APC Primaries: Sanwo-Olu Says Hamzat Would Consolidate Lagos Gains

May 21, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has thrown his weight behind his Deputy, Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, expressing confidence that Hamzat would emerge as the All Progressives Congress, APC, flag bearer and eventually win the Governorship Election in the State come 2027.

Sanwo-Olu stated that he has confidence in Hamzat’s capacity, competence and understanding of governance in Lagos State, stating that his Deputy had contributed immensely to the progress his administration has recorded in the past Six and half years.

He further added that he believes Hamzat will sustain and build on the developmental strides achieved over the years.

The Governor spoke on Thursday as he participated in the APC Governorship Primary Election at Ward E3 on Lagos Island. He described the exercise as peaceful, orderly, and reflective of internal party democracy.

Sanwo-Olu who arrived the polling venue with his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said that the direct primary process allowed party members at the ward level to freely participate in the emergence of the party’s governorship candidate.

He said he remains optimistic that Hamzat will consolidate on the progress the State has achieved over the years and leverage on it.

Hamzat was chosen as the Consensus Candidate of the Party, prompting the likes of Mauyon Ajose and Olajide Adediran, popular as Jandor to step down for him. Thar followed his endorsement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Gov Yusuf’s Attempts To Drag Obi Into Divisive, Ethnic, Regional Narratives, Irresponsible – Kwankwasiyya Movement

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 21, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has dismissed claims suggesting that its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is working to promote the second term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It described the assertion as not only childish, reckless, contradictory, but coming from a person completely lacking the standing, authority and proximity to speak on matters relating to the political preferences, alliances and constitution of the Movement.

Sanusi Tofa ,the spokesperson for Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf of Kano State had, on Tuesday, in an Arise News programme, not only questioned the acceptability of the new political alignments between Kwankwaso and Peter Obi in the nascent Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, but also alleged that the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement is secretly working and promoting the re-election bid of President Tinubu.

Tofa had particularly expressed serious doubt about the proposed Obi/Kwankwaso pairing ahead of the 2027 polls resonating with the majority of Kano residents and Northerners .

He emphasized that Kwankwaso, who was also a former Governor of Kano state ,is not sincerely committed to the political alliance with the former Anambra State Governor, but is rather working behind-the-scene for the return bid of President Tinubu.

But in a scathing rebuttal on Thursday, May 21,2026, from its spokesperson, Dr Habibu Sale Mohammed, the Kwankwasiyya Movement described Tofa’s comments as a clear betrayal of the fear and panic within the Governor Yusuf’s administration.

The movement expressed serious concern and regret that fear has driven Governor Yusuf’s administration to the extent of resorting to ethnic ,and divisive rhetorics for survival.

Particularly, the Kwankwasiyya Movement described as completely unacceptable and irresponsible for the Kano State Government to drag the person of Obi into ethnic politics.

“Ordinarily, such confused political speculation would not deserve a response, but considering the deliberate attempt to mislead the public, and distort the political realities in Kano and Nigeria, it has become necessary to set the record straight.

“First, it is both shocking and embarrassing that a Government spokesperson could go on a national television to openly promote rumours, assumptions and fabricated political gossip as official communication.

“One moment, he claims Senaror Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is working for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the next moment, he says Kwankwaso has thrown the opposition into disarray. These contradictions clearly expose the confusion within their camp.

“The truth is simple: the growing acceptance of the Kwankwasiyya Movement across Nigeria has unsettled many political actors who now see Senator Kwankwaso as one of the most strategic ,and influential political leaders in the country today.

“It is important to remind the public that Sanusi Bature Dawaki Tofa was never at any point an official spokesperson for the New Nigeria Peoples Party or the Kwankwasiyya Movement.

“He merely served as media aide, and spokesperson for Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf during his political journey in both the Peoples Democratic party and later the NNPP.

“Therefore, it is dishonest and misleading for him to present himself as someone with knowledge of internal consultations strategic discussions or high-level political negotiations involving Senator Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya leadership.

“This same false narrative was earlier circulated through a section of the local media using the name of Ibrahim Shekarau ( former Governor of Kano state) as the supposed author.

“However, Malam Shekarau publicly distanced himself from the publication ,and denied any involvement with such claims.

“This clearly points to a deliberate and coordinated attempt to manufacture confusion, spread propaganda and create imaginary divisions within the opposition ahead of 2027.

