Category: News

Nigerian billionaire and socialite Obi Cubana has reportedly taken down all Instagram posts related to the City Boy Movement without any public announcement. The move comes amid widespread criticism from Nigerians over his open support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Obi Cubana was appointed South-East coordinator of the pro-Tinubu City Boy Movement, a youth-focused political advocacy group aimed at promoting the Renewed Hope Agenda. The organization has been active in mobilizing grassroots support through campus tours, rallies, and distribution of cash grants to vulnerable families.

As of now, Obi Cubana has not issued any official statement explaining the removal of the posts. The City Boy Movement itself has not commented on the development. The sudden deletion has sparked speculation about a possible shift in the businessman’s political alignment or a response to the ongoing backlash.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of blocking its leaders from visiting Nasir El-Rufai, the former Kaduna State governor currently held in the commission’s custody. According to the party, a delegation comprising National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola, National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, and Salihu Lukman, who serves as secretary of the ADC Manifesto and Policy Committee, attempted to see El-Rufai at the ICPC facility but were turned away. The circumstances surrounding the denial remained unclear as of Friday afternoon.

This incident comes shortly after the ICPC refuted claims that El-Rufai was being deprived of food, family visits, and medical care. At a press briefing, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey dismissed such allegations as baseless. He stated that the commission allows visitors between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and that El-Rufai’s wife arrived outside these hours. Odey further emphasized that authorized visitors, including relatives, legal counsel, and medical professionals, are granted supervised access.

However, the El-Rufai family has countered these assertions, alleging that the former governor has been barred from seeing his personal doctors, despite a Kaduna High Court order guaranteeing unrestricted access to legal representatives and physicians. A family member revealed that the ICPC’s in-house doctor had recommended further medical tests, but subsequent access was blocked. Hasiat, El-Rufai’s second wife, specifically claimed that he was denied follow-up consultations with the doctor.

As collation of results gets underway in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Oyo State, early figures show former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu surging ahead in numerous wards across the region.

Sources report that Adelabu has secured strong showings in key local government areas, indicating substantial support from both party stalwarts and grassroots voters.

The primary, which featured 11 aspirants, is a crucial contest for the APC as it seeks to unseat the incumbent governor in the 2027 elections.

Excitement is building among Adelabu’s backers, with celebrations breaking out in several wards as preliminary results trickle in.

Observers note that the outcome will be pivotal in shaping the party’s strategy for the general election.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has been officially endorsed as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 governorship election. The declaration occurred during the party’s primary election held on Thursday at the APC state secretariat in Minna.

Danlami Abubakar, who served as the Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee and Returning Officer, confirmed Bago’s nomination as the party’s single candidate following a consensus adoption process. He noted that the governor had fulfilled all necessary requirements and enjoyed extensive backing from party members throughout the state.

The motion to adopt Bago as the unopposed candidate was introduced by Mohammed Sani Musa, representing the Niger East Senatorial District. Musa highlighted the governor’s track record in advancing development, fostering party unity, and promoting inclusive governance since taking office. “We trust his leadership and accomplishments, which is why stakeholders unanimously agreed to present him as our candidate,” Musa stated.

Afiniki Dauda, the Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, seconded the motion. She praised Bago’s commitment to infrastructure development, agricultural advancement, and youth empowerment initiatives across the state. Dauda called on party members to maintain unity and rally behind the governor’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 polls.

In his response, Governor Bago expressed gratitude to APC members for their confidence demonstrated through the consensus arrangement. He emphasized that the show of support reflects the strong bond between his administration and the people of Niger State. “I will never take this support for granted. It is a responsibility that demands greater commitment and service to our people,” he remarked.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto State has formally declared Governor Ahmed Aliyu as its candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial race. This decision was reached during a primary election held in the state capital on Thursday, where party faithful from all 244 wards and 23 local government areas gave their unanimous backing through a consensus agreement.

Alhaji Mukhtar Birniwa, who chaired the APC electoral committee, highlighted the smooth and peaceful nature of the exercise, attributing it to the unity and harmony among party members. He noted that the committee’s work was significantly simplified because consensus had already been established at the grassroots level, with delegates from every ward supporting the governor’s candidacy.

“Our party members across all wards have spoken with one voice in favor of Governor Ahmed Aliyu. Today’s event is merely a formal ratification of that collective decision,” Birniwa stated before officially announcing Aliyu as the APC standard-bearer for the upcoming election.

In his acceptance speech, Governor Aliyu expressed deep gratitude to party members and supporters for their continued trust in his leadership. He assured them that if re-elected, he would persist in executing initiatives and projects designed to enhance the quality of life for Sokoto residents. The governor also reiterated his commitment to fostering development and delivering democratic dividends across the state.

Vice President Kashim Shettima took part in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary in Borno State on Thursday, where Engr. Mustapha Gubio was selected as the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 gubernatorial race.

The primary event was hosted in Maiduguri and drew participants including Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, party officials, delegates, and various stakeholders from across the state.

Gubio ran unopposed and secured the APC nomination during the exercise.

Addressing the gathering, Shettima appealed to party members to stay united and strive for the APC’s victory in the 2027 elections. He urged all faithful to put aside their disagreements and back the party’s candidates in the upcoming polls.

Governor Zulum expressed gratitude to party members and stakeholders for their involvement in the primary process.

