Presidency Denies Alleged Poison Plot Against President Tinubu, Calls Viral Report Fake

The Presidency of Nigeria has firmly denied claims circulating online that a chef at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa attempted to poison President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the viral report as false, misleading, and fabricated.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the social media video suggesting that security operatives had arrested a kitchen staff member in connection with an alleged poisoning attempt. The statement emphasised that the report is “fake news” with no credible source or evidence.

The viral video, which gained significant traction across social media platforms, alleged that intelligence reports uncovered suspicious activities in the presidential kitchen, prompting the deployment of special security units and the launch of a covert investigation. However, the Presidency categorically refuted these claims, stating:

“There was no attempt to poison the President, and no kitchen staff member was arrested in connection with any such plot. The story being circulated is entirely fabricated and should be disregarded.”

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Officials clarified that the video consisted of unrelated clips combined with a dramatic voice-over, likely aimed at creating panic and generating online engagement. The statement urged members of the public, journalists, and media outlets to verify information through official channels before sharing sensitive claims, particularly those involving national security.

Security analysts noted that misinformation targeting high-profile political figures can spread rapidly online, often fueled by sensational narratives, and warned that such false reports could undermine public trust in national institutions.

As of the filing of this report, no security agency has independently confirmed the alleged incident. Multiple reputable news outlets have reinforced the official denial, highlighting that the alleged poisoning attempt did not occur.

The Presidency reiterated its commitment to transparency and responsible communication, assuring Nigerians that any genuine security threats involving the President would be addressed through proper official channels. Citizens are advised to remain calm and avoid amplifying unverified information capable of causing panic or destabilising public discourse.

Presidency Denies Alleged Poison Plot Against President Tinubu, Calls Viral Report Fake

INEC: Perfect Election Not Possible in 2027, but Poll Will Be Nigeria’s Best — Amupitan

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Ojo Amupitan, has said the commission cannot guarantee a completely flawless election in 2027, especially with regard to real-time electronic transmission of results, but assured Nigerians that the polls would mark a major improvement over previous elections.

Amupitan spoke at a Citizens’ Townhall Meeting organised by the Civil Society Network on Election Integrity in Abuja, where he acknowledged logistical, technical, and human limitations in large-scale elections, stressing that absolute perfection is unrealistic anywhere in the world.

He explained that while INEC has the capacity to electronically transmit results, delays may still occur due to network and operational factors. Using a banking analogy, he said results may be successfully transmitted even if they do not appear instantly, warning against interpreting such delays as evidence of manipulation.

Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, Amupitan admitted that while INEC tested its technology during state and off-cycle polls, it failed to adequately test nationwide, simultaneous transmission during the presidential election. He said this gap has now been identified and would be fully addressed before 2027 through extensive system testing and stress simulations.

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He added that the credibility of any election depends largely on logistics and result management, citing the recent FCT Area Council elections, where results were declared promptly in five councils, while delays occurred in one ward in Kuje. According to him, an election should be judged successful if it starts on time, is peaceful, and results are transparently managed and declared according to law.

Amupitan also called for simpler language in the Electoral Act 2026, arguing that clearer provisions would help citizens better understand electoral rules and reduce post-election disputes.

Despite the challenges, the INEC chairman expressed optimism that the 2027 elections would be Nigeria’s most credible yet, noting that voters are more informed, politically aware, and technologically savvy than ever before.

Reactions from Civil Society and Political Parties

Reacting to Amupitan’s comments, civil society organisations welcomed INEC’s admission of past shortcomings but urged the commission to translate promises into concrete reforms.

The Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, said acknowledging limitations was a positive step, but warned that public trust hinges on consistent transparency, especially around result transmission and communication with voters on election night.

Similarly, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) said INEC must prioritise logistics, voter education, and accountability for electoral offenders to avoid a repeat of controversies seen in previous elections.

From the political space, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said INEC’s statement reinforced the need for stronger legal safeguards and independent oversight, warning that technological failures could be exploited by desperate politicians.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), however, urged Nigerians to focus on reforms already underway, saying early preparation and improved testing could restore confidence in the electoral process.

INEC: Perfect Election Not Possible in 2027, but Poll Will Be Nigeria’s Best — Amupitan

FAAN issues travel advisory as flights face delays, cancellations over Middle East crisis

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a travel advisory to passengers following airspace restrictions in parts of the Middle East that have disrupted flight operations to and from the region.

In a statement released to journalists in Lagos on Saturday, FAAN said the development has led to flight cancellations, extended delays and schedule adjustments affecting passengers travelling through key Middle Eastern hubs.

According to the authority, several international airlines operating from Nigerian airports have been impacted by the temporary closure and restriction of airspace in parts of the Gulf region, forcing carriers to reroute flights or suspend services altogether.

FAAN urged passengers travelling to destinations in the Middle East or connecting through major hubs in the region to confirm their flight status with their respective airlines before heading to the airport.

“The situation is beyond the control of local airport authorities,” FAAN said, noting that the disruptions stem from geopolitical tensions that have prompted aviation regulators in affected countries to restrict access to their airspace as a safety precaution.

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The authority assured travellers that Nigerian airports remain fully operational and that it is working closely with airlines and other aviation stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

FAAN also advised passengers to allow extra time for travel arrangements and to stay updated through official airline communication channels.

Airspace restrictions in the Middle East often have a ripple effect on global aviation due to the region’s strategic position as a major transit corridor linking Africa, Europe, Asia and North America. Airports in cities such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi serve as critical connecting hubs for thousands of Nigerian travellers daily.

Whenever geopolitical tensions escalate in the region, aviation authorities may temporarily close portions of airspace or impose routing limitations to ensure passenger safety.

Such measures typically result in longer flight times, operational costs for airlines and schedule disruptions worldwide.

For Nigeria, where a significant volume of international travel relies on Middle Eastern carriers, any restriction in that corridor can significantly impact passenger movement and cargo logistics.

FAAN issues travel advisory as flights face delays, cancellations over Middle East crisis