₦airaland Forum

armadeo:
I thought hamza was unopposed?

APC aspirant Samuel Ajose (SMA Gold) drew a large crowd at his Ebute Metta rally, pledged to advance his “Loving Lagos Forward” agenda.

He called for open primaries, as party tensions rise with Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat leading the race with key endorsements. #PensionersFM pic.twitter.com/q1e7WceEAR

— Pensioners 106.7FM (@pensioner1067fm) May 14, 2026

“The opposition knows that they will lose this election. Those that don’t like us will like us because we will talk to them, we will go to them, we will approach them, and we will show them what we have done and what we are doing.”
pic.twitter.com/snb3Wrp2Im

— Adedotun Savage (@adedotun_savage) May 14, 2026

Omo! Samuel Ajose is not backing down for Hamzat o. See the massive turnout for his Lagos Rally.

APC Primaries go hot 😂 pic.twitter.com/bZzxLqU66X

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) May 14, 2026

Lagos APC Primaries: 91 aspirants jostle for 24 reps tickets

by Zainab Olufemi
May 14, 2026

No fewer than 91 aspirants will on Friday battle for the All Progressives Congress (APC) tickets for the 24 House of Representatives seats in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The aspirants, who were screened and cleared by the party’s screening committee, include incumbent lawmakers, former members of the House of Representatives, ex-members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, former council chairmen and party stalwarts.

Findings showed that direct primaries would be conducted in most of the 245 wards across the state to determine the party’s candidates for the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

It was also gathered that while consensus arrangements were reached in some federal constituencies, several aspirants reportedly ignored appeals by party leaders to step down.

Three aspirants are, however, expected to emerge unopposed. They are Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa for Agege Federal Constituency, incumbent lawmaker Fuad Laguda and Benjamin Olabinjo.

In Ikeja Federal Constituency, incumbent lawmaker James Faleke will face Olufunke Hassan, while Jimi Benson is set for a showdown with Olugbenga Shittu in Ikorodu.

The lawmaker representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Paul Kalejaiye, will contest against his predecessor, Kolawole Taiwo.

Former Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, is seeking the Mushin II ticket against incumbent Toyin Fayinka, while in Mushin I, incumbent Adeyemi Alli will battle Adeleke Opeodu and Madina Sanusi.

In Badagry, Sesi Whingan will square up against Olusegun Adeniran and Olufemi Ogunsanya, while Adebayo Balogun faces Lukman Akinsanya and Delaja Oladipupo for the Ibeju-Lekki ticket.

The contest in Ojo Federal Constituency will be between former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bolaji Robert, and Wale Williams. Lanre Okunola and Aremu Olalekan are also set for a duel in Surulere II.

Oshodi-Isolo is expected to witness one of the fiercest contests, with 16 aspirants vying for the two constituencies in the area.

Among contenders for Oshodi-Isolo I are former council chairmen Afeez Ipesa-Balogun and Bolaji Ariyoh, alongside Abayomi Fasanya, Taiwo Ayedun, Bashiru Dawodu, Lawrence Olanrewaju Iyere, Ndubisi Okwara and Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola-Salako.

For Oshodi-Isolo II, former House of Representatives member Ganiyu Johnson and former Commissioner for Information and Strategy Kehinde Bamigbetan are among aspirants in the race.

Ten aspirants are also seeking tickets for Lagos Island I and II constituencies.

Chairman of the Lagos House of Representatives Caucus, Dolapo Badru, former House of Representatives member Ibrahim Obanikoro, former council chairman Toyese Olusi, Muyiwa Ajayi-Bembe, Ayodele Oluseye and Yusuf Adekunle are contesting for Lagos Island I.

Incumbent lawmaker Kayode Akiolu will slug it out with former Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, as well as Saheed Salawe and Oluwatobilola Martins-Fregene for Lagos Island II.

In Lagos Mainland, incumbent Lanre Oshun faces competition from former council chairman Omolola Essien, Sunday Sawyer, Olushola Olorunleke, Omolaja Animashaun, Olatokunbo Oluwole and Adekunle Omolaja.

The Alimosho contest features incumbent Ganiyu Ayuba, former Commissioner for Tourism Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, former council boss Olabisi Adebanjo, Olabode Adebisi and Babatunde Fatuade.

