KWARA VOICE

BREAKING: ACCORD, ADC, AA, ZLP, and APP saved as Appeal Court Declares Deregistration order “Null and Void”.

•Nigeria is at war, Tinubu has no strategy to end it— Gbenga Hashim•

_Says terrorists still dictate pace of war_

_Calls for national security overhaul_

Presidential Candidate of Accord Party, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has declared that Nigeria is at war but is being led without a coherent strategy to defeat terrorism and restore national security.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Olawepo-Hashim condemned the latest wave of killings in Kaduna, Zamfara, Plateau and states, as well as the abduction of innocent citizens in Kebbi State, including a High Court judge.

He called on the Federal Government to urgently overhaul the nation's security architecture, reclaim the strategic initiative from terrorists and adopt a proactive doctrine that prevents attacks rather than merely responding to them.

"Everyday, terrorists retain the initiative while innocent Nigerians pay with their lives. The time has come to stop managing insecurity and start a real offensive aimed at winning the war,” Hashim said.

He also added that the relentless attacks across the country demonstrate that terrorists and armed criminal groups continue to dictate the pace of the conflict, choosing when, where and how to strike .

"Nigeria is under attack. This is war, yet, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has no strategy to end it. As long as terrorists determine the time, place and intensity of attacks, they, and not the government, retain the strategic initiative.

"Over 30,000 innocent people killed in the first three years of this administration, with over 3.7m people living in IDP camps not able to return home, the scale of this conflict qualifies for the textbook definition of war,” Hashim said.

He described the persistent bloodshed as a national emergency that is eroding national unity, increasing poverty, threatening food security, discouraging investment and damaging Nigeria's international reputation.

He added: “The first responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. No nation can prosper while its citizens live in fear and entire communities remain at the mercy of terrorists and criminal gangs.”

He argued that Nigeria's security response has become ‘largely reactive,’ insisting that the country urgently needs a comprehensive national security strategy built on intelligence superiority, a force motivated to be on the offensive against forces of terror everywhere in the country, precision military operations, effective border security, community based policing, modern surveillance technology, disruption of terrorist financing and a swift, credible criminal justice system and integrated Defence and Security Cooperation with Sister neighbouring countries.

"Wars are not won by reacting to attacks after they happen. They are won by denying the enemy the capability, freedom and confidence to launch them in the first place," he noted.

Hashim maintained that Nigerians deserve leadership with the vision, competence and determination to win the war against terrorism, stressing that strategy, and bold implementation of Plans not condolences after every massacre, is what will restore peace and security.

He condondoled with the cmmunities and families of victims but stressed that “condolence is becoming a ritual proving too inadequate to stop the killings.

“Proper care for the displaced and distressed is what is immediately needed.”

•GBENGA HASHIM CAMP DISMISSES OSUN GOVT HOUSE ENDORSEMENT OF TINUBU•

_Says Accord Party Will Rule Nigeria in 2027_

The Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement (GHSM) has rejected what it described as an “illegal, politically contrived and inconsequential gathering” at the Osun State Government House, Osogbo, where Governor Ademola Adeleke and some Accord Party officials were reported to have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

In a statement issued Monday by its National Coordinator, GHSM said the meeting had no constitutional basis and cannot override the will of Accord Party members.

“No beer parlour meeting in Osogbo can determine the Presidential direction of the Accord Party. The mandate of Accord members given to Dr. Gbenga Hashim on May 30, 2026 cannot be traded inside any Government House,” the group stated.

GHSM insisted that Nigerians already know who carries the Accord Party’s Presidential banner.

It noted that Dr. Gbenga Hashim emerged as the party’s presidential candidate on May 30, 2026, through a Nationwide Direct Primary conducted in compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

“That mandate cannot be overturned by press statements, political bargaining or backroom deals,” the group said.

“No meeting convened outside the constitutional structures of the Accord Party can extinguish the mandate freely given to Dr. Hashim.”

