General news

• Democracy’s weakest moment is when it stops, by Stephanie Shaakaa

  20-06-2026 05:22 via vanguardngr.com
  What happens when democracy begins to distrust the people in whose name it exists?
  Every democracy begins with an act of faith.Not faith in kings, experts, judges, generals, or bureaucrats, but faith in ordinary citizens. The entire democratic project rests upon a remarkably audacious belief: that millions of imperfect people, acting independently and often disagreeing with one another, possess a greater claim to political judgment than any institution that might seek to govern them.W
  
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• Oyebanji sweeps own polling unit with 326 of 333 votes in Ekiti West

  20-06-2026 19:55 via vanguardngr.com
  By Dayo Johnson Ado EkitiThe candidate of the All Progressive Congress and the governor Biodun Oyebanji has won his polling unit in the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.Results from Polling Unit 003, Oyebanji’s Compound, RA 04, Ekiti West LGA showes the governor polling 326 votes out of 333 accredited voters at the unit.The unit has 668 registered voters.The African Democratic Congress (ADC) scored 2 votes, Action Democratic Party (ADP) 1 vote, and African Action Congress (AAC) 1
  
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• Real Madrid say no contact with Bayern’s Olise

  20-06-2026 19:48 via vanguardngr.com
  Spanish giants Real Madrid said Saturday they have not made any contact with Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise over a potential transfer.The France international, currently at the World Cup, has been linked with Madrid by Spanish media, reporting Los Blancos were considering making a bid of more than 200 million euros ($230m).“In light of the information published in various media outlets regarding an alleged interest of our club in Bayern Munich player Michael Olise, Real Madrid wishes
  
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• Ekiti 2026: INEC official rates Ekiti election as peaceful, commends security agencies

  20-06-2026 19:28 via vanguardngr.com
  Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ekiti, has commended voters and election officials for their peaceful and professional conduct across the state.Omoseyindemi told journalists after monitoring the governorship exercise in the state on Saturday that the election was largely peaceful.“We never had it so good. You can see that people came out to vote, and there were no reports of violence. Everything went on pe
  
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• Ekiti 2026: Observers commend BVAS performance, raise concern over vote buying

  20-06-2026 19:21 via vanguardngr.com
  The EU-SDGN Election Observation Hub has commended the performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the Ekiti governorship Election.The hub, however, expressed concern over incidents of vote-buying, voter intimidation and ballot-paper irregularities.The hub, comprising the Kukah Centre, TAF Africa, Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), Yiaga Africa, International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), made this known in a preliminary statement issue
  
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• ‘Fulani leaders should raise N150m ransom’ – Igboho issues ultimatum over kidnapped pregnant woman

  20-06-2026 19:19 via vanguardngr.com
  By Adeola Badru Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani leaders in Igboho, Oyo State. He said they should raise the ransom of N150 million demanded for the release of a pregnant woman, her children and a sibling allegedly abducted by suspected Fulani gunmen.Read Also: Ireland deports 42 South Africans, sets new visa requirementsIgboho accused the kidnappers of terrorising residents of the community and insist
  
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• Ogun relocates students over methane gas pollution

  20-06-2026 19:11 via vanguardngr.com
  By James Ogunnaike, AbeokutaThe Ogun State government has temporarily relocated students of Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, to an alternative location as investigations into the recent chemical inhalation incident on the school premises intensify.Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment of the school, noting that preliminary findings have confirmed the presence of methane gas in the affected area.The governor explained that the relocation becam
  
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• Ekiti 2026: Fayemi, Arise hail smooth voting process

  20-06-2026 19:10 via vanguardngr.com
  Former Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti has commended the conduct of Saturday’s governorship election in the state, describing the accreditation and voting process as seamless.Fayemi, who spoke with newsmen after casting his vote at his Ward 11, Unit 9, Ogilolo, Isan-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area of the state, praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its efficiency in the handling of the exercise.“It was a smooth experience, and everything went reasonably wel
  
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• AfCFTA: Nigeria flags-off East, Southern Africa air cargo corridor with RwandAir

  20-06-2026 18:56 via vanguardngr.com
  Cuts export freight costs below $2/kgBy Yinka KolawoleThe Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has formally flagged off the expanded Nigeria–East and Southern Africa Air Cargo Corridor in partnership with RwandAir, in a move to lower export logistics costs and strengthen Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
  A key highlight of the initiative is the sharp reduction in air cargo charges for exports to major African markets. Through
  
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• Ireland deports 42 South Africans, sets new visa requirements

  20-06-2026 18:28 via vanguardngr.com
  No fewer than 42 South African nationals, who were living in Ireland illegally, have been deported back to Johannesburg, and arrived on Friday in a chartered flight.
  Read Also: South Africa to charge FG for cost of deporting NigeriansThe deportees included nine men, 18 women, and 15 children. The children were deported as part of their family units. They departed from Dublin Airport on Thursday afternoon and landed in South Africa on Friday morning.According to reports from The Irish Times on J
  
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• ‘You want friendship after Iran defeat,’ Trump; ‘Your attacks senseless,’ Meloni fires back

