The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Vice Presidential candidate, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has been accused of hijacking party structure in the North West

In a statement jointly signed by the party’s Northwest Vice Chairman Mohammed Rabiu Serina and Kano State Chairman Hussaini Isa Mariga respectively. the former Kano state governor was accused of excluding non-Kwankwasiyya members from contesting elective offices on its platform.

The duo who described themselves as pioneer members of the party, said they were appointed by the party’s National Leader, former Bayelsa State Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, before the party’s registration and later confirmed as substantive officers through congresses and the national convention.

Serina and Mariga further stated that they were instrumental in building the party’s structures across Kano State and the Northwest before Kwankwaso and his supporters joined the party.

“The problems began when Kwankwaso sought complete control of the party structure in Kano State during the state congresses.

“The dispute prompted the intervention of the party’s national leader, Seriake Dickson who convened a meeting and brokered an agreement granting Kwankwaso and his supporters 60 per cent control of the party structure in Kano, while the party retained 40 per cent,” the party officials said.

The Chairman of the Accord in Osogbo Local Government Area of Osun State, Asimiyu Ajibola, popularly known as Baba Isila, was shot by suspected gunmen on Wednesday night in Osogbo.

The shooting has prompted a police investigation into what the state government described as an attempted murder.

Report says the attack occurred at about 10:00 pm around the MDS area of Osogbo, near the Osogbo Community Bank axis, causing panic among residents as gunshots rang out in the neighbourhood.

Report quoted a source in the area, who did not wish to be named, as revealing that“The assailants opened fire on a blue Toyota Corolla conveying Ajibola and his associates while they were travelling through the area.

“The gunmen pursued the vehicle and unleashed a barrage of gunfire in what appeared to be a coordinated attack.

“We were coming from the MDS area of Osogbo and all of a sudden, the gun-wielding men chased and released a volley of bullets on all of us in the car.”

The eyewitness said the occupants managed to escape and sought refuge at the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters in Osogbo before the attackers fled the scene.

“We managed to escape to the Dugbe Divisional Police Headquarters in Osogbo where we ran to for protection before the assailants retreated and ran away,” he added.

The Accord LG chairman was subsequently rushed to the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, where he was admitted for treatment following injuries sustained during the attack.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Osun State Police Command confirmed that it had launched a comprehensive investigation into the shooting.

Police spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the incident occurred along the MDS area of Osogbo when two armed men riding a motorcycle allegedly attacked Ajibola.

The Command said officers immediately responded to the distress call, evacuated the victim to a medical facility and deployed tactical teams to pursue the fleeing suspects.

“Medical personnel have confirmed that Ajibola is in a stable condition and responding positively to treatment.

“Exhibits recovered from the scene are undergoing forensic analysis as investigators work to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack,” the statement added.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the act and ordered a high-powered investigation into the incident.

He also directed all relevant investigative units to deploy every available resource to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible and ensure prompt arrest and prosecution.

The Ifo Local Government Council has dismissed reports claiming that Fulani bandits attacked Oluke Community High School and its surrounding community, describing the information as false and misleading.

In a statement, Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Hon. Idris Olalekan Kusimo said there was no attack on the school or any part of the community, contrary to rumours circulating on social media.

The Chairman stressed that no school was targeted and no casualties were recorded.

 Kusimo, urged residents, business owners and students in the Oluke area to remain calm and continue their normal activities without fear.

He noted that security operatives are monitoring the area and that normalcy has been maintained.

Kusimo also warned against the spread of false security reports, saying misinformation could create unnecessary panic and tension among residents.

He urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it and remain vigilant while supporting efforts to maintain peace and security in the community.

According to security officials, including the Amotekun Commandant, Mr. Olufowobi, and community leader, Hon. Francis, the alarm was triggered by the sight of herders peacefully moving with their cattle through the area.

The council reiterated that Oluke Community remains safe and secure.