BREAKING: Why President, APC Dumped Fubara; Benin’s Ex-finance Minister Sworn In As President

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Why President, APC Dumped Fubara

Fresh details have emerged on the political crisis involving Siminalayi Fubara, with sources within the All Progressives Congress claiming the governor lost the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party leadership after allegedly violating reconciliation agreements reached during his dispute with former governor and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Party insiders alleged that part of the settlement to resolve the prolonged Rivers political crisis was Fubara’s agreement not to seek a second term, adding that his attempt to pursue the governorship race led to his disqualification from the APC screening process.

Fubara’s defection from the PDP to the APC in December 2025 was never fully embraced by the party leadership, as he allegedly lacked Wike’s backing. Meanwhile, several South-South groups and supporters, including PANDEF chieftain Anabs Sara-Igbe and Ijaw youth leaders, criticised Fubara’s withdrawal from the 2027 race, describing it as disappointing and warning against what they viewed as external control over Rivers State politics.

Benin’s Ex-finance Minister Sworn in as President

Romuald Wadagni has officially been sworn in as President of Benin after winning the April 12 election with more than 94 per cent of the vote. Wadagni, a former finance minister and close ally of former President Patrice Talon, pledged during his inauguration to lead with integrity and continue efforts to strengthen the country’s economy while addressing insecurity in northern Benin linked to jihadist violence.

The 49-year-old economist begins a seven-year term following constitutional reforms that extended the presidential mandate from five years. He also faces the challenge of improving relations with neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso, both ruled by military juntas and battling Islamist insurgencies. Niger’s Prime Minister, Ali Lamine Zeine, attended the inauguration in what was seen as a sign of easing tensions between the countries.

Tinubu still holds advantage, APC chieftain fires back at opposition

An APC chieftain, Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, describing him as Nigeria’s most formidable political strategist. Alawuje argued that Tinubu’s long-standing political structures, alliances and influence across the country give him an advantage over opposition figures who, according to him, rely more on rhetoric and emotional appeals than grassroots organisation.

He questioned the political strength of opposition leaders including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi, saying they should first demonstrate dominance in their home states before seeking national leadership. Alawuje maintained that Tinubu’s continued national relevance years after leaving office as governor of Lagos reflects the durability of his political network and loyalists.

Ebola alert: NCDC declares high importation risk, activates emergency response nationwide

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has placed Nigeria on heightened Ebola alert following worsening outbreaks in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Director-General Jide Idris said the country faces a high risk of Ebola importation due to international travel, porous borders and delayed recognition of symptoms that may resemble malaria or Lassa fever, although no confirmed case has been recorded in Nigeria.

The agency said emergency response measures had already been activated nationwide, including intensified surveillance at airports, border communities and hospitals, while rapid response teams and laboratories were placed on alert. The NCDC also directed states to prepare isolation centres, strengthen emergency systems and stock protective materials, while urging Nigerians to maintain hygiene, avoid contact with body fluids of sick persons and report suspicious illnesses promptly.