“It is unfortunate that Sanusi Bature attempted to drag the person of Peter Obi into divisive, ethnic, and regional narratives.

“Nigeria has gone beyond the politics of hate, intolerance, and manufactured fear. Any attempt to label political cooperation between patriotic Nigerians from different regions as “pro-Biafra” is irresponsible , dangerous and unacceptable in modern democracy

“The Kwankwasiyya Movement believes strongly in national unity, social justice inclusion ,and issue-based politics. We will never subscribe to politics built on ethnic suspicion, regional blackmail or religious manipulations.

“We also reject the childish attempt to create imaginary hostility between Senator Kwankwaso and Peter Obi. Political leaders may hold different opinions on national issues, but mature democracies are built on dialogue , consultations and cooperation in pursuit of national development . Only insecure politicians are afraid of alliances and consensus building.

“On the issue of the crowd that welcome Senator Kwankwaso, Nigerians do not need propaganda to confirm political realities.

“The overwhelming public support witnessed in Kano was visible to the entire world. No amount of media distortion can erase what millions watched physically and across multiple media platforms

“Ironically, those questioning crowd figures are the same individuals who once rented crowds during elections and used state resources to sustain artificial popularity.

“The Kwankwasiyya Movement remains one of the few organic political movements in Nigeria built on ideology, sacrifice, loyalty and direct connection with the people” Mohammed stated.

The Movement described as extremely irresponsible for a Government acclaimed spokesperson to claim that Governor Yusuf approached President Tinubu for defection with Kwankwaso’s consent , while at the same time, portraying him as politically confused.

Mohammed warned that the Movement and Kano people are too politically sophisticated to be deceived by desperate narratives designed to create division within the family.

Court Nullifies INEC’s 2027 Election Timetable

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 21, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An Abuja Federal High Court, presided over by Honourable Justice Mohammed Umar, has nullified the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timeframe within which political parties are expected to submit the digital list of their membership, conduct primaries, submit or withdraw names of their candidates for the purpose of 2027 polls.

The Electoral umpire had fixed May 10, 2026,and May 30, 2026, as the dateline for political parties to submit their full and digital membership registers, conduct primaries, as well as submit names of their candidates for the purpose of the 2027 polls.

But in a judgement which may have offered a glimmer of hope to otherwise frustrated aspirants to seek political greener pastures in other parties, Justice Mohammed, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, held that the timetable as rolled out by INEC is in gross violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.

According to him, the timeframe “imposed” by the INEC on political parties within which to conduct their primaries, submit, withdraw, and replace names and particulars of their candidates for the 2027 general elections “is inconsistent with the Electoral Act.”

Justice Mohammed ruled that going by the provisions of Section 29( 1) of the Electoral Act , political parties are to submit the particulars of their candidates not later than 120 days to the election proper.

Justice Mohammed while ruling on a motion on notice filed by the Youth Party also held that by the provisions of Section 32 of the same Electoral Act, the INEC does not have the statutory power to publish the final lists of candidates for the 2027 general elections before the 60 days minimum period prescribed by the law.

“After hearing J. O. Olotu, Counsel to the Plaintiff and Sarafa Yusuf, Counsel to the defendant, Justice Umar held that going by the provisions of Section 29(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, which requires political parties to submit the personal particulars of their candidates not later than 120 days to an election, “INEC cannot lawfully abridge or limit that statutory period by prescribing a shorter timeframe in its 2027 timetable.”

In the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgment order in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/517/2026 and in which the INEC was the only defendant, the trial Judge similarly held that the electoral umpire lacks the power to abridge the statutory 90 days provided by the Electoral Act for political parties to withdraw and replace their candidates in the 2027 elections.

“A declaration is made that upon the proper construction.of Section 98 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the defendant (INEC), does not possess the statutory authority to fix its timetable for the 2027 general elections for campaign to end two days before the elections.

“A declaration is made that upon the proper interpretation to Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2026, the timeframe prescribed by the Defendant for submission of membership registers for the conduct of primary elections is NOT applicable to primary elections conducted for the purpose of replacing withdraw candidates.”

Justice Mohammed subsequently made an order setting aside the timeframes imposed by the defendant in its Revised Timetable and Activities for the 2027 General Elections – for the conduct of primary elections ,the submission of personal particulars of cando by their political parties for the 2027 general elections, the withdrawal and replacement of candidates by political parties for the 2027 general elections ,the publication of the final list.of candidates.for the 2027 general elections and campaigning for the 2027 general elections which is inconsistent with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026″.

The plaintiff in its motion on notice filed on March 11, 2026 through its Counsel, J O Olotu, had prayed the Court for a declaration that upon a proper consideration and interpretation of the provisions of Sections 29 ,82 and 84 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2026,the powers of the INEC to receive notice of party primaries, and the personal particulars of candidates, and to attend, observe and monitor such primo does not extend to fixing or prescribing the timetable within which political parties may conduct their primary elections for the purpose of nominating candidates for the purpose nominating candidates for the general elections” .

Ekiti 2026: 12 Candidates Sign Peace Pact, As INEC Promises Transparent Process

Ayodele Oni

May 21, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has charged political parties not to see the signing of Peace Accord as mere ceremony but to try and keep to the words of the agreement.

The INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, reminded the participating political parties and their candidates that the peace accord signing was not merely a bureaucratic formality, but a moral treaty entered before Nigerian people and the international community.

He made the pledge in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, during the signing of peace accord by 12 governorship candidates of political parties in the June 20 governorship election.

He noted that they are expected to demonstrate sincerity by translating their signature into actions that promote peace, tolerance and respect for electoral process before, during and after the election.

The INEC Chairman urged political actors to avoid any conduct capable of undermining the credibility of the election, adding that the Commission remains fully committed to conducting a frees, fair and transparent governorship poll in Ekiti State.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji in his remark, reaffirmed his strong commitment to ensuring peace before, during and after the June 20 governorship election in the State.

Addressing the gathering shortly after appending his signature to the document, Governor Oyebanji noted that his party had just concluded its local government campaign tour without any record of violence, a development he said reflected the commitment of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to peace, as well as his administration’s resolve to ensure harmony in the State.

The Governor pointed out that the fact that no case of violence has been recorded in the electioneering barely one month to the election, has further reinforced his confidence that the forthcoming election would be conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.

While noting that the prevailing calmness across the state was unprecedented in Ekiti’s electoral history, the Governor said it was perhaps the first time a governorship election is approaching with such a high level of peace and political maturity.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to preserving peace across the state, the Governor charged political parties and their candidates to honour the peace agreement in both words and actions by ensuring strict compliance with its provisions.

He also urged them to place the interest of the state above partisan consideration and work collectively to sustain the peaceful atmosphere already being witnessed across the state.

“Our party just concluded a tour of local government in the state and it was violent free. Ekiti State will be 30 years in October this year, this is the first time in the history of the state that an election will be few days away and we will have this kind of peace.

“So, I stand to make a commitment that after signing this accord and like the INEC Chairman said that is not the singing that is important, but the character of those holding the pen and I believe strongly and I can attest to fellow contestants that we will do everything to ensure that we have peace.

“I stand to make a bold declaration on behalf of the government that I am leading and other contestants that the election will be peaceful because it is only in the atmosphere of peace that we can serve our people”.

Also in his remarks, the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Olatunji Disu assured that the Nigerian Police has made comprehensive security arrangement to guarantee the safety of voters electoral officials and other stakeholders before, during and after the governorship election.

He explained that operational deployments, intelligent gathering and strategic positioning of personnel have been intensified across the state to prevent any breakdown of law and order, warning that the force would not hesitate to deal decisively with any attempt to disrupt the electoral process.

The IGP therefore urged residents of Ekiti State to come out en mass on the day of election to exercise their civic responsibility, assuring them that adequate security has been put in place to ensure peaceful, safe and credible electoral environment throughout the process.

The peace pact was organised by the National Peace Committee, (NPC) in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the signing of the document was witnessed by the National Chairman of the body, General Abdusalam Abubakar, who was represented by General Martin Luther Agwai ; and the Convener of the NPC, Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah;

Despite Criticisms, FG Insists On Fresh World Bank Loan

Ayodele Oni

May 21, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidency has fingered opposition in the decision of some Nigerians to kick against the Federal Government’s resolve to approach the World Bank for fresh loan.

Some Nigerians had flooded the World Bank’s social media platforms with appeals urging the institution to stop granting loans to Nigeria.

