‘Pure Fabrication’ — Lagos Govt Rejects Sanwo-Olu Resignation Claims

The Lagos State Government has dismissed widespread reports alleging that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was asked to resign over health concerns, describing the claims as false, malicious and politically motivated.

The rumours, which circulated across social media and several online platforms, claimed that the Lagos governor was under pressure to step down, with Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat allegedly being positioned to take over the administration.

Reacting to the reports, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Gboyega Akosile, issued a strongly worded statement denying the allegations and accusing Sahara Reporters of spreading misinformation.

According to Akosile, Governor Sanwo-Olu remains healthy, mentally fit and fully committed to his responsibilities as governor of Lagos State.

“These reports are not only false, they are an intentional attempt to mislead the public,” Akosile stated.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu is not under any pressure to resign, nor has anyone demanded his resignation. The Governor is well, in excellent health, and continues to fulfill his duties as Lagos State’s leader with commitment and dedication.”

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The rebuttal followed a viral report claiming that the governor had been advised to step down on health grounds amid ongoing political developments ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship race.

Akosile clarified that recent meetings between Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat were normal political consultations and had no connection with any health challenge or leadership crisis.

According to him, Dr. Hamzat visited the governor as part of consultations surrounding his reported governorship ambition ahead of the next election cycle.

The governor’s aide described the meeting as cordial and routine within the context of Lagos politics.

The Lagos Government further accused Sahara Reporters of repeatedly publishing sensational stories capable of creating confusion and unnecessary tension in the state’s political environment.

Akosile explained that although the government usually ignores “malicious reports,” it became necessary to address the rumours because of growing public concern.

“In light of the growing disinformation, we feel it is crucial to address these malicious rumors. The people of Lagos deserve to know the truth,” he added.

The state government subsequently urged residents to disregard the reports and rely only on verified official channels for information concerning state affairs.

Despite the rumours, Governor Sanwo-Olu has continued to attend official functions, policy meetings and project inspections across Lagos State in recent days.

Political observers believe the speculation may not be unconnected to growing political consultations and succession discussions ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was re-elected in 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), remains one of the most influential political figures in Lagos politics.

‘Pure Fabrication’ — Lagos Govt Rejects Sanwo-Olu Resignation Claims

Kano Assembly Confirms Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor 

The Kano State House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of Hon. Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor of Kano State, following the adoption of the report of its ad hoc screening committee during plenary on Monday.

The approval came after the 12-member committee, chaired by Deputy Speaker Bello Muhammad Butubutua, presented its findings to lawmakers at a sitting presided over by Speaker Jibril Ismail Falgore.

Garo’s nomination was earlier forwarded to the Assembly by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, following the vacancy in the office of the deputy governor, prompting the legislative screening process in line with constitutional provisions.

Presenting the committee’s report, Butubutua said the nominee underwent a comprehensive assessment covering his academic qualifications, professional experience, and personal integrity, adding that he was found suitable for the position.

He explained that the screening process followed established legislative procedures, including background checks and verification of credentials to ensure compliance with governance standards.

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After deliberations, lawmakers unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendations, thereby confirming Garo as fit and proper to serve as Deputy Governor of Kano State.

Speaker Falgore subsequently announced the approval of the House, clearing the way for Governor Yusuf to formally swear in the new deputy governor.

The development concludes the legislative process that began after the governor’s official request for confirmation was submitted to the Assembly.

Assembly officials noted that the screening process is part of routine checks for executive appointments, aimed at ensuring transparency, competence, and accountability in public office.

According to earlier statements from the Assembly’s spokesperson, Kamaluddin Sani Shawai, all nominees undergo strict vetting, including verification of educational background, work history, and character evaluation before confirmation.

With the approval now completed, Garo is expected to be sworn in in the coming days, restoring full leadership capacity to the state executive arm.

Kano Assembly Confirms Murtala Sule Garo as Deputy Governor

2027: NNPP Faction Rejects Ibadan Opposition Summit Resolutions

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), under the leadership of Dr Agbo Major, has distanced itself from the resolutions reached at the recent opposition political parties’ summit held in Ibadan, insisting that the party neither participated nor endorsed any agreement from the gathering.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Major said the NNPP was not represented in any official capacity at the summit and warned that individuals he described as “expelled members” should not be used to misrepresent the party.

“The NNPP, as a registered political party, wishes to categorically distance itself from the just concluded opposition parties’ summit held in Ibadan. None of the recognised leaders of our great party attended that gathering,” he said.

He stressed that the presence of former or expelled members at the meeting should not be interpreted as NNPP participation, adding that such actions amount to impersonation and political misrepresentation.

The summit, which brought together several opposition groups, reportedly agreed to work toward a unified presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, a move aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, the NNPP faction insists it was not part of the discussions or resolutions.

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Dr Major also used the briefing to highlight ongoing internal reforms within the party, including its electronic membership registration exercise, which he said has recorded significant nationwide participation since its launch.

According to him, the party is currently reviewing the exercise with stakeholders, including aspirants and state executives, to strengthen transparency and organisational structure.

“Our goal remains to build a credible, technology-driven political institution that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians,” he added.

Major further disclosed that the NNPP has engaged with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the recognition of its leadership structure, citing existing court judgments affirming the legitimacy of its National Working Committee (NWC).

He warned that failure by INEC to comply with judicial pronouncements could trigger further political and legal action by the party, including calls for accountability within the electoral body.

The NNPP faction also accused certain individuals of impersonation, including alleged correspondence sent to INEC by Dr Ahmed Ajuji, whom it claims is no longer a member of the party.

Major referenced multiple court rulings from Abia State, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Court of Appeal in Owerri, which he said affirmed the expulsion of some former members, including factions linked to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

He maintained that the rulings remain valid and binding, warning that the party would not hesitate to pursue legal action against anyone falsely parading themselves as NNPP representatives.

The faction added that it has already submitted its 2027 election timetable and activity schedule to INEC, urging the commission to enforce court decisions without delay to ensure internal stability and electoral compliance.

Meanwhile, the opposition coalition that held the Ibadan summit had earlier announced plans to field a consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections, a development that continues to generate mixed reactions within Nigeria’s political landscape.

The NNPP faction reaffirmed its commitment to internal democracy, rule of law, and credible political leadership, stressing that it will not be associated with any coalition or resolution it did not authorise.

2027: NNPP Faction Rejects Ibadan Opposition Summit Resolutions