Somolu Federal Constituency is expected to produce another keen contest involving former ALGON National Chairman Kolade Alabi, former Somolu council chairman Abdul-Hammed Salawu, former House of Assembly member Rotimi Olowo and Mojisola Kassim.

In Kosofe, incumbent Kafilat Ogbara will contend with former council chairmen Yetunde Arobieke and Dele Osinowo, alongside Remi Odunsi and Aina Olayinka.

For Epe Federal Constituency, incumbent Wale Raji will contest against Saidat Oladundoye, Wale Anomo, Ademola Amure and Bakare Isiaka.

Six aspirants are in the race for the APC ticket in Amuwo-Odofin, including Ayodele Adewale, Ramotallahi Akinola, Thomas Ayo Da-Silva, Wuraola Adewale, Moses Olarewaju and Adeola Adegbenga.

In Eti-Osa, former council chairmen Rasheedat Adu and Fuad Lawal are contesting alongside John Ogundara, Tosin Wahab and Opeyemi Abodunrin.

The aspirants for Apapa Federal Constituency include incumbent Mufutau Egberoungbe, former council chairman Funmilayo Muhhamed, Samuel Adesola Adebayo and Abullateef Aloba.

ABUJA, FCT

MAY 14, 2026

PRESS STATEMENT

APC POSTPONES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PRIMARY ELECTION TO SATURDAY, OTHER DATES REMAIN UNCHANGED

The All Progressives Congress (APC) announces the postponement of the House of Representatives Primary Election for the 2027 General Elections to Saturday, 16th May, 2026.

Previously announced Primary Election dates for the Senate, State Houses of Assembly, Governorship and Presidential primaries remain unchanged.

The Primary Elections will now be held as follows:

• House of Representatives - Saturday, 16th May, 2026

• Senate - Monday, 18th May, 2026

• State House of Assembly - Wednesday, 20th May, 2026

• Governorship - Thursday, 21st May, 2026

• Presidential - Saturday, 23rd May, 2026

Signed:

Felix Morka, CON
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)

STATEHOUSE STATEMENT

PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU'S STATEMENT ON THE COMMENCEMENT OF APC PRIMARIES NATIONWIDE

Fellow party men and women, I am pleased to witness this historic moment in the annals of our party. The party we formed just like yesterday is gearing up for its fourth election cycle. It is a source of pride for me, and I believe for all our distinguished leaders and teeming members.

We founded the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the firm principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice. This principle of selflessness and devotion has seen us go through each election cycle and come out firmer together. We must consolidate on it as we go into the primaries tomorrow.

The primary elections, kicking off with those for House of Representatives aspirants tomorrow and culminating in the presidential primaries on May 25, 2026, are not mere exercises to produce our standard bearers. They are a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party. They present an opportunity to renew the bond and ideals that we share.

I am aware that, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act (2026) and our party's constitution, leaders at various levels have initiated conversations to produce consensus candidates. It is a commendable option that would help in reducing rancour and bad blood among party members. I note the impressive progress made in this regard and encourage fellow party members to make the most of this window to ensure a seamless process and a more unified party.

Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters. All participants in the primaries, as contestants or voters, must keep the peace and be ready to play as sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country. We cannot afford rancorous conduct or the debasement of our democracy and party unity. In every contest, there will be a winner and a loser. I urge the winners not to gloat in victory and the losers to show sportsmanship by taking things in their stride and preparing for another time. The ultimate winners are those who don't choose to wreck the boat but rather work to prepare for another round. Our opponents are waiting for us to be against each other; we should disappoint them.

Winners and party leaders at all levels should reach out to those who did not succeed with olive branches. We should not play the politics of old; the do-or-die politics that we have put behind us. Politics should never be a zero-sum game. Any candidate that wins does so for all of us as a party. Those who lost out have the opportunity to appeal to the party's committees set up for redress.

To the party leadership, our governors, and other leaders, I urge you to be fair and just. You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field that guarantees participation without let or hindrance. While only one person will win for every seat contested, we should give eventual losers the satisfaction of a fair contest.

The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart. I appeal to voters in the primaries and leaders at all levels to give special consideration to our women and youth in the contest. We cannot afford to relegate the two significant demographics of our population.

Lastly, the Police and other security agencies must remain professional and avoid acting as interlopers during this exercise. Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more.