The Presidency, however, defended the Federal Government’s borrowing policy.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, suggested that political opponents may be behind the online campaign, noting that the country is already approaching another election cycle.

Bwala stated that it was difficult to determine whether those making the appeals were ordinary citizens or members of the opposition, stressing that political activities often intensify ahead of elections.

He maintained that regardless of the criticism, the Federal Government remains constitutionally obligated to carry out its responsibilities in line with the law.

He explained that leadership decisions cannot be driven solely by sentiments expressed on social media, especially when there are differing opinions among citizens on the same issue.

OPINION: Arsenal, at Last

The Source

May 21, 2026

By Azu Ishiekwene

I love Arsenal fans. I sometimes think there can’t be many of them who won’t make good spouses or lifetime friends.

It takes the patience of Job and the fidelity of a monk to support a team through 22 winless seasons and still have the heart to sing “The Angel (North London) Forever,” each time that they filed out to play about 835 Premier League matches before this season’s glorious dawn.

When the Manchester City v A.C. Bournemouth match ended in a 1-1 draw on Tuesday night, giving Arsenal an irretrievable win, the relief and joy that erupted amongst Arsenal supporters was beyond belief – the pure, unbounded ecstasy of “Arsenalotary” was in full display after more than two decades of shattered dreams! And who knows what might happen if Arsenal were to defeat PSG on May 30, and also win the UEFA Cup?

The world has changed since Arsenal last won the English Premier League (EPL) trophy in the 2003/2004 season. Barack Obama became the first Black US president. Brexit and COVID-19 happened, and Queen Elizabeth II died, ending the longest reign in British history.

Nigeria has had four presidents, and the fifth, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is ending his first term.

iPhone was launched, and Facebook became a global giant. Twitter did not even exist, nor did Instagram, TikTok or ChatGPT.

And two of the Club’s players– Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, on loan to Olympique Marseille – had not been born. That was how long Arsenal fans waited, singing Louis Dunford’s “Forever” most of the time.

Bookies nightmare

But it wasn’t always funny, especially in the last five years. In 2023/24, for example, pundits wagered that it would be Arsenal’s season. City, a serious contender, was on the back foot, and Mikel Arteta’s side looked formidable with the signings of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.

Analysts felt the club had matured. Arsenal topped the table for nearly 18 weeks before City toppled them and snatched the title by two points. It was another heartbreak year, as it turned out that City’s decline was slightly exaggerated.

Even in 2025/26, which is ending in glory, it seemed, at some point, that the curse of “nearly there” was about to repeat itself. I’m speaking not as an Arsenal fan, but as a father at the receiving end of the emotional turmoil suffered by family and friends broken by Arsenal’s many torrid seasons.

My barber, my cousin

This season has been particularly traumatic for them. For example, after Arsenal stumbled to a 2–1 defeat to City in April, my cousin vowed he would not watch the team again. He said the games were giving him mental stress and causing him nightmares. “If Arsenal doesn’t give me HBP,” he lamented, “then nothing will!” It’s what the Reggae star, Peter Tosh, might have called, “Arsenalmylitis.”

Like my cousin, my barber also managed to keep his sanity by telling anyone who cared to listen that this would be his last Arsenal season. For me, a Chelsea fan with nothing more to lose this season, I found myself playing a pocket therapist by assuring him there was hope, to lessen his misery, and also from what I thought was the mentality, depth and alignment of Arsenal’s squad this season. No Arsenal team has wanted to win more in the last 22 years than this one.

It’s been edgy for me, watching the Blues slip off the Champions League perch and losing the FA Cup final to City in the outgoing season. With a new coach and an overpriced, underperforming squad without major competitions to challenge them, even the new season looks uncertain. Yet, I’m not up for the fans’ transfer market.

More than just a game

Professional football, generally, has gained a frenzied global ascendancy that only religion can surpass in numbers, followership, and fanaticism. Despite the global economic downturn, football arenas fill up across cities and towns whenever there are fixtures. There seems to be more hunger for matches than there is in the stomach.

But there’s more to it than matches. I’ve often heard stories, both comical and sad, of how an increasing number of folks,young and not-so-young, are losing what ought to be residual income, savings or even borrowed funds in football pools and betting ventures. Even though it’s a matter of choice, the allure must feel like dope – overwhelming and psychotic.

