied allegations of illegal payments and favouritism in its candidate selection and financing process ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement signed by Osa Director, its national publicity secretary, the party said claims circulating about its internal financing and nomination procedures were “deliberate misinformation and propaganda” being promoted by disgruntled elements and opposition figures.
Israel warns Britain of retaliation as UK weighs tougher measures over West Bank settlements
Diplomatic tensions between Israel and the United Kingdom have intensified after London signalled plans for tougher measures over Israel’s expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, prompting an unusually direct warning of retaliation from the Israeli government. The confrontation centres on Israel’s E1 settlement project, which the British government says threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state and undermines the two-state solution.
Credibility Test: Obi opens record to scrutiny, dares Nigerians on 2027 bid
…Presidential hopeful says he and running mate Kwankwaso have put personal, academic records up for global verification Peter Obi, presidential candidate at the Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC, has thrown open his political record to public scrutiny, challenging Nigerians to identify any wrongdoing that should disqualify him from the 2027 presidential race.
Tinubu’s governance has exposed APC’s weaknesses – Donald Duke
Donald Duke, 2027 presidential candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) and former governor of Cross River State, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s record in office has exposed structural weaknesses in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Duke stated this on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he assessed the administration’s performance more than three years of its term.
Tinubu within his rights to oppose release of FBI, DEA records – Obono-Obla
…Ex-Presidential Aide Says U.S. records request must not become a political weapon in Nigeria Okoi Obono-Obla, Former presidential aide and lawyer, has backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to oppose the release of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) records relating to investigations dating back to the early 1990s.
2027: Hamzat, Sani, Alia, Yusuf face crowded fields as INEC release states list
The race for Nigeria’s 2027 governorship elections has moved from behind-the-scenes manoeuvring to an open contest following the official publication of candidate lists and running mates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The electoral umpire released the official register on Saturday for the 6 February 2027 polls, concluding months of political speculation and setting up contested races across 36 states.
Tinubu gives reasons FBI, DEA records should not be released
President Bola Tinubu has asked a United States federal court to block the release of unredacted records held by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration relating to him. In filings published on Saturday, his lawyers argued the records are protected under US privacy laws and that disclosure would not serve any legitimate public interest under American freedom-of-information laws.
Uba Sani must stop blame game, account for his stewardship – ADP Guber Candidate, Yayock
John Yayock Solomon, governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party, ADP, in Kaduna State, has called on Governor Uba Sani to stop blaming inherited challenges and render a full account of his administration’s stewardship to the people of the state. Yayock, in an exclusive chat with BusinessDay in Kaduna on Friday, said that residents of the state were tired of excuses and now demand transparency and verifiable results from the government.
2027: Kwande/Ushongo deserves results, not rhetoric — Atsar
Terver Shirsha Atsar is a chemical engineer, with 25 years in the oil and gas industry, environmental expert, and politician from Benue State. He is currently the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the House of Representatives, Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency for the upcoming 2027 general election.
Tears For a Titan: Tributes rain on legendary NLC scribe, Ugboaja as he bows out
…Union vows befitting farewell for late labour strategist The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has been thrown into mourning following the death of its General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Okechukwu Ugboaja, Ugboaja died in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, after a protracted illness. His death was formally announced by the National Executive Council, NEC, of the NLC at its meeting held on Thursday, August 27, at Hotel Presidential, Enugu.
N10bn campaign cap tests INEC’s ability to police 2027 spending
…bigger donation limits, third-party spending and digital campaigns raise fresh concerns Nigeria’s new N10 billion presidential campaign spending cap could prove difficult for the election regulator to enforce as political spending increasingly flows through support groups, donors, influencers, and digital platforms outside formal campaign structures.
NFF President Gusau resigns amid football woes, cites achievements in refereeing, sponsorship drive
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on Thursday announced his resignation from office at a world press conference held at the NFF headquarters in Abuja. Gusau, who addressed journalists at 1:42 pm at the Sunday Dankaro Secretariat, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, said his decision to step aside was in the interest of Nigerian football following what he described as an unprecedented period of crisis in the administration of the game.
2027: No more proxy campaigns, face Nigerians — POMR dares Tinubu
…Says 2027 contest is for servant-leader, not demigod; faults President’s absence at Peace Accord, NBA Conference The Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR) has challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to step out of Aso Rock and engage Nigerians directly as he seeks a second term, warning against a growing culture of “proxy campaigning” ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi rejects Atiku’s subsidy plan, faults mismanagement of savings
Peter Obi, 2027 Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Party, NDC has disagreed with African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, over his proposal to restore fuel subsidy if elected president in 2027. Obi said the removal of fuel subsidy was necessary, but faulted the Federal Government for failing to manage and invest the savings from the policy.
