The late arrival of the party agents has stalled the voting processes at some polling units in the Lagos State local council election in Ketu-Agboyi on Saturday.
Also, there was a low turnout at the polls as officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission waited endlessly for registered voters to arrive.
It was gathered that the LASIEC officials arrived at the polling units early but patiently waited for the agents of the political parties for the voting exercise to commence.
At the Polling Unit 002, Ward C, situated at 21, Agidi Road, under Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area, four registered voters were present while the LASIEC officials said it was only the All Progressives Congress agent who was around as at 9:00am.
The presiding officer, Mrs Stella Emmanuel said, “We’re patiently waiting for other party agents for us to start the voting exercise.”
No party agents had arrived at the PU 008, Ward A on Ajiboye Street, under Agboyi-Ketu LCDA by past 9:00 am.
The electoral commission official, Mr Adesina Akeem, noted that the absence of the party agents would negatively affect the exercise.
At the PU 028, Ward B, on 20 Oluwakemi Street, the Labour Party and APC agents have arrived, but no voters have visited to perform their civic duties.
Meanwhile, the party agents from APC and the Peoples Democratic Party were present at the PUs 030 and 050, located at numbers 20 and 6 on Fadiya Street, respectively, and on PU 052, Ward A, located at Adisa Akintoye Street.
Popular actress, Iyabo Ojo, has responded to her colleague, Liz Anjorin, via a video post, stating that she should be held responsible if anything happens to her or any member of her family. This comes as Ojo has been fighting different battles, and receiving threats received.
Earlier in the week, her office in Lagos was engulfed in a fire but no causalities were involved. Her daughter, Priscilla, then stated online that the fire incident was only a part of other events that had been a threat to her and her family. Priscilla also noted that her mother, Iyabo, had received a threat letter in May that insinuated that her movement and that of her daughter were been monitored.
Also responding, Iyabo took to her Instagram page on Thursday, July 10, 2025. In a lengthy post, she corroborated her daughter’s account of the threat she allegedly recieved, stating that certain people were continuously trying to kill her and destroy her family.
The post read in part, “Without prejudice to the ongoing investigation, it is important to state that a few days before my daughter’s wedding in Tanzania, I received a letter threatening my life at my office. The letter explicitly stated that I would go through hell in the next three months”
Less than 24 hours after her response, her colleague, Lizzy Anjorin, announced the dismissal of the N1bn lawsuit. Her post got the attention of Iyabo, who later responded in a now-deleted video with the caption, “If anything should happen to my children or my kids, hold Lizzy Anjorin responsible… we haven’t started any case yet… that was just ADR, case never start.”
In the video, Iyabo explained that if anything happened to her or any of her loved ones, Anjorin should be held responsible. She further explained that although the case wasn’t a court case but stated that it was part of an Alternative Dispute Resolution process, which had not even begun properly.
In a more shocking turn of events, social media personality, Martins Otse, aka VDM, responded to the statement posted by Iyabo. He stated that her post was a shock to him, while also implying that he knows more than what was said, but would remain silent in respect of the actress.
A farm worker died on Friday after being injured during a raid by US immigration agents on a legal cannabis farm in California that resulted in the arrests of 200 undocumented migrants and clashes with protestors.
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, called demonstrators involved in attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents “slimeballs” and said they should be arrested.
In another development, a district judge ordered a halt to “roving patrols” in Los Angeles by federal agents who were detaining suspected undocumented migrants without probable cause and denying them due process.
District Judge Maame Ewusi-Mensah Frimpong ordered an end to the arrests, which she said were being made “based upon race alone,” on whether a person was speaking Spanish or English with an accent or because of their place of work and ordered them stopped.
Trump’s remarks and the court order come a day after a chaotic raid on a cannabis plantation in Ventura County some 56 miles (90 kilometers) from Los Angeles, left one farm worker critically injured.
The United Farm Workers labour union said in a post on X on Friday that the worker had “died of injuries they sustained as a result of yesterday’s immigration enforcement action.”
Tricia McLaughlin, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokeswoman, said the man who died was never in custody.
“Although he was not being pursued by law enforcement, this individual climbed up to the roof of a green house and fell 30 feet (10 meters),” McLaughlin said. “(Customs and Border Patrol) immediately called a medivac to the scene to get him care as quickly as possible.”
The DHS said 200 undocumented migrants were arrested during raids on marijuana growing sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo on Thursday, and 10 children were rescued “from potential exploitation, forced labour, and human trafficking.”
Glass House Brands, which owns the farms, said in a statement that it has “never knowingly violated applicable hiring practices and does not and has never employed minors.”
DHS said more than 500 “rioters” had attempted to disrupt the operation and four US citizens are facing charges for assaulting or resisting officers.
Tear gas was used against the protestors, some of whom were seen in television footage throwing projectiles at law enforcement vehicles.
The department said immigration agency vehicles were damaged and a $50,000 reward was being offered for the arrest of an individual who allegedly fired a gun at law enforcement officers.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he had watched footage of “thugs” throwing rocks and bricks at ICE vehicles, causing “tremendous damage.”
Trump said he was authorising law enforcement officers who are “on the receiving end of thrown rocks, bricks, or any other form of assault, to stop their car, and arrest these SLIMEBALLS, using whatever means is necessary to do so.”
“I am giving Total Authorisation for ICE to protect itself, just like they protect the Public,” he said.
Trump, who campaigned on a pledge to deport millions of migrants, has been involved in a showdown over immigration enforcement with Democratic-ruled California for weeks.
The Republican president sent thousands of National Guard troops to Los Angeles last month to quell protests against roundups of undocumented migrants by federal agents.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has said the troops were not necessary to address the mostly peaceful protests, but his legal efforts to have them removed have failed so far.
The cannabis farm in Camarillo was calm during a visit by an AFP reporter on Friday as workers waited in line to collect their belongings and paychecks.
“We’ve been here since six this morning asking questions but they’re not giving us any information,” said Saul Munoz, a 43-year-old Colombian whose son was detained on Thursday.
“I just want to know how he’s doing,” Munoz said. “Bring him back to me and if it’s time for us to leave, we’ll leave.
“The truth is the American dream is no longer the American dream.”
Vehicular and pedestrian movements were brought to a halt at the Berger axis of Lagos on Saturday morning as security operatives barricaded access routes into the state ahead of the local government elections.
Our correspondent, who monitored the situation, observed that scores of commuters were stranded while several vehicles were turned back at the ever-busy point at 7:32am.
Berger road is deserted. | Credit: Daniel Ayantoye
A combined team of policemen, Federal Road Safety Corps officers were seen enforcing movement restrictions.
Military personnel were also seen patrolling the route.
Security personnel at Berger area barricade vehicle movement inward Lagos. | Credit: Daniel Ayantoye
The barricade caused long queues of stationary vehicles as passengers alighted and trekked considerable distances to their destinations.
Some residents who spoke expressed frustration over the development, saying they were unaware of any movement restrictions despite the elections.
One of the passengers who approached a senior police officer at Berger said he was on his way from Port Harcourt and was unaware of the election.
“We are unaware that there was an election in the state. We are just coming from Port Harcourt. We are here for something. We are going to Ikeja”, the passenger said.
They were, however, denied access.
The Lagos State Police Command had earlier announced restrictions between 6am to 3pm to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election, which is expected to produce new officials for the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has expressed disappointment over the slow pace of work at the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex project.
He described the pace of work as “grossly abysmal” and falling far below expectations.
The administrator made the remarks during an inspection tour of the project site along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, on Friday.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday night by the media aide to the Sole Administrator, Hector Igbikiowubo.
Ibas also inspected key sporting facilities, including the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, and the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex, to assess their readiness for hosting sporting events.
He stated that the contractor’s performance was unacceptably slow, contrary to agreed-upon timelines.
“On the performance level right now, I think the contractor needs to do more.
“And from the reports rendered by the consultants, they are not moving fast enough, and that is not good enough.
“I am not satisfied with what I have seen. The pace of work is far below acceptable standards, and this is simply not good enough,” Ibas said.
To address the delays, the administrator directed the contractor to immediately intensify efforts and expedite work to meet the project’s deadline.
“This project is of strategic importance, and any further delays will not be tolerated.
“We must all commit to doing what is necessary to meet the expectations of the people,” he emphasised.
Ibas disclosed that he would summon the contractor for a meeting to realign efforts and ensure all parties are fully committed to delivering the project promptly.
