The announcement was made on Thursday in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

He confirmed that the nomination has been forwarded to the Senate for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.

According to the statement, the nomination follows the resignation of the former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to pursue elective office.

Mr. Tegbe, who hails from Oyo State, is described as a fiscal and economic reform expert with over 35 years of experience across both the public and private sectors.

He previously served as Senior Partner and Head of Advisory Services at KPMG Africa, where he led key initiatives in fiscal policy reform, institutional transformation, governance, and regulatory advisory for government and private sector clients.

He currently serves as Director-General and Global Liaison for the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), where he oversees efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and China.

The NCSP also coordinates engagements with public sector stakeholders aimed at promoting economic and social development in line with FOCAC objectives, the statement added.

Giant made the position known while speaking to journalists after submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the primaries scheduled for May 18, 2026.

He insisted on a competitive primary, rejecting any attempt at a consensus arrangement, and challenged the incumbent to meet him at the polls.

According to him, the performance of elected officials should be the basis for judgment, leaving the final decision to the electorate.

“The issue is what they have done for the people. If they have anything to show, let them present it to the people. It is the people who will decide,” he said.

The aspirant added that voters in Kebbi Central are seeking change, expressing confidence in a transparent and open primary process.

“We are ready. We don’t want consensus. With direct primaries, the people will decide who they want. I am ready to face any challenge,” he added.

Giant further questioned the push for a consensus arrangement, insisting that his supporters expect him to remain in the race and allow voters determine the party’s candidate.

The development comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with parties gearing up for internal primaries across the country.

The suspects, identified as Muhammed Monsur and Olaseinde Olatunji, are reportedly part of a four-man gang that allegedly invaded a dairy farm in Omitoro Village via Coker in the Ifo/Ibogun axis of the state around 2:30 a.m., where they rustled the cow.

According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, and made available to DAILY POST, the arrests followed a distress call from the affected farm.

He explained that SWAT operatives responded swiftly, moving to the location where the suspects were intercepted while attempting to escape in a mini bus popularly known as “Korope.”

Recovered from the suspects were the stolen cow, a knife, and the operational vehicle used in carrying out the crime.

“The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, 30th April 2026, at about 2:30 a.m., when suspected cattle rustlers reportedly invaded a dairy farm located at Omitoro Village via Coker, Ifo/Ibogun, and rustled a cow.

“The prompt intervention led to the arrest of the two suspects. The exhibits recovered include one (1) stolen cow, one (1) knife, and the operational mini bus used in perpetrating the crime.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are part of a four-man gang, while two other accomplices escaped into the surrounding bush,” the statement said.

He added that investigations are ongoing, with efforts intensified to track down the fleeing members of the gang.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the operatives for their swift response and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements.