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  • Jarigbe Commissions 20-Bed JEFMAG Hospital in Ogoja

    Jarigbe Commissions 20-Bed JEFMAG Hospital in Ogoja

     

    The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, has commissioned the newly established and digitally equipped 20-bed JEFMAG Hospital in Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State.

    The facility, owned by Dr. Idoko Emmanuel Afen, offers a range of medical services, including surgical procedures, ultrasound, ECG, hormonal and chemistry analysis, antenatal care (ANC), outpatient services, and maternal and child healthcare.

    Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Senator Jarigbe described the opening of the state-of-the-art facility as a convergence of many possibilities.

    He noted that, beyond its modern infrastructure and equipment, the hospital represents a vision to build a healthcare system capable of providing advanced medical services, responding effectively to the needs of the growing population, and reducing the need for residents of the senatorial district to travel outside the area in search of quality medical treatment, as he offset the medical bills of the first sets of patients admitted into the facility.

    The lawmaker also commended Dr. Idoko for the initiative, describing the achievement as a promise of a greater future for Cross River North Senatorial District.

    According to him, the establishment of the facility holds significant potential not only for improving healthcare delivery but also for contributing to the growth of the general business environment in Cross River North Senatorial District.

    Senator Jarigbe was accompanied at the event by Hon. Jude Ngaji, Hon. Rita Ayim, Hon. Tom Agi, Hon. Paddy Uguge, Mr. John Ben, Hon. Charles Eneji, Pastor John Naku, among others.

    TEAM JARI MEDIA

  • C’RIVER 2027: Javis Accepts Otu’s Debate Challenge, Anytime, at Any Venue

    C’RIVER 2027: Javis Accepts Otu’s Debate Challenge, Anytime, at Any Venue

     

    …Says Poll Not About Money Bags

    By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

    The People Democratic Party (PDP)governorship candidate in Cross River State, Sir Arthur Javis Archibong, has declared his readiness to engage the Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu in an open debate at any time and venue of the governor’s choosing, provided the governor himself will be present.

    Speaking with journalists in Calabar Tuesday, Archibong who was responding to a challenge issued by the Commissioner for Information, Pst Ekpenyong Cobham said he was ready to honour the challenge to a debate as demanded.

    “I am willing to honour the challenge to a debate, on one condition: that Governor Bassey Otu will be there in person.

    “The people deserve to hear directly from those seeking to lead them, not from proxies,” Archibong said

    The PDP candidate added that he would not be drawn into exchanging words with the Commissioner.

    “Pastor Cobham is my brother. But he is not on the ballot, so i will not join issues with him.” he stated.

    Archibong also addressed recent criticisms of Arthur Jarvis University, (AJU), the first private university in the state, located in Akpabuyo LGA.

    He said the university was established with the good intent to serve Cross Riverians and would not be distracted by false allegations.

    “All sorts of things have been said about AJU. Funnily enough, the last I heard of bed bugs was in my childhood when we slept on straw beds,” he said.

    He challenged his critics to show what they have done for the state.

    “Before pointing fingers at AJU, they should first point to one business they own where they have employed at least 15 people from this state,

    “Instead of chasing imaginary bedbugs in Akpabuyo, they should come and see the real crisis in Watt Market. Go there today and see the filth, the stench, the blocked drainages, and traders selling beside refuse.

    “That is the environmental emergency staring us in the face. Our firefighters have no diesel. Our fire trucks have no water. And when infernos like the one at SPAR Mall happened, we are left helpless.

    “That is where government attention should be, not in spreading lies about a university that is trying to add value,” he said.

    On the issue of scholarships, Archibong said education support has always been a personal commitment to him.

    “Scholarships are a personal act of service. I will not bring charity to the marketplace just to score cheap political points,” he stated.

    He urged the Commissioner to do proper research before speaking, especially by asking the people of Akpabuyo, Bakassi and other communities who have benefited over the years.

    “Barefaced lying is alien to the calling of a pastor. If he is truly a pastor and not self-acclaimed, then he should be wary of the God who sees and knows all things.

    ” And if serving in government now means he must abandon the truth and integrity of the pulpit, then he must decide where he truly belongs, on the pulpit or in politics.”

    On the 2027 elections, Archibong said the contest will be determined by the people and not by lies, intimidation, thuggery or money politics.

    His words : “This election will not be won by attacking institutions that should be supported by government. Arthur Jarvis University is a thriving institution that employs our people and trains our children.

