Nigeria Digest: Key Stories from August 3, 2023

INEC's Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun has warned against vote buying and violence in the upcoming Osun state election in 2026, urging religious leaders and political actors to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is urging Nigerians to unite and vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, claiming that another APC term would threaten Nigeria's unity and progress.

There is confusion in Rivers State over the upcoming local government elections as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members have been elected as chairmanship candidates for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in several local government areas.

Presidential candidate Peter Obi stated that despite legal action, individuals who forcefully occupied his brother's company premises in Lagos continue to work on the property, disregarding court orders.

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed the dismissal of a former officer, Mr. Onakpoya, for allegedly making false allegations against the Service, including claims of an inmate being granted a conjugal visit, and unauthorized photographs.

Niger State governor Umar Bago is facing criticism for several recent controversial actions, including appointing a former APC chairman to head the state's electoral commission and pardoning convicted offenders accused of violence.

Amidst confusion and conflicting reports about his resignation, Bayo Ojulari has been confirmed as the new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), despite claims by the EFCC of allegedly pressuring him to resign.

The Imo State Police Command has successfully dismantled a cult group responsible for phone thefts and robbery, arresting several members and confiscating stolen devices through coordinated operations.

Despite government claims of a downward trend, food inflation remains a pressing concern across South-West Nigeria, with prices of staple food items like rice and beans significantly increasing.

Nigerian Breweries has reported a revenue of N738.14 billion for the first half of 2025, showcasing its strong financial performance during the period.

Sterling Financial Holdings Plc announced its half-year profit of N41.8 billion, demonstrating a positive financial outlook for the company alongside a rise in earnings per share.

The Oyo State Government has commenced the distribution of five million insecticide-treated nets across the state to combat malaria and protect residents from mosquito-borne illnesses.

NAFDAC seized banned, expired, and unregistered products worth over N1.5bn in Lagos, focusing on cosmetics, as part of a national effort to eliminate unsafe consumer goods that pose public health and security risks.

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority and its partners awarded $280,000 to six startups in agriculture and health, with additional prizes for innovative, high-impact solutions addressing national development challenges.

NDLEA intercepted cocaine concealed in lipsticks at Lagos airport and seized large quantities of tramadol in Bayelsa, Benue, and Kano, targeting illegal drug distribution networks.

A land dispute in Abuja's Kuchibuyi village escalated into violence, leaving one person dead and several injured after security personnel clashed with residents protesting the Bwari Council Chairman's alleged land grabbing.