Morning recap: Presidency, Atiku clash over killings, Osun 2026 politics, PFIPC probe other top stories

Nigeria's Presidency and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are locked in a public dispute over the nation's security record. Abubakar criticized the current administration, citing the deaths of 5,091 Nigerians in violent incidents over three months as an indictment. The Presidency countered, arguing that Abubakar's figures ignore significant security gains, including the reported killing of over 13,000 terrorists and the rescue of thousands from captivity. Officials accused Abubakar of engaging in a "politics of despair" by overlooking these achievements.

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a politics of despair

In Osun State, political maneuvering ahead of the 2026 governorship election has intensified. A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, led by former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has declared support for the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. Oyinlola cited dissatisfaction with the current Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration and a perceived lack of inclusion as reasons for the endorsement. This move has drawn criticism from the Accord Party, which claims Oyinlola and his allies previously worked against Adeleke and are now opportunistically shifting allegiance.

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the group decided to support the APC candidate after becoming dissatisfied with the administration of incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, particularly over what he described as a lack of inclusion in the affairs of government.

Meanwhile, international actions and domestic probes continue. Germany deported 137 Nigerians via five chartered flights. Separately, the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, facing a House of Representatives probe into the agency's controversial operations, has requested media and legal representation during the inquiry.

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Osun Accord remains ever strong and Governor Adeleke remains unbeatable in the forthcoming polls.