Tinubu Picks 2027 Nomination Forms As APC Kicks Off Presidential Race

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April 28, 2026

By Ayodele Oni

The contest for the 2027 Presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), commenced on Tuesday as the party formally began the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms in Abuja.

The exercise, being conducted at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja and the Ladi Kwali International Conference Centre, marks the opening phase of the party’s internal electoral process ahead of its presidential primaries scheduled for May 23.

In a move widely seen as an early signal of intent, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, James Faleke, collected the nomination forms on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

Party officials described the development as part of initial mobilisation efforts for the President’s anticipated re-election bid.

Faleke, a longstanding political ally of the President, was accompanied by senior figures within the party during the exercise.

The forms were handed over by members of the party’s National Working Committee, led by the Deputy National Chairman (North), Abubakar Dalori, alongside the National Organising Secretary, Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu.

Other party leaders in attendance included the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko; the National Vice Chairman (North Central), Bawa Rijau; and the National Women Leader, Mary Aliele.

The commencement of the process signals the APC’s transition into full pre-election activity, following a brief postponement of the exercise from its originally scheduled date.

According to the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027.

INEC also indicated that party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from them, will be conducted between April 23, 2026, and May 30, 2026.

The Commission further announced that campaigns for presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while campaigns for governorship and state assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026.

Dangote Gives FUTO N550m Students’ Hostel, Students Union Govt Gets N25m

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Adesina Soyooye

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April 28, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Africa’s unassuming richest man, Aliko Dangote, has pledged to build and donate to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, a students’ Hostel worth a whopping N550m. He also donated the sum of N25m to the University’s Students Union Government, SUG.

Dangote made the heartwarming pledge and donation just as he urged stronger local production, industrial growth, and power infrastructure in Nigeria.

He spoke at FUTO when he delivered a public lecture which focus was on

leadership, and service to humanity.

The new hostel project, when completed, will help to ease the terrible accommodation shortage which the students face.

Dangote inspired the students by sharing with them his journey to where he is today. He recalled his early days as a trader in commodities, from where he, gradually, but steadily, moved into large-scale manufacturing through “backward integration.”

He explained to them how very badly Nigeria is losing by relying on importation instead of relying on local production.

Dangote: “Importing finished products into Nigeria is equivalent to importing poverty, inflation and unemployment while exporting raw materials. Importation of finished products creates jobs, prosperity, and development in the exporting countries.

“Building local capacity is key to economic growth and job creation.

He also, emphasised the need for Nigerians and Africans to lead their own industrial development instead of depending on foreign investors.

Dangote: “Asian economies are powered by Asians, not foreign investment. They are the ones who invested in their countries. They did not wait for foreigners to come and develop their economies.”

He reminded the students of their capabilities. Nigerian youths, he said, have the creativity and ability to compete globally. He revealed that skilled engineers trained in his refinery operations are now attracting international attention. Some, he proudly said, are being recruited by companies in the Gulf region.

Thousands of excited FUTO students gathered to hear insights on entrepreneurship and could not contain their joy over the ₦550 million hostel pledge.

He, also, told them that Nigeria cannot achieve true economic independence unless the country built its own technical and industrial capacity.

He said: “True economic independence is impossible without technical sovereignty. We must fabricate, design, and build what we consume. We will remain the fiercest advocates for local content, which is key.”

On electricity, Dangote, who owns the biggest private refinery in the world said: “Distinguished fellows, our task is urgent. We must build power grids. This power is important; we must build it. I keep repeating, we must build it. Together, let us engineer a Nigeria that works not just for some, but for everyone”.

Why President Tinubu, APC Engineered Crisis In PRP – Bolaji Abdullahi

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 28, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The opposition Coalition platform, African Democratic Congress, ADC has lamented the darkness that has enveloped the Nigerian democratic arrangement under the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressive Congress, APC, Federal Government.

The Party’s national spokesperson , Bolaji Abdullahi, in a post on his official site regretted that the ruling APC may have elevated the act of sowing seeds of discords in opposition parties to the level of a state craft.

According to Abdullahi, the hitherto peaceful Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, has, of late, been turned into another battlefield just days after its National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, paid a courtesy visit to the Senator David Mark-led National Executive Committee NEC of the ADC .

