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  • Desmond Elliott Cries Out Over ‘Intimidation’ as Barakat Declares for Surulere APC Ticket

    The battle for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for Surulere Constituency I of the Lagos State House of Assembly has intensified after actor-turned-lawmaker Desmond Elliott alleged intimidation and political victimisation ahead of the party’s direct primary scheduled for May 20.

    The lawmaker, who is seeking a fourth term in office, raised concerns in a viral video on Sunday, claiming that some APC members supporting him were allegedly being pressured to back another aspirant.

    Desmond Elliott Raises Alarm

    Elliott alleged that some of his supporters working within the local government system had allegedly lost their jobs because of their political stance.

    He also claimed that his security aides were withdrawn without explanation, describing the development as disturbing ahead of the APC primary.

    The lawmaker, however, appealed to his supporters not to be intimidated and urged party members to ensure a peaceful and transparent primary election process.

    “I appeal for a free and fair primary. Nobody should be intimidated,” Elliott said in the video circulating online.

    Barakat Declares, Says Aspirants Stepped Down

    Meanwhile, Barrister Barakat Olawunmi Odunuga-Bakare, popularly known as BBA, officially declared her ambition during a gathering held at The Stable in Bode Thomas, Surulere.

    Speaking at the event, Barakat stated that other aspirants in the race had stepped down to support her ambition, leaving Elliott as the only remaining challenger.

    “The others stepped down and are supporting me and they’re all here, but the only person that didn’t step down and insisted on going to the primaries is Hon. Desmond Elliott,” she said.

    “I wish him all the best, and I wish myself luck too. I’m praying that on Wednesday, I emerge as the APC candidate.”

    Major Blow Hits Elliott’s Camp

    The declaration event also witnessed a major political twist after Bless Koye, who served as Director-General of Desmond Elliott’s fourth-term campaign organisation, publicly defected to Barakat’s camp.

    Koye openly announced his support for Barakat during the event, a move that immediately sparked reactions among party supporters in Surulere.

    Barakat, a lawyer and former Special Adviser on Housing to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is believed to have secured backing from influential APC stakeholders ahead of the primary.

    Primary Battle Tightens

    Political observers say the Surulere APC primary has now become one of the most closely watched assembly contests in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    While Elliott is banking on his incumbency and political structure within the constituency, Barakat appears to be gaining momentum with endorsements and growing support from party leaders and grassroots mobilisers.

    Party members in the constituency have meanwhile been urged to maintain peace as the APC prepares for Wednesday’s direct primary election.

  • APC Clears Yahaya Bello, Karimi For Kogi Senatorial Primaries

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly Screening Committee has cleared former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, and Kogi West senator, Sunday Karimi, for the party’s senatorial primaries scheduled for Monday.

    The committee approved 17 aspirants across Kogi State’s three senatorial districts ahead of the APC primary elections.

    Yahaya Bello Confirmed For Kogi Central Race

    Yahaya Bello, whose eligibility had sparked political speculation in recent days, was officially cleared after his name appeared on the list of approved aspirants for the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

    The former governor is expected to battle Momoh Yusuf Obaro and Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke for the APC ticket.

    The development has already stirred reactions within political circles in the state.

    Karimi Emerges Consensus Candidate

    In Kogi West, Sunday Karimi reportedly emerged as the consensus candidate after a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Governor Usman Ododo at the Government House in Lokoja.

    Although six other aspirants, including former senator Smart Adeyemi, were also cleared, observers believe the consensus arrangement may strengthen Karimi’s position ahead of the primary.

    Karimi is currently serving as senator representing Kogi West.

    Seven Cleared In Kogi East

    For Kogi East Senatorial District, seven aspirants were cleared by the screening committee.

    Those approved include incumbent senator Isah Echocho, Joseph Ameh and Murtala Ajaka.

    The APC primaries are expected to shape early political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Seyi Tinubu Consoles Cubana Chief Priest After APC Primary Defeat

    Seyi Tinubu has publicly shown support for celebrity businessman Cubana Chief Priest following his defeat in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in Imo State.

    Seyi shared the message through the Insta-Stories section of his official Instagram page shortly after reports confirmed Cubana Chief Priest lost the APC ticket for the Orsu/Orlu/Oru East Federal Constituency.

    ‘Keep Your Head Up’

    In the message, Seyi Tinubu encouraged the nightlife promoter not to be discouraged by the political setback, stating that defeat could sometimes open the door to future victories.

