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BREAKING: EFCC Summons Two ADC Coalition Leaders As 2027 Politics Heats Up; Details Emerge
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reached out to prominent leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition for inquiries, a development that has generated some apprehension within the opposition bloc as they prepare to contest against President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general election.
This situation came to light on Monday with the recent questioning of former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, a notable member of the coalition. Tambuwal, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, is being investigated in connection with allegations of fraudulent cash withdrawals amounting to ₦189 billion.
The withdrawals, it is understood are suspected to have violated provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. An EFCC source disclosed that Tambuwal arrived at the EFCC’s Abuja headquarters at about 11:30 a.m. and was taken in for interrogation by investigators.
“Former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, is being held over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals to the tune of ₦189 billion,” the source said. “The withdrawals are in flagrant violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022. The governor arrived at the EFCC’s headquarters around 11:30 a.m. and faced interrogators on the alleged financial crime.”
Another EFCC official, who also requested anonymity, confirmed that Tambuwal remained in custody as of Monday evening.
Meanwhile, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi confirmed that three former governors, who are also leaders within the coalition, had been invited by the anti-graft agency. Although he did not disclose their names, Abdullahi alleged the move was politically motivated.
“Yes, they have summoned our members, but I won’t give you names,” he said. “There are three of them, former governors. Some are already members of the National Assembly, while others are not. Some left office in 2023, and some even earlier than that. This is an attempt to force them to leave the coalition, or to intimidate them into not taking an active part in it. But we are determined to rescue Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, sources within the coalition described the EFCC’s action as a “brazen show of power” intended to weaken the opposition. One source said many coalition members were worried about the political implications but vowed to continue their campaign for change.
The summons comes on the heels of recent moves by several high-profile politicians to publicly distance themselves from the coalition. Former Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode has reaffirmed his allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, dismissing rumours of a governorship ambition under the ADC.
Similarly, former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi has reaffirmed his commitment to the APC in Ekiti State, while former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, dismissed reports claiming he had defected from the ruling party to join the opposition coalition.
The Kano State Government has declared Tuesday, September 1, 2026, a work-free day for civil servants across the state to observe Takutaha, the annual religious and traditional procession.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf approved the announcement, which was formally addressed to senior government officials including commissioners, permanent secretaries, and heads of state agencies.
As reported by Daily Trust, the directive was published in Circular No. 7/2026, signed by Abba A. Danguguwa, Permanent Secretary of the Establishment Directorate in the Office of the Head of Civil Service.
Danguguwa issued the statement on behalf of the Head of Service. The circular noted that the holiday falls on the 19th of Rabi’ul Awwal, 1448AH.
What Is Takutaha?
Takutaha is a centuries-old celebration held on the 19th of Rabi’ul Awwal each year. It commemorates the seventh-day naming ceremony following the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and carries deep spiritual and cultural significance for residents of Kano.
Many make their way to Twin Dala and Goron Dutse hills, where they climb to share meals, feast, and enjoy religious performances while overlooking Kano
Kano government’s message to civil servants
In its declaration, the Kano State Government described Takutaha as an occasion of deep communal and spiritual importance. Officials urged civil servants to use the day for prayers and reflection, seeking divine blessings for peace and prosperity in Kano and Nigeria as a whole.
The government also confirmed that essential services will continue to operate normally throughout the holiday.
2 public holidays in August 2026
Recall that Nigeria has two public holidays scheduled for August 2026, covering both religious and cultural observances.
Isese Day falls on Thursday, August 20, and four Southwest states are set to observe it as a work-free day.
Eid ul-Mawlid comes up later in August, with its date depending on moon sighting and authorities’ confirmation.
Ibadan, Oyo state – Alhaji Abdul Waheed Akintola Olajide, who served as Secretary to the Oyo State Government during the administration of the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, died on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
He was reported to be either 74 or 80 years old, with different accounts giving conflicting figures.
As reported by The Guardian, Olajide’s family confirmed his death in a statement released on Wednesday, August 26, describing him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and cousin. The family thanked God for his life and called on friends and the public to offer prayers and support as they grieve, according to PM News. He was buried in Ibadan on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in accordance with Islamic burial rites.
Olajide was a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was widely regarded as a committed public servant within Oyo State political circles.
Waheed Olajide: Aare Musulumi Pays Tribute
The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola De-Damak, confirmed Olajide’s sad passing and expressed deep sadness over the death.
Through a statement, the Aare Musulumi called Olajide a devout Muslim, a man of integrity and a dedicated public servant who served Oyo State with dignity and a strong sense of responsibility.
He described the loss as “painful” for the late SSG’s family, the Muslim community and Oyo State as a whole.
Olajide’s death: Media Personality Recalls Personal Bond
Faysol Oluwakemi, who is also a media personality, shared a personal tribute on his Facebook page, recalling the role Olajide played during his own political journey ahead of the 2027 Oyo State House of Assembly election. He wrote:
The news of the passing of Alhaji Waheed Olajide, former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, is deeply painful to me.
“Beyond the fact that we belonged to the same Progressives family and came from the same Ward 3 in Ibadan Southwest Constituency 1, Alhaji Waheed Olajide was a father figure, mentor and political elder to me.”
Oluwakemi recalled that Olajide counselled him during campaign consultations and encouraged him even after he lost his party ticket. He quoted one of the late SSG’s pieces of advice:
“You have all the qualities to represent our constituency. I pray you get the ticket. But promise me that whenever you get the ticket, you will represent Ibadan Southwest Constituency 1 with dignity, transparency and inclusion.”
He closed his tribute with the words: “Rest well, Baba SSG. Your words will continue to guide me.”
The Federal Government has appointed a Professor at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Emmanuel Olukemi Rotimi, as a member of the Policy Advisory Committee supporting the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill.
Daily Voice reports that Rotimi was selected because of his academic work on the history and development of policing in Nigeria, especially his research into the country’s former decentralised police systems.
According to Nigerian Tribune, the proposed National Policing Bill is being prepared to create a legal framework for the operation of both Federal and State Police Services.
The Presidential Working Group is chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
The group has been given seven weeks to prepare a draft of the proposed legislation that can be implemented and submit it to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The Policy Advisory Committee is headed by retired Justice Mohammed Abdullahi Liman.
Its duties include providing policy guidance, giving instructions for the drafting process and reviewing the contents of the proposed Bill before it is finalised.
Rotimi is a professor in the Department of History at Obafemi Awolowo University and has spent many years studying Nigeria’s policing system.
His academic work has focused on how policing developed under colonial and post-colonial administrations and the challenges faced by earlier local police institutions.
His master’s research examined the Native Administration Police Forces in Western Nigeria between 1905 and 1951.
He later conducted doctoral research on Native Administration Police Forces across Nigeria from 1900 to 1970.
He also authored The Police in a Federal State: The Nigerian Experience, published in 2001. The book examined the origin, organization, and development of Native Authority and Local Government police forces before those institutions were eventually abolished
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