    “Instead of support, it is been subjected to unprovoked attacks simply because of politics. That is not how you build a state,” he said.

    Archibong berated the Otu led administration for its unending absence especially in moments of crisis.

    “When landslides claimed lives and destroyed properties, and when fire swept through our businesses like the recent SPAR Mall crisis, the presence of our governor is nowhere to be found.”

    He noted that the Commissioner had claimed the governor’s perpetual absence was to attract businesses to the state.

    “But let us ask, what have all these travels produced? Government keeps going out for MoUs, but Cross Riverians are yet to see the dividends.

    “After so many MoUs, show me how many have translated to successful projects that are addressing the pitiful situation of this state.

    “Where are the factories? Where are the jobs? Where is the relief for the ordinary man? You cannot be absent at home in the name of chasing investors abroad, while the house is on fire and there is no water to put it out.”

    The PDP candidate expressed deep sympathy for business owners and workers affected by the early Saturday inferno at the SPAR Shopping Mall in Calabar.

    “My heart bleeds for every trader, every young worker, and every family whose livelihood went up in flames that morning. As a businessman myself, I know the pain of watching years of sweat and sacrifice turn to ashes overnight.

    “Under my watch, we will never be caught unprepared again. Emergency response will be fast, equipped, and present. We will ensure our fire service has water, has diesel, and has the tools to protect lives and properties within the time of need. No Cross Riverian should ever have to face disaster alone.” he assured.

    Archibong concluded that leadership is about presence, service and accountability.

    “Cross River deserves a governor who will not govern from a distance or by proxy.

    ” Our people deserve leadership that shows up, listens, and delivers. That is the covenant I offer the people of Cross River in 2027. Let this contest be about ideas, about track records, and about who is ready to serve and nothing less,” he added.

    Ends

  • Unical Department of Journalism and Media Studies Opens Admission Application For Prospective Students

    Unical Department of Journalism and Media Studies Opens Admission Application For Prospective Students

    The Department of Journalism and Media Studies in the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Calabar has opened opportunities for qualified UTME and other candidates seeking admission into its four years degree programme in the institution.

    In line with its declaration as contained in the department’s handbook, Journalism and Media Studies is a fledgling academic discipline in the university and it is designed to train prospective media practitioners for the demands of 21st-century journalism and media endeavours.

    According to the department’s arrowheads who reeled out this opportunity on Monday in a notice to the general public said the the department aims to equip students with cutting-edged media expertise and the requisite technological skills in the media needed for effective journalism and meaningful contributions to societal development.

    The notice asserts that interested candidates are expected to apply for Journalism and Media Studies through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) portal having chosen the University of Calabar as their first choice institution.

    According to the admission requirements, prospective candidates must score 150 and above in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Additionally, applicants must also possess a minimum of five credits in WAEC or NECO which must include English Language, Mathematics and any other three relevant Arts and Social Science subjects.

    In the same vein , the department also welcomes Direct Entry applicants who possess relevant qualifications and passes in National Diploma (ND), Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB), or Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) programmes.

    According to the HOD, Dr Kwita Andomi, the programme is founded on the philosophy of “Ethical Journalism for Societal Development,” with specific focus on preparing a new generation of media professionals equipped with both professional competence and technological capacity in the media.

    Qualified candidates are encouraged to act promptly and apply for admission into the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Calabar.

  • Who Is Jesus to You? A Sermon by Rev. Fr. Felix Ovai Ekpe

    Who Is Jesus to You? A Sermon by Rev. Fr. Felix Ovai Ekpe

     

    There are many questions and answers in today’s Gospel, but two questions stand out. The first is: “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples responded, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; still others say Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

    Jesus did not stop there. He asked them a more personal and important question: “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Peter was not a man without faults. He was the same Peter who would later deny Jesus three times. Yet, despite his weaknesses, Peter had a personal encounter with Jesus. He had reflected on who Jesus was, and his answer came from that personal conviction.

    This encounter between Jesus and His disciples took place at Caesarea Philippi. It was a moment of retreat, reflection, and self-discovery.

    Self-discovery is very important because it gives us mastery and awareness of who we are. When you know yourself, you are less likely to be defined by what other people say about you. When someone has undergone an operation in the hospital, that person may desperately crave water. Yet, if the person drinks water at that particular moment when the doctor has instructed otherwise, it could be dangerous or even fatal. The water itself is not bad. What matters is understanding the situation and knowing what is appropriate at that moment.

