Morning recap: Police lockdown Osun, Makinde picks Daura as running mate, other top stories

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From the police lockdown of Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, to Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde’s choice of former DSS Director-General Yusuf Magaji Bichi Daura as his running mate for 2027, cocaine packages bearing Erling Haaland’s image seized in Ecuador, the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup and fresh political clashes between Dapo Abiodun and Gbenga Daniel, these are the major stories making headlines this morning.

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Here’s your complete morning roundup:

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1. Gov poll: Police lock down Osun, DIG, 30 CPs deployed

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Heightened security preparations have taken over Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, with the police ordering a lockdown and deploying the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the state, alongside 30 commissioners of police.

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The deployment is aimed at ensuring security and preventing incidents during the poll.

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The police said the deployment was part of measures to guarantee a peaceful electoral process and maintain law and order across the state. The authorities urged residents and political actors to comply with security directives throughout the election period.

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The extensive deployment comes as voters prepare to choose the next governor of Osun State, with security agencies expected to maintain a strong presence at polling units and other strategic locations.

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Read more: https://punchng.com/gov-poll-police-lock-down-osun-dig-30-cps-deployed/

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2. 2027: Makinde picks ex-DSS DG Daura as running mate, rallies opposition

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Fresh political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections has seen Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde pick former DSS Director-General Yusuf Magaji Bichi Daura as his running mate while also calling for opposition cooperation. The move forms part of preparations for the next election cycle.

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Makinde’s camp said the choice was based on the need to strengthen the political ticket and broaden support ahead of 2027. The governor also urged opposition figures and parties to work together.

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The development adds to the growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, as major political actors continue to position themselves and negotiate alliances.

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Read more: https://punchng.com/2027-makinde-picks-ex-dss-dg-daura-as-running-mate-rallies-opposition/

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3. Haaland’s image found on cocaine packages seized in Ecuador

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A major drug seizure in Ecuador has drawn attention after police recovered 369kg of cocaine from a truck near the Colombian border, with the packages bearing the image of Norwegian football star Erling Haaland. The operation followed an anonymous tip and led to the arrest of the driver.

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Police said 370 packages were concealed in a false compartment of the truck. Authorities did not explain why Haaland’s image was used, although drug traffickers reportedly use images of sports stars to identify criminal networks and intended clients.

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A woman identified as María R. was also arrested. Police estimated the cocaine’s value at nearly $11m in the United States and more than $19.6m in Europe.

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Read more: https://punchng.com/video-haalands-image-found-on-cocaine-packages-seized-in-ecuador/

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4. Coach apologises to Nigerians over Falcons World Cup miss

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Nigeria’s World Cup hopes have ended after the Super Falcons lost 2-1 to South Africa in the WAFCON play-off, ruling the team out of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in the tournament’s history. The Falcons had received another opportunity after losing to Cameroon in the quarter-finals.

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Coach Justine Madugu apologised to Nigerians and accepted responsibility for the defeat. “I have to apologise to Nigerians over our inability to make it to the World Cup. We are very sorry,” he said.

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Madugu attributed the loss to defensive errors and poor finishing. “We create several chances, but we are very wasteful with the opportunities that always come our way,” he said.

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Read more: https://punchng.com/coach-apologises-to-nigerians-over-falcons-world-cup-miss/

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5. 2027: Abiodun, Daniel trade fresh blows over political allegiance

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Renewed political tension has emerged in Ogun State as Governor Dapo Abiodun and his predecessor, Gbenga Daniel, traded claims over political allegiance ahead of the 2027 elections. Abiodun accused Daniel of moving away from the APC mainstream, while Daniel’s loyalists rejected the claim.

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Abiodun said he had supported Daniel’s 2023 Senate bid despite warnings that the former governor could eventually oppose him. “I just decided that we should honour him because one day, I will also become a former governor,” he said.

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Daniel’s loyalists maintained that their support for him remained intact and dismissed claims that members had collectively abandoned him. His media aide also rejected Abiodun’s description of a foundation event involving PDP candidate Ladi Adebutu as a relaunch.

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Read more: https://punchng.com/2027-abiodun-daniel-trade-fresh-blows-over-political-allegiance/

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