I wish all our aspirants and party members good luck and a successful outing. I look forward to working with the victorious aspirants for the success of our great party in the general election.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces

Federal Republic of Nigeria

May 14, 2026

gassbee:
u don ever hear say atiku loose primaries before

Flows001:
Yes. Atiku lost to Goodluck Jonathan in 2011, and also lost to Buhari under the APC in 2015..

Today, I submitted my Presidential nomination forms at the ADC Secretariat, officially throwing my hat in the ring to salvage our country, Nigeria. The mission is clear, we will fight to restore dignity to Nigerians, make our country great and respected in the comity of nations, and bring unity, peace, prosperity and progress to our people.

Arise and Shine!

I initiated the divorce proceedings, the process is now concluded, and I’ve chosen to move forward peacefully and focus on my work, purpose, and family. Bless God.

For the past several months, I have quietly carried the weight of intense emotional distress and private pressure that no one should ever have to endure.

Since the end of my marriage, I have tried to move forward in peace but I have been met with persistent attempts to force me back into a relationship I had clearly walked away from, under the claim that we remained “culturally married.”

Because I chose to stand my ground and reclaim my life, I have become the target of a malicious campaign. False, deeply hurtful allegations about my character and my fidelity have been weaponised against me online to punish me for leaving. I want to be absolutely clear:

I never cheated on my former spouse-Ugo (Parklins Ifeanyichukwu) at any time during our marriage. These claims are entirely fabricated.

Watching my private photographs and videos being dragged across blogs and social media accompanied by cruel insults, harassment, andcharacter assassination has been heartbreaking and terrifying. This has been a deeply traumatic experience, not just for me as a woman, but as a mother.

To protect my name, my dignity, and my well-being, my solicitors will commence immediate legal action.

I believe that those responsible for these defamatory publications should be held accountable.

Now, I intend to let the lawful process and my legal representatives handle the situation. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has shown restraint, kindness, and support during this painful period.

For clarity, this is my only official X (Twitter) account. Please disregard anything posted from any other accounts claiming to be me or speaking on my behalf.

Inside the Judo ring, rank no longer mattered. What stood out instead were discipline, legacy, and the connection between father and son.

The son made three attempts.
Each time, experience responded.

Strength was not only shown in the throws. It came from years of discipline,… pic.twitter.com/XbFdlpwVQu

— Aliyu Giwa (@aleeygiwa) May 11, 2026

NJF Seeks IGP’s Backing for 2026 Championships, Secures Pledge of Partnership

The Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) has secured the commitment of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, to partner the federation in advancing judo across Nigeria.

The delegation, led by NJF President, Dr. Musa Oshodi, paid a courtesy visit on the IGP yesterday at the IGP Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The visit focused on deepening collaboration between the federation and the Nigeria Police Force, which has historically produced several of the country’s top judokas.

Briefing journalists on Wednesday on the outcome of the visit, Dr. Oshodi described the engagement as “cordial, productive, and inspiring,” noting that the IGP’s background as a former judo athlete made the discussions more meaningful.

“We presented three key requests to the IGP,” Dr. Oshodi said. “First, we sought his sponsorship and support for the 2026 IGP Judo Championships. Second, we proposed closer collaboration with the Nigerian Police to intensify their kinetic defence base through judo training. Third, we appealed to him to use his good office to attract individual and corporate sponsors to the federation.”

Responding, IGP Disu, who holds a 4th Dan Black Belt and now serves as Life Patron of the NJF, assured the delegation of his readiness to support the federation’s goals.

“IGP Disu told us unequivocally that he is ready to partner the federation’s aspirations. He understands the values of discipline, resilience, and respect that judo instills, and he wants to see those values spread further within the Force and beyond,” Dr. Oshodi quoted the IGP as saying.

The visit also served as an opportunity to formally inform the IGP of his recent upgrade from 3rd Dan to 4th Dan and his promotion from Patron to Life Patron of the Nigeria Judo Federation.

“This recognition is our way of honouring his contributions and acknowledging his place in the judo family. His acceptance and words of encouragement have energized us to work harder for the growth of the sport,” Dr. Oshodi added.

The NJF president expressed optimism that the partnership would yield tangible results ahead of the 2026 IGP Judo Championships and strengthen the role of judo in national security training.

“We are confident that with the IGP’s support, judo will continue to grow as both a competitive sport and a tool for building discipline and tactical capacity in our security agencies,” he said.

The courtesy visit marks a renewed push by the NJF to strengthen ties with key stakeholders and expand the reach of judo nationwide.