The Movement described the alleged endorsement of President Tinubu as “null, unconstitutional and without political consequence.”

GHSM accused Governor Adeleke of pursuing anti-party activities and alleged that state resources were being deployed to hijack the Accord Party and subordinate its Presidential project to another political party.

“The Nigerian people will never accept a One-Party State or a sole Presidential candidate imposed through political intimidation and institutional manipulation.
Accord belongs to its members, not to politicians seeking temporary political advantage,” the statement added.

The Movement expressed confidence that Dr. Hashim would emerge victorious in 2027, describing him as “the most credible and unifying alternative before Nigerians.”

It said supporters across the country’s 774 Local Government Areas would intensify mobilisation to ensure that “the will of the people prevails over political conspiracy.”

GHSM noted that the dispute over the Accord Party’s Presidential nomination remains before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where proceedings have been concluded and judgement reserved.

It argued that attempts to make pronouncements on issues before the court were inappropriate and contemptuous and reaffirmed that Dr. Hashim would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion through all available judicial processes, including the highest court.

“The 2027 election will not be decided in Government Houses. It will be decided by Nigerians. No amount of political theatre can stop the rising National momentum behind the Hashim Project,” it concluded.

Meet the Accord Party Governorship Candidate: Hon. Adamu Usman

_By Abdulganiy Olamilekan Esinrogunjo.

Hon. Adamu Usman is a distinguished accountant, accomplished businessman, community leader, and seasoned public servant whose career has been defined by integrity, competence, and an unwavering commitment to the development of Kwara State.

He began his educational journey at LGEA Primary School, Yashikira, Baruten Local Government Area, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He proceeded to Cherubim and Seraphim College, Ilorin, for his secondary education before advancing his academic pursuits at Kwara State Polytechnic, where he earned both the Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Banking and Finance.

Driven by a passion for continuous learning and professional excellence, he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Financial Management and later earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) with specialization in Policy and Strategic Studies from Kwara State University (KWASU).

A trained accountant by profession, Alhaji Adamu Usman has built an impressive career spanning finance, entrepreneurship, and public service. His expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership has earned him widespread respect in both the public and private sectors.

His dedication to public service culminated in his election as a Member of the Kwara State House of Assembly, where he represented his constituency from 2015 to 2019. During his tenure, he was recognized as a responsive legislator who championed policies and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of his constituents and advancing the socio-economic development of Kwara State.

Beyond politics, Alhaji Adamu Usman is a successful businessman and trader, with years of entrepreneurial experience that have equipped him with practical insights into economic development, job creation, and wealth generation. As a respected community leader, he has consistently promoted peace, unity, and grassroots development, earning the trust and admiration of people across diverse communities.

Today, as the Governorship Candidate of the Accord Party in Kwara State, Alhaji Adamu Usman offers a leadership vision rooted in accountability, transparency, economic prosperity, inclusive governance, and people-centered development. He is committed to building a Kwara State where opportunities are expanded, institutions are strengthened, and every citizen has the chance to thrive.

His aspiration is driven by a deep belief that with visionary leadership, prudent management of resources, and collective commitment, Kwara State can achieve greater heights of sustainable growth, shared prosperity, and lasting progress for all.

_Abdulganiy Olamilekan Esinrogunjo is a Kwara State Publicity Secretary of Accord Party.

•NIGERIA CANNOT BE RENEWED WITHOUT ITS WORKERS, SAYS GBENGA HASHIM•
... AS MDR LAUNCHES IN FCT WITH NLC_

Presidential Candidate of the Accord Party and Co-Chairman of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR), Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has declared that Nigeria cannot be renewed without its workers, describing organised labour as the indispensable force for rebuilding the country's democracy and restoring accountable governance.

Hashim made the declaration at the formal launch of the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR) in the Federal Capital Territory, held at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Labour House, Abuja, in collaboration with the NLC FCT Council.

