I Will Be Peter Obi’s Presidential Running Mate in 2027 – Kwankwaso

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May 12, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has disclosed that he has agreed to be the Presidential running mate to Mr. Peter Obi in 2027 if their political party so decides.

Obi was the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in 2023 while Kwankwaso was that of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP.

However, both men, former Governors of Anambra and Kano States respectively, having dumped the Parties under which they ran for the seat of the President in 2023, for the ADC, also dumped the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC recently.

And finally, in NDC, both men who refused to shift their grounds in 2023 to enable them run on a joint ticket, have agreed to work, and run on a joint ticket in 2027 under the NDC.

In a firm confirmation Monday night, March 11, 2026, during an interview with Arise Television’s Charles Aniagolu, Kwankwaso disclosed that he has agreed to be Obi’s running mate inspite of criticisms from those who feel that Obi should have been his running mate given his age, his political experience, and more.

He said his party, the NDC, having zoned the Presidency to the South, he had no choice than to comply. He then revealed that even his daughter had told him, since 2023, to work with Obi.

He said of his decision and why: “You have leaders; many of them don’t even realize what is happening on social media. We have leaders who hardly have any contact with the young men and women. People of your age, my age, or, especially, the age of Atiku, are very few in this country comparatively with the younger people.

“The younger people have their own way of thinking, even our children. You will be surprised, even in the 2023 election in my own house, my own daughter was telling me to go and work with Peter Obi. She didn’t say she was Obidient.”

Already, loyalists of both men are chanting: “OK (Obi/Kwankwaso) is OK”.

For now, against 2027, the battle line is drawn between APC and NDC.

Disqualification Of Fubara’s Nominees: Count Me Out, I Am Not Member Of The APC – Wike

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 11, 2026

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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister — Nyesom Wike.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Monday May 11, 2026, said he has no locus standi to comment on the activities of a political party to which he does not belong.

Wike spoke as he vehemently rejected insinuations linking him to the controversy surrounding the report of the All Progressive Congress’, APC, House of Assembly Screening Committee in Rivers State which disqualified aspirants sponsored by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The Source reports that the Muraine Ajibola-led Screening Committee had, in its report made available to the APC Rivers state Chapter, disqualified about 56 aspirants out of the 98 who appeared before it between Saturday and Sunday.

While all the 32 aspirants sponsored by Governor Fubara were disqualified , 33 others believed to be from the camp of his estranged political godfather, Wike, were surprisingly cleared.

However, the development has since continued to generate widespread debate and controversy with the ranks of the APC sharply divided.

Despite the insistence of the Rivers State APC spokesperson, Chibuike Ikenga, on the authenticity of the report, a member of the committee Hon Tanko Yamawo has described the said report as fake ,and unauthorized.

“The attention of the party leadership has been drawn to the circulation of a purported list of cleared and uncleared aspirants for the Rivers State House of Assembly currently making the round across media platforms.

“We wish to, categorically, state that the said publication is false, unauthorized and did not emanate from the appropriate authorities” Yamowa stated.

Reacting to the development on Monday, Wike distanced himself from the work of the committee as well as the controversy surrounding its report.

The FCT Minister who spoke during an inspection tour of some ongoing projects in Abuja, explained that he has no role to play in the affairs of a party which member he is not.

Wike faulted claims in many quarters claiming that he may be remotely or directly influencing the action of the Screening Committee.

“I am not a member.of the APC. So, I don’t know what is happening in their screening exercise. Even if they publish the results, why would I comment on it. I don’t know the reasons they have for their action”.

“What pertains to me is what I will talk about, not what does not concern me. I am not a native doctor, neither am I a prophet” Wike stated.

He, however, admitted the likelihood of a political alliance in Rivers State through the Rainbow Coalition which activities will be guided by political realities and areas of strength.

“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition. We will look at where we have strength, compare notes, and vote accordingly”, he added.

FG Issues Riot Act To MTN, Airtel, Globacom, Urge Them To Improve Or Face Sanctions

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 11, 2026

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Nigeria Telecom - MTN -GLO - Airtel - 9Mobile - Telecoms

By Akinwale Kasali

The Federal Government has sternly warned MTN, Airtel and Globacom to mprove their services or face Sanctions.

Issuing a strong note of warning to the Telecom Companies, Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in a statement on Sunday, emphasised that Nigeria’s connectivity gaps were largely structural, driven by years of underinvestment and constraints on operators, adding that the Government had tackled the problem through long-term infrastructure planning and immediate sector-stabilisation measures aimed at restoring sustainability and investor confidence.

Tijani stressed that recent reforms have stabilised the sector and removed excuses for poor network performance.

He added that the long-term reforms are focused on expanding infrastructure through new fibre deployment and tower rollout initiatives designed to close critical gaps in Nigeria’s digital backbone.

He noted that funding has been secured with support from the World Bank for Project BRIDGE, alongside additional investments in satellite capacity to boost nationwide coverage.

He added that these interventions are expected to transform connectivity over the next two to five years, enabling businesses and households to access reliable high-speed internet beyond unstable mobile connections.

“When we assumed office, it was clear that Nigeria’s connectivity challenges were structural, driven by years of underinvestment in infrastructure and constraints that limited the ability of operators to deliver quality service.

“We have addressed this on two fronts. First, the long-term structural solution. We have secured funding, led by the World Bank, and established the framework for a special purpose vehicle with Project BRIDGE, to deliver nationwide open access fibre infrastructure. Deployment of fibre will commence, alongside new tower rollouts through NUCAP, before the end of the year even as we also expand our satellite capability.

“These investments will address the foundational gaps in our digital infrastructure over the next two to five years and permanently transform connectivity across Nigeria,” he said.

As regards an immediate intervention in addressing the issues, Tijani said that government has stabilised the sector through tariff adjustments, the designation of telecom infrastructure as critical national infrastructure, tax harmonisation efforts, and broader macroeconomic reforms.

According to him, the reforms have restored operator profitability and created a more transparent and market-driven environment, giving telcos the capacity to invest in network improvements.

“It is now the responsibility of telecom operators such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and T2 to take all necessary steps to resolve network challenges and deliver the level of service Nigerians expect,” the minister insisted.

Speaking on the FG empowering the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Tijani said the NCC has been fully empowered to monitor performance, enforce standards, and ensure compliance, with sanctions expected for defaulting operators.

He however urged Nigerians to be on the lookout for measurable improvements in call quality, data speed and network coverage.

Tijani added that the government will continue to rely on regulatory reports and user feedback to hold operators accountable and ensure consumers receive value for money.

Some Elements Want To Play The Nyesom Wike-PDP Script In APC To Frustrate Tinubu’s Re-election – Northern Group Alleges

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 11, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Northern youth pressure group- the Arewa Youth Assembly, AYA , has raised alarm over alleged plots by some vested interests to mete out to President Bola Tinubu, the same treatment dished out to former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

The group, at a media briefing on Sunday, May 10, 2026, alleged that there is an orchestrated plot to create crisis and fragment the ranks of the All Progressive Congress, APC, with the ultimate aim of frustrating the second term ambition of President Tinubu.

Mohammed Aliyu, AYA Coordinator, linked the recent leadership crisis within the Progressive Governors Forum, PGF, to the wider plan by some forces to distabilize the APC ahead of the 2027 polls.

“In a replay of the script of what happened in the build-up to the 2015 general elections, these enemies of President Tinubu and Nigeria want to use the PGF to launch their assault on our democracy.

“If you recall, the problem former President Goodluck Jonathan encountered, which cost him the Presidency, started with division within the Governors Forum headed by the then Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi.

“Because these renegades could not break or manipulate Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, who is currently the PGF Chairman, they went for a soft target in Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state to set in motion machinery aimed at stopping Tinubu’s re-election.

“Abiodun not only recruited another soft target, Governor Peter Mbah, of Enugu State, to work against his own brother, they also found willing tools among a few Governors.

“They hastily.announced the removal of Gov Uzodinma because they saw him as an impediment to their perfidious.plot.

“But the majority of Governors rallied round their chairman to put down that insurrection. We are also happy that the majority of the Governors are from the Northern part of the country ,which confirms our resolve to honour the rotation agreement by ensuring.that President Tinubu completes his two terms before power shifts to the North in 2031”, the AYA stated.

According to the group, there are some renegades within the APC who have been planted as moles to be used in creating crisis and distabilize the party.

” In short, they want to play the Nyesom Wike card by weakening the internal mechanism of the APC the same way Wike did against the PDP”, Aliyu noted

However, the group warned that it will not sit idly by and watch as some people it described as unscrupulous elements , achieve their ambition of fragmenting the ruling party.

It has, therefore, issued a 48 hour ultimatum for those behind the unnecessary rumpus in the PGF to apologise to the President and Governor Uzodinma or prepare to face mass action by the youth group.

Confusion Trails Report Of Rivers State House of Assembly Screening Exercise

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 11, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

There appears to be a heavy crack within the ranks of members of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Rivers State House of Assembly Screening Committee over the report of the exercise.

The Committee in its report of the exercise held weekend, disqualified about 56 aspirants out of the initial 98 that obtained nomination forms.

While all 32 aspirants sponsored by Governor Siminalayi Fubara were disqualified, 33 others believed to be from the political camp of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister were cleared.

The Committee’s report was endorsed by its Chairman, Muraine Ajibola, and two others.

The spokesperson for the Rivers State chapter of the APC, Chibuike Ikenga, while confirming the development noted that the Committee’s report has been officially handed over to the party in the State.

But in a twist, on Monday, the Secretary of the Committee, Honourable Tanko Yamawo, while disclaiming the said report in circulation, described it as false and unauthorized.

According to him, an official report of the screening exercise which was only concluded late on Sunday, has not been released.

“The attention of the party leadership has been drawn to the circulation of a purported list of cleared and uncleared aspirants for the Rivers state House of Assembly currently making rounds across media platforms.

“We wish to categorically state that the said publication is false, unauthorized and did not emanate from the appropriate party authorities.

“It is important to note that the screening exercise conducted by the committee headed by Muraine Ajibola concluded less than 24 hours ago, and no official list has been released by the party as at this time.

“As a responsible political party, we are guided by established procedures, rules, and timelines regarding the publication of screening results and related information.

“Any official communication concerning the status of aspirants will be communicated through the appropriate channels in due course.

“We, therefore, urge party faithful, aspirants, supporters and the general public to disregard the purported list, and treat it as the handiwork of mischief makers whose intention is to create confusion and unnecessary tension within the party”, Yamowa’s statement reads in part.

But in a swift reaction, the Rivers State APC spokesperson, Ikenga, accused Yamowa of being mischievous and peddling misleading narratives on the status of the screening exercise.

He remained adamant that the list in circulation is official, having emanated from the Committee.

The APC State Publicity Secretary insisted that Governor Fubara’s nominees were disqualified from further participating in the contest.

According to him, the only thing left for those disqualified is to avail themselves of the appeal window which will open on Tuesday.

“Which statement did the man, Yamowa issue? That is fake news. The report of the screening exercise is out.

“If you go through our statement, we said the disqualified aspirants can go on appeal as from tomorrow at the Appeal Committee.

“They can approach the Appeal Committee to challenge their disqualification.

“The correspondence has to go to the State Secretary of the Party, indicating their interest to appeal their disqualification or whatever”, Ikenga noted.

Ondo Names First Flyover Bridge After Afenifere Leader Fasoranti

By

Ayodele Oni

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May 11, 2026

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Ondo First Flyover Bridge Named After Fasoranti

By Ayodele Oni

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday commissioned the Onyearugbulem–Shagari/Irese Road Flyover and Junction Improvement Project in Akure, Ondo state, describing it as a strategic infrastructure intervention expected to ease persistent traffic congestion and stimulate industrial and commercial development along the axis.

Shettima at the ceremony held along the Ilesha–Akure–Owo Expressway, said the project would significantly improve traffic circulation, enhance road safety, and open up the corridor for increased economic activities.

He commended the Ondo State Government for what he described as a timely intervention at a critical transport node, noting that such projects remain central to sustainable development and regional integration.

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was joined at the event by his Ogun State counterpart, Governor Dapo Abiodun.

In his address, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the project as historic achievement, stressing that it is the first flyover bridge constructed in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

He said the development goes beyond physical infrastructure, noting that it represents a deliberate effort to address long-standing traffic challenges, improve safety, and enhance economic productivity within the metropolis.

The governor recalled that the Onyearugbulem–Shagari and Akure–Benin Expressway intersection had, for years, remained a major flashpoint for recurrent accidents, severe traffic bottlenecks, and avoidable loss of productive time.

According to him, the corridor, being a key gateway into the South-West, had also suffered significant disruptions to economic activities due to persistent gridlock.

Governor Aiyedatiwa explained that the project was initiated under the administration of the late former governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and sustained by his administration to ensure continuity and completion.

The Governor later named the flyover after the National Leader of the Afenifere, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, who clocked 100 years on Monday.