    “Bro, sometimes by losing a battle, you find a new way to win the war. Keep your head up Cubana Chief Priest. We know what you are capable of achieving,” he wrote.

    Cubana Chief Priest later reposted the message on his Instagram story, confirming the development and acknowledging the support.

    APC Primary Loss In Imo

    Cubana Chief Priest had contested for the APC House of Representatives ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    However, he lost to the incumbent lawmaker, Canice Moore Nwachukwu, who currently represents the constituency and is serving a second term.

    The outcome generated widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the role of celebrity influence in grassroots politics.

  • Yusuf Buhari Wins APC House Of Reps Ticket With Landslide Victory In Katsina

    Yusuf Buhari, son of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Sandamu/Daura/Mai’adua Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Yusuf secured a landslide victory during the APC primary election after polling 5,849 votes to defeat his challenger, Auwal Lawal Daura, who recorded 21 votes.

    Massive Victory In APC Primary

    The outcome officially confirms Yusuf Buhari as the party’s flagbearer for the House of Representatives seat covering Sandamu, Daura and Mai’adua federal constituency in Katsina State.

    Party supporters at the venue celebrated the result, describing it as a strong endorsement of the Buhari political family in the area.

    Opponent Rejects Exercise

    However, Auwal Lawal Daura rejected the outcome of the primary and raised concerns over the conduct of the election.

    According to him, the process did not reflect fairness and transparency expected in party primaries.

    “I am not satisfied with what happened today. Evidence is everywhere showing the injustice that was done. The manner of counting was highly dubious, and most of the people counted did not even have party membership cards,” he said.

    ‘We Wanted Fairness’

    Daura also insisted that his participation in the contest was based on demands from party members who preferred a primary election instead of consensus arrangements.

    “When I started this political movement, I made it clear that it was about the will of the people. When a consensus candidate was said to have been adopted, the people said no, they wanted us to go for primaries,” he stated.

    He added that his insistence on contesting was not out of disrespect but a push for fairness within the party structure.

    Political Attention On Buhari Family

    Yusuf Buhari’s emergence has already generated reactions within political circles, with many observers viewing it as a continuation of the Buhari family’s influence in Katsina politics following the death of the former president.

    The APC primaries across several states have continued to attract controversies, complaints and internal disputes as aspirants battle for tickets ahead of the 2027 elections.

  • Cubana Chief Priest Loses APC House Of Reps Ticket In Imo State Primary Election

    Celebrity businessman and nightlife promoter Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the House of Representatives seat in Imo State.

    The primary, held on May 16, 2026, saw the socialite contest for the Orlu/Orsu/Oru East Federal Constituency ticket but he was defeated by the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Canice Moore Nwachukwu.

    Incumbent Lawmaker Wins APC Ticket

    Hon. Nwachukwu, who currently represents the constituency, reportedly secured the party’s ticket amid strong grassroots backing and established political structure in the area.

    Party sources said the exercise reflected a contest between political experience and popularity, with the incumbent maintaining dominance within the constituency’s delegate base.

    Cubana’s Political Entry Faces First Major Setback

    Cubana Chief Priest had officially joined the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring interest in the House of Representatives seat.

    He had earlier purchased his nomination forms and publicly declared consultations with key political figures, including visits to political stakeholders linked to the ruling party.

    His entry into politics had generated attention due to his popularity in entertainment and nightlife circles, as well as his connections within national political networks.

    Reactions Trail Primary Outcome

    Following the result, reactions have continued on social media, with users describing the outcome as a reality check on celebrity participation in Nigerian electoral politics.

    Some users mocked the defeat with references to his popular slogan, while others argued that constituency politics remains heavily influenced by established structures rather than public visibility or online influence.

    Political Reality Check For Celebrity Aspirant

    Observers note that the outcome reflects a recurring pattern in Nigerian politics, where incumbency advantage and local party structures often outweigh celebrity status and national popularity.

    As of the time of filing this report, Cubana Chief Priest has not issued an official statement on the outcome of the primary.

  • Presidency Defends Reported Killing Of ISWAP Commander Al-Manuki Amid Doubts

    The Presidency has defended reports surrounding the killing of senior ISWAP commander Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, insisting that the joint Nigerian-American operation was credible and backed by extensive intelligence gathering.

    In a statement shared on X, Bayo Onanuga said the controversy trailing the operation exposed the gap between public scepticism and the realities of modern counterterrorism operations.

