Birthday Wishes to the Father of The Nation President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on His 74th Birthday From Her Excellency Nana Shettima Wife of the Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria
29th March 2026
ABUJA, FCT
JANUARY 26, 2026
PRESS STATEMENT
*END NEEDLESS SPECULATIONS ON APC 2027 PRESIDENTIAL RUNNING MATE*
Our attention has been drawn to growing media frenzy about possible replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima as the running mate to President Bola Tinubu under the platform of our great Party ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
While these stories have been mostly subtle, they recently assumed a new dimension when names of specific individuals were touted as possible replacement for Vice President Shettima.
Our Party states in categorical terms that the stories are purely speculative, untrue and utterly baseless.
We urge media organizations to refrain from lending their platforms to rumour-peddlers and mischievous "news sources" of questionable provenance whose only intention is to promote discord and confusion in the polity.
Under our laws and electoral regulations, the ban on political activities remains in force. At this time, our Party remains focused on supporting President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima in delivering the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and entrenching its bold reforms that are now steadily transforming the economy, building prosperity, and uplifting the living conditions of our people.
We call on our ministers, senior government and Party officials to avoid, wittingly or unwittingly, stoking needless speculations, and to focus on their primary duty of diligent service to government and our Party, and bolster the success and achievements of President Tinubu, our inimitable and visionary leader.
Signed:
*Felix Morka, CON*
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT and Vice President Kashim Shettima @officialSKSM on Thursday evening led members of the All Progressives Congress (@OfficialAPCNg) to the party's National Caucus meeting at the Presidential Villa Banquet Hall in Abuja.
Among the prominent attendees were former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo @ProfOsinbajo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio @SPNigeria, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas @Speaker_Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu @OfficialBenKalu, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma @Hope_Uzodimma1, leading a host of other Governors and APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda @nentawe1.
Nigeria dismantles terror groups, Ansaru and Mahmuda, with the capture of their leaders
Nigeria has recorded a significant breakthrough in the war against terrorism with the capture of the leaders of Ansaru and Mahmuda.
At a press briefing on Saturday evening, the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, said the two terrorists on the wanted list of Nigeria, the US, UK and UN were captured in an operation which was conducted between May and July 2025.
He said the men were captured in a high-risk, intelligence-led, counter-terrorism operation which led to their capture. They are leaders of Jama��atu Ansarul Muslimina fi-Biladis Sudan, commonly known as ANSARU, Nigeria’s Al-Qaeda affiliate.
Ribadu said the two men have been responsible for masterminding many terrorist attacks against Nigeria over the past years.
According to Ribadu:
"The first is Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a/Abbas/Mukhtar), the self-styled Emir of ANSARU. He is the coordinator of various terrorist sleeper cells across Nigeria. He is also the mastermind of several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies used to finance terrorism over the years.
"The second is Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), Abu Bara’s proclaimed Chief of Staff and Deputy. He is the leader of the so-called “Mahmudawa” cell hiding out in and around the Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara States up to Benin Republic. Mamuda trained in Libya between 2013 and 2015 under foreign jihadist instructors from Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria, specialising in weapons handling and IED fabrication.
"These two men have been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for years. They jointly spearheaded multiple attacks on civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure. Their operations include the 2022 Kuje prison break, the attack on the Niger uranium facility, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp in Katsina, and the May 1, 2019 kidnapping of Alhaji Musa Umar Uba (Magajin Garin Daura). They were also behind the abduction of the Emir of Wawa and they maintain active links with terrorist groups across the Maghreb, particularly in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
"The two men, who are wanted internationally, are currently in custody.
"The capture of Abu Bara and Mallam Mamuda, the group’s leader and deputy commander, respectively, marks one of the most significant achievements to date in our ongoing effort to rid Nigeria of the threat of terrorism. The successful decapitation of the leadership of this dangerous franchise marks the most decisive blow against ANSARU since its inception. This strike has effectively dismantled its central command while paving the path for the complete annihilation of the group", Ribadu said.
The Ansaru group was first formed in January 2012 with a public declaration in Kano. It emerged as a splinter faction from Boko Haram, positioning itself as a “humane alternative.” However, its stated aim quickly turned to attacking Nigerian security operatives, civilian communities and government infrastructure. The group publicly displayed the setting sun logo of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), signalling its ideological and operational alignment with global jihadist movements.
"Over the years, Ansaru entrenched itself in both urban sleeper cells and forest enclaves across several cities in northern Nigeria and in forest-based enclaves, particularly around Kainji National Park, straddling Niger and Kwara States, as well as the Benin Republic", Ribadu explained.
HE Nana Shettima at the 50th Independence Celebration at the Praça da Independência São Tomé and Principe. Her Excellency Represented The First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the Event .
