News
Lagos Guber: GAC Leaders Endorse Hamzat, Donate Fund To Achieve Bid
Leading figures within the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) have endorsed the governorship aspiration of Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, backing their support with substantial financial contributions during a six-stop consultative tour across Lagos State. The engagements, which began at the residence of GAC Member and political leader, Chief Abiodun Ogunleye, witnessed growing elite consensus around Hamzat’s candidacy ahead of the 2027 elections.
At the first stop in Ikorodu, hosted by Chief Abiodun Ogunleye, political leaders and stakeholders highlighted local expectations while affirming confidence in Hamzat.
While welcoming the delegation, Alhaji Mutiu Are set the tone for the consultations, explaining that the visit was to formally present Hamzat to key leaders and seek their blessings.
Asiwaju of Ikorodu, Chief Kaoli Olusanya, reminded the incoming governor to remain mindful of Ikorodu’s interests, stressing the importance of inclusive governance and continuity of grassroots connection.
Also speaking, the Chief Host, Former deputy governor and political leader, Chief Abiodun Ogunleye praised the deputy governor’s humility and track record. “The deputy governor is our own. You have been good to us and your character reflects true humility,” he said, while calling for urgent infrastructural interventions, including a flyover at Ikorodu Roundabout and broader urban renewal.
Also, Distinguished Senator Ganiyu Solomon also assured that Ikorodu’s demands would not be ignored, stating, “APC is united, and I am confident Ikorodu will stand firmly behind this candidacy.”

Responding, Hamzat stressed the need for unity and inclusive development across the state. “It is time for genuine peace. Lagos will not prosper if Lagosians does not prosper. I am proud of what we have achieved, but we must continue to improve,” he said, adding that Lagos has the potential to rival global cities like New York with sustained planning and execution.
The tour continued to the residence of GAC member Chief Reuben Olorunfunmi Basorun, where Hamzat reiterated his commitment to party processes and inclusive governance. “We cannot proceed with political activities without consulting leaders like you. We seek your blessings to ensure a seamless and credible process,” he said.
Chief Basorun endorsed the aspiration, stating, “Hamzat is my son; we must support him. But do not forget Ikorodu when you get there.”
At the same meeting, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe described Hamzat as the most competent candidate for the job. “If you see technological advancement in Lagos today, it started with Hamzat. We are fully in support of him as the incoming governor,” he said.
At the residence of Senator Seye Ogunlewe, the endorsement was reinforced with financial backing. Ogunlewe donated ₦1 million toward Hamzat’s nomination form, while women and youth leaders present contributed ₦250,000 and ₦50,000 respectively. The senator also offered prayers and reaffirmed his support for the deputy governor’s ambition.
The consultations proceeded to Kosofe Local Government at the residence of GAC member Chief Olumuyiwa Sosanya. He commended Hamzat’s loyalty and leadership qualities. Recalling his decision to step down in 2019, Sosanya said, “You demonstrated true Omoluabi character. Now it is your turn.” Chief Sosanya, therefore, supported Hamzat with the sum of N5 million to purchase the nomination form.
Dr Hamzat, in response, emphasised adherence to due process, noting, “Lagos is too important to fail. We must follow the right path to secure victory for our party and deliver for the people.”
At another engagement, GAC member Chief M.A. Taiwo also cited Hamzat’s longstanding commitment to public service. “For many reasons, he deserves this position. He is not the kind of leader who distances himself from the people,” Taiwo said, adding his endorsement.
The final stop was at the residence of Lagos West Senator, Dr Idiat Adebule, where Hamzat received assurances of widespread support. Presenting him, Hon. Rasaq Ajala described him as a humble and capable leader, while Adebule stated, “Hamzat is a known and tested figure. This journey will be seamless, and you have our full support here in Ojo.”
On his entourage were the scribe of the highest advisory body for the state, Alhaji Mutiu Are,Distinguished Senators Musiliu Obanikoro and Ganiyu Solomon; husband of the Ogun State Deputy Governor and party chieftain at Ibeju Lekki Local Government, Alh Bode Oyedele, immediate past Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon Rasaq Olusola Ajala; the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Works, Engr Adekunle Olayinka and his counterpart on Religious Matters, Dr. Jebe Abdullah, among others.
News
Court Arraigns Journalist In Benue
A Benue State High Court, presided over by Justice Mary Abounu, has arraigned the Benue State correspondent of Aljazirah Newspaper, Henry Ibya, in Makurdi over alleged cyberstang.
The trial judge had sought the prosecution’s response to the defendant’s argument that the journalist was reliable and should be granted bail.
The absence of the prosecution counsel in court did not stop the proceedings, as the defendant’s counsel, Tom Uja, Esq., notified the court of his bail application for his client.
He stated that the prosecution had taken the journalist to two other courts in the state on the same charge and that his client had never failed to appear in court whenever required.
Although the prosecutor’s absence did not affect the judge’s decision to proceed and grant bail, which was also believed to be in the interest of justice, the matter was adjourned until November 5, 2026.