    Presidency Addresses Public Doubts

    According to Onanuga, critics quickly questioned the authenticity of the operation after reports emerged that the ISWAP leader had been eliminated.

    He noted that Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok or Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, had previously appeared on lists of insurgent commanders reportedly killed in 2024 during operations around Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.

    However, security officials now believe the earlier report was a case of mistaken identity or inaccurate battlefield assessment.

    “Importantly, intelligence now confirms that the Birnin Gwari theatre was never within Al-Manuki’s established operational sphere, which negates the accuracy of the earlier assessment,” the statement read.

    Months Of Surveillance Before Operation

    The Presidency disclosed that the latest operation followed months of coordinated intelligence efforts involving surveillance, phone intercepts, digital tracking and human intelligence.

    According to the statement, the operation was built on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance efforts that reportedly started in December 2025.

    Security sources said authorities initially attempted to capture the ISWAP commander alive before the mission eventually shifted to a final strike operation.

    The statement further revealed that Al-Manuki had allegedly been tracked across different locations, including Abuja and Maiduguri, shortly before the operation.

    ‘This Time, There Is No Ambiguity’

    Onanuga stated that unlike previous cases, security agencies applied multiple layers of verification before approving the operation.

    Officials reportedly insisted that the latest strike was carried out with a higher level of precision and target validation.

    “In their assessment, this time, there is no ambiguity,” the statement added.

    The Presidency also acknowledged that global counterterrorism operations have sometimes produced mistaken reports regarding the deaths of major insurgent leaders.

    It referenced previous uncertainty surrounding the reported deaths of insurgent leaders such as Abubakar Shekau and ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

    Warning Against Undermining Security Operations

    The statement warned that dismissing military operations without evidence could weaken public confidence and affect morale among security operatives.

    According to security officials, Nigerian forces and their international partners are operating in one of the world’s most difficult insurgency environments where terrorists frequently use aliases and move across borders.

    The Presidency maintained that the operation against Al-Manuki remains a “validated, intelligence-driven success” against the Islamic State network.

  • Al-ajabin Zazzau Withdraws From APC Reps Race Amid Reconciliation Moves

    Mahmud Sadis Buba, popularly known as Al-ajabin Zazzau, has withdrawn from the race to represent Sabon Gari Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

    Buba announced his withdrawal in a letter addressed to the Kaduna State chairman of the APC and later published on his verified Facebook page on Saturday.

    ‘Not An Easy Decision’

    According to him, the decision followed reconciliation efforts initiated by leaders and stakeholders within the party.

    “Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am withdrawing from the race for Sabon Gari Federal Constituency, House of Representatives, effective immediately,” the letter partly read.

    “This was not an easy decision. But it was hastened by the reconciliation efforts initiated by stakeholders and leaders of our party.”

    He added that after consultations with his family, political associates and party stakeholders, he concluded that stepping down was in the best interest of the APC.

    “I believe that uniting behind a single candidate is paramount to our victory in the general election and for the continued progress of our constituency and state,” he stated.

    Buba Thanks Uba Sani, APC Leadership

    Buba also appreciated Uba Sani and the party leadership for giving him the opportunity to participate in the nomination process.

    According to him, the experience enriched his political journey and he remains grateful to supporters across the constituency.

    He stressed that his withdrawal should not be seen as weakness but as a sacrifice made for the unity and success of the party.

    Calls For Support Of Consensus Candidate

    The APC aspirant further assured party members of his continued loyalty and commitment to working for the victory of the party’s eventual candidate.

    He urged his supporters to remain calm and united while throwing their support behind the APC’s decision.

    “Whoever emerges as the party’s candidate should be given maximum support,” he added.

    Age Controversy Surrounds Aspirant

    Buba had recently been at the centre of controversy over claims surrounding his age during his campaign for the APC ticket.

    Critics alleged that he was 16 years old while circulating what they claimed was the data page of his passport online.

  • Tinubu Returns To Lagos After France, Kenya, Rwanda Trip Ahead Of APC Primaries

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Lagos following his official visits to France, Kenya and Rwanda.

    The President’s aircraft reportedly landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at about 7:12 p.m. on Friday.

    Sanwo-Olu, Gbajabiamila Receive Tinubu

    According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu was received by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Femi Hamzat, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa and other government officials.

    The Presidency said Tinubu held meetings with global investors during his stay in France, where he reportedly highlighted his administration’s economic reforms, transparency and fiscal discipline policies.

    Tinubu Attends Africa Forward Summit

    The President also attended the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, alongside other African leaders and business executives.