    That is why self-awareness is important. When you truly know who you are, someone cannot simply come and tell you something completely different about yourself and make you accept it. You know yourself. Self-discovery helps you understand where you are coming from and where you are going.

    “Who Do People Say That I Am?” Jesus first asked, “Who do people say that I am?” It is sometimes helpful to know how people perceive us. What do people say about us?What do people think about us? Occasionally, we should take time to find out how others experience us.

    Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: What do people say and think about me? There is a saying: “An entity without an identity is a nonentity.” You must have an identity.

    No one is a complete mirror of himself. Sometimes, we need the opinions of others to help us see things about ourselves that we may not see. However, we must also understand that people’s opinions are not always our reality.

    Sometimes you have goodwill, but people misunderstand you. Sometimes you are doing your very best, yet people still criticize you. Sometimes, no matter what you do, people will sit down and condemn you.
    But remember: their opinion is not necessarily your reality.

    How Do You See Other People? Jesus’ question also challenges us to examine how we see others. What do you say about other people? Some people only see others as opportunities to satisfy their own needs. They greet you only when they need something from you. You hear, “Calvary greetings!” But once you help them, all you receive is, “Thanks, seen.” We must ask ourselves: Is this how we treat people? What do you say about others? Are your words positive? Do you recognize the good in people, or is everything you say about them negative?

    Sometimes, a parish may receive one priest and complain. Another priest is sent, and they complain again. Another one comes, and the complaints continue. So, which priest do you actually want? The problem may not always be the person. Sometimes, the problem is the way we choose to see people. Always look for the good in others. Always try to see the good in people.

    And parents, speak well about your children. Stop constantly condemning your children.. The child you have condemned today may be the very child God has chosen to use to bless your family tomorrow. Instead of constantly condemning your children, pray for them. Encourage them. Speak life into them. And do the same for others.

    “But Who Do You Say That I Am?” The question Jesus asked His disciples is also addressed to us today: “Who do you say that I am?” This is not simply a question for the disciples. It is a question for every Christian. It is a question of faith, identity, and personal relationship. Each of us must be willing to give our own answer.

    The encounter between Jesus and His disciples was like a personal retreat. Jesus wanted His disciples to move beyond what they had heard from others and come to their own personal understanding of His identity and authority.

    We see something similar in the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus walked with them, spoke with them, and explained the Scriptures to them, yet they did not recognize Him immediately. Sometimes, we too can be close to Jesus and still fail to recognize Him. That is why our personal encounter with Christ is so important.

    Your Answer Can Change Your Story. People said different things about Jesus. But Peter gave his own answer: “You are the Christ.” Immediately, Jesus responded by changing Peter’s identity: “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church.”

    Peter recognized Jesus, and Jesus revealed something about Peter’s own identity. This teaches us something profound: the way you recognize Jesus can transform the way you understand yourself. When you recognize Jesus Christ as the Son of God, you begin to see yourself differently. When you acknowledge Him as Lord, He can rewrite your story. When you surrender your life to Him, He can give you a new identity. The person people have called a failure may become a testimony. The person people have rejected may become an instrument of blessing. The person people have condemned may become the one God uses to lift others.

    Today, Jesus is asking each one of us the same question He asked Peter: “Who do you say that I am?” Do not answer based only on what your parents told you. Do not answer merely because you grew up in the Church. Do not answer simply because everyone around you calls Him Lord. Have you encountered Him personally?

    The way you see Jesus will influence the way you live, the way you pray, the way you treat others, and the way you understand your own life. May we come to know Christ personally. May we recognize Him not only with our lips but also with our hearts and our lives. And as we recognize Him, may He rewrite our stories, transform our identities, and lead us into the purpose He has prepared for us.

    I pray for you today that the name by which Jesus calls you will be a name that brings magnification, blessing, and glory to you and to your family. May Jesus transform every negative story concerning your life into a testimony. May He give you a new identity, a new beginning, and a renewed sense of purpose.