One Terna Abuul, said to be the Director of ICT at Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, reported Henry Ibya to the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State Command.
The director had accused the journalist of allegedly reporting mismanagement in the institution’s ICT department.
According to Abuul, Ibya’s report accused him of wrongdoing.
On the strength of the said report, the journalist was arraigned before the High Court in Makurdi.
News
64 Dead, 80 Injured As Two High-Speed Trains Collide
At least 64 people have been killed and dozens seriously injured after two high-speed trains collided near Urda, south of Madrid, in one of Spain’s deadliest rail disasters in more than a decade.
The Castilla-La Mancha regional government confirmed the death toll as emergency crews continued rescue operations at the crash site. More than 500 passengers were travelling on the two trains involved, according to a regional government spokesperson.
The BBC reports that the collision of the two trains involved a Renfe high-speed train and an Iryo service operating on the Madrid-to-Seville route. Aerial images analysed by the broadcaster showed parts of the Renfe train leaving the tracks, while carriages of the Iryo train also derailed.
The cause of the collision had not been officially confirmed. However, Spanish media cited preliminary accounts suggesting that the Renfe train struck the Iryo service, which may have been stationary following a problem on the tracks.
The scale of the disaster prompted a major emergency response involving ambulances, helicopters, rescue teams and police officers. At least 80 people were reported injured, with about 50 believed to be in serious condition and 15 in critical condition, according to regional officials.
Several victims were transported to hospitals in nearby areas, while others were taken to Madrid for treatment. Hospitals in Toledo, Ciudad Real and Alcázar de San Juan reportedly suspended planned surgeries to accommodate casualties from the crash.
Blood transfusion centres in Madrid and Toledo also appealed for urgent donations to meet a possible surge in demand.
Survivors described scenes of panic and severe destruction. One passenger, Sebastián Herrero, told Spanish newspaper El Mundo that he felt a powerful impact that threw him into the seats ahead. He said injured passengers had broken noses and arms, while smoke spread through the carriages.
Another passenger, Iñaki, told El País that the impact sent him rolling across the floor. After escaping, he saw injured people and bodies around the wreckage.
BBC Verify also examined images and videos appearing to show a section of railway track piercing through a Renfe carriage, with approximately 10 metres of rail protruding through its roof.
The disaster has revived concerns about railway safety in Spain, which suffered another deadly high-speed rail accident near Córdoba in which 46 people died. The country’s previous worst rail disaster occurred in July 2013, when 80 people were killed in a derailment near Santiago de Compostela.
Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, said he was shocked by the crash and remained in contact with the transport minister. The Spanish royal family also expressed condolences to victims’ relatives and praised emergency workers.
Meanwhile, the Royal Spanish Football Federation postponed 24 Copa del Rey matches in solidarity with the victims, while most political parties suspended campaign activities.
Rescue and recovery operations continued as authorities worked to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision.
News
Police Arrest Suspected Eiye Cultist, Recover Two Pistols, Cartridges In Ogun
Operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Squad of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a 26-year-old suspected cultist and recovered two locally made pistols, three live cartridges and a battle axe in the Atan area of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Council of the state.
The suspect, identified as Okiki Muhammed Adewusi, popularly known as “Baba Obo”, was arrested in the Ore area of Atan on October 26, 2026, following intelligence received by operatives of SWAT Base 7, Abule Iroko, Sango-Ota.
The Police Spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the arrest in a statement in Abeokuta yesterday.
According to Babaseyi, a search of the suspect’s residence after his arrest led to the recovery of a locally made pistol and three live cartridges.
He added that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect had allegedly admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.
Babaseyi said information obtained from the suspect led to a follow-up operation at about 6.30 a.m. on October 27, 2026 during which operatives recovered a second locally made pistol and a battle axe from a separate location.
The recovered items have been secured as exhibits, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspects believed to be involved in the activities and recover additional weapons.
The police spokesperson said investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the case.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the SWAT operatives for their vigilance, professionalism and effective use of intelligence.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks, curbing cult-related activities and tackling the illegal possession of firearms across the state.
He urged residents to provide timely and credible information about suspected criminal activities, assuring them that the Command would act on actionable intelligence to protect lives and property and maintain public safety.
-
Health & Wellness1 year agoPresident Tinubu Directs Cut in Dialysis Cost from ₦50,000 to ₦12,000
-
News2 years ago
CBN Debunks Fake Circular on New ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 Notes
-
International News7 months agoIndian Police Arrest Nigerian Over ₦290m Drug Haul
-
Business7 months agoDangote Refinery Reduces Petrol Gantry Price To ₦1,200 Per Litre
-
Business7 months agoAfter Plea Bargain, Court Discharges Stella Oduah of ₦2.5bn Fraud
-
Business2 years ago
Dangote; We Did Not Fix ₦600/Litre Petrol Price
-
Opinion2 years agoChampioning the People’s Voice: Obasa’s Dedication to Grassroots Representation By Dave Agboola⁰
-
Trending News1 year agoNELFUND Disburses ₦86bn To 449,000 Beneficiaries