He emphasized that the PRP’s obviously induced crisis manifested immediately after the PRP Chairman’s visit followed to Senator David Mark, APC Chairman, which sparked widespread speculations suggesting that the party is to serve as an alternative platform for the ADC ,

“Although this is not true, it took only that single whiff of speculation for a faction to emerge, almost overnight, in what had been a historically tranquil political party, challenging the leadership of Baba-Ahmed”, the ADC spokesperson stated.

Abdullahi, however, expressed serious concern over what he described as a troubling pattern of APC’s disposition towards shrinking the political space under the guise of avoiding credible and strong opposition ahead of the 2027 polls .

According to him, much as the Government of the day can continue to live in denial as regards the crises bedeviling the opposition parties, the signs are even visible to the blind to see that the Government is behind the spate of convulsions rocking opposition parties.

” The Government may continue to deny any involvement in the crises within other political parties, insisting that these are merely internal failures, but the pattern is visible .

“The world can see what is happening. More importantly, they can see where this path leads. When people are left with no options, they are, in reality, left with no choice”, said Abdullahi.

He expressed surprise and shock that no concerned chieftains of the APC have, so far, cautioned against the engineering of crises in the opposition parties ,as. well as its likely destructive consequences

The Source reports that a nebulous faction ,under the guise of PRP Vanguard, had on Monday, April 26, 2026, rejected the party’s national convention held in Abuja.

At a press briefing in Kano, the self-acclaimed factional National Chairman Comrade Abdulmajid Dauda, while distancing the group from the said convention and its outcome, described it as a “sham, and in violation of the party’s constitution.

Dauda alleged orchestrated plots by some vested interests whom he tagged “the Kaduna Mafia” to hijack and sell the party’s structure ahead of the 2027 elections .

According to him ,the faction led by the Kaduna Mafia lacks the legitimacy to act on behalf of the PRP, insisting that the party remains a socialist platform devoted to the preservation and promotion of the interests of the masses.

Specifically, Daudu took exception to the emergence of the Baba-Ahmed leadership , and its speculated plans to invite politicians from other parties into the PRP.

“The PRP is not for sale to the highest bidder, or to those seeking to purchase it for political convenience. Buyer beware”, Daudu warned.

Convicted Osun Monarch Deposed, Govt Declares Vacant Apetumodu Stool

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Ayodele Oni

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April 28, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Due to his conviction in the United States of America, the Osun State Government has removed Gbenga Oloyede as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area. The Government has, also, formally declared the traditional stool vacant with immediate effect.

The decision was announced in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, who said the action followed due consultations, legal review, and approval by the State Executive Council.

According to the government, Oloyede’s removal was based on provisions of the Osun State Chiefs Law and other applicable regulations guiding traditional institutions.

The monarch was recently convicted in the United States over COVID-19-related fraud and is currently serving a prison sentence.

The Government, also, confirmed the withdrawal of his staff of office and all instruments of authority, officially ending his reign and creating a vacancy for the Apetumodu stool.

The government said steps toward selecting a new Monarch would be announced in line with legal and customary procedures.

Security agencies have been directed to maintain peace in the community, while residents, kingmakers, and ruling houses were urged to remain calm and law-abiding during the transition.

The state reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the integrity of traditional institutions and ensuring due process in chieftaincy matters.

Oloyede, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States, was sentenced in August 2025 to four years in prison for orchestrating a scheme that exploited COVID-19 relief funds meant for small businesses.

Prosecutors said the fraud led to the forfeiture of assets, including a property in Medina, Ohio, and additional funds traced to the scheme, alongside restitution running into millions of dollars.

The development has heightened tensions in Ipetumodu, where divisions had emerged over whether to await the former monarch’s return or appoint a successor.

Two ruling houses and kingmakers had earlier called on Governor Ademola Adeleke to declare the stool vacant and begin the selection process for a new traditional ruler.

How Nollywood Actor, Filmmaker, Solomon Akiyesi Died

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 28, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Nollywood Industry has again lost another Actor and Filmmaker. Solomon Akiyesi has passed on in Abuja.

His passing was confirmed on Monday by Abubakar Yakubu, the Acting President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN.

He disclosed that the actor died in his sleep on Sunday.