  20-06-2026 18:21 via vanguardngr.com
  Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni fired back at US President Donald Trump on Saturday, saying his “constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless” after he escalated a diplomatic row by accusing her of repeatedly seeking a photograph with him.The clash has opened an unusually personal rift between Trump and one of Europe’s most prominent right-wing leaders, who had sought to cast herself as a bridge between Washington and the continent during Trump’s return to power.Trump
  
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• Ekiti election: INEC begins upload of results on IReV

  20-06-2026 18:13 via vanguardngr.com
  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the upload of polling unit results from the Ekiti governorship election to its Result Viewing Portal (IReV).The results began appearing on the portal at about 4:10 p.m. on Saturday following concerns from stakeholders over the delay in making polling unit outcomes available online.In one of the early results confirmed, the governor and candidate of the APC, Biodun Oyebanji, defeated the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidat
  
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• Iran singer, artistes sentenced to 74 lashes each over concert

  20-06-2026 18:09 via vanguardngr.com
  An Iranian court sentenced a prominent singer named Parastoo Ahmadi and a group of seven fellow artists to 74 lashes each after they livestreamed a performance on YouTube, according to her videographer and local media.The concert featured Ahmadi singing powerful, mournful songs to an empty audience, on a dimly-lit stage adorned solely with a large Persian carpet in the grounds of a traditional caravanserai complex.Ahmadi was backed by a pianist, drummer, guitarist and bassist.All the musicians
  
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• Ebola: FG approves N21.2m outbreak response fund for each state

  20-06-2026 18:06 via vanguardngr.com
  The Federal Government has approved the release of N21.2 million in outbreak investigation and response funds to each state to strengthen preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other public health threats.This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen by Mr Ado Bako, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, on Saturday in Abuja.According to Bako, Prof. Mohammed Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Socia
  
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• Ekiti Governorship Election: Fayemi commends smooth conduct, arise expresses APC confidence

  20-06-2026 17:59 via vanguardngr.com
  By Rotimi Ojomoyela, Ado EkitiFormer Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has commended the conduct of Saturday’s governorship election, describing the accreditation and voting process as smooth and seamless across his polling unit.Fayemi cast his vote at Ward 11, Unit 9, Ogilolo, Isan-Ekiti, Isan-Ekiti Local Government Area, where he praised officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what he described as improved efficiency.“It was a smooth experience
  
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• Ogun relocates students of Ijebu-Ode School over methane gas pollution

  20-06-2026 17:53 via vanguardngr.com
  By James Ogunnaike, AbeokutaThe Ogun State Government has temporarily relocated students of Our Lady of Apostles Girls Grammar School, Ijebu-Ode, following renewed concerns over chemical inhalation linked to methane gas pollution on the school premises.Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the decision on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the school, explaining that the move was necessary to protect students, teachers and other members of the school community while investigations continue.H
  
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• Lagos inaugurates Special Task Force on waste

  20-06-2026 17:51 via vanguardngr.com
  ….Warns Transport Unions Over Indiscriminate DumpingBy Olasunkanmi AkoniThe Lagos State Government has inaugurated a Special Task Force to oversee the immediate evacuation of refuse across transport parks, bus stops and garages in the metropolis, while issuing a strong warning against indiscriminate waste disposal and the proliferation of shanties within motor parks.The move is part of renewed efforts to restore cleanliness and environmental order in Africa’s most populous city, fo
  
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• Ben Nwoye commends peaceful election, blames material delay on INEC

  20-06-2026 17:43 via vanguardngr.com
  By Chinedu AdonuThe National Deputy Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Chief Ben Nwoye, has commended voters for their peaceful conduct during the ongoing Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, despite delays in the commencement of voting in some polling units.Speaking with journalists after monitoring the exercise, Nwoye said he was satisfied with voter turnout and the generally peaceful atmosphere across the constituency.“So far, people are com
  
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• Ekiti Governorship Poll: Oyebanji wins ADC candidate Bejide’s ward

  20-06-2026 17:37 via vanguardngr.com
  By Dayo Johnson, Ado-EkitiThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Ambassador Dare Bejide, has lost his polling unit and ward to Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.Bejide, who hails from Ward 2 in Ekiti South-West Local Government Area, shares the area with IT expert and politician Makinde Araoye.Results from Polling Unit 004, Ward 2 showed Oyebanji polling 140 votes, while Bejide scored 37 votes.
  
