El-Rufai Denies Endorsing Any Region For 2027 Presidency, Labels Reports Fake News

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has denied reports suggesting he endorsed a specific region to produce Nigeria’s president in 2027. Posting on his verified Facebook page, El-Rufai described the circulating claims as “fake news” and clarified that he had not made any such statement in speeches, interviews, or social media posts. He emphasised that his views should only be attributed to him when expressed on his official social media accounts or through recognised media outlets. El-Rufai also warned against misrepresenting opinion articles from other authors that he may share, noting that such distortions mislead public discourse. “These caveats are crucial as we confront both irresponsible politicking and the deliberate misuse of social media for spreading fake news,” he wrote. He criticised media organisations and senior editors for publishing unverified information, calling it part of the “unedifying olympics of fiction and fakery” prevalent on social media. “The deliberate attribution of claims I never made by fake news platforms should not be taken seriously,” he added, urging society to uphold accuracy in reporting. El-Rufai concluded by stressing the importance of verifying information before sharing, especially in today’s climate of widespread misinformation.

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I Have No Intention Of Being Anyone’s Running Mate, Says Amaechi, Eyes 2027 Presidency

“I have no intention of being anyone’s running mate,” former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has declared, reaffirming his ambition to contest the presidency in the 2027 elections. Amaechi made the position clear through his media aide, David Iyofor, rejecting suggestions that he could serve as a vice-presidential candidate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or join any joint presidential ticket. “Amaechi is not seeking to be running mate to anybody. He does not intend to be a presidential running mate to anybody and will not,” Iyofor said. The clarification follows remarks by Atiku’s ally, media entrepreneur Dele Momodu, who suggested Amaechi could be considered as a running mate if 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi chooses to run independently. Momodu had said, “A lot of people are underrating Amaechi. Amaechi single-handedly handed power to Buhari… If Obi does not make up his mind or chooses to run alone, then I believe the mantle might fall on Rotimi Amaechi.” Amaechi’s team stressed that the former Rivers State governor is focused on securing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket, highlighting his belief that it is Southern Nigeria’s turn to produce the next president. “Iyofor added, “Amaechi is not aware of, and will not be part of any talk to be running mate to anybody. For emphasis, Amaechi is running to be President of Nigeria and not to be a running mate to anybody. Politicians are kindly advised to leave Amaechi’s name out of any discussion for presidential running mate.” Amaechi, who contested the All Progressives Congress presidential ticket in 2023, officially defected to the ADC earlier this year and has since declared his intention to seek the party’s nomination for the 2027 election.

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WAEC Shifts Full Computer-Based Exams to 2027, Announces 2026 Test-Run Phase

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has postponed the full adoption of computer-based testing (CBT) for the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) to 2027, instead of 2026 as earlier directed by the federal government. The 2026 May/June WASSCE will now serve as a pilot phase, allowing students to choose between the traditional paper-and-pen format and CBT. Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, Chairman of WAEC’s Nigeria National Committee (NNC) and Federal Government nominee, revealed the update during the opening session of the committee’s 63rd annual meeting in Umuahia, Abia State. She assured stakeholders that no candidate would be disadvantaged during the transition, emphasizing WAEC’s commitment to a smooth migration to CBT. Abdulkadir highlighted several initiatives to prepare students for the digital exams, including training senior school students on tablet use and answering essay questions digitally. She also addressed concerns about subject selection under the revised Basic and Secondary School Curricula, clarifying that students are free to choose subjects across different streams. Science students, for example, can still take Economics as an elective, and the period for uploading Continuous Assessment Scores (CASS) has been extended to ensure accurate recording. The event also celebrated outstanding performers in the 2024 May/June school-based exams. Master Ajisafe Qoreebullah Olamilekan of Eemaan Foundation College, Osogbo, Osun State, emerged as the overall best candidate nationwide, scoring 580.8535 points with A1 grades in eight subjects. He is now studying Medicine and Surgery at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun. The second- and third-best students, Joan Eberechukwu Onovo and Chibukem Mac-Donald Mbah, were similarly honoured. Like Ajisafe, both are pursuing degrees in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos and Afe Babalola University, respectively. All three top performers attended private schools. WAEC also recognised exceptional visually impaired candidates, awarding Master Ugwu Christian Chiemerie and Miss Abiodun Taye Olubunmi for their achievements. Christian, from the College of Immaculate Conception, Enugu, scored 413.5326 points and is now studying Law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Taye, from Queen’s College, Lagos, scored 429.1543 points and is currently studying Guidance and Counselling at the University of Ilorin. Abia State Governor Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, praised WAEC for its role in promoting credible examinations and safeguarding assessment integrity. He described the council’s efforts to curb malpractice as “timely, courageous, and essential to protect the future of our young ones.” Dr Amos Dangut, Head of WAEC Nigeria, noted that the awards encourage healthy competition and academic excellence nationwide, congratulating students, their schools, and parents. Hajia Abdulkadir also commended all awardees and reaffirmed the federal government’s support for WAEC, assuring that Nigerian students would continue to be globally competitive.