HE Nana Shettima at the 50th Independence Celebration at the Praça da Independência São Tomé and Principe. Her Excellency Represented The First Lady of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the Event .
Happening Now : Strengthening Cultural Ties Second Lady Of Nigeria HE Nana Shettima and that of Federative Republic of Brazil HE Maria Lucia Alckmin visit Nike Arts Gallery Abuja
2 yrs ago, we made history!
All's well that ends well
& we're still going strong!
Huge thanks to the incredible women behind the men
who made it all possible
Marking 2025 Children’s Day Celebration: FL Sen Oluremi Tinubu alongside Wife of the VP Hajiya Nana Shettima attended The Adolescent Girls’ Initiative For Learning And Empowerment (AGILE) Project Awards ceremony. The Event celebrated young achievers in creative Skills and Sports
The Wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, attends the 2025 WODDI Inspiring Women Summit hosted by Dr. Nkechi Rochas Okorocha , Founder of Women of Divine Destiny Initiative (WODDI).The Event took place at AIB event Center Abuja
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
WE'RE BETTER OFF TOGETHER, PRESIDENT TINUBU TELLS MALIAN LEADER
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a message to Malian leader General Assimi Goita, reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to supporting Mali's democratic transition and deepening economic ties between the two nations, declaring that West African countries are stronger when united.
The President spoke on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of the Republic of Mali, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly.
"We should strengthen our bilateral relations, and it is hoped that Mali will achieve its democratic goals. We are open to any support we can render. I want you to see yourself as a member of the family here.
"For me, we are one in West Africa and Africa. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has made its position clear, but no nation can succeed alone. We see Mali as a brother and are ready to collaborate and exchange ideas.
"I can assure you that Nigeria is home for you. When you feel like seeing us, our doors will always be open," the President said.
The Ambassador of Mali thanked the President for consistently providing leadership for the sub-region and the continent.
"I wish to convey the fraternal greetings of the Head of State, Gen. Assimi Goïta, and the highest appreciation of the Malian people for the Nigerian leadership and support," he said.
Coulibaly said Nigeria had maintained its leadership role in Africa while acknowledging the Nigerian military's supply of troops for various UN peace missions on the continent and the subregion.
"The Head of State particularly told me that I was on a mission to the biggest country in Africa. He said he knows it's not easy, but I should look for solutions as a diplomat. We know that Africans must solve African problems.
He noted, "I appreciate you as a leader and father in Africa. "
President Tinubu also received letters of credence from five other envoys, urging closer cooperation to promote global peace, understanding, and prosperity.
Among them were Ambassador Bengt Van Loosdrecht of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; High Commissioner Selestine Gervas Kakele of the United Republic of Tanzania; non-resident Ambassador Dr Sabit Subasic of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Ambassador Andrey Leonidovich Podelyshev of the Russian Federation; and Ambassador Patrick Egloff of Switzerland
Welcoming the Tanzanian envoy, the President praised the country's leader, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, for her courageous leadership and impactful contributions to the African Union.
"We will continue to work together. You can see the situation across the world. No one can do it alone. We will continue to collaborate in areas of knowledge and technical know-how," he said.
The Tanzanian High Commissioner acknowledged the significant impact of Nigerian investments in Tanzania, citing contributions from the Dangote Group, UBA, GTB, and Sahara Energy.
"We should strengthen collaboration not only government to government but also people to people as we see in the film industry and sports. Nigeria has a vibrant and wonderful film industry, and it is collaborating with Tanzania,' the Ambassador stated.
In his meeting with the Russian ambassador, President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria's long-standing technical partnership with Russia and expressed a desire to expand cooperation in steel production, science, education, and nuclear energy to bolster electricity supply.
"Our partnership has been fulfilling, but we need more technological support with our rapidly growing population. The Ajaokuta Steel Complex, constructed by Russian companies, will only realise its potential when fully operational," President Tinubu stated.
Ambassador Podelyshev reaffirmed Russia's readiness to expand cooperation, particularly in education and energy, emphasising ongoing agreements on nuclear power.
Addressing the Swiss ambassador, President Tinubu pledged to create a more investor-friendly environment through regulatory reforms, especially concerning potential litigation.
"We will address any legal issues that could impede progress in our economic relations," he assured.
Ambassador Egloff highlighted growing Swiss investments in Nigeria, noting expansions by companies such as Nestlé and Lafarge in Lagos, Kano, and Gombe States, and praised ongoing collaboration on security and intelligence.
President Tinubu thanked the Bosnian ambassador for the progress in bilateral relations.
The Bosnian ambassador urged President Tinubu to honour an invitation to visit Bosnia to appreciate the progress made in his country.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
May 15, 2025
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