After being declared the winner, Gubio vowed to continue advancing developmental initiatives throughout the state if he wins the governorship in 2027. He also committed to prioritizing governance and progress in key sectors.

Notable attendees at the primary included APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Ali Bukar Dalori; Senators M.T. Monguno and Kaka Shehu Lawan; members of the National Assembly and Borno State House of Assembly; commissioners; and other APC key figures.

In a significant political development, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for the 2027 general elections, garnering 459,393 affirmation votes during the party’s primary election held on Thursday.

Running unopposed as the sole aspirant, Governor Sani achieved a sweeping affirmation victory, backed by delegates and key stakeholders across the state.

The primary election, conducted under the supervision of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, drew top APC leaders, elected officials, delegates, and supporters from across Kaduna State.

While announcing the results, the Chairman of the Kaduna APC Governorship and House of Assembly Primary Election Committee, Hon. Hafiz Kawu, lauded the exercise for its peaceful and transparent nature, highlighting it as a clear demonstration of unity and trust in Governor Sani’s leadership ahead of the 2027 polls.

The motion for affirmation votes was proposed by the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Liman, and received unanimous approval from delegates at the venue.

After his affirmation, Governor Uba Sani expressed gratitude to APC members, stakeholders, and the people of Kaduna for their belief in his leadership, framing the endorsement as a renewed commitment to service and inclusive development.

The governor noted that his administration has achieved substantial progress in enhancing security, fostering peace, and promoting unity through continuous dialogue and community engagement, resulting in increased stability and social harmony statewide.

“We have strengthened peace, promoted unity and expanded development across both urban and rural communities. From education and infrastructure to road rehabilitation and people-centered projects, our focus has remained on improving the lives of citizens,” he stated.

Governor Sani assured residents that his administration would build on existing achievements and continue efforts to create a more secure, prosperous, and united Kaduna State leading up to 2027.

This affirmation further cements Governor Uba Sani’s rising influence within the APC and signals growing unity within the ruling party as the general election approaches.

The All Progressives Congress in Benue State is set to hold its governorship primary election on Thursday, May 21, with Governor Hyacinth Alia as a leading contender. Other aspirants vying for the party’s ticket include Jeffrey Kuraun and Terwase Orbunde.

Governor Alia has urged the APC leadership at all levels to ensure a process that is transparent, credible, and reflects the genuine will of party members. He stressed that internal democracy is crucial for the party’s unity and electoral success.

In a statement released by Chief Solomon Iorpev, the governor’s Technical Adviser on Media and Strategic Communication, Alia called on delegates and stakeholders to participate actively and maintain peace throughout the exercise. He emphasized the need for candidates to see the primary as a brotherly contest that will strengthen the party.

Alia also wished all aspirants well and prayed for a primary that is free of rancor and disruptions.

The All Progressives Congress in Delta State has officially endorsed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as its flagbearer for the 2027 gubernatorial election. The affirmation came through a direct primary election held across all 270 wards in the state, where 345,375 party members cast their votes in favor of Oborevwori.

Returning Officer Victor Abba, who chaired the governorship primary election committee, made the announcement at the party’s secretariat in Asaba. He declared that Oborevwori, being the sole contestant, met all constitutional requirements and secured the highest number of valid votes. Abba noted that the exercise was conducted peacefully and commended party members for their unity and maturity. He also lauded Oborevwori’s developmental strides, stating that his governance approach has boosted the APC’s popularity in Delta.

Speaking after casting his ballot in Okpe Local Government Area, Oborevwori praised the party leadership for organizing a transparent and orderly primary. He emphasized that the large voter turnout demonstrated grassroots confidence in his administration. ‘Our party adopted a model that other political parties should emulate,’ he said, adding that the process was free from violence and imposition.

Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa attributed the high turnout to widespread support for Oborevwori’s policies. Commissioner Charles Aniagwu echoed this sentiment, noting that the governor’s emergence reflects trust in his leadership. Other party stalwarts, including Hilary Ibegbulem, Ndudi Elumelu, and Jonathan Ukodhiko, also commended the peaceful process and expressed optimism for the 2027 polls.

The declaration ceremony was attended by Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, and numerous other party leaders, signaling a unified front ahead of the general election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed serious concern over the rising tension between the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) ahead of the Ekiti governorship election. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan warned that any discord between these transport unions could severely compromise the electoral process.

During a meeting in Ado-Ekiti, Amupitan stressed that reliable transportation is fundamental to a successful election. He noted that the commission relies heavily on the unions to move election materials across the state, as INEC does not possess its own fleet of vehicles. He urged both groups to work together harmoniously to ensure the smooth conduct of the poll.

The INEC boss specifically cautioned the unions against accepting payments for vehicles they cannot deliver. He recalled challenges during the Anambra election where the union failed to provide enough vehicles, forcing last-minute adjustments. Amupitan emphasized that honesty is critical: “Tell us what you can do and what you cannot. Do not deceive us.”

He also warned that both local and international observers focus on a small number of polling units, and any negative incidents could damage the credibility of the election. “We must give them nothing to report,” he said. “They should search for faults but find none.”

The National Union of Road Transport Workers has been tasked with transporting sensitive electoral materials to various locations on the June 20 election date. Earlier, INEC National Commissioners, led by Prof. Sani Adams, had similarly cautioned the union against undermining the commission’s efforts to deliver a free and fair election.