    The summit was co-hosted by Emmanuel Macron and William Ruto.

    At the event, Tinubu reportedly called for reforms in the global financial system and stronger African economic integration.

    He also spoke on Nigeria’s blue economy potential and pledged to share the country’s maritime intelligence infrastructure with willing Gulf of Guinea nations.

    Meetings In Rwanda

    During the trip, Tinubu also held a bilateral meeting with Madagascan President Michael Randrianirina.

    In Kigali, Rwanda, the Nigerian leader participated in the Africa CEO Forum alongside investors, CEOs and African leaders discussing regional integration and investment opportunities across the continent.

    He also met with Paul Kagame and delegations from multinational organisations including the International Finance Corporation and APM Terminals.

    According to the Presidency, the meetings recorded “notable favourable outcomes.”

    APC Primaries Next

    The statement further disclosed that Tinubu would participate in the upcoming All Progressives Congress primaries scheduled to begin on Saturday in Lagos.

    The President had earlier urged party members to maintain peace and conduct themselves responsibly during the exercise.

  • Tinubu Sparks Debate, Says “Only Taxpayers Are Real Citizens” At Africa CEO Forum

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that anyone who does not pay taxes to the government cannot fully be regarded as a citizen, a statement that has stirred fresh public debate on taxation and civic responsibility.

    Tinubu made the comment during a panel session at the ongoing Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda, where African leaders and business executives gathered to discuss economic growth and development.

    “How Do You Fund Development?”

    Speaking on the challenges of governance and infrastructure financing, Tinubu stressed that development cannot happen without taxation.

    He said citizens often demand roads, hospitals, and social services but rarely consider how such projects are funded.

    “Taxation is not friendly to the wealthy, the middle class, or the poor. Everyone wants development, but the question they don’t answer is how the government pays for it,” he said.

    He added that expectations for quality infrastructure must be matched with fiscal responsibility from citizens.

    “You want a very good highway, but you don’t want it to go through your land. How do you develop?” he asked.

    “A Citizen Who Doesn’t Pay Tax…”

    The President went further to link tax compliance with citizenship status, saying it reflects participation in nation-building.

    “A citizen who pays taxes is a citizen, whether corporate or individual. If you are not a taxpayer and not exempted, then you are not a citizen,” Tinubu stated.

    He added that taxation remains central to funding healthcare, education, and innovation, including pharmaceutical research and emergency responses like the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Tax Reforms Under Spotlight

    The remarks come as the federal government intensifies tax reforms aimed at broadening Nigeria’s revenue base and reducing dependence on borrowing.

    The administration has consistently argued that improved tax compliance is key to financing infrastructure and stabilising public finances amid rising debt servicing costs.

    The statement is already generating reactions across social and political spaces, with supporters linking it to fiscal discipline reforms, while critics question its framing of citizenship in relation to taxation.

  • Tambuwal Withdraws From Sokoto South Senate Race, Endorses ADC Candidate

    Former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has reportedly withdrawn from the 2027 Sokoto South Senatorial race.

    According to reports, the former governor stepped down from his reelection bid and endorsed Amb. Faruk Malami Yabo as the consensus candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the senatorial seat.

    Move Sparks Political Speculations

    The development has triggered reactions across social media and political circles, with many observers suggesting the move could signal bigger political ambitions ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Some supporters claimed Tambuwal remains one of the most influential opposition figures in northern Nigeria and may be positioning himself for a national role.

    “You see that Tambuwal stepping aside from senate eeeh. I feel he is preparing to become VP,” one political observer wrote online.

    Others speculated that the former governor could align politically with Seyi Makinde, who recently declared his presidential ambition in Ibadan.

    Tambuwal’s Political Journey

    Tambuwal first gained national prominence as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of Sokoto State for three terms.

    He later emerged as Speaker of the House of Representatives, serving between 2011 and 2015.

    The former governor initially belonged to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014 while serving as Speaker.

    In 2015, he won the Sokoto governorship election under the APC and governed the state for two terms.

    Tambuwal later returned to the PDP in 2018 after consultations with political stakeholders in Sokoto State.

    2023 Presidential Ambition

    Ahead of the 2023 general election, Tambuwal contested for the PDP presidential ticket.

    However, during the primary election, he stepped down from the race and directed his supporters to back former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who eventually emerged as the party’s presidential candidate.

    After completing his tenure as governor in 2023, Tambuwal returned to the National Assembly as Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District under the PDP.