According to Yakubu, Akiyesi went to bed, but failed to wake up.

He revealed that the Guild is still waiting for more details from the family to understand what really happened.

The late Actor hailed from Ososo in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

He began acting in the late 1990s and built a long career in Nollywood, appearing in more than 100 films over the years.

He featured in several movies, including Marry Who You Love, Kiss My Pain, Joy of Nakasha, Heart of a Saint, Deadly Affair, Gen Z Wife, Olaedo The Fisher Girl, Pretty Liars, The End Is Near, and Desperate Ladies.

His death has triggered reactions from his teeming fans who are yet to come to terms with his sudden demise.

His colleagues and fans have taken to the Social Media to pay tributes to him and his numerous works.

Edo State Government Disowns Governor’s Aide Who Threatened ADC, Insulted Peter Obi

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 28, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Still trying to untangle itselfrom the controversy that arose from Governor Monday Okpebholo’s threat against Peter Obi, the former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in 2025, the Edo State Government on Monday, April 2, 2026, officially distanced itself from the recent outburst by Emmanuel Eghogho, one of Governor’s Aides against the opposition Coalition platform the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the former Anambra State Governor.

The Source reports that a viral video online last week had shown Eghogho , making both incendiary and inflammatory comments about ADC members in Edo state,as well as threatening to deal with them .

The obviously embittered aide ,later hauled insults on the person of Obi and other chieftains of ADC , warning them warning Obi not to make any public appearance anywhere in Edo state, before ,and during the 2027 polls.

The Governor’s aide,also expressed the readiness to hunt down and hand over to the security agencies , any identified supporter or sympathizer of the opposition camp .

Ironically and even more embarrassingly, the threats and tantrums were thrown right before the very presence of the Edo state Police Commissioner CP Monday Agbonika ,who rather than reprimand or take action just put a mien suggestive of applauding the said aide.

Expectedly, the action of the Governor’s aide coming just a couple of months after a similar outburst by his principal, has continued to generate widespread indignation and condemnations, with not a few lashing out at the Edo State Police boss for seemingly approving of such unbecoming and anti-democratic posturing .

The despicable conduct of the aide has, also placed the Edo State Government on the spot.

But reacting on Monday the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua , while condemning the uncouth behaviour and utterances of the aide ,noted that Governor Okpebholo’ has zero tolerance for acts of gangsterism, political hooliganism or any attempt to subdue the opposition, using foul language and threats.

“We want to disown that statement as not the position of Government, but as the voice of an individual who is also amenable to existing laws of the land .

“I think it is the media that makes people like Eghogho important . When you ignore, and face larger issues, people will not take such a young man seriously .

“But I am just telling you that this is not Government position ,and the views expressed ,do not reflect those of the Government..

“We, therefore, frown totally against such kind of incendiary statements as credited to person popularly known as Egogo. It is not our article of trade. It is not our thematic focus as a Government..

“Rather, we try as much as possible to promote unity of purpose ,a spirit of camaraderie among all Edo citizens and residents..

” If you have any cause to do business in Edo state, we want you to be happy when you come. That is why we have invested so much in security” Afegbua stated .

This was as he emphasized that it is the responsibility of the security agencies to decide how to handle the situation at hand.

” It is the law enforcement agencies that will decide what to do in the present circumstance. If they feel troubled by what he said, they can handle him accordingly.

” It is the responsibility of the law enforcement agencies to rein in people in the system” he added.

The Edo state Command had earlier embarked on what many have perceived as both a belated ,and unconvincing attempt to exonerate the CP.

In a statement from its spokesperson Eno Ikoedem, the Command distanced the CP from the offensive remarks by Eghogho .

NBS: FG Borrowed $7bn In 3 Months

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 28, 2026

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Nigeria’s public debt stock increased from N153.29 trillion (103.94 billion dollars) in the third quarter of 2025 to N159.28 trillion (110.97 billion dollars) in Q4 2025, according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics.

The NBS disclosed this in its Nigerian Domestic and Foreign Debt Report for Q4 2025, released in Abuja on Monday.

The Bureau stated that Nigeria’s public debt stock, which includes external and domestic debts, grew by 3.90 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis.

According to the NBS total external debt stood at N74.43 trillion, while domestic debt was N84.85 trillion within the period

The NBS stressed in the report that the share of external debt to total public debt (in naira value) stood at 46.73 per cent in Q4 2025, while the share of domestic debt was 53.37 per cent.

In a breakdown by states, the bureau said Lagos State recorded the highest domestic debt of N1.22 trillion in Q4 2025, followed by Rivers State with N378.81 billion.

The breakdown of the report indicates that Jigawa recorded the lowest domestic debt at N1.60 billion, followed by Ondo with N8.42 billion.

The NBS added that Lagos State also recorded the highest external debt in Q4 2025 at 1.17 billion dollars, followed by Kaduna State with 684.29 million dollars.

“The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded the lowest external debt in Q4 2025 at 26.80 million dollars, followed by Zamfara with 41.93 million dollars,” the NBS said.

RANKED: Nigeria’s Online Media Traffic Drops 26 Percent In 2025

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 28, 2026

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Nigeria’s digital media ecosystem recorded a 26.2 percent decline in total readership traffic in 2025, according to the newly released SquirrelPR RANKED 2026 Report, signalling a major shift in how audiences consume news and how influence is measured across the industry.

Total traffic across Nigerian digital media platforms fell from over 1.04 billion visits in 2024 to 769 million in 2025, marking one of the most significant structural changes in the country’s media landscape in recent years.

The report notes that this decline does not reflect reduced relevance, but a recalibration driven by artificial intelligence. AI-powered search overviews are increasingly answering user queries directly, reducing the need to visit publisher websites while still relying on those same publishers as primary sources.

“The old model of digital media was built on clicks. That model is breaking down,” said Jonah Solomon, Co-founder of SquirrelPR “Today, influence is defined by authority, trust, and the ability to shape conversations—even when users don’t click through.”

Delivering the keynote address, Keni Akintoye, CEO and Lead Strategist at KT Communication, described the shift as a fundamental evolution in how influence is created and distributed.

“Influence has not declined—it has evolved,” he said. “People are still consuming content, but increasingly without arriving at the source. In that reality, traffic is no longer a complete measure of relevance. Trust is.”

He added that media platforms are transitioning from destinations to sources of authority within a broader information ecosystem, where credibility determines whether content is referenced and amplified.

The Reporthighlights that domain authority and credibility are emerging as key indicators of influence, as high-authority platforms continue to dominate visibility in AI-driven discovery environments.

Across sectors, performance patterns vary. Legacy news platforms continue to dominate traffic and remain central to the information ecosystem powering search and AI systems. In business media, specialist platforms are gaining traction with more targeted, insight-driven content. Technology media faces the most direct pressure from AI summarisation, while entertainment and lifestyle platforms remain relatively resilient due to their cultural and engagement-driven nature.

Insights from the panel session reinforced the shift away from volume-driven metrics. Múyiwa Mátuluko, CEO of Businessfront, said media organisations must prioritise depth and relevance over scale. Rasheed Bolarinwa, Group Head of Brand Marketing and Communications at Polaris Bank, noted that brands are increasingly focused on conversion, trust, and audience quality.

From the newsroom perspective, Olufemi Ajasa, Online Editor of Vanguard, emphasised that credibility and quality journalism remain central to relevance. Damilola Bright-Ukwenga, a communications professional, highlighted the growing role of creators and micro-influencers in shaping narratives. Ifeanyi Abraham, PR Director at CIG Motors and moderator, described the shift as seismic, urging industry players to reposition for resilience.

The report concludes that traffic alone is no longer a sufficient performance metric, calling for a more strategic, authority-led approach to media visibility.

“PR can no longer be guesswork,” Solomon added. “You need data to understand which platforms truly shape perception.”

SquirrelPR also unveiled SquirrelPR 2.0, an AI-powered PR management platform built for Africa, and SMT Monitor, a media monitoring and social listening platform designed to support more data-driven communication strategies.

The Ranked 2026 Report positions Nigeria’s media landscape not as declining, but evolving into a more complex, AI-mediated ecosystem where trust, credibility, and influence matter more than ever.

Zenith Bank Makes Entry To Cote D’Ivore, Deepens West African Presence

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 28, 2026

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Zenith Bank Plc has announced the opening of its Côte d’Ivoire subsidiary, marking a pivotal achievement in the Group’s Pan-African expansion strategy.

The official opening ceremony, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, is expected to attract senior government officials and regulators from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, continental business leaders, and members of the diplomatic community, highlighting the strategic economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.

The new subsidiary, licensed in December 2025 by the Ministry of Finance and Budget, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and regulated by the UMOA Banking Commission, will commence operations from its headquarters at SCI Wall Street, Avenue Noguès, Plateau, Abidjan.

The launch represents a strategic move to deepen the Bank’s presence in Francophone West Africa and strengthen financial intermediation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU). Positioned as a gateway for cross-border trade and investment, Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire will focus on corporate banking, trade finance, local and offshore banking services, and structured financial solutions tailored to businesses operating across Africa and internationally.

Commenting on the launch, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, said: “From the very beginning, our Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia CFR, set out to build a truly global brand with a strong presence across Africa and key international markets. The launch of Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire is a bold step in realising that vision; opening a strategic corridor into Francophone West Africa and reinforcing our commitment to facilitating trade, investment, and enterprise growth across the continent. As we continue to expand thoughtfully and strategically, we remain focused on delivering world-class banking solutions that connect African businesses to global opportunities.”

The new subsidiary will be headed by MD/CEO Mr. Cédric Tano, a seasoned banking executive with over two decades of experience. Speaking ahead of the official opening, he said “We are proud to establish Zenith Bank’s presence in Côte d’Ivoire at a time of strong economic growth in the country and increasing regional integration. Our focus is to showcase the Zenith brand as a customer-centric institution that combines global best practices with deep local insight. We are well positioned to support businesses with innovative financing solutions, facilitate cross-border trade, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Ivorian economy and the wider WAEMU region.”

The Côte d’Ivoire launch forms part of Zenith Bank’s broader continental growth strategy. In addition to the Anglophone countries where it currently operates, and in line with the expansion into the Francophone market, the Bank has commenced its entry process into the CEMAC (Central African Economic and Monetary Community) region, with Cameroon as the focal point.

With a footprint already spanning Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, the United Kingdom, France, the UAE, and China, Zenith Bank continues to bridge African markets with global opportunities, enabling seamless trade and financial connectivity across the continent and beyond.

Founded in 1990, Zenith Bank has grown into one of Africa’s most respected banking institutions, boasting a robust capital base and a consistent track record of strong financial performance. For 16 consecutive years, the Bank has held the record of highest Tier-1 capital in the Nigerian banking industry. Built on the foundation of People, Technology, and Service, Zenith Bank continues to deliver innovative financial solutions while maintaining a disciplined approach to growth and risk management. Its performance has earned it numerous local and international recognitions and endorsements.

Lagos Govt Reacts To Gov Sanwo-Olu’s Alleged Ill-Health

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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April 28, 2026

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The Lagos State Government has responded to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s alleged illness, and the consequent order to him to resign and hand over to his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

In a swift reaction to the online story, the State Government said the Governor is in good health, and so, no need for any apprehesion.

The online news medium had said that Governor Sanwo Olu has been directed by President Bola Tinubu to handover to his Deputy because of his alleged health challenges, which has prevented him from performing his duties in office.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the State Government said the report was false and misleading, and should be ignored by the public.

According to the Governor’s spokesperson, the state government is deeply concerned about the impact of the report on the public. It insisted that the governor was not ill, is not ill, and has not been directed by the President ‘to resign on health grounds.”

The State Government, also, cited Governor Sanwo-Olu’s meeting with i

his Deputy as a proof that he’s not indisposed, and urged the public to discard the report of any ill-health. The government said the report had no basis at all.

Part of the statement reads: We have noted with concern a false report alleging that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been ‘ordered to resign on health grounds’ with the Deputy Governor set to take over.

“This report is false in its entirety. Nobody has asked the Lagos Governor to resign, this is another fake news, which has become a pattern.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu remains in good health, of sound mind, and is actively discharging his duties as Governor of Lagos State.”

The magazine reports that Governor Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, endorsed Dr Hamzat as the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate for the 2027 election, at a meeting attended by the party’s stalwarts in the state, including all the Local Government Chairmen.