By Olokuta Rofiat

Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka, has described the outcomes of recent elections in the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers State as a political victory for the All Progressives Congress.

In a statement on Friday, Olayinka said the APC’s performance in the February 21 Area Council elections in the FCT, where it won the majority of chairmanship seats, reflected growing public support and affirmed Wike’s political influence in the territory.

He noted that the African Democratic Congress recorded poor results, particularly in key councils such as AMAC and Bwari, as the APC consolidated its position.

Responding to opposition claims that the victories were overstated, Olayinka insisted the results signaled voter alignment with the APC’s agenda, including in recent contests in Rivers State.

Opposition figures, however, alleged misuse of state resources and political pressure, describing the ADC’s performance as part of broader challenges facing smaller parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

By Patrick Idowu

Mr. Eze Chukwu, chairmanship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the Feb. 21 Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) election, has accepted the outcome and ruled out challenging the result.

In a congratulatory message to the winner, Mr. Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chukwu said he would not contest the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “for any reason whatsoever.”

In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja, he described the poll as peaceful and orderly, noting that the safety recorded during the campaign and on election day was “a victory for democracy.”

By Adenike Lawal

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from office at the request of President Bola Tinubu, in a development that signals a major shake-up in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

Sources at the Presidential Villa in Abuja disclosed that Mr Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with the President on Monday. He is to be replaced by Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

Although the presidency is yet to issue an official statement, credible sources within both the Presidency and Force Headquarters confirmed that arrangements are underway for a formal handover ceremony.

Mr Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, and his appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31, 2023. Appointed at the age of 58, he was initially due for retirement on September 4, 2024, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.

However, following an amendment to the Police Act by the National Assembly in 2024, he was allowed to serve a full four-year tenure, regardless of age or years of service. The amendment paved the way for him to remain in office until October 31, 2027, unless removed by the President.

His tenure was marked by a mix of security operations and controversies, including allegations of human rights abuses, which drew criticism from sections of the public.

As of the time of filing this report, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga and Force Public Relations Officer Ben Hundeyin had not responded to calls seeking confirmation. A senior presidency official, however, indicated that a formal announcement would be made later on today.

More details are expected to emerge in the coming hours.