The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Gani Adams, has lamented the infiltration of Fulani herdsmen in the South West geopolitical zone of the country, saying the development poses great danger to the existence and well-being of the people.

The traditional ruler who is also the leader of Oodua Proples Congress (OPC), claimind that terrorists have infiltrated at least 40 local government areas across the region.

While speaking in a recent interview, Adams said the threat in the South-West has become more serious than many people realise.

“We have 137 local government areas in the South-West, and we spotted not remnants of terrorists, but a lot of terrorists in no fewer than 40 local governments. We have many terrorists that have infiltrated those local government areas,” he said.

Adams revealed that his group had documented the development but chose not to make the information public immediately because they hoped to work directly with state governments to tackle the problem.

“We kept that document to ourselves because we were more confident that working with state governments, which are the institutions governing the states, would yield results compared to working with law enforcement agents,” he stated.

The Yoruba leader, however, expressed disappointment over what he described as the refusal of governors in the region to engage with his organisation despite repeated warnings over the past two years.

“As a result, we called for collaboration with state governments for the past two years. This is a government that knows your antecedents, knows that you have a structure across Yorubaland, even beyond Yorubaland and in some northern states, yet refuses to talk to you, refuses to agree with you, or even assist you, despite being in power and benefitting from security votes,” Adams said.

“Yet they didn’t call to discuss with you. So, you have to bear in mind that the only assistance you can give to Yoruba people is to talk to the media and give little information that some states have been infiltrated and that there would be attacks in those states, because you are not helping matters by divulging the entire information,” he added.

River State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has officially announced his withdrawal from the 2027 governorship contest, pledging to support whoever emerges as candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the state.

In a statement Wednesday evening which he personally signed, Fubara thanked the people of River State for standing with him and assured his continued efforts towards development of the state.

His statement reads-

Fellow Rivers People,

After deep reflection and extensive consultations with my family, friends, and associates, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to withdraw from the APC gubernatorial primaries. I do so with a full heart and with a firm commitment to support whoever emerges as the candidate of our great party.

Leadership is ultimately about sacrifice. There comes a time when personal ambition must yield to the greater good of the people. Rivers State is bigger than any individual, and at this critical moment, the peace, stability, and unity of our dear state must take precedence over every personal interest.

To my supporters who stood firmly with me throughout this journey who gave their time, resources, prayers, and unwavering hope, I offer my deepest gratitude. I understand the disappointment, the anger, and the pain many of you may feel. Much has indeed been invested and much sacrificed along the way. But please know that your loyalty and trust were never in vain. My silence over this period was deliberate and strategic, guided always by the higher interest of our state and our people.

As our elders say, not everything a hunter sees in the forest is spoken of in the marketplace. Some truths are best borne quietly, not out of fear, but out of wisdom and restraint for the sake of peace and a greater purpose. It is enough to say that I have faced immense pressures and difficult choices, but my love for Rivers State remains greater than anything else.

I sincerely thank our great party, the All Progressives Congress, for the platform and support extended to me throughout this process. I also express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his support and encouragement.

The APC remains our collective home, and I urge all party faithful and supporters to remain steadfast and committed as we continue to build a stronger and more united future together.

Let it be clearly understood that I stepped aside from participating in the upcoming River’s state Gubernatorial election not out of weakness, fear, or surrender, but out of conviction and sacrifice so that Rivers State may move forward in peace and unity and I remain committed to serving the good people of Rivers state till the end of my term.

Thank you, and may God bless Rivers State.

Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
Governor, Rivers State
May 20, 2026 .

The Director-General of Media and Publicity at the Kano Government House, Sunusi Tofa, has alleged that former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is indirectly working towards the re-election of President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Tofa made the claim on Wednesday during an appearance on the Arise News morning programme, while reacting to ongoing political developments and alignments ahead of the next election cycle.

According to him, recent political activities and strategic engagements across the country suggest subtle cooperation between some opposition figures and the ruling All Progressives Congress, with certain political calculations being promoted by Kwankwaso ultimately set to favour Tinubu’s second-term ambition.

“Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, is indirectly or strategically working towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid. There are political activities and strategic engagements already taking place ahead of 2027, and many of them will eventually favour President Tinubu,” he said.

The government spokesperson also disclosed that Governor Abba Yusuf had approached Tinubu over plans to defect to the APC with Kwankwaso’s consent, adding that the alleged move also had the backing of former Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Gwarzo.

Tofa further claimed that former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi may face political limitations in Kano due to what he described as the conservative nature of the state’s political environment.

“Political acceptance in Kano is shaped by ideology, history and regional considerations,” he said.

He also dismissed claims that about five million supporters attended a recent gathering at Kwankwaso’s residence in Kano, describing the figure as grossly exaggerated.