The event brought together labour coordinators from affiliate unions, labour leaders and democratic stakeholders to inaugurate the movement in the FCT and mobilise support for a Nationwide campaign for democratic renewal, responsible leadership and National restoration.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Kamaldeen Adebayo Sanni, Hashim said workers must no longer be seen merely as voters during elections but as equal partners in governance, policy formulation and National development.

"Nigeria cannot be renewed without its workers. Workers are not just voters; they are Nation builders. They must become equal partners in governance, policy making and National development," he declared.

He outlined the Movement's priorities, including expanding economic opportunities through entrepreneurship, technology, vocational skills and agricultural value chains; improving access to quality education and digital literacy; strengthening affordable healthcare; protecting citizens through institutional reforms; and promoting leadership based on competence, integrity and merit.

Gbenga Hashim also reaffirmed his confidence in the rule of law despite the ongoing legal proceedings concerning his emergence as the Accord Party's Presidential candidate, urging supporters to remain peaceful, law abiding and committed to democratic principles.

Earlier, Chairman of the NLC FCT Council, Comrade Stephen Nnabayi, welcomed participants and described the launch as timely, noting that Nigeria is facing enormous socio economic and political challenges requiring organised labour to once again assume a leading role in defending democracy, protecting workers' rights and advancing good governance.

He commended the leadership of the Movement for Democratic Renewal for partnering with organised labour to build a broad coalition for National transformation.

Presenting the vision of the Movement, Comrade Nanman Philemon Kash explained that MDR was established as a broad National coalition committed to democratic accountability, responsible leadership, transparency, social justice, workers' political participation, youth and women inclusion, National unity and people centred economic reforms.

She said the movement seeks to reconnect citizens with governance and promote ethical leadership capable of restoring confidence in Nigeria's democratic institutions.

Also speaking, Hashim's Legal Adviser, Mr. Chukwunyere Akwiti, emphasised that respect for the rule of law remains fundamental to democratic stability, urging Nigerians to strengthen confidence in constitutional institutions and judicial processes.

The Director General of the Hashim Grassroots Mobilisation Movement, Pastor Ayinla Samuel, called for sustained grassroots mobilisation, saying meaningful democratic change must be driven from communities, workplaces and polling units across the country rather than from political elites alone.

A major highlight of the launch was an interactive session during which labour leaders identified rising living costs, unemployment, insecurity, weak democratic institutions, electoral reforms, declining workers' influence in governance and poor political accountability as major National concerns.

Participants unanimously agreed that Nigeria has reached a defining moment requiring democratic renewal, stronger institutions and greater participation by workers in shaping public policy and National leadership.

The launch concluded with a renewed commitment by the Movement for Democratic Renewal and the Nigeria Labour Congress to deepen collaboration in mobilising Nigerians around democratic reforms, accountable governance, social justice and National renewal.

A GLIMPSE INTO ILORIN HISTORY

By Abdullateef Ishowo

I have resolved to take up my pen and intervene in the increasingly shrill discourse on the history of Ilorin, and the clamour to “return the city to its origin” by installing a Yoruba Oba. A pursuit of shadows at the expense of substance? For months, this agitation has saturated social media. Frankly, I have dismissed it with quiet amusement.

Setting the records straight, Ilorin is a Yoruba-dominated city, but it was not exclusively founded by the Yorubas. This may offend the sensibilities of the new crop of social media historians, most of whom are remote from Ilorin and untutored in its antiquities.

Let me be direct, many of these commentators are historically ill-equipped. They neither read widely, nor consult archaeological records, nor conduct in-depth interviews with the surviving elders of the Southwest and of Ilorin itself — the very custodians of memory. Their aim appears to be provocation, not truth, and certainly not the preservation of the hard-won peace in our city. Foundation doesn't equal ownership. The fallacy that the founder’s ethnicity confers perpetual ownership of a city must be buried. History refutes it.

