Tinubu Hosts City Boy Movement, Praises 4.8 Million Members Ahead of 2027 Election

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hosted leaders and members of the City Boy Movement and other pro-government youth groups at the State House, praising their support for his administration and urging them to mobilise Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election.

Tinubu disclosed this in a statement following the meeting, which brought together the City Boy Movement, the Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria team and other youth support groups from across Nigeria and the diaspora.

The president commended the groups for defending his administration since 2022, saying they had continued to promote his policies in markets, on university campuses, in motor parks and on social media, even when the decisions attracted criticism.

He said the City Boy Movement had built a network of more than 4.8 million verifiable members across states, local governments, wards and polling units. He also highlighted the movement’s contact centre and its City Boy Care initiative, which he said supports members in their communities.

Tinubu expressed particular interest in the launch of #AskCityBoy, a platform designed to help Nigerians understand government policies and activities through everyday conversations. He encouraged Nigerians, including critics of his administration, to visit askcityboy.com and ask questions about the government’s performance.

The president also commended the Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria team for promoting his administration’s message across the country.

Addressing concerns about the impact of his administration’s policies, Tinubu said his government remained responsible for ensuring that ongoing reforms translated into better opportunities and improved security for Nigerians.

He cited initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme as part of efforts to expand access to education financing, consumer credit and digital skills.

With the 2027 general election approaching, Tinubu urged his supporters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), encourage others to register and participate in peaceful and lawful political mobilisation.

He asked the groups to present his administration’s record to Nigerians and make their case with conviction as the country prepares for another election cycle.

Tinubu also praised his son, Seyi Tinubu, whom he credited with starting the City Boy Movement quietly and without seeking an official title. He encouraged him to continue his involvement in the initiative.

The president concluded by thanking members and supporters for their time and resources, saying their confidence in him had renewed his own hope.

Tinubu to Address Nigerians at 7am on 66th Independence Anniversary

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will address the nation on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 7am as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 30, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

According to the statement, television and radio stations, as well as other electronic media outlets, have been advised to join the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria for the broadcast.

The presidential address will form part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

AAC Raises Constitutional Questions Over Tinubu’s Extended Stay Abroad

The African Action Congress (AAC) has raised constitutional questions over President Bola Tinubu’s extended stay outside Nigeria, calling on the National Assembly to clarify whether the procedure provided under Section 145 of the Constitution has been followed.

The party made its position known in a press statement dated September 23, 2026, signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rex I. Elanu.

According to the AAC, Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week vacation, while the Presidency announced on September 21 that the President had extended his stay abroad by a few more days.

The party argued that the development raises questions about the constitutional procedure governing a President’s absence from the country.

Section 145(1) of the 1999 Constitution provides that when the President proceeds on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, he is to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Section 145(2) further provides for action by the National Assembly where the required declaration is not transmitted within 21 days.

The AAC is asking Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen to clarify whether the required declaration was transmitted and, if not, whether the procedure contemplated under Section 145(2) should be activated.

The party said the issue was not simply about Tinubu’s vacation but about constitutional procedure, accountability and clarity regarding the exercise of presidential authority.

The Presidency, however, has maintained that Tinubu remains in contact with officials in Nigeria and continues to direct the affairs of the country while abroad. In its September 21 statement announcing the extension of his working vacation, the State House said the President had continued to direct national affairs and had taken official decisions while away.

The Presidency also said Tinubu was expected to return to Nigeria at the weekend. It stated that Vice-President Kashim Shettima had been delegated to represent the President at some official functions, including the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Presidential aide Daniel Bwala has also argued that Tinubu can govern Nigeria from outside the country, maintaining that the President’s constitutional powers are not dependent on his physical location.

The constitutional question has also attracted comments from other political figures and legal voices. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has separately questioned whether the constitutional procedure under Section 145 has been followed, while lawyer Inibehe Effiong has argued that the situation requires National Assembly intervention.

The debate comes as Tinubu remains in Europe and Shettima attends the UN General Assembly in New York.

The AAC has therefore urged the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly to publicly clarify whether the required constitutional declaration was received and what steps, if any, have been taken in response.

The party said it would continue to advocate accountability and participatory democracy, stressing that Nigerians deserve clarity on the constitutional arrangements governing the President’s absence.

Sowore Questions Tinubu’s Absence From UNGA, Alleges President Is Receiving Treatment in France

African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has questioned President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, alleging that the President is receiving medical treatment in France.

Sowore made the claims in a post on X while reacting to Tinubu’s decision not to personally attend the UN General Assembly, where Vice President Kashim Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation.

The Presidency has described Tinubu’s European trip as an annual leave and working vacation. Official statements also show that the President held engagements in Paris, including a meeting with businessman Vincent Bolloré and a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron on September 18.

However, Sowore disputed the official explanation, alleging that Tinubu was receiving treatment in France rather than simply taking a vacation.

“There is something inherently wrong with Nigeria,” Sowore wrote, before questioning what he described as the President’s activities in Paris and his absence from the UN General Assembly.

Sowore also alleged that Tinubu’s decision not to attend the UN gathering was connected to what he described as fears that the United States government could order his arrest over what he referred to as a past drug-dealing case.