The EPL Annual revenues for the 2023/24 season, according to Deloitte’s Annual Review of Football Finance, were worth around €38 billion. That figure covers professional club football, including the big five leagues in England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France, as well as smaller domestic leagues.

Its sheer size, efficiency and organisation are probably the reasons EPL has spawned a betting industry which has outgrown social inhibitions about gambling and now defies even religious preachments that gambling breaches the righteous code.

Boosted by digital satellite television, betting, especially the football brand of it, is no longer a street corner venture, but one of the fastest-growing businesses.

The tragic fallouts and losses have become part of the silent misfortunes of many folks, who, like insects attracted to the sweet smell of a poisonous plant, are ever again fatally tempted by the prospects of making easy money. So long as there’s a game, there’s hope.

Follow the money

Premier League clubs generated about £6.3 billion in revenue in the 2023/24 season, and Manchester City alone made £719 million. If the EPL were a country, its economy would be larger than those of at least nine African countries, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Malawi, Niger, and Lesotho.

Premier League clubs surpassed £6 billion in aggregate revenue in 2023/24, with the 2024/25 season projected to push total revenue even higher thanks to broadcast‑rights, new commercial deals, and rising match-day receipts.

Despite successive seasons of price rises, the average EPL fan paid around £53 per match-day in 2024/25, up from about £51 the year before, reflecting strong demand and limited stadium capacity. That pricing power underscores the basic economic truth: in a league where TV and commercial revenue insulate clubs from gate‑dependence, owners can treat match-day as a premium‑experience business, not a charity.

Before the title, Arsenal was already valued at £2bn to £2.8bn, according to Forbes. According to some estimates,ending a 22-year league drought could increase the club’s value by 10-20 percent over time, especially if it also wins the European title.

What next?

As the 25/26 season gives way to the World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will jointly host in June, emotions will find new avenues for expression, as football takes centre stage. Whether for club or country, the game can count on the tribal loyalty and emotions of hundreds of millions of fans to keep the cash register ringing and the stakes high.

Ishiekwene is the Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book, Writing for Media and Monetising It.

Rivers APC Pushes For Consensus Gov. Candidate As Wike’s Ally Withdraws

Ayodele Oni

May 21, 2026

Dr Alabor George-Kelly — Dr George-Kelly

By Ayodele Oni

A known ally within the political camp of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has officially withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress, APC governorship primary election in Rivers state.

Report revealed that the withdrawal of Dr George-Kelly, who is the third person to quit the governorship contest is to pave way for the emergence of a consensus candidates.

The primary election is currently taking place in 34 states, except Ekiti and osun states where off season poll will be holding June and August respectively.

Stakeholders in Rivers state have been increasingly pushing for a consensus arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement personally signed and released, George-Kelly said his decision followed wide consultations with his political supporters and stakeholders after a high-level meeting convened by the national leadership of the party.

Labour Party Postpones Presidential, Governorship Primaries

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 21, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Labour Party, LP, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, informed that all its primaries ahead of the 2027 polls originally scheduled for between May 27 and 29 , have been shifted to May 30, 2026.

A statement by Ken Asogwa its National Publicity Secretary, stated that going by the amended arrangement, Governorship, State and National Assembly, as well as the presidential primaries will be conducted simultaneously on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

According to the statement , the adjustment became imperative because of the earlier dates conflicting with two important national events.

The party noted that while the earlier date of May 27 coincides with the Muslim Eid El-Kabir celebration ,May 29 marks the third anniversary of elected political office holders across the country.

The party emphasized that review of the dates is in consideration and respect for the significance of the Sallah celebrations and the national importance of the May 29 anniversary.

The party expressed the confidence that the adjustment will afford members ,and aspirants the opportunity to fully participate in the events.

The full text of the statement reads:

LABOUR PARTY RESCHEDULES ALL 2027 PRIMARIES TO MAY 30

The Labour Party hereby notifies the general public, party members, and all aspirants participating in the Party’s 2027 primary elections that the primaries earlier scheduled for 27th May 2026 (Governorship and State Houses of Assembly) and 29th May 2026 (Presidential and National Assembly) have been rescheduled.

Consequently, all primaries for the offices of President, Governor, Senate, House of Representatives, and State Houses of Assembly will now hold simultaneously on Saturday, 30th May 2026.