    May you encounter Christ personally, know Him deeply, and follow Him faithfully. And may your life become a testimony of His goodness and grace.
    Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this homily is strictly that of the homilist, Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe and does not represent Theluminenews its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Appointment is Service Not Elevation BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Appointment is Service Not Elevation BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    APPOINTEE

    In ancient times, keys were very heavy and had to be carried on the shoulder. When a prime minister, for example, was to be crowned, the king would take the mantle and belt and put on him and then would place on his shoulder the key of his palace. To receive the keys meant to have full powers in the palace of the king and authority from him to administer his property, to decide who was to be received and who would be kept outside the palace. Such was the authority given to Eliakim, son of Hilkiah, as we read in Isaiah 22:19-23. Worthy to note here is verse 21 which described Eliakim as an appointee: “He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the House of Judah.” These same words were applied to Peter in the gospel of Matthew 16:18-19: “You are Peter… I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

    The simple and instructive lesson(s) to be learned here about appointments and appointees or anyone favoured by the ruling class is this: To be in power is to possess keys (heavy keys) from God. These keys are a burden, not a joy. You are burdened with other people’s problems and so there is no reason for you to celebrate, just because you have been selected to a position. Appointment is service, not elevation and you are appointed by a higher power (the king) to serve in his palace. Whatever your position, it is not your palace, it’s the king’s palace. So stop bragging as if you are the king himself. You are only a servant.

    This brings us to the second and final point: As an appointee, your position is to enable you serve, not lord it over others . You have become a father to those in your care; not a Lord. Yours is a privileged position to make life meaningful for others and not to cause pain and separation. At this stage in our history, we are looking for leaders at various levels; community leaders, Church leaders, youth leaders, constituency leaders, etc. Whichever direction you are, remember the words of Jesus to Peter: “flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father” (Mt 16:17). Do not take advantage of your position to defraud, malign or oppress others because soon the keys will be handed over to other people.

    Fr. Peter Abue

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author and does not represent Theluminenews its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Cross River Police, NOA Strengthen Partnership on Security, Grassroots Engagement

    Cross River Police, NOA Strengthen Partnership on Security, Grassroots Engagement

    The Cross River State Police Command has pledged to deepen its partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to promote peace, security, responsible citizenship and peaceful coexistence across the state.

    The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, made the commitment on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, when the State Director of NOA, Mr. John M. Asanye, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Calabar.

    The meeting focused on security awareness, public enlightenment, peacebuilding, grassroots engagement and the promotion of positive civic values.

    Ordue described the NOA as a strategic partner in maintaining peace and stability in Cross River State, stressing that effective policing requires active participation from citizens and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

    According to him, the partnership aligns with the Community Policing component of his D-D-C-I-I-D-D-T policing framework, which prioritises trust-building, stronger police-community relations and citizen participation in crime prevention.

    The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of proactive communication and public enlightenment in preventing crime, countering misinformation and disinformation, discouraging violence and building public confidence in the police.

    He expressed the Command’s readiness to leverage the NOA’s public enlightenment platforms and grassroots engagement structures to deepen security consciousness and ensure that credible information reaches residents across the state.

    Earlier, the NOA State Director, John M. Asanye, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the two institutions and identifying practical areas for collaboration.

    Asanye expressed the agency’s readiness to work closely with the Police Command in promoting peace, security, civic responsibility and peaceful coexistence among residents.

    Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration and grassroots engagement, with the Police Command assuring residents of its continued focus on professional, people-oriented and intelligence-driven policing.

    The Command also reiterated its commitment to strengthening public trust and ensuring that citizens remain active partners in crime prevention and public safety across Cross River State.

  • Cross River Police Mobilises Youths Against Political, Digital Thuggery

    Cross River Police Mobilises Youths Against Political, Digital Thuggery

    The Cross River State Police Command has called on youths in the state to reject political and digital thuggery and channel their energy and digital influence towards activities that promote peace, development and public safety.

    The Command made the call as it joins the global community to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day, in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on strengthening police-youth collaboration and community policing.

    The United Nations theme for this year’s celebration is “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,” while the Nigeria Police Force has adopted “My Future is Greater than Political and Digital Thuggery” as its theme for the nationwide youth-focused initiative.

    As part of activities marking the celebration, the Cross River Police Command will hold a Walkathon on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 7:00 a.m.

    The walk will commence from the Police Headquarters at Diamond Hill, Calabar, and is expected to promote unity, healthy interaction and stronger partnerships between the police and young people in sustaining peace and security.

    The activities will continue on Saturday, August 22, with a Youth-Police Security Symposium scheduled for 9:00 a.m. at the Women Development Centre in Calabar.