Take Ogbomoso for instance, historical accounts confirm it was founded by Aale, a Nupe elephant hunter. His descendants remain the Ba’ale of Oke Elerin quarters to this day. The second settler was a Baruba herbalist later nicknamed ‘Orisatolu’. His lineage still occupies the Ba’aleship of Isapa quarters. Successive waves of Baruba migrants joined him. Even the progenitor of the Shoun dynasty was not paternally Yoruba. He was the son of a Baruba hunter from Igbon. His mother was a Yoruba woman from Iresa.

The same pattern holds in Ilorin. The first inhabitant was a Baruba ascetic who dwelt at what is still called the Baruba area, near Idi-Ape of the Laderins. He predated Ojo Isekuse, the itinerant Yoruba hunter. The rock on which Ojo sharpened his iron tools —Ilo Irin lay adjacent to the Baruba hermit’s abode, now partially known as Ile Bamidele. The Baruba quarter is contiguous to, and in fact bigger than Idi-Ape, where Afonja’s descendants still reside.

Ojo, Emila, and Afonja’s kin remain in that vicinity. Yet the Baruba imprint on the founding of both Ilorin and Ogbomoso lends credence to the Baruba claim that the entire northwestern Yoruba province — encompassing ancient Oyo-Ile, Igboho, Ilorin, Igbeti, Iseyin, Shaki, Ikoyi, Ogbomoso, and contiguous Yoruba towns — was Baruba territory prior to the arrival of Oranmiyan.

As documented by L.A.K Jimoh (1994) and corroborated by Yoruba oral tradition, it was by the magnanimity of the King of Barubaland that Oranmiyan, son of Oduduwa and progenitor of Oyo, was permitted to settle and establish Oyo-Ajaka, later Oyo-Ile. Samuel Johnson’s "The History of the Yorubas" records that this concession spared Oranmiyan the disgrace of returning to Ile-Ife after his abortive military expedition to the Middle East.

History is not static. It is the chronicle of power, adaptation, and survival. The Fulani ascendancy in Ilorin has endured for over 250 years. To demand its abrupt termination now is to invite needless turbulence in an ancient, cosmopolitan city.

By the same logic, should we seek to “reverse” the eastern origins ascribed to Oduduwa — whether Saudi Arabia or Egypt — in 21st-century Nigeria? Civilization does not run backward.

It is also historically indefensible to assert that Sheikh Alimi killed Afonja. Authoritative accounts, including Jimoh’s, establish that Alimi predeceased Afonja. The contest for supremacy was between Abdulsalam, Alimi’s son, and Afonja. In the contest of power, Abdulsalam prevailed. Thus, the Alimi dynasty endured.

Every prior attempt to dislodge Ilorin and impose a Yoruba Oba has failed — militarily and politically. Why? Because Ilorin is bound by something stronger than ethnicity: Islam, the Central Mosque, and the revered Alimi stool.

More critically, we are bound by blood. Inter-ethnic marriage has fused us. A Yoruba woman who marries a Baruba or Fulani man bears an Ilorin child. That child knows no division. That is why attempts to fracture us will always fail.

To my Yoruba kinsmen agitating from afar, sheathe your grievances. Embrace your brothers and sisters in Ilorin who live in peace within a multicultural city under the benevolent leadership of His Royal Highness, Mai-Martaba Sarkin Musulmi, the Emir of Ilorin, Alh. Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Let Ilorin breathe , its history is not a weapon. It is a covenant. Let us honour it.

INEC Releases Official Campaign Timetable for the 2027 General Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the official campaign timetable for the 2027 General Elections in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

Official Campaign Schedule

PRESIDENTIAL AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

• Campaign Begins: Tuesday, 19 August 2026
• Campaign Ends: 15 January 2027, exactly 24 hours before the elections scheduled for 16 January 2027.

GOVERNORSHIP AND STATE HOUSES OF ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

• Campaign Begins: Wednesday, 9 September 2026
• Campaign Ends: Friday, 5 February 2027, exactly 24 hours before the elections scheduled for 6 February 2027.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced three men to life imprisonment over the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire LGA, Oyo State, after rejecting arguments for a lenient sentence.