During his inspection of sporting facilities, Ibas highlighted the outstanding performances of Rivers State youths in national and international competitions, stressing the need for modern, well-maintained infrastructure to nurture their talents.
“I just went to check and see the state of those facilities.
“We have our state’s team participating in continental tournaments, yet we have to travel outside the state for our matches.
“I am sure we can do something to ensure we benefit locally.
“That’s precisely why we are here, to see what we can do,” he stated.
The administrator reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalising sports infrastructure to provide athletes with world-class training facilities, keeping them competitive on the global stage.
He added, “The contractor handling the RSHA Complex project has been directed to immediately ramp up work.
“A high-level meeting will be convened to address bottlenecks and ensure compliance with agreed timelines.
“Plans are underway to upgrade sporting facilities to support local athletes and attract major sporting events to Rivers State.”
Ibas noted that the state government under his watch remains resolute in its pursuit of infrastructure excellence, accountability, and timely project delivery.
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party is an institution that cannot be threatened by talks about an emerging coalition, noting that the party remains united and undivided in the South-West.
The governor said that PDP leaders in the South-West have resolved that as responsible leaders, they would stay in the party and fix whatever challenges arise, adding that the PDP would deal with its issues and come out stronger as the only credible political alternative for Nigerians.
Makinde stated this on Friday, while speaking with newsmen shortly after a meeting of the South-West PDP Caucus, held at the South-West PDP Secretariat in Ibadan, the state capital.
He said, “We want the whole world to know that the PDP in the South-West is united and we are together and that the coalition is not a threat to the PDP.
“Who are these people in this coalition? They were in some parties before, whether the PDP or the APC. What are their antecedents? Does it mean that anytime they move from one party to the other, they have repented or they have something new to offer the people? These are salient questions.
“This Soji Adagunodo House is for the PDP South-West. If the roof is leaking, as leaders of the PDP in the South-West, are we going to abandon the building and go somewhere else to take refuge? No.
“We will stay inside here and fix it to let the people know that we are responsible leaders and we have the interest of the people at heart.
“So, a lot of people can say whatever they like, but in a party like the PDP, which is an institution, we have our own ways and means of dealing with such issues. When we get to the point where we have to deal with such issues, I give you the assurance that we will.”
Crystal Palace have been demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League by UEFA for a breach of multi-club ownership rules, European football’s governing body confirmed on Friday.
US businessman, John Textor, owns a stake in the Eagles and is the majority owner of French club Lyon, who have also qualified for the Europa League.
Under UEFA multi-club ownership rules, Lyon have been allowed to keep their place in the second-tier competition of European football as they finished higher in Ligue 1 (6th) than Palace (12th) in the Premier League last season.
Palace qualified for European competition for the first time by winning the FA Cup in May – the club’s first ever major trophy.
Textor has since agreed to sell his 43 percent stake in the London club to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson.
However, that deal is yet to be completed and was struck well after UEFA’s deadline of March 1 for multi-club conflicts to be resolved.
A decision on Palace’s fate had been delayed by a separate case that initially saw Lyon relegated to the second tier of French football due to financial problems.
The seven-time French champions won an appeal against that decision on Wednesday after Textor stood aside from the day-to-day running of the club.
Palace are expected to appeal the verdict to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Nottingham Forest, who had qualified for the Conference League by finishing seventh in the Premier League last season, will replace Palace in the Europa League, a UEFA source told AFP.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, says the party is on the path to victory in the November 8, 2025, governorship election in Anambra State.
Obi expressed optimism on Friday in Onitsha, during the campaign for the LP governorship candidate, Dr George Moghalu and his running mate, Ifeoma Okaro.
Addressing a gathering of party stalwarts and supporters at the All Saints Cathedral field, Onitsha, led by the state party chairman, Ugochukwu Emeh, including the party’s lawmakers, such as Senator Tony Nwoye, Obi pledged that the party would stand with the candidates.
He said the rally was aimed at deepening the party’s grassroots movement and reaffirming its shared commitment to equity, good governance and people-oriented leadership.
Obi used the occasion to clarify the reason for joining the ADC coalition, insisting that he still belongs to the LP while the coalition is for the 2027 elections.
He said, “I will start the conversation by clarifying some confusions, making the round, and I need to explain to you, and it is very important that I clarify this because people are saying, ‘Oh! Obi is in the ADC and also in the Labour Party.