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• Niger Delta Ex-Agitators endorse Tinubu for 2027, cite Seyi’s humanitarian intervention

  20-06-2026 17:36 via vanguardngr.com
  By Omeiza AjayiABUJA — The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Leadership Forum has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027, citing his administration’s policies and the humanitarian interventions of his son, Seyi Tinubu, including a life-saving medical support for one of its members.The endorsement was announced on Saturday in a statement by the forum’s National Coordinator, General Benson, who said the group had unanimously agreed to support the President’s s
  
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• Generator emission kills two in Cross River

  20-06-2026 17:34 via vanguardngr.com
  By Emma UnaCALABAR — A young man and his girlfriend have reportedly died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in Calabar, Cross River State capital, after inhaling fumes from a generator used overnight.The incident occurred on Friday night at Poultry Farm Road in Calabar South Local Government Area.It was gathered that the deceased had recently moved into a new apartment and brought in his girlfriend to stay with him. Due to power outage, he reportedly switched on a generator and kept
  
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• Government stronger than bandits, peace deals not an option — Gov Lawal

  20-06-2026 17:32 via vanguardngr.com
  By Ibrahim Hassan-WuyoGovernor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has reaffirmed his administration’s rejection of negotiations with bandits, insisting that peace deals with criminal groups are not an option in the state.The governor made the position known in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service monitored in Kaduna, where he stressed that his government remains committed to a military-led approach to tackling insecurity.Lawal said it is unacceptable for any individual or group to broker pea
  
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• Ondo Indigenes urge Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo to replicate achievements in state — Ahmed

  20-06-2026 17:18 via vanguardngr.com
  By Lawani MikairuOndo indigenes residing within and outside the state have called on the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to replicate his achievements at the federal level by taking a leadership role in the state after the current administration.The appeal was made in Lagos by a prominent Ondo indigene, Mr. Saka Ola Ahmed, who spoke with journalists on the economic and political development of the state.Ahmed said the call was driven by what he described as the minister’s &ldquo
  
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• Fayose predicts landslide for Oyebanji as Afao-Ekiti records massive turnout

  20-06-2026 17:11 via vanguardngr.com
  By Rotimi Ojomoyela, Ado-EkitiThere was a massive voter turnout on Saturday at Afao-Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State, the hometown of former Governor Ayodele Fayose, during the governorship election.All eight polling units in Afao-Ekiti Ward recorded high voter participation, as residents—young and old—trooped out early to exercise their civic rights.Fayose arrived at his polling unit at St. David’s Primary School, which also served as the ward c
  
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• Israel-Hezbollah war toll tops 4,000 after 83 killed Friday, Lebanon says

  20-06-2026 17:06 via vanguardngr.com
  Lebanon’s health ministry said Saturday that Israeli attacks since March 2 when the latest Israel-Hezbollah war began had reached 4,057 dead, including 135 health and emergency workers, and 12,121 people wounded.The ministry also raised the toll in Israeli attacks on Friday from 47 to “a final toll of 83 martyrs and 141 wounded”, most of them in south Lebanon but also in the country’s east.AFP
  The post Israel-Hezbollah war toll tops 4,000 after 83 killed Friday, Lebanon
  
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• Liquorose, Saga fuel marriage speculation with ‘Heritage and Pride’ photo

  20-06-2026 16:56 via vanguardngr.com
  By Benjamin NjokuLiquorose once said she couldn’t spend the rest of her life with former BBNaija housemate Saga. But recent events suggest the ex-flames might be reconsidering.A new Instagram photo of the duo has reignited marriage rumours. Both were dressed in matching traditional attire, with Liquorose leaning on Saga. She captioned the shot: “A look that speaks of Heritage and Pride.” The image has since set social media buzzing.Fans wasted no time pushing the pair toward t
  
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• Iran warns US deal ‘in trouble’ if not implemented soon

  20-06-2026 16:53 via vanguardngr.com
  Iran’s foreign ministry said on Saturday that the agreement signed between Iran and the United States to halt the Middle East war will be “in trouble” unless its provisions are implemented soon.“The other side must take the necessary measures as soon as possible. Otherwise, the entire understanding will be in trouble,” ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, according to the official news agency IRNA.AFP
  The post Iran warns US deal ‘in trouble’ if not i
  
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• Judy Austin defends Yul Edochie

  20-06-2026 16:52 via vanguardngr.com
  …Reveals how she met Yul on a movie set 3 years after her first marriage endedBy Benjamin NjokuJudy Austin has broken her silence following her ex-husband Emmanuel Obasi’s viral appearance on the Honest Bunch podcast, where he spoke about their failed marriage and made allegations against actor Yul Edochie.The actress who is Yul’s second wife is now defending him publicly, warning critics to stop insulting him. According to her, Yul was “God-sent” to her and her t
  
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• Large voter turnout in Rivers bye-election despite heavy morning rain

  20-06-2026 16:46 via vanguardngr.com
  By Daniel Abia, Port HarcourtVoters turned out in large numbers on Saturday to participate in the Rivers South-East senatorial district bye-election, despite early morning heavy rainfall that lasted several hours.The election is being conducted across seven local government areas—Khana, Gokana, Tai, Eleme, Andoni, Opobo and Oyigbo—to fill the vacant seat left by the death of Senator Barry Mpigi, who passed away in February.In several polling units, including B-Dere Ward 4 in Gokana
  
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• NDPC probes alleged voter data leak involving Emeka Ike, INEC

  20-06-2026 16:45 via vanguardngr.com
  By Progress GodfreyABUJA – The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) said it has opened an investigation into an alleged leak of voter information involving Nollywood actor and politician, Emeka Ike, in a case that has raised fresh concerns over electoral data security and privacy protection in Nigeria.The commission said it has already engaged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the actor as part of its ongoing probe into the incident, stressing that the matter i
  
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