Defence counsel had pleaded for a "second chance at life," highlighting that the convicts had pleaded guilty, were remorseful, and supported dependent wives, children, and aged parents.

Rejecting the appeal for liberal terms, Justice Salim Ibrahim ruled that the life sentence stands and will be calculated from the exact date of their initial arrest.

DAROSA HONOURS THE NEW CHIEF IMAM OF ILORIN WITH A SPECIAL CONGRATULATORY FRAME

The Chief Executive Officer of Darosa Properties Management and Construction Ltd., Hon. Dr. Makanjuola Yahaya Lanre Darosa, on Tuesday evening paid a courtesy visit to the residence of the newly turbaned Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki, to congratulate him on his appointment as the spiritual leader of the Ilorin Muslim community.

During the visit, Hon. Dr-Lanre Darosa presented a beautifully crafted congratulatory frame to the revered Chief Imam as a symbol of honour, respect, and heartfelt congratulations. The gesture reflected not only his admiration for the Chief Imam's emergence but also the long-standing cordial relationship and mutual respect they have shared over the years. It further demonstrated Hon. Darosa's unwavering commitment to promoting peace, unity, and harmonious coexistence within the community.

The visit was marked by warm interactions, goodwill, and prayers for the Chief Imam's successful and impactful leadership. It also underscored the importance of strengthening the relationship between community leaders and religious institutions in fostering peace, moral values, and sustainable development.

We pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Dasuki wisdom, strength, sound health, and divine guidance as he leads the Muslim Ummah with justice, humility, and compassion. May his tenure as the Chief Imam of Ilorin usher in lasting peace, progress, and abundant blessings for the Ilorin Emirate, Kwara State, and the entire Muslim community.

Rukayat Sh*ttu Participates in West Africa Female Parliamentarians Conference, Receives Recognition at Ghana Parliament

Nigeria's youngest serving lawmaker, Hon. Rukayat Sh*ttu, was among female legislators from across Africa who participated in the West Africa Female Parliamentarians Peer Review Conference on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), held in Accra, Ghana.

The three day conference, organised by the Women in Politics Forum (WIPF) with the support of UN Women West and Central Africa Regional Office and the European Union, brought together female parliamentarians, gender ministers, ECOWAS lawmakers and development partners to review legislative responses to violence against women and girls and strengthen regional collaboration.

As part of the programme, participants paid an official visit to the Parliament of Ghana under the leadership of the Executive Director of WIPF, Barr. Ebere Ifendu.

The delegation observed parliamentary proceedings and interacted with members of the Ghanaian Parliament.

During the plenary, the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, Rt. Hon. Alban S. K. Bagbin, welcomed the delegation and individually acknowledged Hon. Rukayat Sh*ttu alongside other participants present in the chamber.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in peer review sessions designed to examine existing legal frameworks on violence against women and girls, identify implementation challenges and exchange practical legislative experiences from their respective countries.

Hon. Rukayat was part of a regional working group with legislators from Ghana, Senegal and Uganda, where participants reviewed country experiences and discussed possible legislative approaches to strengthening protection for women and girls.

Unlike conventional conferences centred primarily on speeches, the peer-review format encouraged participants to assess one another's legislative frameworks, share best practices and develop recommendations aimed at improving laws, parliamentary oversight and regional cooperation.

The conference is expected to support the establishment of a stronger network of female parliamentarians working together on legislative reforms, advocacy and implementation of measures addressing violence against women and girls across West Africa.

Hon. Rukayat, who represents Owode/Onire Constituency in the Kwara State House of Assembly, joined delegates from across the region in discussions focused on strengthening democratic institutions through responsive legislation and greater collaboration among African parliaments.

Her participation in the conference and recognition during the visit to the Parliament of Ghana formed part of Nigeria's contribution to the regional dialogue on promoting the rights, safety and wellbeing of women and girls.