He revealed that his government had, within the last one year, intensified infrastructure renewal across the state, guided by the conviction that quality infrastructure remains the backbone of economic growth, investment attraction, and improved quality of life.

The governor listed key projects to include the dualisation of the Akure–Idanre Road, Akungba–Ikare Road, Okitipupa–Igbokoda Road, and College Road in Igbokoda.

He also highlighted the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of over 100 kilometres of roads across the three senatorial districts, including Akure–Ijare Road, Akure–Imafon Road, Aiyegunle–Oka Road, and Igbotako Road, among others.

Governor Aiyedatiwa noted that several of the projects have been completed and commissioned, while others are at advanced stages of execution.

He maintained that the Rueben Fasoranti Flyover remains one of the flagship projects of his administration, saying it has already improved traffic flow, reduced travel time, and enhanced safety along the busy corridor.

Dozens Of Nigerians Feared Killed As Chadian Military Launches Air Strike On Boko Haram

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Ayodele Oni

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May 11, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

An air strike by the Chadian Military on jihadist positions in the Lake Chad area has killed unconfirmed number of Nigerians, mainly fishermen.

An AFP report which quoted a civilian militia member and an official of a Lake Chad fishermen’s union, stated that Chadian fighter jets bombarded two Islands believed to be controlled by Boko Haram militants.

At least 40 Nigerian fishermen were reported missing and feared drowned following the bombardment.

The exact death toll remains unclear as military operations across the vast waterways and marshlands shared by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad were ongoing at the time of reporting.

A militia member reportedly said the Chadian military had been bombing Islands on the Nigerian side of the lake since Friday after recent attacks on Chadian troops by Boko Haram fighters.

The source said there were “huge casualties” among fishermen operating in the area, many of whom reportedly pay taxes to Boko Haram to gain access to fishing zones.

“The bombing was concentrated on the jihadist stronghold of Shuwa island, where Nigeria, Niger and Chad meet on the lake.

“Many people were killed,” a fisherman from Baga in north-eastern Nigeria, was quoted as saying.

AFP reported that most of those killed in the strikes were believed to hail from Doron Baga, a fishing community on the Nigerian shore of Lake Chad, as well as from Taraba state.

“It is not a secret that Nigerian fishermen pay tax to Boko Haram to have access to the remote island with a huge fish reservoir,” one source said

“Boko Haram ferry them on their boats to those islands and bring them back with their catch.”

The Chadian military had not issued an official statement on the incident as of press time.

The development comes just days after Boko Haram launched two separate attacks on Chadian military positions near Lake Chad, reportedly killing at least 24 soldiers and two senior generals.

In October 2024, Chad’s military was similarly accused of killing dozens of Nigerian fishermen during air strikes targeting Boko Haram fighters on Tilma Island in Lake Chad.

President Tinubu Appoints Rtd. General Famadewa Homeland Security Adviser

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 11, 2026

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Army Major General Adeyinka Famadewa — Retired Army Major General, Adeyinka Famadewa.

By Adesina Soyooye

In a bid to achieve a stronger intelligence conference and inter-agency collaboration than what currently obtains, President Bola Tinubu has appointed a retired Army Major General, Adeyinka Famadewa, his Special Adviser on Homeland Security.

Famadewa, a former official in the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, is credited

with the establishment of Intelligence Fusion Centre.

His appointment by the President, was announced in a statement on Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

The statement said the rtd General’s appointment was approved by the President, in recognition of the “exceptional record of service, strategic expertise, and outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s national security architecture.”

The appointment letter was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and issued by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana.

According to the statement, the appointment highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing intelligence coordination and deepening inter-agency collaboration in tackling emerging security threats.

A well decorated Army officer he has over three decades of experience in military intelligence, counter-terrorism operations, national security strategy and international security diplomacy.

Among other services he had rendered to the Nation, Famadewa served as Principal General Staff Officer to the National Security Adviser between 2015 and 2021. While there, he played a key role in shaping Nigeria’s intelligence coordination framework.

The statement, also, noted that Famadewa spearheaded the establishment of the Intelligence Fusion Centre (IFC) at ONSA, an integrated intelligence-sharing platform bringing together the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces.

The platform was designed to improve national threat assessment and strengthen strategic response coordination among security agencies.

On retirement from active military service, he became a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja. There he focused on policing, civil-security cooperation and national security reforms.

He authored the monograph, “Policing and National Security in Nigeria,” which proposed practical frameworks for strengthening collaboration between civil institutions and security agencies.