He did not provide evidence in his post establishing that Tinubu is currently receiving medical treatment in France or that U.S. authorities plan to arrest the President.

The allegation about a possible U.S. arrest has previously been disputed. Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, said the Nigerian mission had received no notification from the U.S. government indicating restrictions on Tinubu and argued that representatives attending UN activities have protections under the UN-U.S. Headquarters Agreement.

Sowore further criticised supporters of the administration, accusing them of accepting what he described as a lack of transparency surrounding the President’s activities.

He compared the situation with controversies surrounding the overseas medical treatment of former presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, alleging that Nigeria had previously witnessed secrecy and carefully managed public appearances around presidential health matters.

The Presidency has not publicly stated that Tinubu is receiving medical treatment in France. Its recent official statements have instead described his activities in Paris as part of his working vacation.

Sowore concluded his post by calling for what he described as freedom from the practices and mentality that, in his view, sustain the current political system.

The comments come as Nigeria prepares for the high-level segment of the 81st UN General Assembly, with Vice President Shettima representing the country at the gathering in New York.

President Tinubu Begins Three-Week Vacation, Heads to Europe Ahead of 2027 Campaign

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to leave Abuja on Sunday for Europe to begin a three-week vacation as part of his annual leave.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu’s first destination will be London, United Kingdom.

The President is expected to spend the period on what the Presidency described as a working vacation before returning to Nigeria.

His return is expected to coincide with preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the President scheduled to join the campaign activities ahead of the January 2027 presidential election.

The Presidency did not disclose further details about Tinubu’s itinerary or the specific activities planned for his three-week stay in Europe.

The President’s departure comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with various political parties and presidential contenders already stepping up their campaigns.

Tinubu, who is seeking another term in office, is expected to resume his official and political engagements upon his return to Nigeria.

The announcement of the President’s vacation was contained in a statement signed by Onanuga and dated August 30, 2026.

Peter Obi: Those Seeking to Be Addressed as “His Excellency” Must Behave Excellently

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on political candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful conduct ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Obi made the call after joining other presidential candidates to sign the first National Peace Accord for the 2027 Presidential Elections.

The NDC presidential candidate said his decision to sign the accord reinforced his commitment to ensuring that candidates conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the offices they aspire to occupy.

He urged political leaders to reject violent rhetoric and take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters.

“Leaders must eschew all forms of violent rhetoric and rein in their followers to do the same,” Obi said.

According to him, the 2027 election should focus on issues directly affecting Nigerians, including national unity, insecurity, poverty, the rising number of out-of-school children and the need to restore hope to citizens.

Obi also urged supporters of all political parties to recognise the commitment made by the candidates to free, fair and credible elections based on issues and devoid of rancour.

He stressed that those seeking public office must demonstrate the qualities expected of the offices they want to occupy.

“Those of us wishing to be addressed as ‘His Excellency’ must behave excellently, and, more importantly, the process of attaining public office must be excellent,” he said.

The NDC candidate said his party takes seriously the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

He also noted the pledge by law enforcement agencies to remain unbiased throughout the electioneering process.

Obi called on his supporters to remain peaceful and determined as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“I call on my supporters to remain firm, determined, and peaceful,” he said.

He concluded his message with his familiar political slogan: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”

Obi became the NDC’s presidential candidate after the party formally affirmed him as its flagbearer at its special convention in May 2026. He later named Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 election. 

Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke on Osun Victory, Says Election Reflects Will of the People

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his re-election in the just-concluded governorship election.

Tinubu said Adeleke’s victory reflected the choice of Osun voters and described the outcome as a positive sign for the continued growth of democracy in Nigeria.

The President disclosed that he personally called Adeleke earlier on Sunday to congratulate him on his victory.

According to Tinubu, the result demonstrated the confidence Osun residents placed in the governor and expressed hope that Adeleke would use his second term to unite the people of the state.

“I wish him great success as he prepares to lead the state for the next four years,” Tinubu said.

The President urged Adeleke to reach out to residents across political divides and work towards the growth, stability and social and economic development of Osun State, regardless of how they voted during the election.

Tinubu also commended the other candidates who participated in the election, praising what he described as their courage and discipline throughout the electoral contest.

He said the participation of the various candidates contributed to Nigeria’s democratic culture and that the outcome of the election represented the will of the people.

“The outcome of the election reflects the will of the people and is a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our land,” the President said.

Tinubu also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for what he described as a peaceful and transparent election that produced a clear winner.

The President’s comments come after Adeleke secured re-election in the Osun governorship election, defeating his major challengers to retain control of the state for another four-year term.

He called on Nigerians to continue supporting democratic institutions and expressed hope that the country’s democracy would become stronger.

“May our democracy continue to thrive and be strengthened,” Tinubu added.

Atiku Asks Court to Disqualify Tinubu From 2027 Presidential Election Over NYSC Certificate

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking the disqualification of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku personally appeared at the Federal High Court on Friday, August 14, where he deposed to an affidavit in support of the case challenging Tinubu’s eligibility to contest the next presidential election. The suit also lists the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants. 

The case centres on an alleged discrepancy involving an NYSC discharge certificate said to have been submitted by Tinubu to INEC in connection with the 2023 and 2027 presidential elections.

According to Atiku and the ADC, the disputed certificate bears the name “Tinubu Bola Adekunle”, which they contend differs from the President’s name, “Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” 

The plaintiffs are asking the court to determine whether the alleged submission of the disputed certificate constitutes a ground for Tinubu’s disqualification from the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku’s legal action comes as the opposition continues to challenge Tinubu’s eligibility and credentials ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

The suit also reportedly seeks access to documents relating to Tinubu’s electoral filings, including his Form CF001 submitted to INEC for the relevant elections. 

The former vice president has maintained that the matter should be determined through evidence and the judicial process rather than political arguments.

The legal challenge adds a fresh dimension to the contest between Atiku and Tinubu, who faced each other in the 2023 presidential election. Atiku is now seeking the presidency again under the ADC platform ahead of the 2027 election.

Beyond the certificate controversy, Atiku’s legal team is also challenging aspects of the Electoral Act 2026, arguing that ordinary legislation cannot override constitutional provisions concerning eligibility to contest the presidency. 

The case is expected to generate significant political and legal attention as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections.

However, the allegations contained in the suit remain claims before the court and have not been established as facts. Any decision on Tinubu’s eligibility will ultimately depend on the court’s determination after hearing the parties and examining the evidence presented.

Tinubu Urges Peaceful Osun Election, Says Every Vote Must Count

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on residents of Osun State to participate peacefully in Saturday’s governorship election, urging all stakeholders to protect the integrity of the electoral process.

In a statement ahead of the August 15 poll, Tinubu called on political parties, security agencies, electoral officials and voters to play their part in ensuring a peaceful, transparent, free and fair election.

The President said he had directed the Inspector-General of Police and the heads of security agencies deployed to Osun to ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials and election materials throughout the election.

He stressed that no Nigerian should be prevented from exercising their constitutional right to vote because of fear, intimidation or violence.

“Every citizen must be able to exercise his or her right to vote without fear, intimidation or violence. There must be no room for anyone seeking to disrupt the process or undermine the peace of Osun State,” Tinubu said.

The President also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct the election professionally and with integrity, stressing the importance of ensuring that every lawful vote is properly recorded.

“Every vote must count. Every lawful vote must be properly recorded,” he said.

Tinubu described the Osun governorship election as the final off-cycle governorship election before the 2027 general elections, saying it provides INEC with another opportunity to demonstrate its preparedness and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.

The President appealed directly to Osun residents to come out and exercise their civic responsibility peacefully, while respecting the choices of other voters.

He reminded voters that elections should be about ideas and service rather than violence.

“Elections are contests of ideas and service, and should never cost the life of any Nigerian,” he said.

Tinubu said the Federal Government had put measures in place to support a peaceful election and reiterated that the responsibility of government was to protect both the electoral process and the people.

He maintained that the ultimate decision belongs to the people of Osun State and urged all political actors to respect the outcome of the election, regardless of which candidate emerges victorious.

“Whatever that decision may be, it must be respected,” the President said.

The Osun governorship election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 15, with voters expected to choose the governor who will lead the state for the next four years.

Tinubu Orders EFCC to Unfreeze Osun Government Accounts Ahead of Governorship Election

 

Tinubu Hails Rescue of 308 Kidnap Victims in Kwara, Niger

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 308 Nigerians who were kidnapped in separate attacks across Kwara and Niger states, describing the operation as a major victory in the country’s fight against terrorism and banditry.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed during a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

The statement disclosed that 163 of the rescued victims were abducted from Woro Community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, while the remaining 145 victims were kidnapped in Niger State.

Security operatives reportedly located the victims inside the Kainji Lake National Park Forest in New Bussa Local Government Area of Niger State, where they were rescued during what the Presidency described as the largest same-day rescue operation ever conducted by Nigeria’s joint security agencies.

President Tinubu praised the military, intelligence agencies and police for what he called their courage, professionalism and effective collaboration in securing the release of the victims.

“The successful execution of this intelligence-led operation demonstrates the growing efficiency and collaboration among our security services. I commend our gallant men and women in uniform for their bravery and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian lives,” the President said.

The rescued victims are currently receiving first aid and medical attention at the medical facility in Wawa Cantonment before being reunited with their families.

The Presidency said that after medical examinations are completed, the victims will be handed over to the governments of Kwara and Niger states for rehabilitation, psychosocial support and family reunification.

While celebrating the successful operation, Tinubu stressed that more work remains to be done in tackling insecurity across the country.

He directed security agencies to immediately strengthen early warning systems, improve intelligence gathering at the community level and enhance rapid response capabilities to prevent future attacks.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace across Nigeria, insisting that government would continue investing in security operations aimed at protecting lives and dismantling criminal networks responsible for kidnappings and violent attacks.

Kidnapping for ransom remains one of Nigeria’s major security challenges, particularly in parts of the North Central and North West regions, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted rural communities, travellers and schools.

The latest rescue operation is expected to boost confidence in ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat terrorism, banditry and organised criminal activities across the country.