    According to the Command, the symposium will provide an avenue for youths and other stakeholders to discuss emerging security challenges, build trust, promote responsible citizenship and strengthen collaborative approaches to crime prevention.

    The police invited youths, traditional and community leaders, government agencies, civil society organisations, students, youth groups and other stakeholders to participate actively in the events.

    The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to building a productive relationship with young people, urging them to become positive partners in maintaining peace and security across the state.

    The Command further stressed that meaningful youth engagement is critical to preventing crime, countering political and digital thuggery and strengthening community policing.

    It urged young people across Cross River State to use their creativity, energy and digital platforms responsibly, emphasising that constructive youth participation remains essential to building a peaceful and safer society.

  • Absence of Prosecutor’s Charge Stalls Denis Odama’s Bail Application

    Absence of Prosecutor’s Charge Stalls Denis Odama’s Bail Application

    Culled from Conversee

    The Magistrate Court 1 sitting in Calabar and presided over by Magistrate Mercy Ene on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, further remanded Denis Odama over allegations that he bullied the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, on social media.

    The development followed the failure of the prosecution to file a formal charge against Odama.

    Odama, a businessman who deals in cars and hails from Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, appeared before the court at its Moore Road premises, where his counsel sought his release on bail.

    However, Magistrate Ene declined to entertain the bail application, stating that the prosecution must first file the matter before the court before the application could proceed.

    The magistrate consequently adjourned the case until Thursday, August 20, 2026, and ordered that Odama remain at the Afokang Correctional Centre pending the receipt of the suit from the prosecution.

    Odama was reportedly arrested in Lagos by the Nigerian Police and detained for several days before being taken to Calabar and brought before the court.

    At the same Magistrate Court on August 13, the court had ordered his remand for seven days and adjourned the matter until August 19.

    However, at Wednesday’s proceedings, the prosecution had still not filed any formal charge against Odama.

    The absence of a charge prevented the court from proceeding with the bail application and led to the further adjournment of the matter until Thursday.

    Odama will remain in custody pending the next court sitting and any formal charge that may be filed by the prosecution.

  • Cross River Police, PHED Strengthen Security Partnership

    Cross River Police, PHED Strengthen Security Partnership

    The Cross River State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting electricity infrastructure and personnel in the state as it strengthens its security partnership with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED), Calabar Region.

    The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp, gave the assurance on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, when he received the management team of PHED Calabar Region at the Command Headquarters in Calabar.

    The PHED delegation was led by the Regional Manager, Engr. Dr. Gabriel Modukpe, and included other members of the company’s management team. Members of the Police Command Management Team were also present at the meeting.

    The engagement focused on enhancing the security of PHED personnel, operational facilities and critical electricity distribution infrastructure across Cross River State, while improving coordination between the electricity company and the Police Command.

    CP Ordue stressed that the protection of critical infrastructure was vital to public safety, economic activities and the effective delivery of essential services. He assured PHED management of the Command’s readiness to work with the company to identify security concerns, strengthen preventive measures and respond promptly to emerging threats.

    The Commissioner also urged PHED personnel to maintain continuous information sharing with the Police, report security threats promptly and sustain closer engagement with relevant Police formations across the state.

    He said the measures were part of the Command’s proactive and intelligence-led policing strategy aimed at preventing threats before they escalate.

    Responding, the PHED Calabar Regional Manager, Engr. Dr. Gabriel Modukpe, thanked the Commissioner for the warm reception and expressed the company’s commitment to deepening its partnership with the Nigeria Police Force.

    Modukpe said the collaboration would help safeguard PHED personnel, facilities and electricity distribution infrastructure across the state.

    The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained dialogue, stronger security arrangements and deeper collaboration in the interest of public safety, critical infrastructure protection and the socio-economic development of Cross River State.

  • An Open Letter to APC Ticket Holders and Candidates In Cross River State BY ELIJAH UGANI

    An Open Letter to APC Ticket Holders and Candidates In Cross River State BY ELIJAH UGANI

     

    Dear Ticket Holders and Candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I hope this message finds you in good health.

    It is no longer news that some candidates emerged through processes that left many party members and aspirants feeling excluded, while others were favoured for reasons best known to the established party structures. Whether or not these perceptions are entirely justified, the APC must recognise that unresolved grievances within the party can become serious liabilities at the general election.

    Since the advent of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have experienced significant economic hardship. The removal of the petrol subsidy and the broader economic reforms undertaken by the Federal Government have produced some macroeconomic improvements, but the benefits have not yet translated into sufficient relief for many ordinary Nigerians. The World Bank has acknowledged improvements in Nigeria’s fiscal position and economic outlook, while also warning about inflation, poverty and the need for more inclusive growth.

    The reality on the streets is therefore important. The street is not smiling. This is not the time to massage egos, celebrate titles or rely solely on established political structures. The APC must recognise and accommodate people and political actors with genuine grassroots credibility. A significant number of aspirants and candidates appear disconnected from the everyday realities of the electorates.

    I therefore urge every candidate to undertake a personal and sincere assessment: If the election were held today, how confident could you win your constituency on the strength of your relationship with the people? Not through intimidation. Not through manipulation. Not through political connections. Not through assumptions that party structures automatically translate into votes. But through genuine acceptance by the electorates.

    The answer to that question should concern every serious candidate. Many aspirants placed enormous faith in the established structures during the primaries and hoped that an endorsement or anointment would settle the contest. For some, it did. But winning a party ticket is only the beginning. The real test is winning the confidence of the electorates.

    The party’s reconciliation efforts are therefore commendable, particularly where genuine attempts are being made to engage aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders. However, reconciliation cannot merely be about appearances. It must produce genuine inclusion, healing and cooperation.

    Osun Has Just Given the APC a Warning. The recently concluded 2026 Osun State governorship election should be studied carefully by every APC candidate and strategist. The election was held on August 15, 2026, and the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, lost to the incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party. Adeleke polled 511,067 votes against Oyebamiji’s 444,815 and won 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas.

    Whatever one’s political interpretation of the result, one lesson is difficult to ignore. Political structures alone do not guarantee electoral victory. The APC should not dismiss the Osun outcome as an isolated event. It should be studied as a warning about voter sentiment, grassroots engagement, internal cohesion, candidate acceptability and the growing importance of connecting directly with the electorates.

    In 2027, many of the political actors and institutions that can be mobilised for a particular election will themselves be fighting for their own political survival. Candidates should therefore not assume that support from powerful stakeholders automatically translates into votes at the polling unit. The electorate is increasingly sophisticated. Voters listen, observe and make their own calculations.

    Some candidates believe that visiting a powerful stakeholder or securing the support of a political heavyweight automatically gives them control over that stakeholder’s polling units. That assumption can be dangerously misleading. A political leader may command influence, but the voter owns the ballot.

    Soon, campaign councils and campaign committees will be constituted. My concern is that the same old structures may once again be recycled, while young, vibrant, credible and community-connected individuals are left outside the decision-making process. If you continue doing things the same way, you should not expect a radically different outcome.

    The APC needs people who understand social media and modern political communication. It needs young people who understand their communities. It needs professionals, community organisers, women leaders, youth leaders and grassroots mobilisers who can communicate with voters in language they understand.

    Most importantly, it needs people who can tell candidates the truth even when that truth is uncomfortable.

    If you have been favoured, nominated or given a party ticket, this is the time to come down from your exalted positions and engage directly with the people. Leave the tinted vehicles occasionally. Visit the markets. Visit the streets. Sit with artisans. Listen to traders. Speak with students and young professionals. Engage religious and traditional leaders. Meet community associations. Talk to people who are struggling to pay rent, feed their families, transport their children to school and cope with rising living costs. Do not wait until a few weeks to the election before discovering the people you are asking to vote for you.

    The electorates must not merely see you during campaign rallies. They must know you, understand your character and believe that you understand their problems.

    This is not intended as an attack on the APC or on any individual candidate. It is a warning born out of concern for the party and for those who intend to contest elections under its platform. You may dismiss this as social-media noise. You may call it political ranting. You may choose to ignore it. But history has repeatedly shown that political parties that refuse to listen to uncomfortable truths eventually pay a price at the ballot box.

    The time to correct weaknesses is before the election, not after the results have been announced. The time to reconcile is now. The time to broaden the political tent is now. The time to engage the electorates is now. And the time to stop assuming that party structures alone can deliver electoral victory is now. The people are watching. The electorates are listening. The ballot belongs to the people.

    Prepare accordingly.

    Elijah Ugani
    Public Affairs Analyst and Commentator Community Mobiliser and Social Change Agent
    He writes from the Hills of Ukwortung