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[BREAKING] 2027 Election: Tinubu Rejects Fubara’s Second Term Bid

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Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara’s re-election bid on the platform of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has collapsed, according to THEWILL, after failing to get the support of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, his political godfather.

Both Fubara and Wike have been struggling for supremacy and control of the APC machinery in the oil-rich State ahead of the 2027 general poll.

An authoritative party source, who asked to remain anonymous, told THEWILL that the President directed the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda to give Wike full control of the party’s structure in Rivers State and approve all his nominees as candidates of the party in the next election. “Wike has nominated Kingsley Chinda, who currently represents Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives as his preferred choice for the APC’s governorship ticket.”

Fubara had unsuccessfully sought the president’s support. “The President said he should go and talk to Wike about it. If Wike agrees then he has his full support. As you already know, Wike has repeatedly said Fubara will not get a second term. So we will not give him the ticket to our party,” the source said.

THEWILL reports that Chinda was until last week a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and served as Minority Leader in the House. He was cleared by the APC screening panel last week to run in the governorship primary.

Out of the 31 incumbent governors on the platform of the APC, 13 first-term governors are seeking a second term in office in the 2027 election. They have no opposition. In some states like Lagos, President Bola Tinubu’s home state, and Borno, Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s state, the party has chosen its governorship candidates through consensus. In states like Ogun and Nasarawa where the outgoing governors have got stakeholders to endorse preferred candidates, primaries are being held by the party in deference to aspirants opposed to the consensus mode of choosing its candidates.

Yet, none of the 31 states governed by the party has the challenge facing Rivers State where the polity has been polarised by a prolonged rift between Fubara and Wike, who has decided, with the subtle support of the APC and President Tinubu, that the governor will not get a second term.

Their prolonged battle entered its crucial and final stage with the ongoing party primaries which began yesterday, Saturday, May 16, 2026, with the conduct of the primaries for the House of Representatives aspirants who would contest the available 13 seats on the platform of the APC. In his first round, Fubara lost to Wike.

As announced the previous day by the state APC Publicity Secretary, Chibike Ikenga, in a statement titled, ‘Final List of Aspirants for the House of Representatives Primary Election for Saturday, 16th May, 2026’, the list of cleared and disqualified aspirants showed that the outcome of the exercise was foretold.

FUBARA Vs WIKE’S ASPIRING LEGISLATORS

THEWILL gathered that recent screening exercises conducted by the APC for National and State Assembly aspirants have further strengthened perceptions that Wike’s loyalists now dominate the Rivers APC structure. In what many political observers describe as a major setback for Fubara’s camp, the APC House of Representatives Screening Committee disqualified three serving lawmakers widely identified as loyal to the governor from participating in the party’s primaries. Those disqualified include Hon. Anderson Allison, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante and Hon. Boma Goodhead — lawmakers who openly aligned with Fubara during the prolonged political crisis that fractured Rivers politics.

The Rivers State House of Assembly Screening Committee also cleared only 33 aspirants, while disqualifying 65 others over alleged compliance and documentation-related infractions. The committee, chaired by Muraina Ajibola, cited reasons including alleged inducement of officials, invalid affidavits, irregular membership documentation, inconsistencies in names and dates of birth, insufficient nominators and failure to comply with party guidelines.

However, the pattern of the disqualifications has continued to fuel controversy because many aspirants linked to Fubara’s camp and other rival blocs were screened out, while aspirants associated with Wike’s political structure were largely cleared. Among those reportedly disqualified are Chijoke Ihunwo, Victor Oko-Jumbo and Sokari Goodboy, all believed to be aligned with competing political tendencies within the Rivers APC.

Hon. Anderson Alisson, currently represents Okrika/Ogu-Bolo Federal Constituency, while Hon. Abinate Awaji Imombek represents Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency, and Hon. Boma Goodhead, represents Kuku-Toru/Asari-Toru Federal Constituency.

Hon. Hart Cyril, representing Degema/Bonny Constituency; Hon. Blessing Amadi, representing Port Harcourt II Federal Constituency; Hon. Dumnamene Dekor representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency; Hon. Solomon Bob, representing Abua/Odual and Ahoada East constituency; Hon. Uche Felix Nwaeke, representing Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency; Hon. Victor Chukwuemele Obuzor, representing Rivers Ahoada West Ogba Egbema Ndoni Federal Constituency and Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Martin Amaewhule who replaces Kingsley Chinda who bought the APC governorship forms). Other allies of the minister were also cleared to replace the three disqualified Rep members.

Remarkably, the three Rep members, Hon. Alisson, Hon. Imombek and Hon. Goodhead was part of the lawmakers who took sides with Governor Fubara during the political crisis in Rivers State. They were also among the four lawmakers who defected with the governor to the APC.