Osun aftermath and the new politics of regional dynamics
…National structure versus local reality The political significance of the Osun State governorship election extends far beyond its immediate geographic borders. The re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke has highlighted a fundamental feature of Nigerian politics ahead of 2027: national political strength does not automatically translate into local electoral control.
2027: Why I am offering myself to represent Kwande/Ushongo in House of Reps – Atsar
With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) signalling the commencement of political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, the race for the Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives is beginning to take shape. Among those seeking to represent their constituencies is Terver Atsar, who emerged earlier this year as the consensus candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
2027: INEC, IRI gear up for 2027 polls
Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has described the visit of the International Republican Institute (IRI) Pre-Election Assessment Mission (PEAM) to Nigeria as timely and strategic ahead of the 2027 General Election. Amupitan stated this on Tuesday, when he received the IRI delegation at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
INEC dismisses claims of ghost, hired voters in Osun governorship election
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has dismissed allegations of ghost and hired voters in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, insisting that the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, made such practices impossible. Dayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, stated this while speaking on ARISE NEWS on Monday, two days after the election.
2027: Gov Adeleke reaffirms support for Tinubu’s re-election after guber victory
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Adeleke made the declaration on Sunday, August 16, 2026, shortly after he was declared winner of the August 15 governorship election in the state.
The 2027 power map: Will the machinery determine Nigeria’s next president, or will voters break the machine?
Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest between an entrenched political machine and a deeply frustrated, increasingly tech-savvy electorate. Historically, Nigeria’s “machinery of power” built around vast financial networks, incumbency, political godfatherism, party structures and influence over electoral institutions, has played a major role in determining election outcomes. But the political landscape is changing.
ADP hails Adeleke’s Osun Victory, applauds its candidate, Adeagbo’s strong fourth-place finish
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as winner of the Osun State Governorship Election, while describing its own fourth-place finish as evidence of the party’s growing grassroots influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Osun Guber Aftermath: High turnout puts INEC under pressure as Peterside demands explanation over delayed Osun IReV results upload
The outcome of the Osun 2026 governorship election may have been settled, but questions over the credibility and completeness of the process are far from over. With voter turnout reported at 43.4%, the election recorded a level of participation that stands high by recent Nigerian standards. For some observers, that turnout offers a powerful lesson: when citizens turn out in large numbers, it becomes harder to manipulate the will of the electorate.
Osun 2026: Adeleke’s victory and the political shockwave beyond the ballot
The 2026 Osun governorship election has produced a result that is bigger than a routine second-term victory: Governor Ademola Adeleke has defeated the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and demonstrated that Osun remains one of Nigeria’s most fiercely competitive political battlegrounds.
AI versus INEC: How deepfakes could disrupt Nigeria’s 2027 election
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the rapid spread of deepfakes are emerging as a new threat to Nigeria’s 2027 general election, with experts warning that synthetic audio, videos and images could distort political narratives, inflame tensions and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
INEC declares Adeleke winner of Osun Governorship election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party winner of the 2026 Osun State governorship election. INEC Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, announced the final results and formally returned Adeleke as the winner.
Davido calls out Rep Faleke over alleged pressure on INEC in Osun Guber poll
Afrobeats star Davido has accused House of Representatives member, Hon. James Faleke, of mounting pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission over the Osun State governorship election. In a post on X on Saturday as collation was still ongoing, Davido, who is nephew to incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, alleged interference in the process. “James Faleke, stop putting pressure on INEC to change Osun election result. Respect the wishes of Osun people.
Davido questions delay in uploading Osun Governorship results to IReV Portal
Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has questioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the delay in uploading results from Saturday’s Osun State governorship election to the commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV). In a post on X on Saturday afternoon, Davido expressed concern that results had not appeared on the portal several hours after voting ended at polling units across the state.
INEC Situation Room: Osun governorship election
Early Polling Unit Opening Rates At least 94.5 percent (3,556) of the 3,763 polling units across Osun State opened by 8:30 a.m. during the governorship election, according to preliminary observations from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Situation Room. According to INEC Director of Voter Education, the election situation report, the remaining 207 polling units, or 5.5 per cent, experienced minor delays in opening.
Davido alleges soldiers trying to stop him from entering Osun on election day
Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has alleged that soldiers are attempting to prevent him from entering Osun State as voters head to the polls for the state’s governorship election on Saturday. Davido raised the alarm in a post on his verified X account early Saturday, saying he had been “reliably informed” that soldiers were trying to stop him from entering the state.
2027: Opposition slams INEC over “statistically implausible” voter data
Nigeria’s opposition parties have dismissed the electoral commission’s recent voter registration data as “statistically implausible,” accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of inflating figures with ghost voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Akombo
Contact Akombo, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack