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Guber: Ekiti ADC governorship aspirant Declares Continuity after attack on party Secretariat
African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain and governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Apostle Ayodele David-Adesua, has vowed that no form of violence or intimidation will derail the party’s determination to wrest power and restore good governance in the state.
David-Adesua made the declaration in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti while reacting to the Tuesday attack on the party’s state secretariat and members.
He condemned what he described as a “barbaric and cowardly act” carried out by suspected political thugs who reportedly set ablaze the newly inaugurated ADC secretariat in Ado-Ekiti, vandalised properties, and attacked party members during the inauguration of executive committees across the state.
“I strongly condemn the barbaric burning of our newly established ADC Secretariat, a desperate act of political cowardice and intimidation,” he said. “This attack is not merely against a building, but an assault on the democratic will of the Ekiti people who yearn for freedom from misrule and tyranny.”
The governorship hopeful stressed that the party would not be deterred by acts of provocation, insisting that the ADC would emerge stronger from the setback.
“Let it be clear that no amount of destruction or deceit will weaken our resolve. From these ashes, we shall rescue, rebuild, and rise stronger, bolder, and more united. This cowardly act will only strengthen our determination to defend truth, uphold justice, and restore the dignity of our people,” he declared.
David-Adesua added that the ADC’s mission to bring transformation and hope to Ekiti was divinely ordained and driven by the will of the people.
“We will not bow to agents of oppression or internal saboteurs who thrive on chaos. We will confront corruption with courage, tyranny with truth, and fear with faith. Our movement is people-driven, unstoppable, and anchored in divine purpose. Together, we will rebuild what has been destroyed and reclaim Ekiti’s destiny,” he said.
Meanwhile, a former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, who was in Ekiti for the inauguration, also condemned the attack. He described it as a “shameful display of intolerance and a dangerous threat to democracy.”
“It is unfortunate that individuals who came to power through a democratic process could resort to violence and intimidation to silence opposition voices. The essence of democracy lies in the freedom of association and political participation without fear or coercion. The attack on ADC members in Ekiti represents a descent into fascism,” Aregbesola stated.
The Ekiti State Police Command has confirmed that an investigation has been launched to identify and prosecute those responsible for the incident.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has scheduled the Ekiti State governorship election for June 20, 2026.
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Ogun State Government Announces Pension, Gratuity Backlog Clearance Between 2012 and 2020
The Ogun State Government has announced the clearance of pension and gratuity arrears owed to workers who retired between 2012 and 2020, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of retirees.
The Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media parley organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Budget and Planning.
Okubadejo explained that the backlog was linked to the Defined Benefits Scheme, under which retirees receive monthly pension payments, stressing that the present administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has not defaulted on pension obligations since assuming office.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have not missed a single month of pension payment. What we inherited were arrears tied to the Defined Benefits Scheme,” he said.
According to him, annual pension payments rose from ₦6.7 billion in 2019 to ₦20 billion in 2025, with projections showing a possible increase to ₦40 billion by 2029.
He disclosed that the state had so far paid ₦23.3 billion in gratuities covering retirees from 2012 to 2020, alongside ₦32.8 billion in outstanding gratuities for local government retirees inherited by the administration.
Okubadejo added that between 2019 and July 2, 2025, the state disbursed ₦93.26 billion in pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme and ₦94.78 billion to local government pensioners.
He assured that the remaining backlog would be cleared as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) continues to improve, noting that over 300 workers who retired in July 2025 are currently receiving six-month palliatives pending the completion of their pension documentation.
The commissioner also described the newly approved Additional Pension Benefits (APB) as the first of its kind in Nigeria, adding that amendments to the state’s pension law would be pursued to formally integrate the scheme.
On the state’s fiscal outlook, Okubadejo revealed that the 2026 budget increased from ₦1.054 trillion in 2025 to ₦1.668 trillion, while Ogun’s economy expanded from ₦3.5 trillion in 2019 to ₦18.96 trillion in 2026.
He added that IGR grew from ₦50 billion in 2019 to ₦240 billion in 2025, with projections of ₦512 billion this year.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, said the 2026 budget reflects strong fiscal reforms, noting an 85 per cent budget execution rate in 2024 and sustained financial stability.
Other commissioners highlighted sectoral achievements, including massive road construction, increased healthcare funding, rail extension plans, education support programmes, and expanded housing projects across the state.
African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to focus on the country’s future and vote for a change in leadership.
Obi spoke at a meeting with Hausa/Fulani chiefs in Abuja on Wednesday.
“We have to talk about the future of our country. All of you know what is happening to our country today. That’s why we are campaigning that you vote out this government,” he said.
He described the situation in Nigeria as dire, citing insecurity, hunger and hardship.
“today we have insecurity across Nigeria. We have hunger across Nigeria. We are suffering across Nigeria. The only thing that is working in Nigeria today is bad news. Every morning you wake up is bad news,” Obi stated.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said a new administration would prioritize social services.
“We’re urging you to vote for a change and bring a new Nigeria, where our children will be in school. Our hospitals will work,” he added.
Obi also questioned government spending priorities, particularly in the health sector.
“today, if you’re sick in Nigeria you’re praying to Almighty God because we’re now in a country where our president spends 360 billion to buy and refit his plane and spends 36 million in capital vote for the Ministry of Health. There’s nothing working,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to use their votes to usher in what he described as a “new Nigeria” focused on improving citizens’ welfare and restoring key public services.
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