The fourth Rep member, Boniface Sunday Emerengwa, is said to have got the Senate nomination forms, but the final list is not yet out as the primary for the senatorial position, according to the party’s timetable, will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026. The State House of Assembly will follow on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, while the governorship will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

However, as the primary for the Reps was being concluded, another round of crisis broke out on Saturday following the disqualification of a former presidential aspirant on the party’s platform, Tien Jack-Rick, from aspiring for the Rivers West Senatorial race and the clearance of a Wike loyalist, a former state PDP Chairman, who joined the APC three months ago, Felix Obua. Jack-Rich was one of the aspirants during the APC presidential primary held in July 2022.

“How can our party allow only one man who is not a member of our party to make decisions or dictate the direction of our party? National Coordinator, Dr. Bilal Galadima, and General Secretary, Hon. James Ogenyi, of the Conference of APC Support Groups, said in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday, adding, “How can our party disqualify Jack-Rich, a former presidential aspirant who has been loyal and supported our party for the last 13 years, only for our party to choose Felix Obua, a Wike loyalist who only joined the party three months ago?”

According to them, only aspirants aligned with Wike were cleared to contest for elective positions in the state. The third round of primaries involving the Assembly, to be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, is already predetermined. The governor’s loyalists failed the screening while all Wike’s loyalists scaled through.

In the fourth and final round, Governor Fubara himself will enter the ring with two other Wike’s chosen contenders, Hon. Kingsley Chinda and Dax George-Kelly, a director-general of the Border Communities Development Agency, BCDA, alongside Tonye Cole, a former governorship candidate.

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Accord Party Rejects Gov Adeleke, Adopts APC Candidate For Osun Elections

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‎The factional National Chairman of the Accord Party, Prof. Chris Imumolen, has reaffirmed the party’s support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration and endorsed his re-election bid, while insisting that the decision does not amount to a merger with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

‎‎Imumolen also announced that Accord had resolved to support the APC governorship candidate in Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

‎‎The Accord chairman said the party’s support for Tinubu was based on its assessment of the administration’s economic reforms and efforts towards national development.

‎‎“Our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is based on our conviction that Nigeria’s progress requires continuity in policies that strengthen our economy, deepen reforms, and promote national stability.

‎‎“We have therefore endorsed his re-election because we believe it is in the best interest of our country,” Imumolen said.

The party chairman, however, cautioned against interpreting the endorsement as evidence that Accord had surrendered its political identity or merged with another party.

‎‎“Let me state this clearly: the party’s endorsement of President Tinubu does not amount to the dissolution of the Accord Party or its merger with any political platform.

‎‎“Accord remains an independent political party with its own constitution, leadership, ideology, and vision for Nigeria,” he said.

‎‎Imumolen maintained that the party would continue to take independent positions on political and governance issues despite its support for Tinubu. ‎On the Osun State governorship election, the party said it had taken a strategic decision to adopt Oyebamiji, the APC candidate. ‎Imumolen said the decision followed consultations and an assessment of the political situation in the state.

‎‎“After careful consultations and a thorough assessment of the political realities in Osun State, the Accord Party has resolved to adopt and support the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.

‎‎“This strategic decision is driven solely by our commitment to ensuring competent leadership and sustainable development for the people of Osun State,” he stated.

‎‎Accord urged members of the public, the media and political stakeholders to distinguish between its endorsement of Tinubu at the national level and its alliance with the APC candidate in Osun State. The party said suggestions that it had ceased to operate independently were inaccurate and misleading.

‎‎It added that it remained committed to democratic principles, national unity and issue-based politics, stressing that its political decisions would continue to be guided by what it considered the best interests of Nigerians.

‎‎Naija News reports that the Accord Party faction loyal to Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier endorsed President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

‎The party chairman, however, cautioned against interpreting the endorsement as evidence that Accord had surrendered its political identity or merged with another party.

‎‎“Let me state this clearly: the party’s endorsement of President Tinubu does not amount to the dissolution of the Accord Party or its merger with any political platform.

‎‎“Accord remains an independent political party with its own constitution, leadership, ideology, and vision for Nigeria,” he said.

‎‎Imumolen maintained that the party would continue to take independent positions on political and governance issues despite its support for Tinubu. ‎On the Osun State governorship election, the party said it had taken a strategic decision to adopt Oyebamiji, the APC candidate.

‎‎Imumolen said the decision followed consultations and an assessment of the political situation in the state.

‎After careful consultations and a thorough assessment of the political realities in Osun State, the Accord Party has resolved to adopt and support the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.

‎“This strategic decision is driven solely by our commitment to ensuring competent leadership and sustainable development for the people of Osun State,” he stated.

‎Accord urged members of the public, the media and political stakeholders to distinguish between its endorsement of Tinubu at the national level and its alliance with the APC candidate in Osun State.

‎‎The party said suggestions that it had ceased to operate independently were inaccurate and misleading.

‎‎It added that it remained committed to democratic principles, national unity and issue-based politics, stressing that its political decisions would continue to be guided by what it considered the best interests of Nigerians.

