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Back in the Skies: Nigeria’s N150bn Presidential Aircraft Returns From Costly Refurbishment

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Nigeria’s newly acquired N150bn presidential jet has returned to the country after spending several months in South Africa, where it underwent a complete livery overhaul in Nigeria’s green‑white‑green colours.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Airbus A330-200, bearing tail number 5N-FGA, was sighted on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, parked at the Presidential Wing.

Images shared on Thursday by aviation‑tracking platform @Abuja_Aviation on Instagram showed the twin‑engine, wide‑body aircraft gleaming in its new paintwork—an all‑white base with bold green-white-green stripes running the length of the fuselage, and the Nigerian Air Force crest emblazoned near the cockpit on both sides.

Bright red engine intake covers indicated the jet was not yet prepped for immediate flight. A self-contained airstair was positioned at the forward left door, with ground staff seen working near the nose gear and wing area, though no passengers were visible.

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A presidency source, speaking anonymously because he was not authorised to comment, confirmed the aircraft’s return:

“Yes, the aircraft is back after repainting and some minor interior touch‑ups. It will resume official duties once routine acceptance checks by the Presidential Air Fleet are completed.”

While no timeline was initially given, the State House on Friday released footage of President Bola Tinubu boarding the jet for an official visit to Kano State. He is also expected to travel to Ogun State in the coming days to condole with the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who passed away on July 13, 2025, at age 91 after 65 years on the throne.

The PUNCH had earlier reported in May 2025 that the aircraft had been ferried to South Africa for “refitting and repainting,” barely nine months after the Tinubu administration acquired it from a European leasing firm in August 2024. It had been grounded for roughly three months before the refurbishment began.

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During that period, President Tinubu relied on a San Marino–registered BBJ (T7-NAS) for both domestic and international trips.

Multiple insiders confirmed the wide‑body was sent abroad to adopt Nigeria’s official VIP livery and undergo minor refurbishments.

Registered as 5N-FGA under the Nigerian Air Force’s 001 Squadron, the aircraft—valued at around $100m (N150bn)—features a master bedroom, shower, conference room, and a secure communications suite, underscoring its role as Eagle One, the nation’s primary presidential jet.

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Kwara PDP Protests As Govt Moves To Reopen Robbery Case Against Saraki, Others.

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has strongly opposed reported moves by the state government to revisit the alleged Offa robbery case involving former Governor Abubakar Bukola Saraki and others.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

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2027: Oyo APC Senator Alli Declares Governorship Ambition.

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Senator representing Oyo South, Sharafadeen Alli, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo State governorship election ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Alli, who serves under the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the declaration on Friday during a formal event held at the Police Field in Yemetu, Ibadan North Local Government Area.

The APC chieftain and Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland said he will be running on the platform of his party.

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The event attracted thousands of APC leaders, stakeholders, and members, including top political figures such as Senator Yunus Akintunde, House of Representatives members Akin Alabi, Aderemi Oseni, Akeem Adeyemi, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, Tajudeen Abisodun, and Senator Hamzat Adeseun.

Also in attendance were former Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun, Asiwaju Yemi Aderibigbe, and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle, among others.

Alli said his decision followed wide consultations with stakeholders and was driven by his desire to advance the development of Oyo State.

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He noted his past political experience, including serving as Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government and Secretary to the Oyo State Government under Senator Rasidi Ladoja, as well as his current role in the Senate, where he said he has consistently advocated for his constituents.

According to him, his ambition is focused on delivering better governance and moving the state forward.

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Showunmi Declares For Ogun 2027 Governorship, Seeks IPAC Support.

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A PDP chieftain and convener of The Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Showunmi made the announcement during a courtesy visit to the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) secretariat in Abeokuta on Friday.

He called for a broad political coalition involving opposition parties and grassroots groups to challenge what he described as the failures of dominant political forces in the state.

Showunmi argued that political parties may choose or endorse candidates, but insisted such arrangements must not deny voters a genuine electoral choice.

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He said: “I will be running for governor in the 2027 governorship election. I have come to plead with you to set up a small committee… to determine how we can collaborate to make this happen.”

He also questioned whether Ogun State would experience a “coronation” or a competitive election process, urging stakeholders to allow open political contest.

The PDP chieftain noted that Ogun West’s long-standing exclusion from producing a governor is a legitimate grievance, but stressed that aspirations must still be tested through competition.

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He advocated issue-based campaigns ahead of 2027, rejecting “money politics” and challenging aspirants to public debates on governance.

Showunmi maintained that he has no history of violence or political thuggery, insisting the election should be centred on ideas and development plans for the state.

In response, IPAC leadership and other political actors at the event called for collaboration and careful selection of leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.

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