President Tinubu expressed implicit confidence that the Famadewa would bring his wealth of experience and strategic insight to bear in advancing the administration’s homeland security objectives.

The President said the appointment would further enhance efforts toward achieving a safer and more secure Nigeria through improved intelligence integration, proactive risk management and stronger coordination of homeland security initiatives.

He urged the him to deploy his professionalism and expertise in supporting the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

This is the first time a Nigerian President would have a Special Adviser for Homeland Security.

Eight Jostle For ADC Governorship Ticket In Rivers State

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 11, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, has informed that eight people are currently angling for the party’s Governorship ticket in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 polls.

The Party also lauded former Governor Rotimi Amaechi for his bold action in officially throwing his hat into the Presidential ring.

In a statement on Monday, May 11, 2026, by its Chairman, Dr Chukwudi Dimkpa, the Rivers State chapter of the ADC, expressed satisfaction over what it described as the unprecedented wave of interest and participation in the affairs of the party in recent times.

Dimkpa emphasized that the growing interest shown by aspirants is an eloquent testimony to the growing level of acceptance of ADC as a veritable alternative political platform for credible leadership.

According to the Chairman, Amaechi’s formal declaration of interest in contesting for the Presidency seat, as well as his procurement of the nomination forms represent a defining moment in the growth of the Party.

“This is a clear indication that the Party has rapidly emerged as the preferred platform for credible leadership, progressive politics and people-driven governance.

“The formal declaration of intent by Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to contest for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, marks yet another major milestone in the growing national momentum around the party.

“In Rivers State, the level of interest generated within the ADC has been extraordinary. No fewer than eight prominent individuals have already indicated interest in contesting for the office of Governor on the platform of the party.

“They are among others a former Secretary to the State Government SSG, former member of the House of Representatives, and former Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority NPA. Another former member of the House of Representatives and former Chairman of NIMASA, former Commissioner for Employment Generation, former Chief Medical Director, CMD, of the UPTH, renowned architect and successful private sector leaders and entrepreneurs”, Dimkpa stated,

Besides those interested in the state’s topmost job, the Chairman disclosed that a significant number of individuals interested in other positions both at the State and Federal levels have also signified their interests.

According to him, the surge in interest, growth and acceptance level of the party is a clear sign that the ADC is not just an alternative platform, but a veritable vehicle to drive the future of the country.

“ADC is now increasingly being seen as the vehicle for the future. What we are witnessing is not an ordinary political movement.

“It is a convergence of experience, competence, credibility, youth energy, and grassroots belief in new political direction for Rivers State and Nigeria.

“For years, many Nigerians complained that credible people stayed away from politics. Today, credible people are not only joining politics, they are deliberately choosing ADC.

“The growing influx of respected leaders and professionals into the party reflects increasing public confidence in the vision, internal democratic culture, and transformational agenda of ADC”, Dimkpa noted.

He expressed happiness that Rivers people are now poised to enthrone a political order built on capacity, accountability and inclusiveness.

Lagos-bound Delta Airline Makes Air-return To Atlanta Hours After Take-off

By

Adesina Soyooye

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May 11, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

An American Carrier, Delta Airline, bound for Lagos, Nigeria, made a dramatic and unexpected return to its base Atlanta, mid-air after hours of taking off.

The Airline, Delta Air Lines flight DL54 left to Lagos from its operating hub, Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, but returned mid-air after eight hours flight. The incident took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The flight was due to arrive at tye Murtala Mohammed International Airport on Sunday. It turned out not to be.

Details of the circumstances which triggered the air-return after hours of flight are not yet public, but the crew made an announcement which informed passengers that the decision was due to “operational issues.”

On Sunday the airline cancelled its Lagos-Atlanta bound flight which left many passengers stranded at the airport.

The aircraft type was an Airbus A330-200 (registration N854W). The 21-year old departed Atlanta at 5:42 PM EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) and according to reports, climbed to a comfortable cruising altitude of 33,000 feet. It maintained a standard eastbound track for approximately three and a half hours.

But on approach to the midpoint of its oceanic crossing, the crew decided to turn around and return to its base in Atlanta.

Delta Airlines, in a statement, confirmed that the flight was diverted back to Atlanta due to an “operational issue.”

The fact that the crew decided to return to its hub in Atlanta instead of diverting the aircraft to an Airport in Western Europe or Azores, gives the impression that whatever malfunctioned will be better taken care of at the Airline’s maintenance base in Atlanta.