According to insiders speaking to Punch, the controversial lineup was drafted exclusively by the President’s Special Adviser on Political Matters alongside a small group within the Presidency, entirely bypassing the party structure. Consequently, the initial document was scrubbed from the party’s official X handle, with a revised version anticipated pending presidential approval of the two-day deliberations. However, checks by Naija News confirmed that the list remained active on the X account of Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Russell dominated the race from the start, establishing an early lead she would not relinquish. The victory was her fourth consecutive head-to-head win over Amusan this year, leveling their overall career head-to-head record at seven wins apiece. While Amusan expressed satisfaction with her season-best performance, Russell’s historic run established new world, Diamond League, and meeting records. The Nigerian athlete now turns her attention to the upcoming Diamond League Final in Brussels and the World Ultimate Championships in Budapest.

Emphasizing the necessity of internal cohesion, Jibrin called upon APC supporters to stay unified and concentrate heavily on grassroots mobilization, maintaining that the party possesses the robust political structures and demographic backing required for total victory. He noted, “I swear to God, in Kano, come 2027 general elections, we are not going to surrender a single seat for them. I repeat, APC will not surrender a single seat for opposition parties. They will know our worth and I am assuring that this coming election we will teach them the lesson of their lives.”

While acknowledging that previous internal friction had posed obstacles for the party, Jibrin expressed strong optimism that those challenges are being actively resolved. He highlighted an extensive coalition of heavyweights forming the party’s political framework in the state—including President Bola Tinubu, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Deputy Governor Murtala Sule Garo, former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, former governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Senator Kawu Sumaila, and Senator Rufai Hanga, alongside various legislative candidates. According to the lawmaker, this formidable assembly of leaders and candidates has significantly fortified the party’s readiness for the 2027 electoral battleground.