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National Assembly Proposes November 2026 For Nigeria’s Next General Elections

The National Assembly has proposed rescheduling Nigeria’s next general elections to November 2026, moving them six months earlier than the usual February timeline. The recommendation comes through the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was presented on Monday at a joint public hearing by the Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters in Abuja. The bill seeks to repeal the 2022 Electoral Act and introduce a new Electoral Act 2025. Lawmakers, civil society groups, and other stakeholders attended the one-day session. The draft amendment states that “Elections into the office of the President and Governor of a State shall be held not later than 185 days before the expiration of the term of office of the last holder of the office.” The change is intended to ensure all election disputes are resolved before the May 29, 2027 handover. “The above provisions are to ensure that all litigations are concluded before swearing in,” the document notes. Lawmakers, however, emphasized that adjusting the election date alone may not be sufficient unless the judiciary is strengthened to handle the growing number of election cases. The joint committee questioned, “In a situation where a rerun is ordered by the Supreme Court at the end of 185 days, can we have vacancy in the office of the President?” highlighting the need for judicial preparedness. If the amendment is approved, presidential and governorship elections would take place in November 2026, about six months before the current administration’s term ends. Other notable provisions in the bill include voting rights for inmates, early diaspora voting, linking voter registration to the National Identification Number (NIN), and mandatory electronic transmission of results. The amendment also proposes significant changes to voter identification. It states that “The use of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) will not be compulsory, since the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) does not recognise the microchip in the PVC.” Registered voters would be able to “download and print their voter’s card whenever the need arises.” Lawmakers believe this digital approach will curb the buying and selling of PVCs, a challenge in past elections, and make voter verification fully electronic. The draft includes adjustments to Sections 18 and 47 and deletes Section 22 of the existing Electoral Act.  

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Atiku Denies Intention To Step Aside From 2027 Presidential Race

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has rejected claims that he would step aside for any candidate in the 2027 presidential election. In a statement released Thursday in Abuja by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku said his comments during an interview with BBC Hausa Service had been misrepresented by some media outlets. “After reviewing both the video and transcript of the interview, in Hausa and English, it is clear that at no point did the former Vice President indicate, suggest, or imply that he intends to step down for anyone,” the statement said. It explained that Atiku had emphasized that young aspirants and other prospective candidates are free to contest the election. “He also made it clear that if a young candidate emerges through a competitive primary, he would support that candidate without hesitation,” the statement added. The press release further criticized misleading reporting, noting that while interpretation is part of journalism, exaggerating statements for sensational effect is unacceptable.

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Atiku’s Media Aide Accuses Tinubu of Favoritism Towards Christians, Sparks Religious Backlash

Atiku Abubakar Ready To Step Aside For Younger ADC Presidential Candidate In 2027

Former Vice President and prominent African Democratic Congress (ADC) figure, Atiku Abubakar, has said he is willing to step aside for a younger, energetic, and widely acceptable presidential candidate in the 2027 election, if the candidate emerges under the ADC platform. In an interview with BBC Hausa Service on Wednesday, Atiku emphasized that his interest in the presidency is not about personal ambition but about providing Nigerians with a credible alternative. “My being in the 2027 race does not prevent anyone from contesting. If a vibrant and widely accepted younger candidate emerges, I am willing to step aside,” he said. He also encouraged young Nigerians to participate actively in politics, pledging his full support if a youthful candidate is chosen to contest for the nation’s highest office. Atiku dismissed claims that he is desperate for the presidency, insisting that his focus remains on “rescuing Nigeria from the people that have held it hostage.”

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Jandor Announces Return To Lagos Governorship Race On APC Platform, Endorses Tinubu’s Re-Election

Jandor Confirms 2027 Lagos Governorship Ambition On APC Ticket, Rallies Support For Tinubu’s Second Term

Dr. Olajide Adediran, widely known as Jandor, has formally declared his intention to run for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and former PDP candidate made the announcement during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, while also pledging his full support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid. “As for Lagos State, I am offering myself once again to serve. I’m indeed running for the Lagos governorship race in 2027,” Jandor stated, dismissing speculations about other possible contenders, including Seyi Tinubu and former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. He described his political journey as intentional and calculated, recalling how his earlier foray into Lagos politics disrupted the political establishment. “When it was time for me to truly leave, I came all out, and we took Lagos by storm. Very soon, activities will begin to galvanize support from Mr. President and the party. Let me put this to rest: I am running in 2027,” he declared. Jandor praised President Tinubu’s style of leadership, describing it as visionary and courageous. He urged Lagosians and Nigerians in general to rally behind the President in 2027 for a second term. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has proven his capacity to lead this country with vision and courage. I call on Lagosians and Nigerians at large to ensure he gets a second term so we can all continue to benefit from his progressive leadership,” he said. He encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful and steadfast, assuring that the nation’s future holds greater promise.  

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PDP Roars Back: 2027 Will Be a Referendum on Tinubu’s Failures – Ologunagba

PDP Roars Back: 2027 Will Be a Referendum on Tinubu’s Failures – Ologunagba

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its readiness to take on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, calling the upcoming general election a referendum on what it described as the “failures” of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, made this bold assertion during a press briefing in Abuja following the party’s 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. Ologunagba praised the unity displayed at the NEC meeting, brushing aside pre-meeting skepticism and describing the successful gathering as a symbol of the PDP’s resilience. “The meeting held despite all doubts, and it showed our capacity to reorganise, refocus, and stay united. This is a signal that the PDP is back and ready,” he declared. He slammed the APC-led government over worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and policy failures. “People are dying in instalments, and this government is celebrating defections while citizens go hungry. Propaganda won’t feed Nigerians,” Ologunagba said. He insisted that no wave of defections could rescue the APC from electoral backlash in 2027, adding, “The question every Nigerian must ask is: Am I better off today than I was two years ago?” On internal cohesion, the PDP spokesperson revealed ongoing reconciliation efforts ahead of the next national convention. “We’re having critical conversations behind the scenes. The NEC meeting is just the beginning—we’re determined to present a credible alternative to Nigerians and protect this democracy from being reduced to a one-party state,” he concluded.

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