Daily voice  reports that the Accord Party faction loyal to Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier endorsed President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

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Accord Party, Adeleke Adopt Tinubu As 2027 Presidential Candidate

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President Bola Tinubu has been adopted as the preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 election by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the national leadership of the Accord Party. The decision was reached during a meeting held on Saturday night in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

The gathering brought together top officials of the party from across the country, including members of the National Working Committee and state chairmen.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by Adeleke’s re-election campaign spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi, discussions at the meeting focused on the future of the party, national development issues and preparations ahead of the forthcoming Osun governorship election.

Party leaders said their support for Tinubu was influenced by the need for continuity in ongoing infrastructure projects being executed by the Federal Government.

They stressed that major road projects across the country should be completed without interruption.

Among the projects highlighted were the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway.

The party leadership maintained that continuity would help ensure the successful delivery of the projects and their expected economic benefits.

The meeting also reviewed the political atmosphere ahead of the August governorship election in Osun State. Leaders of the party called for a peaceful electoral process and urged all stakeholders to avoid actions capable of undermining the credibility of the poll.

They warned against violence, intimidation of political opponents, electoral malpractice and the alleged use of security agencies to harass members of the party during the election period.

The party further appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies and other relevant institutions to ensure a level playing field for all contestants.

Several national officers attended the meeting. They included the National Chairman of the Accord Party, Maxwell Mgbudem; Deputy National Chairman, Maryam Sale; National Secretary, Ajaja Abiola Adebukola; National Treasurer, Abdulazeez Oyeniyi Salaudeen; National Organising Secretary, Ibe Thankgod; and National Publicity Secretary, Omorogbe Joseph.Political communication services

Also present were state chairmen and other senior party officials drawn from different parts of the country.

The endorsement marks another significant political development in the growing relationship between Adeleke and the Accord Party following the governor’s alignment with the platform ahead of the Osun governorship election.

Party leaders at the meeting expressed confidence in Adeleke’s chances in the forthcoming poll and pledged to mobilise support structures across the state to secure victory.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the party nationwide while positioning it for future political contests. Moreover, Governor Ademola Adeleke publicly reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term ambition on several occasions. He described the move as being in the interest of Osun State and the South-West region. Leadership development programs

Speaking on May this year, during an inspection of the ongoing reconstruction work on the Ibadan-Ile Ife-Ilesa Expressway, Adeleke said his support for the President went beyond partisan politics.

The governor described Tinubu as “our own son, father and leader,” insisting that he needed no persuasion to back the President’s re-election bid.

“I am the governor of the ancestral birthplace of Mr President. How can I have my own in the saddle and think twice before embracing him? I need no persuasion to act as I have declared repeatedly our endorsement of Mr President,” Adeleke said.

He added that the endorsement was a “moral and development-driven action” aimed at advancing the interests of Osun State and the Yoruba people.

The governor maintained that supporting Tinubu would help sustain ongoing federal projects and strengthen cooperation between Osun State and the Federal Government.

The position was again repeated on June, when Adeleke formally flagged off his re-election campaign in Osogbo.

Addressing supporters at the event, he declared: “As we seek your votes on August 15, we also restate our endorsement of our son, father and leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for re-election in 2027. Our support for Mr President is unshaken and total.”

 

 

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BREAKING: Tinubu Gives New Top Appointment 

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Nigeria, Benin Sign Integration Pact

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart as Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, House of Representatives.

Naija News reports that the appointment takes immediate effect, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Olanrewaju-Smart succeeds Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who resigned from the position to contest an elective office in his home state.

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“This appointment is with immediate effect,” Onanuga said in the statement titled, “President Tinubu Appoints Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart as Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters – House of Representatives.”

The Presidency said the 40-year-old appointee brings extensive experience in legislative affairs and public policy to the position.

According to the statement, Olanrewaju-Smart holds a doctorate in Educational Management from Lead City University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University.

He was an Edward Mason Fellow in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and also holds a professional diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Public Relations.

The Presidency added that he was a LEAPS Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Policy Fellow at Quantum Alliance AI in the United States, where his work focused on artificial intelligence and civic technology.

Olanrewaju-Smart has held several positions within the National Assembly over the years.

The statement read, “His National Assembly career spans Research and Media Assistant to the Minority/Majority Leader, House of Representatives (7th–8th Assemblies), to Special Adviser, Deputy Chief of Staff, and ultimately the Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 9th and 10th Assemblies.”

The Presidency said his career trajectory provided him with experience in legislative research, administration and relations between lawmakers and the executive.

Olanrewaju-Smart joined the Presidency in October 2023 as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Intergovernmental Affairs.

He remained in the position until his latest appointment.

“Olanrewaju-Smart later joined the Presidency in October 2023 as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Intergovernmental Affairs, a position he held until this new appointment,” the statement said.

The Presidency added that his public policy research portfolio included contributions to several pieces of legislation.

“His public policy research portfolio includes work on several landmark legislations, such as the Interest-Free Student Loan Act, among others,” it added.

The Presidency said Tinubu was confident that Olanrewaju-Smart’s experience and knowledge would help deepen relations between the executive and the House of Representatives.

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