Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has thrown down the gauntlet ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring himself the most qualified and electable presidential aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on Friday during an interview on Arise Television, the former Minister of Transportation boasted that his formidable political resume and relative youth put him miles ahead of other major contenders in the ADC race, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Northern Nigeria Development Company boss, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

“I’m the youngest but the most experienced of them all,” Amaechi declared confidently.

To back up his claims, Amaechi pointed out that he holds leadership milestones that even current President Bola Tinubu cannot boast of. He highlighted his historic two-term tenure as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and his past role heading the Speakers’ Conference, emphasizing that no other aspirant has managed the diverse political interests he has handled over his decades in public service.

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2027: Amaechi Declares Himself Most Qualified for ADC Presidential Ticket, Cites Past Leadership Roles

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that his expansive administrative track record makes him the most qualified and electable presidential aspirant within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2027 general elections.

Amaechi made this assertion on Friday during an appearance on Arise Television, where he evaluated his chances against other prominent ADC figures, such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and Mohammed Hayatu-Deen. He argued that his unique blend of relative youth and extensive governance experience places him ahead of his rivals.

“I am the most experienced of them all. I’m the youngest but most experienced,” Amaechi stated, referencing his time as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Speakers’ Forum.

He further noted that he is the first person to serve two terms as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, a tenure he described as highly influential despite pushback from the presidency at the time. Amaechi emphasized that these strategic leadership positions give him a distinct advantage over other political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, in terms of sub-national and legislative leadership.

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‘I’m More Experienced Than Tinubu and Atiku’ — Amaechi Stakes Claim to ADC Ticket

Former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has declared himself the prime candidate for the ADC presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections. Featuring on Arise Television on Friday, Amaechi asserted that his administrative background makes him more electable than rivals like Atiku Abubakar.

“I’m the youngest but most experienced,” Amaechi claimed, pointing out that he is the only aspirant to have chaired both the Speakers’ Conference and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for two terms—milestones he noted that even President Bola Tinubu did not achieve. He stated that his history of handling high-stakes political leadership positions sets him apart as the party’s best option.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Cotonou, Republic of Benin, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the formal inauguration of Benin’s President-elect, Romuald Wadagni.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The diplomatic trip was confirmed on Saturday in an official statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President). The high-profile swearing-in ceremony, which marks the beginning of Wadagni’s seven-year constitutional term, is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, at the Presidential Palace in Cotonou and will host several global and African leaders.

According to the Presidency, Nigeria and Benin Republic share a deep-rooted history, rich cultural connections, and strong economic ties. Their contemporary bilateral relations focus intensely on border security, trade policies, and energy partnerships.

Nkwocha highlighted that President Tinubu remains fiercely committed to fostering peace, stability, and deeper integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), despite the various challenges facing the sub-region. Vice President Shettima, who is accompanied by top government functionaries and senior aides, is expected to return to Nigeria immediately following the conclusion of the inaugural ceremonies.

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Diplomatic Mission: Shettima Jets Out to Benin Republic for Romuald Wadagni’s Swearing-In

Vice President Kashim Shettima has taken off from Abuja on a key diplomatic assignment, traveling to Cotonou to represent President Bola Tinubu at the historic inauguration of Benin Republic’s President-elect, Romuald Wadagni.

The Presidency confirmed the move on Saturday, noting that Shettima will join other world leaders on Sunday, May 24, at the Presidential Palace to witness the transition of power.

The trip underscores the close economic, historical, and socio-cultural alignment between Nigeria and Benin, whose modern partnerships revolve heavily around shared trade, energy cooperation, and tight border security. Officials stated that despite sub-regional hurdles, President Tinubu remains focused on securing peace and unity across the ECOWAS bloc. The Vice President and his delegation of senior government officials will return home after the state events conclude.

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Shettima to Represent Tinubu at Benin President-elect Wadagni’s Swearing-in Ceremony

Vice President Kashim Shettima has left Abuja for Cotonou to stand in for President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of Benin Republic’s President-elect, Romuald Wadagni, on Sunday, May 24.

The Office of the Vice President confirmed on Saturday that Shettima, alongside top government aides, will join global dignitaries for the events marking Wadagni’s seven-year term. The Presidency emphasized that the mission reinforces the long-standing cultural and economic ties between the two neighbors, as well as President Tinubu’s ongoing dedication to ECOWAS peace, security, and integration. Shettima will return to Nigeria after the state functions.

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has shared a stunning throwback from Nigeria’s military era, revealing how he turned down a massive ₦5 million bribe during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on Saturday during his 23rd coronation anniversary, the monarch recalled stepping in to help the late former Lagos Governor, Sir Michael Otedola, whose international passport had been seized by the military government. Oba Akiolu explained that he successfully lobbied the authorities to release the passport, advising them that doing so would help the Abacha administration gain public favor.

Following the passport’s release, an emissary was sent to reward him with ₦5 million—an offer the monarch promptly rejected.

“It wasn’t about money,” Oba Akiolu stated. “Whatever you do in life, do it with the fear of God and keep praying.”

Reflecting on his 32-year legacy in the Nigeria Police Force, he described policing as one of the most honorable paths when driven by honesty. He also called on citizens to keep faith with President Bola Tinubu’s government, assuring them that despite the current economic hardships, the ongoing federal reforms will eventually yield fruits.

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Oba Akiolu Recalls Turning Down ₦5m Bribe Under Abacha Regime, Rallies Support for Tinubu

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has disclosed that he rejected a ₦5 million monetary offer during the military administration of General Sani Abacha.

The traditional ruler made the disclosure on Saturday during celebrations marking his 23rd year on the throne. According to the monarch, the incident followed his intervention in the case of the late former Lagos State Governor, Sir Michael Otedola, who was detained under the military regime. Oba Akiolu stated that he successfully appealed to authorities for the release of Otedola’s international passport to foster goodwill between the military and the public.

He revealed that an emissary later approached him with ₦5 million as a token of appreciation, which he declined on principle. He emphasized that integrity, discipline, and accountability remain the core pillars of leadership.

Drawing from his 32 years of service in the Nigeria Police Force, the monarch described the institution as noble when guided by truth. He concluded by urging Nigerians to sustain their support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic and infrastructural policies, expressing optimism that the current challenges would pave the way for long-term national success.

Option 3: Concise (Quick-Read Style)

‘I Did It for God’ — Oba Akiolu Reveals Why He Rejected ₦5 Million Bribe Under Abacha

Marking his 23rd coronation anniversary on Saturday, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, revealed how he turned down a ₦5 million bribe during the Abacha military era.

The monarch stated that after successfully intervening to secure the release of the late former Lagos Governor Sir Michael Otedola’s seized international passport, an emissary offered him the millions as a thank-you gesture. Oba Akiolu rejected the money, stressing that leaders must act with integrity and the fear of God rather than financial motives.

The former top police officer also expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, urging Nigerians to be patient with the ongoing federal reforms, which he believes will ultimately succeed.