“Let me put it categorically clear, I and the National Assembly members of the party are part of the coalition that has adopted ADC for the 2027 election, and other parties will join us.
“But today, we are members of the Labour Party. If anybody asks you which party Peter Obi belongs to today, tell them Peter Obi is in the Labour Party. If anybody asks you about the coalition, tell them the coalition is for 2027.
“Everyone has the right to run for president — I won’t stop anyone. But if anyone asks, let them know I am in the race, and no one does it better than me.
“It is important that they know that, and that is why we are here to initiate the campaign of the Labour Party governorship candidate in Anambra State, Dr George Moughalu.
“Our candidate is soft-spoken, focused, and an achiever. He is a product that is highly marketable, and I am confident that with him as our flagbearer, good governance and people-oriented leadership is assured.”
Addressing the gathering, the state Chairman of the party, Ugochukwu Emeh, said the rally is aimed at deepening the party’s grassroots movement and reaffirming its shared commitment to equity, good governance and people-oriented leadership.
“Let us unite with purpose and resolve to shape a brighter and more inclusive Anambra. Together, we move forward— for the people, and with the people,” he added.
The gathering featured addresses from the stalwarts and members of the party, including the governorship candidate, Moghalu and his Deputy, Okaro.
Representatives at both National and State Assemblies, party stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers also addressed party faithful at the rally.
Some members of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State on Friday opposed the idea of granting Governor Ademola Adeleke an automatic governorship ticket should he decide to join the party.
The party members, who wielded placards with inscriptions such as “No vacancy in APC,” “We say no to Ademola Adeleke,” and “Our party is not for sale,” staged a peaceful protest at the APC state secretariat in Osogbo, the state capital.
There have been speculations that Adeleke may be considering leaving the Peoples Democratic Party for the APC.
However, there has been no official confirmation from either the governor or the APC, although the rumour has continued to dominate political discussions in the state in recent days.
Concerned about the possibility of Adeleke being handed the APC governorship ticket if he defects, the party members, led by Taofeek Afolabi, said some aspirants had already declared interest in contesting for the ticket, and it would be unfair to sideline them.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, Afolabi said, “We are members of the All Progressives Congress, and we are here this morning to register our concern over the rumoured defection of Governor Ademola Adeleke to the APC.
“We are not saying he should not join our party. Adeleke joining the APC will certainly boost our ranks. He is the sitting governor, and having him with us will strengthen the party.
“However, what we oppose is the idea of giving Governor Adeleke an automatic ticket. If he wants to re-contest, he should show interest and contest for the gubernatorial ticket alongside other aspirants.”
Afolabi further emphasised that they are not against Adeleke’s defection to the APC.
“There are people who have already indicated interest in the race, and we believe it would be unfair to hand the ticket to Adeleke automatically.
“That is our only concern. We have no issue with him joining our party,” he added.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appealed to youths across the state to conduct themselves peacefully during Saturday’s local government elections, warning against any form of violence or disruption.
In a statement posted on his X page on Friday, the governor emphasised the importance of youth participation in the democratic process but stressed that such involvement must be peaceful, constructive, and responsible.
“Our youths in particular should shun any form of violence and instead act as ambassadors of peace and democratic responsibility,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He described the elections, scheduled for Saturday, July 12, as an opportunity for Lagosians to shape the future of their communities by voting in leaders who will drive grassroots development.
“The local government is the closest tier of government to the people and plays a vital role in delivering essential services and fostering grassroots development.
“The election offers Lagosians an opportunity to shape the leadership of their local councils by voting for Chairmen and councillors who will represent their interests and drive development at the community level.
“This election is not just a constitutional process; it is a powerful expression of your voice and your civic responsibility; it is your right. I urge every registered voter to go out peacefully tomorrow, cast your vote, and be a part of the democratic process that strengthens our communities and our state,” he said.
To ensure safety during the exercise, Sanwo-Olu said he had directed the strategic deployment of security agencies across all polling units and communities.
“Law enforcement officials will be present to protect voters, electoral officials, and election materials,” he said, while assuring Lagosians that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission was fully prepared for the polls.
The governor urged political stakeholders, party agents, and candidates to uphold the principles of peace, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, saying: “Let us show the world once again that Lagos stands for peace, progress, and participatory governance.”
