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The People’s Choice: Olumide Akpata Surges Ahead, Leaving PDP in the Dust as Edo Election Heats Up
The People’s Choice: Olumide Akpata Surges Ahead, Leaving PDP in the Dust as Edo Election Heats Up
By Oshiobugie John
In an astonishing turn of events, Olumide Akpata has emerged as a formidable force in the Edo State political landscape. With his people-centric approach and grassroots acceptability, Akpata has managed to secure a significant number of electorates from Edo South and is making impressive inroads into Edo North and Central. His candidacy, which initially faced considerable skepticism, has gained unstoppable momentum, causing palpable anxiety within the ranks of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Olumide Akpata’s rise to prominence is no accident. His deep connection with the people and commitment to addressing their concerns have endeared him to voters across the state. From urban centers to rural communities, Akpata’s campaign has been characterized by direct engagement and genuine dialogue with the electorate. This approach has not only won him admiration but also a loyal following that is rapidly expanding.
Edo South, traditionally a crucial battleground in state elections, has seen a significant shift in favor of Akpata. His ability to resonate with the everyday struggles of the people and provide tangible solutions has translated into substantial support. But Akpata’s appeal is not confined to the South. His strategic outreach to Edo North and Central has been equally effective, securing bloc support and further solidifying his position.
When Akpata first announced his candidacy, many viewed it as a long shot. The established political machinery of the PDP seemed insurmountable. However, Akpata’s relentless campaign, marked by transparency and sincerity, has turned the tide. His rise has been nothing short of meteoric, spreading like wildfire across the state. The initial doubts surrounding his candidacy have dissipated, replaced by a groundswell of support that is reshaping the political dynamics of Edo State.
The dramatic rise of Olumide Akpata has not gone unnoticed by the PDP. The party, which once considered itself unchallenged, is now facing a formidable opponent. Akpata’s popularity and the widespread acceptance of his vision have rattled the PDP, leading to a series of desperate attacks aimed at undermining his credibility.
The party’s attempts to discredit him are a clear indication of their fear. The PDP’s anxiety is rooted in Akpata’s ability to connect with the electorate in ways they have failed to do. His surging popularity is seen as a direct threat to their political dominance, and their aggressive tactics reflect their desperation to retain power.
As the election approaches, Olumide Akpata’s campaign continues to gain traction. His vision for a better Edo State, coupled with his unwavering dedication to the people’s welfare, has set him apart from his rivals. With every passing day, his support base grows stronger, making it increasingly likely that he could uproot the PDP from the government house.
In conclusion, Olumide Akpata’s surge in popularity is a testament to the power of a people-centric approach and genuine grassroots engagement. Despite the odds and the relentless attacks from the PDP, Akpata’s candidacy is flourishing. As the momentum builds, it is clear that the people of Edo State are rallying behind a new leader who promises to bring about meaningful change. The People’s Choice, indeed, appears poised to redefine the political landscape of Edo State.
The People’s Choice: Olumide Akpata Surges Ahead, Leaving PDP in the Dust as Edo Election Heats Up
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s correctional system, the deployment of technology to strengthen border security, and the entrenchment of financial integrity across public institutions.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving the President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Mallam Haruna Yahaya, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized that reforming the nation’s correctional system remains a top priority, stressing that the focus must extend beyond incarceration to rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.
“Government has a duty of care to its citizens. Even where freedom is restricted by law, those in custody must be treated with dignity and given opportunities to return to society better than they came,” he said.
He noted that the shift from the Prisons Act to the Nigerian Correctional Service Act marked a deliberate transition toward a system that prioritizes reformation over mere detention.
On border management and internal security, the Minister disclosed that the Correctional Information Management System (CIMS) now contains over 50 million records compiled from operations at seaports and airports, with ongoing integration of land border data.
According to him, the system enhances the government’s ability to detect irregularities and prevent unauthorized entry, aligning with modern security strategies that prioritize proactive measures over reactive responses.
“We are building systems that can stop problems before they happen, not just respond after the damage is done,” he added.
Addressing financial governance, Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of strengthening internal controls across government institutions, noting that preventive mechanisms are more effective than post-incident audits.
“It is not enough to detect issues after they occur. The goal is to build systems that make such issues difficult to happen in the first place,” he said.
He called on professional bodies such as ICAN to deepen their collaboration with government, particularly in areas of revenue assurance, transparency, and institutional accountability, while also encouraging stronger public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency and boost investor confidence.
On infrastructure, the Minister highlighted the need to expand fire and rescue services nationwide, pointing out that innovative funding models, including private sector participation, would be crucial to achieving this goal.
Tunji-Ojo also congratulated ICAN on its leadership and its upcoming West Africa Accountants Conference 2026 scheduled for December 2026, assuring the institute of government support. He further commended the increasing representation of women in professional leadership, describing it as a positive sign for the future.
Earlier, ICAN President Haruna Yahaya applauded the Ministry’s ongoing reforms and proposed the creation of a Joint ICAN–Ministry Financial Integrity and Revenue Assurance Task Force.
He explained that the initiative would target key areas including revenue assessment within the Nigeria Immigration Service, payroll analysis across uniformed services, and procurement risk review, with the aim of reducing leakages and strengthening accountability across government operations.
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Katsina State have foiled a livestock rustling attempt and recovered 22 stolen animals in Jibia Local Government Area.
Police sources said the incident occurred in the early hours of April 12 following a distress call received at about 12:45 a.m. that suspected armed bandits had rustled livestock from neighbouring Niger Republic.
According to the sources, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jibia swiftly mobilised a joint team comprising police, military and community watch personnel to the area.
They added that the operatives strategically blocked the escape routes of the suspects and engaged them in a gun duel.
“The superior firepower of the security team forced the bandits to abandon the rustled animals and flee into the bush,” the sources said.
The sources disclosed that all 22 sheep and goats were recovered intact during the operation.
They noted that the area has been cordoned off, while aggressive clearance operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Further developments will be communicated as investigations continue, the sources added.
Security forces foil rustling, recover 22 animals in Katsina
Troops neutralise several terrorists in ambush operation in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Joint Task Force, North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, have neutralised several Boko Haram terrorists during an ambush operation in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 2:33 a.m. on April 13 when an ambush team of 202 Battalion deployed at Bravo Kilo sighted a terrorist crossing the parapet at a defensive company location.
According to the sources, the troops engaged and neutralised five of the suspect on sight.
The sources added that the operation is part of ongoing clearance and ambush missions aimed at denying terrorists freedom of movement in the North-East theatre.
Troops neutralise several terrorists in ambush operation in Borno
FG Pushes Deeper Reforms in Prisons, Border Security, and Financial Systems
Troops rescue injured herder, foil attack by Berom Militia in Plateau
Police arrest suspected foreign bandits in Benue
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