This decision became necessary following the coincidence of the earlier dates with two important national events. The 27th May date coincides with the 2026 Eid el-Kabir (Eid al-Adha) celebration, while 29th May marks the third anniversary of the inauguration of elected public office holders across the country.

In consideration of the spiritual significance of the Sallah celebration and the national importance of the 29th May anniversary, the Labour Party, as a people-oriented and responsive political party, deemed it appropriate to adjust its schedule in order to enable members, aspirants, supporters, and Nigerians generally to fully observe these important occasions.

The Party regrets any inconvenience this adjustment may occasion to aspirants, stakeholders, supporters, and members of the public, and appreciates their understanding and cooperation.

Ken Eluma Asogwa

National Publicity Secretary

21 May 2026

The Source reports that all political parties, going by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC’s election timetable are expected to round off the conduct of their primaries on or before May 30, 2026 .

APC Primaries: Over 50 Percent Of Members Across The Country Not Happy With Conduct, Outcome – North Central Forum

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 21, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An All Progressives Congress, APC, support group, North Central APC Forum, has claimed that over 50 per cent of members are completely dissolutioned by the conduct and outcome of the party’s primaries, especially those involving the State and National Assemblies.

In a statement by its Chairman, Saleh Zazzaga, the forum expressed serious concern over the growing level of frustration and dissatisfaction with the leadership style of the APC National Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwaltda.

Particularly, the body lamented the unjustifiable wave of indiscriminate disqualification that have characterized the exercise, and noted that the conduct and outcome of the primaries have vindicated its earlier alarm that some unscrupulous party leaders and officials had commercialized and weaponized the exercise.

The Forum alleged that many of the victims of the disqualification were those perceived not to be in agreement with the selfish and narrow interests of certain prominent, but compromised party officials and chieftains.

According to Zazzaga, the unfortunate and condemnable conduct and outcome are traceable to the faulty and corrupt recruitment processes of both the screening and primary election Committee members.

The forum alleged that competence, credibility and proven integrity were sacrificed on the alter of political patronage and cronism in the appointment of officials for the exercise.

“What we have witnessed is that the process continued getting worse by the day. They are disqualifying people who are supposed to be cleared while clearing those who are supposed to be disqualified all because of their selfish interests.

“That is why we earlier raised the alarm that they have commercialized the process. From what we have gathered, over 50 percent of party members across the country are not happy with the conduct of the APC primary elections. They are not happy with the National Chairman.

“What we have seen play out is that they ( National Officers) sent their cronies to different states to conduct primary elections even when such persons lack the capacity, and exposure to handle such sensitive assignments.

“The selection of members of the primary election Committees was based on personal relationships and a willingness to do the biddings of party national officials.

“If an aspirant refuses to dance to their tune, once they notice that such a person is likely to win the primary election , they rush to announce a disqualification.

“That is why confusion has trailed the outcome.of the primaries in several constituencies and Senatorial Districts”, the Forum stated.

The group expressed serious concern that the national officers of the party have placed their selfish interests above those of the party, despite passionate pleas from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against such a disposition.

BREAKING: Tinubu Appoints 39-year-old JAMB Register As Oloyede Finishes Tenure

Adesina Soyooye

May 21, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Professor Segun Aina, has been appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Aina, 39 years old, will turn 40 years in July. He succeeds Professor Is-haq Oloyede. Professor Oloyede’s two-term tenure will end on July 31, 2026.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, who announced the appointed in a statement he issued on Wednesday, May 21, described Aina as “a distinguished academic and systems expert with extensive experience in national examination systems, digital infrastructure, and public-sector institutional reform.”

According to Onanuga, Professor Aina “holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, an MSc in Internet Computing and Network Security, and a PhD in Digital Signal Processing, both from Loughborough University, United Kingdom. He has also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.

“A Professor of Computer Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Aina began his career with JAMB during his National Youth Service, gaining foundational experience in national admissions and data-driven institutional processes. These insights have shaped his ongoing contributions to examination reform and systems optimisation.

“Professor Aina is a member of several professional bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).”

Tinubu, said Onanuga, expects Aina to bring to bear “his vast experience, knowledge and practical insight into the operations of the Board and to take the critical educational organisation beyond the laudable heights achieved by his predecessor.”

1...343536...2,937 Page 35 of 2,937